Dato' Dr Lai Fong Hwa
06-10-2019 (Mental Health Awareness Weekend)
Luke 4:1-13 New International Version (NIV)
Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness
4 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted[a] by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’[b]”
5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’[c]”
9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
11 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’[d]”
12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’[e]”
13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.
Genesis 3:1 New International Version (NIV)
The Fall
3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”
The devil's way was to twist God's word and to question God's word to us. In Genesis, when the devil tempted Eve, God already said something and the devil came to say did God really say that? A lot of times when we are faced with life's difficulties, sometimes the devil would come and say, "Did God really say He loves you? Did God really say He will take care of you? Did God really say He will heal you?" He will put in questions to doubt God's word.
As we read through Luke 4, we see the devil using the same technique again with the Lord Jesus. God told Jesus that "You are My Son whom I love. With You I am well pleased." Now the devil comes and says, "If You are the Son...?" He's trying to question what God had already told Jesus.
Lie #1: You are what you do. (Luke 4:3)
The devil said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
Are we human beings or are we human doings?
A lot of times the devil lies to us and say, "You are only somebody if you do something."
Jesus didn't buy the devil's lie. For Jesus, "I am the Son of God whether or not I do anything."
And so are we. We don't have to buy the devil's lie.
We are children of God in Christ. Just like our children. We still love them and care for them whether or not they do anything for us.
Luke 10:20 New International Version (NIV)
20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
The Lord sent out the seventy to heal the sick and cast out demons. (Luke 10:1-23)
The disciples returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”
Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
Do not let your identity be based on what you can do but let your identity be based on who you are in Christ. Don't be happy so much by what you can do for the church, for God but be more happy because of who you already are in the Lord Jesus--that you are children of God and that your names are already written in the Book of Heaven and the Book of Life. Rejoice in that.
Lie #2: You are what you have. (Luke 4:5-7)
The devil showed Jesus the kingdoms of the world and all the riches and properties around the world.
The 5Cs: Cash, credit card, career, car and condominium. These are all things that you possess.
But the Lord says something different.
Luke 12:15 New International Version (NIV)
15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
Life doesn't depend on what you have. Life is more than that. That's what the Lord tells us. Don't buy the devil's lie. Our material possessions don't make us happy. Our material possessions don't constitute life for us. The Lord tells us this 2,000 years ago. Today, Harvard University did a study and found this to be true. An 80-year-long study at Harvard University claims the quality of good and loving relationships-more than money, health or fame-are the key to a happy life. "Those who kept loving relationships get to live longer and happier. But the loners die earlier. Loneliness kills as powerful as smoking or alcoholism."
The most important relationship is our relationship with God.
Lie #3: You are what others say you are. (Luke 4:9)
In the Lord Jesus, we are fellow citizens of heaven. Our citizenship is in heaven. We are joint-heirs with Christ; we will rule with Christ one day and we will judge angels together in the Lord Jesus. Our identity is not what we have here. What matters is who you are in Lord Jesus. In Christ, we are sons and daughters of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. And that make us higher than angels and more glorious than all the kings and prime ministers and presidents of the world.
Mark 15:32 New International Version (NIV)
32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
If what others said of Him mattered to Jesus, the Lord would have responded by coming down from the cross. The devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness but that wasn't his last attempt to tempt Jesus. Right at the end of Jesus' life on earth, when He was on the cross, the devil tried to tempt Jesus again. Jesus could have easily come down from the cross because He has twelve legions of angels waiting to do His command. (Matthew 26:53)
Was it the nails, O Savior,
That bound Thee to the tree?
Nay, ’twas Thine everlasting love,
Thy love for me, for me.
It wasn't the nails that put Jesus on the cross. It was His love for you and I that kept Him on the cross. If He had come down from the cross, we would all have perished.
You are not what you do.
You are not what you have.
You are not what others say of you.
These are actually seeds of mental illness. One of the things that causes stress and mental illness is lies that the devil tells us. Believing in the lies that the devil tells us will leave us totally stressed and depressed and we may even become mentally ill.
We need to start not believing in these.
The Lord knows us.
How then do we define ourselves?
We define ourselves by what God says of us.
“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)
Cling on to what God says of us in the bible. It is enough.
Your identity in Christ. How God sees you in Christ.
Genesis 1:26a New International Version (NIV)
26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,
Human beings are innately valuable to God. Human beings are innately precious to the Lord.
In the beginning, God made us in His image. Nothing else in the world were created in God's image. Only you and I are created in God's image and God sees us as precious.
Matthew 16:26 New International Version (NIV)
26 What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?
Your soul is more precious than all the money that the richest man in the world has. That's how Jesus sees everyone of us.
1 John 3:1 New International Version (NIV)
3 See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
The image of God belongs to everyone, even your non-believing friends.
But when we believe in the Lord Jesus, our value goes up even higher because in Christ, we are made children of God--sons and daughters of the eternal God. You are princes and princesses. Next time when you go to heaven, the angels bow down.
Psalm 84:10 New International Version (NIV)
10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Because the psalmist realised that his identity does not depend on what he does, on what he has and what others say of him, he is so happy for he know who he is in the Lord. As a believer, he prefers to be just a doorkeeper and he feels himself more valuable.
We are beloved of God.
RELATED:
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A Mind: Renewed
Dato' Dr Lai Fong Hwa
06-10-2019 (Mental Health Awareness Weekend)
Romans 12 New International Version (NIV)
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
RELATED:
A MIND: DISTURBED
A MIND: BESIEGED
A MIND: RENEWED
06-10-2019 (Mental Health Awareness Weekend)
Romans 12 New International Version (NIV)
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
RELATED:
A MIND: DISTURBED
A MIND: BESIEGED
A MIND: RENEWED
A Mind: Disturbed
Dato' Dr Lai Fong Hwa
05-10-2019 (Mental Health Awareness Weekend)
1 Kings 1 New International Version (NIV)
Adonijah Sets Himself Up as King
1 When King David was very old, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him. 2 So his attendants said to him, “Let us look for a young virgin to serve the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm.”
3 Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The woman was very beautiful; she took care of the king and waited on him, but the king had no sexual relations with her.
5 Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses[a] ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. 6 (His father had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.)
7 Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they gave him their support. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei and Rei and David’s special guard did not join Adonijah.
9 Adonijah then sacrificed sheep, cattle and fattened calves at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel. He invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, 10 but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the special guard or his brother Solomon.
11 Then Nathan asked Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, “Have you not heard that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, has become king, and our lord David knows nothing about it? 12 Now then, let me advise you how you can save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Go in to King David and say to him, ‘My lord the king, did you not swear to me your servant: “Surely Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ 14 While you are still there talking to the king, I will come in and add my word to what you have said.”
15 So Bathsheba went to see the aged king in his room, where Abishag the Shunammite was attending him. 16 Bathsheba bowed down, prostrating herself before the king.
“What is it you want?” the king asked.
17 She said to him, “My lord, you yourself swore to me your servant by the Lord your God: ‘Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ 18 But now Adonijah has become king, and you, my lord the king, do not know about it. 19 He has sacrificed great numbers of cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the king’s sons, Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army, but he has not invited Solomon your servant. 20 My lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to learn from you who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise, as soon as my lord the king is laid to rest with his ancestors, I and my son Solomon will be treated as criminals.”
22 While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived. 23 And the king was told, “Nathan the prophet is here.” So he went before the king and bowed with his face to the ground.
24 Nathan said, “Have you, my lord the king, declared that Adonijah shall be king after you, and that he will sit on your throne? 25 Today he has gone down and sacrificed great numbers of cattle, fattened calves, and sheep. He has invited all the king’s sons, the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest. Right now they are eating and drinking with him and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But me your servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon he did not invite. 27 Is this something my lord the king has done without letting his servants know who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”
David Makes Solomon King
28 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him.
29 The king then took an oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, 30 I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.”
31 Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground, prostrating herself before the king, and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”
32 King David said, “Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” When they came before the king, 33 he said to them: “Take your lord’s servants with you and have Solomon my son mount my own mule and take him down to Gihon. 34 There have Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 Then you are to go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah.”
36 Benaiah son of Jehoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, so declare it. 37 As the Lord was with my lord the king, so may he be with Solomon to make his throne even greater than the throne of my lord King David!”
38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon mount King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. 39 Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him, playing pipes and rejoicing greatly, so that the ground shook with the sound.
41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they were finishing their feast. On hearing the sound of the trumpet, Joab asked, “What’s the meaning of all the noise in the city?”
42 Even as he was speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in. A worthy man like you must be bringing good news.”
43 “Not at all!” Jonathan answered. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king. 44 The king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites, and they have put him on the king’s mule, 45 and Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon. From there they have gone up cheering, and the city resounds with it. That’s the noise you hear. 46 Moreover, Solomon has taken his seat on the royal throne. 47 Also, the royal officials have come to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make Solomon’s name more famous than yours and his throne greater than yours!’ And the king bowed in worship on his bed 48 and said, ‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has allowed my eyes to see a successor on my throne today.’”
49 At this, all Adonijah’s guests rose in alarm and dispersed. 50 But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then Solomon was told, “Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon and is clinging to the horns of the altar. He says, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’”
52 Solomon replied, “If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die.” 53 Then King Solomon sent men, and they brought him down from the altar. And Adonijah came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon said, “Go to your home.”
1) The suffering of a man with mental illness
King David had very uncomfortable coldness.
It robbed him of his human desire. Depression had robbed him of that desire.
He also had no interest in things.
Adonijah was next in line but David had no interest in political affairs because of depression.
People who are mentally ill sometimes do not care about what's happening around us.
Adonijah, the eldest prince whereas Solomon was son to Bathsheba. He was promised the throne.
2) The sanity of a man with mental illness
Nathan thinks that although David was old, he was also unwell in a way but Nathan believes that David could still do some things.
Boxes are for lazy people who don't want to think. We cannot put people in boxes. Men and women created by God are more complicated than what we think they are.
David was grouchy. But when Bathsheba came to see him, he could recognise her and asked her what she wants. He understood what she was saying.
When we help people who are unwell, sometimes we tend to nag and nag and nag. But in the end, nothing gets done. Those are not good strategies. Those are automatic behaviour.
We need to learn from Nathan. He plans it out. He has a strategy. Sit down and think like Nathan. What does he like to do? Which friend would he listen to?
David remembers his promise to Bathsheba. He gave instructions step by step what Nathan and Zadok should do.
3) The spiritual life of a man with mental illness
The Bible reminds us that though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly if we are in Christ, we are being renewed day by day.
David was a man of faith. In his old age, he was close to God. He praised God and gave thanks to God for allowing him to see his successor.
People with mental illness can have strong spiritual life.
People with mental illness can have faith. They can believe when God watches over them.
What we see on the outside is very much different from what is happening inside.
What is the difference: The mentally ill person and the person with mental illness?
When you say the mentally ill person, you focus on the illness.
When you say the person with mental illness, you focus on the person created in God's image who has depression and mental illness. A person is more than the illness that he has. Just like David.
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05-10-2019 (Mental Health Awareness Weekend)
1 Kings 1 New International Version (NIV)
Adonijah Sets Himself Up as King
1 When King David was very old, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him. 2 So his attendants said to him, “Let us look for a young virgin to serve the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm.”
3 Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The woman was very beautiful; she took care of the king and waited on him, but the king had no sexual relations with her.
5 Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses[a] ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. 6 (His father had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.)
7 Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they gave him their support. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei and Rei and David’s special guard did not join Adonijah.
9 Adonijah then sacrificed sheep, cattle and fattened calves at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel. He invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the royal officials of Judah, 10 but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the special guard or his brother Solomon.
11 Then Nathan asked Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, “Have you not heard that Adonijah, the son of Haggith, has become king, and our lord David knows nothing about it? 12 Now then, let me advise you how you can save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Go in to King David and say to him, ‘My lord the king, did you not swear to me your servant: “Surely Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ 14 While you are still there talking to the king, I will come in and add my word to what you have said.”
15 So Bathsheba went to see the aged king in his room, where Abishag the Shunammite was attending him. 16 Bathsheba bowed down, prostrating herself before the king.
“What is it you want?” the king asked.
17 She said to him, “My lord, you yourself swore to me your servant by the Lord your God: ‘Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ 18 But now Adonijah has become king, and you, my lord the king, do not know about it. 19 He has sacrificed great numbers of cattle, fattened calves, and sheep, and has invited all the king’s sons, Abiathar the priest and Joab the commander of the army, but he has not invited Solomon your servant. 20 My lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, to learn from you who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise, as soon as my lord the king is laid to rest with his ancestors, I and my son Solomon will be treated as criminals.”
22 While she was still speaking with the king, Nathan the prophet arrived. 23 And the king was told, “Nathan the prophet is here.” So he went before the king and bowed with his face to the ground.
24 Nathan said, “Have you, my lord the king, declared that Adonijah shall be king after you, and that he will sit on your throne? 25 Today he has gone down and sacrificed great numbers of cattle, fattened calves, and sheep. He has invited all the king’s sons, the commanders of the army and Abiathar the priest. Right now they are eating and drinking with him and saying, ‘Long live King Adonijah!’ 26 But me your servant, and Zadok the priest, and Benaiah son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon he did not invite. 27 Is this something my lord the king has done without letting his servants know who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”
David Makes Solomon King
28 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him.
29 The king then took an oath: “As surely as the Lord lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble, 30 I will surely carry out this very day what I swore to you by the Lord, the God of Israel: Solomon your son shall be king after me, and he will sit on my throne in my place.”
31 Then Bathsheba bowed down with her face to the ground, prostrating herself before the king, and said, “May my lord King David live forever!”
32 King David said, “Call in Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet and Benaiah son of Jehoiada.” When they came before the king, 33 he said to them: “Take your lord’s servants with you and have Solomon my son mount my own mule and take him down to Gihon. 34 There have Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel. Blow the trumpet and shout, ‘Long live King Solomon!’ 35 Then you are to go up with him, and he is to come and sit on my throne and reign in my place. I have appointed him ruler over Israel and Judah.”
36 Benaiah son of Jehoiada answered the king, “Amen! May the Lord, the God of my lord the king, so declare it. 37 As the Lord was with my lord the king, so may he be with Solomon to make his throne even greater than the throne of my lord King David!”
38 So Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites went down and had Solomon mount King David’s mule, and they escorted him to Gihon. 39 Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him, playing pipes and rejoicing greatly, so that the ground shook with the sound.
41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they were finishing their feast. On hearing the sound of the trumpet, Joab asked, “What’s the meaning of all the noise in the city?”
42 Even as he was speaking, Jonathan son of Abiathar the priest arrived. Adonijah said, “Come in. A worthy man like you must be bringing good news.”
43 “Not at all!” Jonathan answered. “Our lord King David has made Solomon king. 44 The king has sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, the Kerethites and the Pelethites, and they have put him on the king’s mule, 45 and Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king at Gihon. From there they have gone up cheering, and the city resounds with it. That’s the noise you hear. 46 Moreover, Solomon has taken his seat on the royal throne. 47 Also, the royal officials have come to congratulate our lord King David, saying, ‘May your God make Solomon’s name more famous than yours and his throne greater than yours!’ And the king bowed in worship on his bed 48 and said, ‘Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, who has allowed my eyes to see a successor on my throne today.’”
49 At this, all Adonijah’s guests rose in alarm and dispersed. 50 But Adonijah, in fear of Solomon, went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 Then Solomon was told, “Adonijah is afraid of King Solomon and is clinging to the horns of the altar. He says, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not put his servant to death with the sword.’”
52 Solomon replied, “If he shows himself to be worthy, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground; but if evil is found in him, he will die.” 53 Then King Solomon sent men, and they brought him down from the altar. And Adonijah came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon said, “Go to your home.”
1) The suffering of a man with mental illness
King David had very uncomfortable coldness.
It robbed him of his human desire. Depression had robbed him of that desire.
He also had no interest in things.
Adonijah was next in line but David had no interest in political affairs because of depression.
People who are mentally ill sometimes do not care about what's happening around us.
Adonijah, the eldest prince whereas Solomon was son to Bathsheba. He was promised the throne.
2) The sanity of a man with mental illness
Nathan thinks that although David was old, he was also unwell in a way but Nathan believes that David could still do some things.
Boxes are for lazy people who don't want to think. We cannot put people in boxes. Men and women created by God are more complicated than what we think they are.
David was grouchy. But when Bathsheba came to see him, he could recognise her and asked her what she wants. He understood what she was saying.
When we help people who are unwell, sometimes we tend to nag and nag and nag. But in the end, nothing gets done. Those are not good strategies. Those are automatic behaviour.
We need to learn from Nathan. He plans it out. He has a strategy. Sit down and think like Nathan. What does he like to do? Which friend would he listen to?
David remembers his promise to Bathsheba. He gave instructions step by step what Nathan and Zadok should do.
3) The spiritual life of a man with mental illness
The Bible reminds us that though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly if we are in Christ, we are being renewed day by day.
David was a man of faith. In his old age, he was close to God. He praised God and gave thanks to God for allowing him to see his successor.
People with mental illness can have strong spiritual life.
People with mental illness can have faith. They can believe when God watches over them.
What we see on the outside is very much different from what is happening inside.
What is the difference: The mentally ill person and the person with mental illness?
When you say the mentally ill person, you focus on the illness.
When you say the person with mental illness, you focus on the person created in God's image who has depression and mental illness. A person is more than the illness that he has. Just like David.
RELATED:
A MIND: DISTURBED
A MIND: BESIEGED
A MIND: RENEWED
Supernatural Fruits, Favour, Fish and Fire
Rev Dr Bernard Teh
29-09-2019
1) Supernatural Fruits
Luke 1:13 New King James Version (NKJV)
13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
The enemy of faith is fear.
It's not about you and me. It's about Jesus.
Have faith. God says today your prayer has been answered.
Supernatural is above natural.
Have an encounter with God.
Only believe. When faith comes, fear disappears. And your prayer has been answered.
2) Supernatural Favour
Luke 1:30 New King James Version (NKJV)
30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
When it comes from God, just submit.
Make sure that God gets the glory.
3) Supernatural Fish
Luke 5:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”
If you honour Jesus, Jesus will honour us.
Only believe and you will find favour with God.
Only believe and you will be fishers of men.
He is the peacemaker. He is the way maker. He is the promise maker. He is the miracle worker. He is the light in the darkness.
We need the Holy Spirit restoration and revival.
4) Supernatural Fire
Matthew 3:11 New King James Version (NKJV)
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire.
Luke 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV)
16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Acts 2:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:41 New King James Version (NKJV)
41 Then those who [a]gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Anything that comes from the Holy Spirit is going to last.
Acts 4:4 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
When you come to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, you have supernatural fruits, supernatural favour, supernatural fish and supernatural fire.
Simon was a failure. When the Holy Spirit came upon him, he became an overcomer.
Saul was a persecutor and a murderer. When the Holy Spirit came upon him, Paul was anointed of God.
29-09-2019
1) Supernatural Fruits
Luke 1:13 New King James Version (NKJV)
13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
The enemy of faith is fear.
It's not about you and me. It's about Jesus.
Have faith. God says today your prayer has been answered.
Supernatural is above natural.
Have an encounter with God.
Only believe. When faith comes, fear disappears. And your prayer has been answered.
2) Supernatural Favour
Luke 1:30 New King James Version (NKJV)
30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
When it comes from God, just submit.
Make sure that God gets the glory.
3) Supernatural Fish
Luke 5:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
10 and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”
If you honour Jesus, Jesus will honour us.
Only believe and you will find favour with God.
Only believe and you will be fishers of men.
He is the peacemaker. He is the way maker. He is the promise maker. He is the miracle worker. He is the light in the darkness.
We need the Holy Spirit restoration and revival.
4) Supernatural Fire
Matthew 3:11 New King James Version (NKJV)
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit [a]and fire.
Luke 3:16 New King James Version (NKJV)
16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Acts 2:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:41 New King James Version (NKJV)
41 Then those who [a]gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Anything that comes from the Holy Spirit is going to last.
Acts 4:4 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
When you come to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, you have supernatural fruits, supernatural favour, supernatural fish and supernatural fire.
Simon was a failure. When the Holy Spirit came upon him, he became an overcomer.
Saul was a persecutor and a murderer. When the Holy Spirit came upon him, Paul was anointed of God.
Missions in the Apostolic Church
Pr Pradip
22-09-2019
Missio Dei is a Latin Christian theological term that can be translated as the "mission of God," or the "sending of God."
It is God the Father sending the Son for our redemption.
There is also the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the one who is sending us.
The emphasis is not only global but also very much local.
God has blessed you with cultural varieties. Together living in one nation is absolutely fantastic.
God has called people from different parts of the world. There are many opportunities and many open doors here in this nation.
1) This is God's mission.
We don't own it. We respond to it.
Acts 1:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
Prologue
1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Luke is writing the second volume. In the first volume, it is about Jesus' ministry on earth. In this volume, it is Jesus' ministry through his apostles empowered with the Holy Spirit.
In John 13-17, Jesus has given the Holy Spirit. He has given the Word. He has given tremendous privilege of prayer.
And here we have a church, a family of believers. It is God's work that Jesus is doing in the Book of Acts and the work continues.
The Book of Acts ends very abruptly. There is no Chapter 29. You are writing that chapter. We are in Acts 29. Until Jesus comes back. We are all weak earthen vessels empowered by God's power.
2) The expansion of the church.
See the story unfolds in the Book of Acts.
There is the geographical expansion from Jerusalem to Antioch to Asian Minor to Rome. The Gospel would spread geographically.
And there is cultural expansion. Unreached people groups, etc. The first church was primarily among the Jewish speaking people to Hellenistic Jews and others.
3) Who's story do you read in the Book of Acts? It begins with Peter. Then Stephen, Philip, the Apostle Paul. It's human stories.
In all of it, the Holy Spirit is involved. Church planting is done from the very beginning in partnership between God and human beings.
God Himself became man. He came on our side and helping us to invite other people in the story of redemption.
Romans 8:20-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of [a]corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Revelation 11:15 New King James Version (NKJV)
Seventh Trumpet: The Kingdom Proclaimed
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The [a]kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
4) The Word of God and the prayers of people.
The Word grew. The Word multiplied. It is a about church growth. It is divine presence accomplishing this.
A lot of people miss quality. We need to disciple people as well. Maintain in your strategy not just numerical growth but also quality.
5) Suffering and opposition are part and parcel of this Great Commission.
John 13-17 is Jesus' seminar.
John 15:18-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
The World’s Hatred
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
To fulfil this vision by God's grace, we have to make sacrifices and live simple lives.
6) Conflicts are to be expected. (Acts 15)
And we have to overcome that.
7) Wait. Do not go without Jesus and the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4)
John 15:4-7 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[a] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Are you available? Be available. Jesus says, "I will build My church." (Matthew 16:18)
Be strategic. Be courageous. And expectant.
God is calling you to attempt great things. God needs you and I. God wants us and we need God. If we are available, God can do great things.
22-09-2019
Missio Dei is a Latin Christian theological term that can be translated as the "mission of God," or the "sending of God."
It is God the Father sending the Son for our redemption.
There is also the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is the one who is sending us.
The emphasis is not only global but also very much local.
God has blessed you with cultural varieties. Together living in one nation is absolutely fantastic.
God has called people from different parts of the world. There are many opportunities and many open doors here in this nation.
1) This is God's mission.
We don't own it. We respond to it.
Acts 1:1-3 New King James Version (NKJV)
Prologue
1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which [a]He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many [b]infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Luke is writing the second volume. In the first volume, it is about Jesus' ministry on earth. In this volume, it is Jesus' ministry through his apostles empowered with the Holy Spirit.
In John 13-17, Jesus has given the Holy Spirit. He has given the Word. He has given tremendous privilege of prayer.
And here we have a church, a family of believers. It is God's work that Jesus is doing in the Book of Acts and the work continues.
The Book of Acts ends very abruptly. There is no Chapter 29. You are writing that chapter. We are in Acts 29. Until Jesus comes back. We are all weak earthen vessels empowered by God's power.
2) The expansion of the church.
See the story unfolds in the Book of Acts.
There is the geographical expansion from Jerusalem to Antioch to Asian Minor to Rome. The Gospel would spread geographically.
And there is cultural expansion. Unreached people groups, etc. The first church was primarily among the Jewish speaking people to Hellenistic Jews and others.
3) Who's story do you read in the Book of Acts? It begins with Peter. Then Stephen, Philip, the Apostle Paul. It's human stories.
In all of it, the Holy Spirit is involved. Church planting is done from the very beginning in partnership between God and human beings.
God Himself became man. He came on our side and helping us to invite other people in the story of redemption.
Romans 8:20-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of [a]corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Revelation 11:15 New King James Version (NKJV)
Seventh Trumpet: The Kingdom Proclaimed
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The [a]kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
4) The Word of God and the prayers of people.
The Word grew. The Word multiplied. It is a about church growth. It is divine presence accomplishing this.
A lot of people miss quality. We need to disciple people as well. Maintain in your strategy not just numerical growth but also quality.
5) Suffering and opposition are part and parcel of this Great Commission.
John 13-17 is Jesus' seminar.
John 15:18-25 New King James Version (NKJV)
The World’s Hatred
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’
To fulfil this vision by God's grace, we have to make sacrifices and live simple lives.
6) Conflicts are to be expected. (Acts 15)
And we have to overcome that.
7) Wait. Do not go without Jesus and the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:4)
John 15:4-7 New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you[a] will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Are you available? Be available. Jesus says, "I will build My church." (Matthew 16:18)
Be strategic. Be courageous. And expectant.
God is calling you to attempt great things. God needs you and I. God wants us and we need God. If we are available, God can do great things.
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