Sunday, October 01, 2006

The Tongue Is a Fire

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have it's perfect result, so that you may be perfect & complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-3 [NASB] For the past few weeks, our family have been encountering various trials after my younger sister was discharged from the hospital, I watched her going through painful medical tests, I felt deeply hurt in my heart, though I put up a strong face. The doctor will review her, this coming Tuesday, 3rd of October, pray with us for the good news that we expect to hear & thank all of you for the prayers that comfort us through...

I never thought I will be unwell but near to 2 weeks ago, out of a sudden night, I went on high fever & flu. The physician diagnosed me as viral flu, kept me at very high dose of anti-biotic. I went back to the same physician twice with really bad tummy pain & I was diagnosed with Viral & Stomach flu that takes 2 to even 4 weeks to recover. Problems arise from work, I have to bear with my pain to bring my sister for medical checkups, and I would say it is one of the biggest trials I endured so far this year. The stomach flu, viral infection, my sister complex medical conditions are simply pure deceptions of satan as in the book of James, we are promised, endurance have it's perfect result, so that we may be perfect & complete, lacking nothing! No medical! No financial lack! Complete as Jesus said it is finished! Amen?!

I want to share a short testimony surely it will bless you: I was fellowshipping with a sister in Christ over a conversation. I can't clearly remembered how we hit on the topics on installing air-conditioners at home as Singapore is a hot & humid country, her mum objected it for years as she thought the condensing unit for the air-conditioners will be near her room, the noise will affect her. We pray about it and a few days later, her mum actually suggested getting air conditioner units for the house! Halleluiah! When we speak, Jesus is in our midst as He said when two or more are gathered, my presence will be felt! It is written in the Bible as well, when two shall agrees, it shall happen on earth as it is in Heaven. Godwyn, so what's the big deal? The 'big deal': our God we serve is a good God who can do the impossible! If you are praying, pray big as we are children of most high God, Jesus will make it happen, at the right time, right place...Amen?!

Let's go into the words of God. Remember the two criminals on the cross with Jesus? One of them punches on Christ: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself & us!" The words thrown that day were meant to wound. And there is nothing more painful than words meant to hurt. That is why James called the tongue the fire. Its burns are every bit as destructive & disastrous as those of a blow touch. I'm not telling you anything new. No doubt you've had your fair share of words that wound. Perhaps the words were intended to hurt you, perhaps not; but that doesn't matter. The wound is deep. The injuries are internal. broken heart, wounded pride, bruised feelings.

Or it maybe your wound is old. Though the arrow was extracted long ago, the arrowhead is still lodged...hidden under your skin. The old pain flares unpredictably & decisively, reminding you of harsh words yet forgiven. If you have suffered or are suffering because of someone else's words, you'll be glad to know that there is a balm for this laceration. Meditate on Words from 1 Peter 2:23

When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; When He suffered, He made no threats, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Did you see what Jesus did not do? He did not retaliate. He did not bite back. He did not say, "I'll get you" "come on up here & say that to my face!" "Just wait until resurrection, Buddy!" No, these statements were not found on Christ's lips. Did you see What Jesus did do? He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. Or said more simply, He left the judging to God. He did not take on the task of seeking revenge. He demanded no apology. He hired no bounty hunters & sent out no posse. He, to the astounding contrary, spoke on their defense. "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing"...

Yes, the dialogue that Friday morning was bitter. The verbal stones meant to sting. How Jesus, with a body wracked with pain, eyes blinded by His own blood, & lungs yearning for air, could speak on behalf of some heartless thus is beyond my comprehension. Never, never have I seen such love. If ever a person deserved a shot at revenge, Jesus did. But He didn't take it. Instead He died for them. How could He do it? I don't know. But I do know that all of a sudden my wounds seem very painless. My grudges & hard feelings are suddenly childish...

Sometimes I wonder if we don't see Christ's love as much in the people He tolerated as in the pain He endured. Amazing Grace...

Inspired by:

Max Lucado

13 comments:

jel said...

His Amazing Grace, will see us thoough,

My Prayers are will you and your family!


Huggs!

audrey` said...

Hi brother Godwyn

How are you?
How is the appointment with your sis' doctor today?

Take care =)

Godwyn Lim said...

*Hugs* Sister Janice,

It is so great to have you around to remind myself Jesus loves me heaps!

Thank you for your prayer, we really need it:-) Have a good week ahead!

Godwyn Lim said...

Hey Audrey sister,

I'm feeling much better after I break the chain to attend Church Service though I was not feeling well.

As Jesus said it is the sick that needs a doctor:-) I just immerse in His love for me! I'm quite careful with my diet & resting more as I want to be completely well & I am in the name of Christ!

As for my sister, the primary physician had a last min urgent meeting, she sent another doctor who did not seem to understand my sister problems. Thus, the result was inconclusive. He advised us when my sister can't walk or in pain the next time, get an ambulance, send to A & E to take a immediate blood test...

What an advise? All in all, I just let go let God, Christ is the only way, the light of this long darkness shadowing the family!

God Bless, thank you so much for your concern. I really appreciate it that I have someone to share with! Have a good week ahead.

Anonymous said...

Amen! By His stripes we are ALL HEALED! I'm sorry that you're not feeling too well, and yea, the haze in KL is quite bad too!

Will be praying for ya, my friend. May the Lord bless you always. :)

Nunzia said...

thank you for sharing that. I hope you and your familiy are well! God's Grace!

Godwyn Lim said...

Hey Diane,

Amen! By His Stripes WE are healed! Thank you for your prayer.

I watch the news, the Haze in K.L is worst than Singapore! Try to stay indoor yet worry not as we are bless by our promise of Lord Jesus, No weapons can form against us!

Have a good week ahead! God Bless:-)

Godwyn Lim said...

Hey Sister Nunzia,

Thank you for dropping by! I haven't heard from you for a long while!

It's my pleasure to share & may the Lord bless you in All things that you do:-)

Have a bless week ahead!

jel said...

Brother Godwyn,

praying that you are feeling better!


God bless

huggs!

An Ordinary Christian said...

It is a blessing to see your faith - to see Christ working Hismelf out through your life - to see Christ shine out through your difficult experiences as you give yourself to Him.

Godwyn Lim said...

Hey Sister Janice,

Thank you for your constant prayer! I'm much better, taking things slow:-)

Really appreciate your care & love. Have a good week ahead:-) God Bless!

Godwyn Lim said...

Dear Andrea,

Thank you for stopping by! Your words move my heart as I strive for endurance with our Lord, Christ Jesus!

I'm so bless with people around me like you when I'm down but not alone:-)

May the Lord shine His face on you always!

An Ordinary Christian said...

God is alive and He is not a cold system! He is creative and active and thinks so "out-of-the-box"! He is a step ahead of us all!