Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died,and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
– Colossians 3: 1-4

It seems that throughout life people are vying for positions. Some parents send their children to such contests as Baby Competition, Most Photogenic Competition, Spelling Bee or Math Olympiad.  Each child is ranked. Of course, the desire is for a top position.

In the Gospels we see that happening with two of the disciples. The mother of James and John (sons of Zebedee) had approached Jesus asking for her sons to be seated, one on His left and one on His right when He entered the Kingdom.  She was obviously concerned for positions.

For many, attainment of a noteworthy position in life seems to be a goal. They struggle to get to be somewhere and to be somebody.  Sometimes the innocent can be subtly caught unaware by that rat race.

Paul, in Colossians 3:1-4, speaks of other attainments which are far more important. Better yet, these are actually the believer’s secured state in Christ.

We have been raised up with Christ.
We are seated  with Christ
We DIED with Christ,
We are HID in Christ
We are to APPEAR with Christ

We belong to Christ!  We are presently spiritually  “seated” with Him. And one of these days, when He comes to appear in this world as King of kings and Lord of lords, we will appear with Him.  We have a favoured position.   What a blessed assurance.

But the litmus test of how we view our position is revealed by how we live our life.

Paul said, “… keep seeking the things above, …Set your mind on things above, not on the things that are on earth….”

When Paul speaks of “things above,” he is not referring to an other-world asceticism. He had just written to condemn that. He is asking believers to live life by the power of the resurrected, ascended and glorified Christ.

To keep seeking things above and to set our minds on things above, is to concentrate on the eternal not the temporal.  In 2 Corinthians 4:18 he exhorted believers to “…fix (your) eyes, not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Rewards, promotions, money, grades, material things are temporal, worldly attractions.  These, in themselves, are not necessarily wrong. What might be on your list? But we must not allow temporal attractions to displace God as the focus of life.

How then can we learn to be more focused on things above?  It comes through reading, meditating, and studying God’s Word.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you open your eyes in the morning?  That thought will probably take precedence the rest of the day.

We need God’s help. A hymn reminds us, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”

He has promised that His Word will not fail you.  “Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!”

Thought For The Week (TFTW) is contributed by Dr Koh Siang Kiang, Associate Professor (Christian Education) at the Singapore Bible College (SBC). She graduated from SBC and Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), USA, and has served in various ministries for more than 35 years, including teaching at DTS. Dr Koh has been with SBC for the last 10 years, and has a passion for people and teaching the Word of God. She also loves to make the Bible come alive by leading tours to the Holy Land, and has led 12 such trips. To help her relax, Dr Koh likes to cook and cross-stitch.

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
– John 19:26-27 (NIV)

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
– Titus 2:2-8 (NIV)

A few weeks ago, a friend entered the presence of our Lord. But, toward the end of last year, knowing that the end was near, he began preparing for the care of his dear wife. He was as detailed as he could possibly anticipate. He also turned to his two young adult sons and entrusted their mother to them.

The two young men, both overseas students, agreed amongst themselves that at anytime one of them will be with their mother in Singapore.

When I heard about this, I thought of Jesus at the cross. When He saw His mother standing by, He said to her “Woman, behold your son!” Then He turned to the disciple He loved and said, “Behold, our mother!”

Jesus had brothers and sisters, but from what we read they had not at this time believed in Him as the Son of God.

Jesus’ care for His mother was not only for her physical needs. He was definitely concerned for her spiritual and emotional state. And the disciple would have been able to provide that. The text tells us, “…from that hour the disciple took her into his own household.”

The disciple had been called to be a fisher of men. So he had probably not anticipated this need to care for the mother of Jesus.

In Titus 2:2-4, we read the exhortation concerning another type of care. The older men and women were charged to be examples and encouragers to the younger persons.

When we read the words “older” and “younger” we tend to think only of physical age. But here Titus seemed to be making reference also to the spiritual age.

One can be “older” physically but “younger” in his/her walk with God. There will always be someone else who is “younger” than us spiritually whom we can help care for.

Titus exhorts older men to “…be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach…” He exhorts younger women to “…be reverent in their behavior… teaching what is good,… encourage… to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind,… that the Word of God may not be dishonored…”

We have a responsibility. I called it “new” because I am speaking not only of the physical responsibility but the spiritual also. In a sense, we cannot separate the two; but all of Titus’ exhortation has to do with helping the soul.

My friend entrusted his wife’s care to his sons. Jesus turned the care of His mother to His disciples. Titus exhorts the older believer to care for the younger.

My question to you is: What younger believer do you know whom you can help care for? Look around and ask the Lord to open your eyes to one who may need discipling. There are many. Realize and accept this responsibility to be an example and encourager to someone beginning today.

Thought For The Week (TFTW) is contributed by Dr Koh Siang Kiang, Associate Professor (Christian Education) at the Singapore Bible College (SBC). She graduated from SBC and Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), USA, and has served in various ministries for more than 35 years, including teaching at DTS. Dr Koh has been with SBC for the last 10 years, and has a passion for people and teaching the Word of God. She also loves to make the Bible come alive by leading tours to the Holy Land, and has led 12 such trips. To help her relax, Dr Koh likes to cook and cross-stitch.

“He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”" — Luke 11:28 (NIV)

Recently I was having tea with a friend. She stopped in the midst of our conversation and exclaimed, “I just saw the perfectionist in you!”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

As I talked, my friend was observing me, unconsciously, straightening and rearranging things on the table.

I know I have annoying habits. I like things to be neatly lined and items returned to their original place. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work that way, because not everyone is like that. Some may not even remember or observe such details. Take our part-time house helper, for example. She has been helping us for more than 30 years, and she still does not return things to the same place and manner in which she found them!

Recently we had guests for several weeks. In helping in the kitchen, I noticed that they were not good observers. When they took things, they hardly ever placed them back where they originally found them.

My mind turned to what Scripture says concerning observation. We are constantly called to “observe”, “give heed to” or “pay attention” to the truth or things of God. In colloquial terms, “we do something about it”.

In learning how to study the Bible I was taught to use “Inductive Bible Study”. You are probably familiar with the three parts: Observation, Interpretation and Application. Under “observation”, one will have to look out for details. It is time consuming, and it can’t be rushed.

I take the trouble to pay attention to things. When I am with friends, I watch them to detect what is going on. I scrutinize habits, so much so that I could even tell the doctors that my father had a heart problem, contrary to test results.

Jesus said, “Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…” and “blessed are those who hear the Word of God, and observe it”. It is quite clear that what Jesus wants us to do is not just to take a mental note of things. He wants us “to do something about it”.

You may be reminded of some action in your life that needs correction. When you
change, we say you have “observed” or “obeyed”. Similarly, we must do what the Bible teaches.

What are your observation powers like? I am not referring just to a keen eye for everyday details. That’s great if it happens. Now that I’ve pointed this out you will begin to see things.

I want to encourage you to give attention to observing the Bible, God’s Word. See what it says, and “do something about it”. Observe and Obey.
 

“I am a long-time listener. I listen to your program Seminary on the Air via the Internet every evening. I love your programs very much. I really thank God for letting me to discover such an excellent gospel broadcast station… Thank you for replying me via emails, and giving me plenty of valuable theological truth and knowledge.”

According to a survey done by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) in December 2011, the number of Internet search engine users in China has reached 396 million. This reinforces what we already know – that the Internet is potentially the most efficient platform by which to reach the Chinese people with the gospel.

The 29th China Internet Development Statistics report (also released by CNNIC) also revealed that China has 513 million internet users. Out of this pool, 356 million are mobile netizens – making up to 69.3% of the total number of mobile Internet users in China.

To better meet the needs of these users, TWR programs can now be downloaded on these mobile devices such as iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Users of these devices can visit the App store to download “ktwr.net online.” Mobile internet users will be pleased to know that TWR’s Chinese Internet Ministry has also launched a mobile version of the program Learning English as a Second Language.

TWR’s Chinese Internet Ministry needs your continual support, prayers and partnership in reaching out to the masses. We hope you can prayerfully consider supporting this ministry.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Over the years of my Christian walk, I have come to appreciate many spiritual songs. One of them has been particularly meaningful. It is not found in many typical hymnals, and I got acquainted with it when I was doing my theological studies.

At the beginning of my final year, I began to get a little anxious about my future ministry. Then I recalled this chorus which I learned in my first year.

“One step at a time, Only one step at a time.
This is the way the Lord will lead you, One step at a time.
Take that one step carefully; Walk that one step prayerfully.
This is the way of victory. One step at a time.”

Each time I sing this I am reminded that God’s Word “is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.”

Sometimes it is difficult for us city folks to understand the imageries of lamp and light since our streets are always bright. But during a mission trip in the jungles of Sarawak, the experience of walking in the dark with a lamp opened my city eyes to appreciate that teaching.

We had to use the outhouse in the middle of the night. The whole area was pitch dark. We were given a lamp. And that lamp did not shine beyond the next step. It lit the path enough for me to take one step at a time.

God guides me through His Word. And He doesn’t show me what awaits me beyond today. He wants me to walk as He guides me step-by-step. Over the years I have enjoyed watching Him unfold my life and His call, as I let Him lead. And He has never failed.

That anxious beginning of my final year at Bible School is history. Years have passed. I have seen how God leads me as I trust and obey Him. And I continue to sing:

“Jesus, I would walk with Thee, One step at a time.
In Thy gracious company, One step at a time.
Just to know that Thou art near, And Thy voice so soft and clear,
bids me go and never fear, One step at a time.”

How have you been following God’s leading? What or who is it that is guiding you and your decisions? It is my prayer that you too will allow the words of the final stanza of the hymn to be true in your lives:

“I will gladly walk today One step at a time.
As Thy Word reveals the way, One step at a time.
Though I may not understand all the way Thy heart has planned,
Thou wilt hold me by the hand, One step at a time.”

There is great spiritual impoverishment in many villages in India. One of the challenges that TWR-India faces is getting the Word of God out in a cost-effective manner. Radio is but one method of outreach that has a proven record of reaching people with the Word.

“It was quite by chance that I came upon the TWR program on the radio when I happened to be tuning it one day. A Biblical message was being broadcast, and I was quite impressed by it. It appealed to me, and made sense.

As I began to listen to the program regularly, my family and I learned several good spiritual lessons – lessons that we could apply in our everyday lives. We heard about the living God, Jesus Christ, and His great love for us – a love so great that he died on the cross to save our sins.

The radio messages brought us into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Soon, I dedicated my life to Jesus and committed myself to the Lord’s ministry.

To help me in my ministry, I received as a gift from TWR: an SD (Secure Digital) Card that contained Banjara programs, along with a SD card media player.”

TWR-India also uses Christian programs loaded onto SD cards for outreach. Through partnerships with the local churches, many home groups have been formed where listeners gather together to listen to programs on the SD card.

“I make it a point to invite my neighbors and so we can listen together. It is often the case that when the program comes to an end, we discuss the topic further and I try to clarify any questions they have.

I am happy that today, there are two groups that I have organized where I get to play the SD Card. It is such a wonderful way for my Banjara-speaking community to listen to God’s word, that they too may receive the gift of salvation.”

These SD cards and their media players are cost-effective and portable; they also afford listeners the added conveniences of being able to listen at a time that suits their schedules, as well as being able to re-listen to segments as needed.

“I am grateful to God for delivering me, my family and many others in my village. Please continue to pray for all of us.”

“See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” — Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (NIV)

A few weeks ago I had a delightful time visiting with my friend’s mother. Although the latter is illiterate and a relatively new believer, she appeared spiritually mature. As we spoke it was very apparent that she had changed.

She was talking about someone who had been attending church for a long time, but had a rather poor testimony. Then she said something which only the Spirit of God can teach.

“When we listen to God’s Word we must change. If we don’t change, it is not right.”

She shared that in her pre-conversion days she used to beat people violently if they crossed her. By her own admission she had a bad temper, and that was sin. But she added, “I am no longer like that.”

I shared the spiritual journeys of my own late paternal grandmother and mother. Though both were illiterate, they had much insight to God’s truth that only the Holy Spirit could teach.

The conversions of the two were very evident, beginning with the recognition and confession of sin in their lives. And that was so with my friend’s mother.

My friend asked, “Why is she so willing to change?”

“Obedience and faith must be our response to God,” I said. “She chose to believe and abide by God’s Word.”

Two things, I believe, make a difference in our response. The first, confession of sin. I’ve heard many so-called “conversion” testimonies. It is not wrong to reach out to people going through a difficult time in life or during a period of illness. But, if their only intent was to “try” Jesus but were never confronted with the sin issue, that is not salvation.

Secondly, if conversion were to a religion and not to a relationship, the heart may not be ready for dependence on God. Therefore, self-will can continue to dominate.

I pondered the inspired words of Moses when he said to the Israelites, “So choose life in order that you may live…by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him…”

I was thrilled to hear my friend’s mother’s decision to obey God’s Word and live for Him. I want to choose God’s life. I pray that God will continue to help me obey His voice. Whenever I listen to His Word, I want a teachable heart that will respond as He bids me.

What about you? Have you decided to follow Jesus all the way? How does your testimony show you have chosen a life of faith and obedience? When was the last time you responded to God’s prompting through His Word?

Check your heart so you can sing honestly, “I have decided to follow Jesus; No turning back. The world behind me, the cross before me; No turning back. Though none go with me, still I will follow; No turning back.”
 

“He is not here; he has risen!…” — Luke 24:6 (NIV)

The highlight of each of my 12 trips to the Holy Land was the visit to the Garden Tomb.

Situated across from the Damascus gate in Jerusalem, is this beautiful, serene walled garden.

On entering, the guide will first lead you to a small, covered amphitheater.

Standing on the top seat you will see a bus stop. To the right is the Wall of Jerusalem. To the left of that is a hill shaped like a skull. That is Golgotha, Calvary, where Jesus was crucified.

The guide will continue to explain why they believe this is the place of Jesus’ burial. He will then bring you around the garden and finally pause in front of an opening that has been cut into the rock.

A modern door has been built and on it are these words, “He is not here, for He is risen”.

Indeed, these were the words an angel spoke to the weeping women who went to the tomb early on the third morning.

“…they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.” “He is not here, but He has risen!”

What wonderful news! Jesus had told His disciples that “…He must go to Jerusalem…and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.” But at that time they did not believe Him.

After the resurrection Peter entered the tomb, “saw the linen wrappings only, and he went away to his home, marveling…”

Yesterday, the Church celebrated the greatest day in the Christian calendar! The Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is the pivot of the Christian faith.

As the apostle Paul expressed, “…thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)

The whole chapter speaks of the victory over death!

As the chorus of an old hymn says,

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and He talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives: He lives within my heart.

Coming from an Asian culture, the thought of a grave is not welcome. People avoid talking about, and going to a cemetery unless necessary. But I loved being there because it reminded me that “I serve a risen Saviour, He’s in the world today; I know that He is living, Whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him. He’s always near.”

In the last group I led, something interesting happened. At the end of the service at the Garden Tomb, one of the young men got up and proposed to his intended. He had pre-planned it, and chose this place so when his fiancée is asked about the place of the proposal, she can tell about Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. How beautiful! How significant!

What about you? How does your life proclaim that “He is not here, for He is risen”? Proclaim it today!
 

“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation…’” — Mark 16:15 (NIV)

As a little tyke my ears were tuned to two words, “good news”. It could be anything from “you may have a piece of candy today”, to “we are going on a holiday”.

I would run to anyone in sight, to tell them the good news. It didn’t matter how insignificant that good news may have seemed. It was worth sharing because I was excited about it.

Yes, the degree of expectation did increase with age. Over the years, I have grown to realise that good news doesn’t always come in the form of things. It may not be at all tangible. From finding a good discount for an item, a health discovery or a holiday package, to a job promotion…these are all exciting and must be shared.

As an adult I have often received good news, including awards and achievements. It is exhilarating, to say the least. It is worth sharing so others can celebrate with me.

But the best news of all, was when I heard “…the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

The Spirit of God convicted me of SIN and of my eternal destiny as a sinner. As an adolescent, I confessed my sin and invited Jesus into my heart. I not only felt peace but also constant assurance of His love. The excitement could not be contained.

I went home and shared the good news right away with the people I loved most — my family. It took another 17 years to see the fruits of that testimony.

After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

He is speaking to us to do likewise. Wherever you are in the world you have a responsibility to tell others the Good News.

What is that Good News? Paul spelt it out very succinctly. “…Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…He was buried, and He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

This IS the Good News! We must be convicted of sin, then His death and burial will become significant. Don’t fail to stress the resurrection.

“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

We serve a risen Saviour! Let’s proclaim it!

As the hymn goes:

“I love to tell the story of Jesus and His love
Because I know ’tis true;
it satisfies my longings, as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story, it did so much for me;
And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.”

The Good News “’tis pleasant to repeat what seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.”

After many years of telling the Good News to my friends and family, one would think that all have heard. But as the hymn continues, “…for some have never heard the message of salvation from God’s own Holy Word.”

Last year, I met some old classmates after many years. Some had not heard the message of Jesus’ love. Just as I was excited about the good news I received as a young child, I could not wait to tell my friends this wonderful news which pertains to their eternal state.

What is your response to telling the story of the Good News? How excited are you to tell it to everyone?

Let the whole world know that Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again!

I wonder who will be the first person to hear from you after you read this?
 

One day, Yani’s elder daughter approached her, seeking permission for her to marry her boyfriend. Yani agreed to her daughter’s request, but in her heart, she was worried. Weddings are expensive affairs, and cost more than she had the money to pay for.

Yani worked overtime that night. While she sewed, she kept thinking about how she might earn the money needed for the wedding. She kept her radio on while she worked, and unknown to her, she listened to the Javanese Women of Hope radio program. While it played in the background, she heard this segment which spoke to her:

“In the program, the presenter spoke about a woman who was faced with a problem that she could not solve. Helpless, she prayed to the Lord. Persistently, this woman prayed to God again and again…finally, she received help from God.”

This was the story that touched her heart. Deciding to follow the example of the the woman in the story, Yani stopped her sewing. In the solitude of the night, she prayed to God – asking for God to give her the money she needed for her daughter’s wedding.

For three nights, Yani had kept praying…and at last, God heard her prayer! The next morning, a relative gave her a call, and asked how she was doing. Yani simply informed him that her daughter would be getting married, and invited him for the wedding.

Beyond her wildest expectations, this relative gifted her with money for the wedding expenses.

Yani says, “God is so good to me…He listened to my prayers!”

Where she is from, it is normal for people to fall into debt due to the wedding expenses. However, Yani was able to afford the wedding and did not have to borrow money from anyone.

Yani was very happy that God answered her prayer, and she was very grateful to the Javanese Women of Hope program. She believes that God always listens and cares for her!