Happy New Year 2016?

TITLE: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016?

Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: Jan 1st, 2016

Happy New Year? What does it mean? Wait, isn't this the exact same words we wish back in 2015, in 2014, in 2013, in 2012, and well, almost every other year? It's the same Auld Lang Syne every 365 days.

It's the same fireworks, parties, and dancing every 52 weeks. For some, it's the same mumbo-jumbo of goodbye or good riddance to a year mixed with more downs than ups. For others, it's the same "looking forward" to new hope, new promises, new adventures, and new opportunities. Then, like the annual clock, we come back to the same old midnight countdown the last minute of the year. With cheers and whistles, with beer and thistles, we welcome the new year by giving it another 365 days expiry date.

Then comes the tough questions.

1) What's your new year resolutions? (Don't know. Been there. Done that. What's new?)

2) What's your plan for the year? (Don't know. Same old same old, I suppose. What's new?)

3) What's different from last year? (Don't know. Is there really anything different?)

Thoughts About Bersih 4.0 and Merdeka

TITLE: THOUGHTS ABOUT BERSIH 4.0 AND MERDEKA
SCRIPTURE: PSALM 58
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: August 31st, 2015

Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” (Ps 58:11)

Malaysia celebrates her 58th Anniversary today. It was on August 31st, 1957 that the British colony became the federation of Malaya, referred to as Peninsula Malaysia or West Malaysia. Until September 16th, 1963, the country was still called "The Federation of Malaya." Many people still confuse this with another event called "Hari Malaysia" which was when the states of Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore, all came together to become Malaysia. Merdeka Day is about how Malaya became a sovereign state (1957). Malaysia Day is about how the Federation of Malaysia was born (1963). This year, two days before Merdeka Day is Bersih 4.0 which highlights a mysterious show of the best of Malaysians and the worst of Malaysian politics.

A Sea of Yellow from Bersih 4.0 @KL
(Photo Credit: Nicholas Cheng on Twitter)

Bersih 4.0 was conducted to showcase the best side of sanity and that democracy reigns supreme. From cars to buses, trains to planes, Malaysians from all over the country brave the threats of arrest and tear gas to gather at Kuala Lumpur in a sign of patriotism, unity, and solidarity. The largely peaceful crowd was aided by a well organized and restrained police force. Kudos to the Police and security forces in this regard. I even suspect that there are many within the police ranks who are increasingly sympathetic to the cause of Bersih. From August 29th to 30th, 2015, thousands of Malaysians descended upon Kuala Lumpur to gather for the Bersih 4.0 rallies. It was a peaceful demonstration against the ills of Malaysian politics, especially with the recent exposure of RM2.6 billion that was found credited into the personal bank account of the leader of the land: the Prime Minister. Explanations flowed from incredulous justifications like "donations from the Middle East" to "money being used to fight Jewish influence." Depending on where you read the news, or who you were hearing it from, there seemed to be a strategy of confusion used to deter attention from the glaring problem. The Americans call it wag-the-dog. I call it "the publicity haze." Many people voluntarily traveled to Kuala Lumpur, and other major cities both inside and outside of Malaysia to make their feelings known. From where I am, watching via the Internet, I saw unity. I saw solidarity. I saw a common call for integrity. The sea of yellow numbered in the tens of thousands. The place was like a carnival with people from all races and all religions coming together not with swinging accusations of racist rhetoric, but with singing of the national anthem: The Negaraku. Instead of heckling, non-Muslims remained respectful and quiet as their fellow Muslims say their prayers. Instead of discrimination, Muslims shook hands with non-Muslims. They embraced. They partied. They walked together. They declared with one voice that they are all Malaysians.

Persevering Saints

TITLE: PERSEVERING SAINTS
SCRIPTURE: Romans 5:1-5
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: January 19th, 2015

"1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:1-5)

Powerful movie of Enduring Perseverance
Go watch it!

Last week, I watched "Unbroken," a powerful movie based on the book by Laura Hillenbrand which describes the life of the WWII hero, Louis Zamperini.  This man survived storms, scorching heat, hunger and thirst for 47 days on the open seas. Captured by the Japanese at the height of WWII, he endured ridicule and shame. He was tortured and humiliated by his cruel captors. His body was physically broken. Emotionally spent, the easiest thing for him was to give in to the demands of his captors or to simply die. No. Zamperini chose life and endured all things. The Japanese leader, Mutsuhiro "Bird" Watanabe, in the prison camp tried to break Zamperini, but failed to crush the spirit of his prisoner. In fact, Watanabe was instead broken from the inside out. All because Zamperini chooses to persevere regardless of the hardship and torture inflicted upon his flesh. It reminds me of Jesus' words, " Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28).

The Church as Hope-Bearers

TITLE: THE CHURCH AS HOPE-BEARERS
SCRIPTURE: 2 Cor 13:11
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: December 14th, 2015

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11)

I have just finished a book called "Churchless" with mixed feelings about the state of the Western Church. The authors are owners and members of Barna Group, which is a private, non-partisan, and research organization that serves to identify and interpret cultural trends, especially relevant to the Christian community. They begin with some grim news about the increasing number of people who are no longer attending church services. They define the "unchurched" as people who say they are Christians but have not attended a Christian church service in the past six months. With particular interest on those who are Christians but not involved in any Church, they made this conclusion: "Invite a friend to church on Sunday" is no longer an in-thing. This week, I look at three necessary things. We need to understand the current cultural movements. We need to find ways to connect them both in or out of the Church. We need to find ways to show the unchurched that Church is worth it.

Darkness - To Avoid or Embrace?

TITLE: DARKNESS - TO AVOID OR EMBRACE?
SCRIPTURE: Ps 88:1-2
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: August 15th, 2014

"1Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. 2May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry." (Ps 88:1-2)

Depression is in a way, a journey into darkness. For many, it is a descent not an ascent. What troubles me is the uncritical acceptance among people to avoid darkness at all costs.This week, I want to reflect on depression not simply as a descent into darkness. When we learn to embrace it with Christ, it can very well be an ascent to the light.

The world mourns the suicide-death of Robin Williams. Major news agencies and television channels cover the story feverishly. Social media buzzes with multiple sharing of posts. Pop stars chime in with their tributes and memories of the popular actor-comedian. Even scientists and medical professionals have entered the fray to discuss the causes, the fears, and the need to seek help during times of depression. The common thread among all is that depression is bad; it is something to be avoided like the Ebola virus; it is to be treated like a disease.  What is depression? Is it a walk in the dark?

A) Too Little Too Late?

Suppose it is a disease to be eradicated, sometimes I wonder why we talk about things only when it is too late. Like government agencies that tightened up their security checks when there is a breach. Or banks that install new procedures when a loophole was exploited. Or the revamp of some medical procedures as a result of a fatality. Or pharmaceutical companies that stop making profits off a controversial drug only after a major scandal. We are creatures that only learn when bad news arrives. Such a phenomenon is everywhere. Just take a look at the infamous 9/11 terrorist attacks. Before the attacks, traveling was a breeze with laughable security systems. Post-9/11 travel went to the other extreme: Police state style frisks at various checkpoints.

Depression however is different, perhaps more sinister. It is a hidden demon waiting to terrorize the victim. It stays dormant most of the time, appears some of the time, and if allowed to conquer and to consume, it can lead to fatality. Despite the news about Parkinson’s Disease as part of the reason, depression is reported to be a big factor leading to the death of Robin Williams. As a hidden monster waiting to reveal itself, if left unchecked, it will torment, torture, and torch away one’s sanity and sensibility. Such is the case of a fellow student at Regent College back in 2005. Brilliant and dedicated, he took his own life, leaving behind a young wife. (Read my article on suicide and depression here.) His death stunned my Regent community. Very soon, instructions and emails were sent out to all about the need to come out and talk when depressed or when harbouring suicidal thoughts. For the loved ones of victims, any post-partum activities will come too little too late. We can do all the talk about depression. We can conduct classes on what to do. However, for the loved ones of suicide victims, such things are literally “too little too late.”

The Christmas Hope

TITLE: THE CHRISTMAS HOPE 
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 63:15
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: November 29th, 2013

"Look down from heaven and see from Your holy and glorious habitation; Where are Your zeal and Your mighty deeds? The stirrings of Your heart and Your compassion are restrained toward me." (Isa 63:15)

I watched a weepie last night. It was a film made in 2009 called "The Christmas Hope" that tells three stories of how individual persons having lost something, gained something else back as Christmas Day approaches. It is a feel-good movie that begins with tragedy and closes with a teary end. The first scene is about a single mother and daughter (Emily) hugging and enjoying each other's company. Emily's mum works as a waitress and tries to make ends meet. Emily is an adorable 9-year-old who loves everything Christmas, and especially remembers her mum as one who always keeps her promises. Then tragedy strikes with the mother was fatally hit by a car. The second scene is about a couple , an airline pilot Mark, and his wife Patty, still grieving after the loss of their teenage son, Sean, also to a road accident. Two deaths, two remaining families, all longing to cling to some hope, any kind of hope.

There is No Normal

TITLE: THERE IS NO NORMAL
SCRIPTURE: Ecclesiastes 7:10
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: May 24th, 2013

Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions. (Ecclesiastes 7:10)

Change has been on my mind lately. It reminds me of the popular quip my ex-colleagues and I have thrown about freely: "The only thing constant is change." We were then talking about changes in our work responsibilities, our reporting structure, our job titles, even our company names. Working in a high-technology industry, one has to learn to expect the unexpected, where it is not the big that swallow the small, but the fast that outruns the rest. In the past few years, I have seen big companies like Nortel, Citibank, Barings Bank, Worldcom, Enron, AIG, and many other companies that have failed to change with the times. In the mobile phones sector, Nokia and Ericsson are increasingly overshadowed by Samsung and Apple. In the Internet search business, Google has monopolized the search market, leaving Yahoo and other search engines to battle for a distant second. In software, Microsoft Office is under increasing threat from companies that are offering lots of software free on the web. Even the venerable lady of the Internet, the ubiquitous EMAIL is being challenged by social media. Change is here to stay. The law of the jungle remains very applicable to our modern world of competition and lifestyle. Those who do not change or adapt will fade away into oblivion.

During my recent visit to the Far East, I had the opportunity to reconnect with family and friends. It brings back good memories and fun of yesteryear. Of course, I took the time to savour the local delicacies. Even as I ate and enjoyed the different selections of food, I cannot help but notice the aging workforce in some of the most popular eating places. In fact, one famous braised duck restaurant in Singapore will be closing this coming June. Some other hawkers are lamenting the lack of interest from the younger generation to take over their business. The threat of old recipes and famous food stores disappearing from the food scene is a real thing. No apprentices. No future generations. No more good food. If there is no concrete steps to address the lack of manpower and to train the next generation of cooks and chefs, the food that we enjoy now, will gradually disappear, as far as quality and taste is concerned. Like the business world, if the food industry does not recognize this quickly, the famous food that we praise so much will soon be history.

This one thing is most true. Change is happening all the time. There is no normal. Only constant changes.

Let us not kid ourselves. There is no normal. Whatever we have right now, is but a snapshot in time. Everyone of us is a walking clock ticking away every second.  Societ:y is changing. People are changing. We are changing. Even our family relationships are changing. Last week, I wrote in my Facebook account: "It is not teens who are struggling in their growing phases, but also parents who fail to grow up in their perception of their kids. Parents need to grow up too."

When I meet people I know, especially my peers who are also parents, we often say to one another about our kids: "Wow! Your child has grown so much." Looking back, I wonder why we make such comments. Do we really expect kids to remain kids after 10 years? Do we expect them to have the same rounded face or chubby look from years ago? Are we seriously out of touch with the next generation?

Sadly, we are. We have often failed to grow up with our children. The very remark about how much they have grown is one stark evidence of how much we have not noticed our children. Almost ten years ago, I said goodbye to hot and humid Singapore and Malaysia, and hello to cool and rainy Vancouver Canada. My kids were unhappy about being uprooted from their comfort zones. My wife and I were quite nervous about having to leave our comfort zones and to embark on a whole new adventure in a foreign land. Looking back at the ten years, I must say that what we have lost in terms of financial and opportunity costs, we gain in terms of seeing our children grow up during their formative years. We eat meals together very often. Both my wife and I take turns to cook for the whole family. Even though some evening meals, we talk relatively little, the very presence of one another make a difference. We notice one another. When our oldest daughter moved out last year to live on the University campus, the first three months prove to be hard to pass. We miss having everyone eating together during the all-important family meal.

We are all changing, whether we like it or not, know it or not, realize it or not. The only constant thing is change. There is no such thing as normal. Only new things that are happening every minute and every second. The "normal" that we used to know is only accessible through our shared memories and common experiences.

Normal is an illusion. When we fail to adapt or to change, we are hanging on to the "Good Old Days" illusion that is not constructive, but also destructive. Qohelet wisely observes the importance not to be trapped by the kind of nostalgia that inhibits present living. He says that it is "not wise" to ask questions like these. Why is it not wise? Let me offer up three reasons why.

First, it keeps us stuck in the past. One of the things that I have noticed in many church communities is the constant argument over traditional vs contemporary worship. The older ones like hymns or the familiar songs of the past. The younger ones desire the latest hip-hop style or loud choruses that appeal to the vigour of youth. What some older people are forgetting is this. They used to be young, and they too choose songs that are noticeably different from their predecessors. As long as we are stuck in the past, we will not be able to see clearly the needs of the present.

Second, is it really true that "old" is better than the present? We live in a generation where scientific advancement and technological progress is increasingly expected and demanded. Within a span of weeks, the latest and the greatest gadgets can be rendered obsolete. Just look at how quickly Hewlett-Packard abandoned their tablet project, the TouchPad, and left the business totally. Also see how the mighty Apple company is struggling to contain the Samsung onslaught of newer and sexier phones. For a generation such as these, "old" is more of a liability. Thus, anyone who claims the old is better than the new will not only be laughed at, he will also not be taken seriously.

Third, life is temporal. The "old days" in the past or the "new days" of the world we know, will soon be gone, and replaced by newer things and newer days. We can only look forward. Nostalgia is good for a while, but we need to snap out of it quickly so that we can start living in the present. Better still, live and anticipate the future.

Christians are in a great position when anticipating the future. There is no normal, only new hope to come. Our faith cannot be normal. We cannot be stuck in memories of the past. We need to grow and live more like Christ. We need to be freed from unhealthy nostalgia, and liberated to claim the promises of God as taught in the Bible.

There is no normal, only new beginnings. Learn from the Psalmist who prays:

"The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
  For His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;
  Great is Your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Change is the only constant. For there is no normal. We change. There is only One who does not change. God. That is why God is our constant Guide, our faithful One, our everlasting Lord. Do not look back at the "old days" and call it "good." Look to God, the Author and Finisher of all our faith, and call out: "Come Lord Jesus! Come!"

Yes, God's mercy is new every morning. Let God's faithfulness, fill our hearts with hopes afresh, anew, and ablaze.

THOUGHT: "The deepest need of men is not food and clothing and shelter, important as they are. It is God. We have mistaken the nature of poverty, and thought it was economic poverty. No, it is poverty of soul, deprivation of God's recreating, loving peace. Peer into poverty and see if we are really getting down to the deepest needs, in our economic salvation schemes. These are important. But they lie farther along the road, secondary steps toward world reconstruction. The primary step is a holy life, transformed and radiant in the glory of God." (Thomas Kelly, A Testament of Devotion, p99) 

sabbathwalk

---

Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries. Note that views expressed are personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization.

Bye 2012! Hello 2013!

TITLE: BYE 2012! HELLO 2013!

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 1:1-3
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: 4 January 2013

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:1-3)

Synopsis: We began the New Year with hope and great anticipation of something good. Yet, we often feel deflated and let down, come December. Why? Perhaps, we have gotten it all wrong. We have erroneously thought that good or better has not come. The truth is, the best has already come.  (read the rest below)

A year ago, we were wishing one another a "Happy New Year." Yet, after 12 months, I hear people saying, "Thank God it's over," or "Good riddance, 2012." What happened? The cycle repeats itself every 365 days. We begin with a hopeful new January but it is common to see people heave a sigh of relief at the end of December. Why?

Of course, not everyone is that pessimistic. Not everything needs to be so negative. Yet, December did not really end well. Open up the newspaper, and when you see shootings, wars, fights, and all kinds of tragedies, one might be forgiven for thinking negatively about the year 2012. After all, according to the Mayan calendar, 2012 was supposed to usher in the End of the World. More specifically, it was supposed to be December 21st, 2012 where the doomsday scenario would all play out. Earthquakes, tidal waves, storms, tsunamis, and so on.

A) Bye 2012!

Last Sunday, I preached on the need for us to reflect on the year ahead, to look back with gratitude, to learn with humility, and then to properly leave the year behind. No point bringing excessive baggage from 2012 to the new year. Lest 2013 starts to resemble an extended and dreaded 2012. Before we can say goodbye, we must take time to reflect, to take a hard look at the events past, and to learn humbly from the lessons. Last year, I completed my studies at Gordon-Conwell. After four years of flying back and forth from the West to the East Coast, I received my degree and along with it, much congratulations from friends and loved ones. The road has not been easy. Working and studying, plus my pile of books to be reviewed can be quite a tall order. At the end of it all, the feeling of completing the race is satisfying. All the hard work, the time put in, and the crazy time of writing and editing reminds me again that I am getting old.

Gone are the days where I can do multiple things at one time. Gone are the days where I can connect easily with so many different people with greater hours of wakefulness. Not anymore. I find myself moving slower and getting more forgetful. I find myself pausing more often because life does not comprise of an abundance of non-stop activities. I find myself becoming more discerning of what things are necessary and what are not. A crazy busy life no longer excites me. I prefer something more quiet, more peaceful, and more contemplative. That is why I write more. I write more so as to put down my hopes and desires for my family to remember, that because God has first blessed me, I will bless others with the gifts that I have. This is what the Apostle Paul teaches. In a stark reversal of the way the doxology is normally used, Paul begins his epistle to the Ephesians with a doxology. He begins with the blessings of Christ, that we do not need to look toward the future thinking that only then we get to be blessed. Paul reminds us again that we have already been blessed. Not only that, we have been blessed with 'every spiritual blessing in Christ' in the heavenly realm. In other words, we are called to begin from the position of blessedness.

B) Beginning with Blessedness: Three Assurances

Paul begins with an assured identity in Christ. Right at the beginning of the letter, he proclaims unabashedly his calling in Christ to be an apostle. An apostle is a servant of God, a follower, a specially chosen disciple of Christ. Sometimes, we distinguish the word 'apostle' as referring to the first disciples of Jesus, as those who have seen in person, our Lord Jesus. In that way, Paul is an apostle, as he has met Jesus in his encounter at Damascus. The same goes for the first disciples who walked with Jesus. In a way, we are all apostles, as in some special way, those of us who have confessed Jesus as Lord and Saviour, will have had a personal experience with God. We are then able to begin in blessedness. We are blessed to be blessed.

This beginning is important for three reasons. Firstly, it is an assurance of God's presence. Being blessed is a sign of being marked for spiritual gifts, to be ready to receive even more. It is a passport to that life in Christ. It is that mark of identity that in ourselves, we can do nothing. In Christ, we can do anything. It is because Paul knows God is with him, that he is able to greet the people in Ephesus, "Grace and peace to you from God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Recently, I shared a story about a man being yelled at his workplace. Fearing for his job, he refrained and retreated into silence. Upon his return home, he started to yell at his wife for the most mundane things. His wife, trying to be an understanding homemaker, released her frustration at her teenage son. The son ran out of the house and kicked the cat. The cat rushed back to the house and scratched the man. The man called in sick and forced his supervisor to put in an extra hour to cover the man's work. When we are assured of God's presence, we will not be given to yelling so easily at the slightest provocation. Instead, we will cover our tracks and our actions with prayer, trusting that God will teach and guide us in the way that we should go.

Secondly, it is an assurance of our calling. Being blessed is a way that God affirms us in our calling. In our dizzy race toward finding out what our calling is, we often forget that our calling is made more sure not in passive yoga-like posture, but in active faithful service. We are called to serve, not to be served. We are called to help, and not be constantly on the receiving end of help. We are called to share and to care, and not to expect others to do the heavy lifting for us, especially when we have the hands and the legs to do the sharing and the caring. Calling is a much touted word for us. The trouble is, I think we have given the word too much attention, and forget that we are already called to be faithful where we are. We are too future-sighted for our own good. In planning so much for the future, we forget to properly live out the present. Someone recently said to me that all of our lives, we are constantly planning for the future. It all looks very logical, and very practical. After all, if we do not plan for the future, we are not being responsible. However, have we paused to smell the flowers of life? In our rush to get things planned for the future, have we forgotten to live, and to love? The present is not meant solely to be the fuel for the future. It is after all, the future that we have been talking about yesterday. It has been said before.

"The past is history. The future is mystery. That is why the present is a gift."

Appreciate our calling in the present to be the best that we can be. Do not be deceived that only the future is the best. For all we know, we are to be the best self, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. There is no such thing that only tomorrow will be better. If we have been blessed in Christ, every day is going to be better.

Thirdly, it is an assurance of God's will for us. We have often talked about what is God's will for our lives, and then we get stuck at the words, and conveniently procrastinate about the good works.We have all been trained in this.

• What do you want to do when you grow up?
• What is your next job going to be?
• What is God's will for your life?

There is a strange project for nearly every Christian I meet. What is God's will for me? There is a three-word default answer: "I Don't Know." Sometimes, what we need is a rebuke, just like Paul J. Bucknell, who warns us, "Most believers have never found the secret of discovering God's will. They are too caught up on their search for their own will."

Maybe, that is why many of us get stuck into trying to discover God's will for us. We are simply discontent until we get our own favourite versions of God's will going our way. We are too caught up with ourselves that God's will become more and more distant from us.

Frankly, if I were to tell you that God's Will for you is in God's Word, will you read the Bible more passionately and more purposefully? Maybe. John MacArthur has said,

"This is the first thing about God's will: He wants people to be saved. So much so that He stays His Judgment. Paul said, 'This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)" (John MacArthur, Found: God's Will, Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook, 1977, 10-11)

Rather than chasing after a version of God's will for us that has to fit into our own convenient schedules, our own complacent liking, and our own preconceived notion of spiritual planning, we must seek out the heart of God. The heart of God is not just aimed at us. It is for the whole world to be saved. How are we playing our role to do just that?

C) Entering Into 2013

So let us enter the year with these three assurances of faith. That we are assured of God's presence. That we are called to be the sons and daughters of God. That we are to work out God's will for us, by sharing the good news, by blessing others because we have been greatly blessed. Perhaps, the reason why the 'happy' in any new year greeting has been so elusive is because of our inward looking disposition. God has not given us a faith so that we can lock it up in our security chests of spirituality. Neither has He given us blessings that we will only keep for our self-consumption. He has given us more. He has given us His Son, Jesus for us to receive, and to give of ourselves, the way Christ has given us.

The gift of salvation is free to us. We are thus set free to freely give of ourselves to others, in sharing the gospel, in serving our community, and in saving the best we have for the rest of God's concerns.

Can we do that?


THOUGHT: Substitute your impersonal "Happy New Year" with a personal Holy New Life.



sabbathwalk

---

Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries.

"The Candle of Hope" (First Advent Sunday)

TITLE: CANDLE OF HOPE (First Advent Sunday)
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:2
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: 6 December 2012

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. ” (Isaiah 9:2)

The lights are on. The decorations are up. The music is swinging. 

Christmas is coming. Each December, cities all over the world are gearing up to gradually close out the year. The song, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” ends with a “Happy New Year.” 

Christmas is coming. For the Christian, the celebration of Christ’s birth begins not on December 25th, but commences four Sundays before. Called the Advent month, for four Sundays, pulpits around the world will be preaching sermons about Christmas and the birth of Christ. It is a happy event, a joyous celebration of God born a baby and also a king. 

The word “advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which also means “arrival,” or “coming.” It reminds us of John’s gospel that famously says,

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

A) Advent Candles

There are three significant things about the Advent. All of them stresses the coming of Christ, namely, the past, the present, and the future. It has been said that the Advent is essentially the NEW YEAR for the Christian. In other words, Christmas Day is the month long culmination of the Coming of Christ. In the Church I serve here in Vancouver, we do a traditional candle lighting ritual. For four Sundays in a row, we light candles one by one as follows:

1. First Sunday - We light the Candle of Hope
2. Second Sunday - We light the Candles of Hope + Peace
3. Third Sunday - We light the Candles of Hope + Peace + Love
4. Fourth Sunday - We light the Candles of Hope + Peace + Love + Joy
5. Christmas Eve/Day - We light all the Candles above + the Candle of Christ.

We use different colours to represent the candles. For hope, peace, and joy, we use purple to symbolize Christ’s royalty as King. For love, we use the rose or pink coloured candle to represent Christ’s love and faithfulness. For the Christ candle, white is used to symbolize purity. 

B) Christian New Year

There is one more thing that is significant about the Advent season. For the Christian, the Church calendar officially begins on the first Sunday of December. In order words, Christians should be saying to one another “Happy New Year” already. One Jewish Rabbi likes to poke fun at Christians who do not know their own religious significance. On the first day of the conventional January 1st New Year, he likes to go around and wish his Christian friends, “A Happy Secular New Year to You.” 

He is right. Too many Christians have been observing secular events more than their own events. For that matter, Sunday is in a sense ‘secular’ as the day has often been attributed to the pagan sun-god during the time of Constantine. In 321 AD, after the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, the day “Sunday” became the day where work is stopped and leisure began. That is why there is often a confusion among some Christians and Jews on when actually is the Sabbath. Is it still the traditional Friday/Saturday Jewish Sabbath or is Sunday the new “Sabbath” for Christians. For me, Sunday is essentially the Lord’s Day. The Sabbath is the Jewish day of rest. Christians are not compelled to observe any one specific day like the Jews to stop doing anything. They are strongly urged to take some form of a sabbatical rest as a way to remind themselves of their calling as participants of the Kingdom of God. Understood in this way, every day can have Sabbath moments.

In other words, for Christians, last Sunday (Dec 2nd, 2012) is the start of the Christian New Year. 

C) The Candle of Hope

I preached on the “Prophecy of True Light” on the first Advent Sunday, based on the text of Isaiah 9:1-7. In it, I lamented on the tragedy of Claus-mas, where our Western culture is increasingly more open and more embracing of all things Santa Claus, and more hostile and dismissive of the Person of Jesus Christ. From movies to songs, Christmas shopping to  year end dancing, the big red costumed bearded men evokes more squeals and delights from both children and adults by society in general. 

For all the openness Christians may have about Santa Claus and the fantasies surrounding the North Pole workshops, sleighs, and reindeers, it is a tragedy when the True Christ is missed out from all the festivities. After all, without Christ, there is no Christmas. Without Christ, there is no true joy. Without Christ, there is no everlasting hope. In the popular Christmas movie, “Miracle on 34th Street,” the central message behind the movie is that if adults have the right to proclaim “In God We Trust,” children have every right to cry out, “In Santa We Trust.” 

Don’t get me wrong. I am not bashing Santa Claus. I am lamenting the diminishing platform for the Christ-child. People are fast getting rid of anything that is religious. A few years ago, one poor Christmas tree became the controversial tree to be removed from a Toronto courthouse simply because the judge feels that it is too “religious” for secular comfort.  

Light is a significant symbol during the Advent Season. Christ is the Light of the world. The people of Israel walking in darkness has seen a great light. This light has not only revealed itself, it has come to the people. The light is a coming glory, not a distant sight. It is a fulfilling prophecy, not just a fulfilled event in history. For the Advent is a remembrance of the light having come, the light has come, and a light that will be coming again. That is the significance of the Advent.

My friends, how are you celebrating the Advent season? When we carve our Turkeys, or budget our money for Christmas shopping, remember why we are doing it. When we give toys and distribute gifts to the needy, remember in whose Name we are doing it for. When we send Christmas and holiday greetings to friends and loved ones, remember the reason for the season. 

Christ has come. Christ will come again.

Happy New Year! 

THOUGHT: Santa Claus may have been said to come into our homes through our chimneys. Whatever gifts this bubbly fat man gives is temporal. Christ comes into our lives through our hearts. Whatever gifts the Son of God gives will last through all eternity.

sabbathwalk

---

Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries.

Turn the Other Cheek

TITLE: TURN THE OTHER CHEEK
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:38-39
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: 5 July 2012

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:38-39)

There is a story of an anchorite named Makarios (300-390). (Anchorites are people who have pledged to withdraw from the world and to live a life of devotion, to spend time in their religious beliefs). Before settling in the city of Sketis in the heartland of Egypt, he lived in a small village very much minding his own business. Being mild-mannered and eccentric, some villagers despised him. A virgin girl foolishly got pregnant by another man, and feared being found out by her parents. She also dreaded the public shame. Conveniently, she blamed Makarios. Without checking the facts, some men pounced upon Makarios and beat him up. The girl's parents said that the beating will not stop until Makarios agreed to marry the girl, and take care of the girl. Makarios, after humbly taking the blows, agreed and even started taking additional work in order to pay the bills. When the girl was due to give birth, she could not deliver the child. The labour went on for many days without much progress. Finally, the girl decided to confess, "I have slandered the anchorite. He is not to be blamed for my pregnancy. It is another young man. I have lied and accused the anchorite unjustly."

Upon her confession, the baby was delivered. Before the entire village could come to apologize to the anchorite, Makarios fled to Sketis, and went on to be a big catalyst in making Sketis "the place where God weighs the heart."

A) A Tit-For-Tat World

The story of Makarios is such a rare find nowadays. It is an amazing story of humility and self-deprecation. Who on earth practices that? We live in a tit-for-tat world. You punch me, I punch you back. You irritate me, I irritate you back. You write nasty Facebook comments on my page, I write even nastier notes.

The big bully the small, and the small bullies the weaker still. This world's modus operandi is, an-eye-for-an-eye, and a-tooth-for-a-tooth. In Chinese martial arts movies, it is common to find characters spreading violence from one generation to another. Some of these stories go beyond three generations. Murdering one generation leads to violence in the next generation, and the next, and the next. Many of these killings not only grow in intensity, they expand in brutality as well.

In our offices, how often have we played tit-for-tat with our competition? Whether we call it "turning the tables on them," or counter-attacking them, there is that element of revenge that remains strong, especially after a humiliating loss. Movies like Rambo show a strong revenge theme. Even Jaws manages to turn one from fear to anger, to long for the time where the evil Great White Shark will be killed once and for all. These movies play human emotions very well, cleverly riding the natural wave of a personal sense of justice via a vengeful heart.

B) Counter-Culture

Instead of playing to the common wisdom at that time, Jesus overturns the conventional thinking surrounding fairness. He says,

"But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:39)

Are you serious? Is it not right to hit back? Evil needs to be defeated, right?

Wrong. Jesus says it plain and simple. Do not resist the evil act. Now it is important to note that this "evil" is to be understood as an angry or unreasonable person, and not the devilish or satanic dark force like Darth Vader. It is like the way Ecclesiastes is talking about the "evil under the sun," where injustice reigns supreme, and where one's good works do not get reciprocated, while the idle gets a bountiful harvest. It is to be understood as an injustice done to us.

Unfair. Mistreated. Unjust act. Something we do not deserve.

That is not all. Jesus goes farther. Besides surrendering any desire to retaliate, Jesus tells us to turn the other side of us that is untouched to be hit as well! It is a double whammy! Not hitting back is one thing. Turning the other cheek? Isn't that stupid?

It is a tough instruction to obey, even though many Christians read this passage from time to time. It is so easy to quote this verse to one another when times are good, and when all is normally at peace. Until we are wrongly accused. Until someone slanders us. Until we are cheated or bullied into submission. Can we honestly practice turning the other cheek?

C) Resist Retaliation: Three Reasons

I reflect on how Adam and Eve become active players of the blame game in the Garden of Eden. When God asks Adam what happened, Adam blames Eve. When God asks Eve, Eve blames the serpent. On and on, the desire is to hide from truth, and to pass the buck. In reading Matthew 5:39, there are at least three reasons why Jesus urges one to refrain from retaliation, and the offer the other cheek. Firstly, it stops the cycle of evil and violence. In shouting situations, like between husbands and wives, sometimes raising voices can be extremely hurtful and harmful for the marriage. Husband raise his voice. Wife raises to the next higher level. Husband responds with an even louder tone. Wife tries to beat the husband with a sharper scream. In contrast, some marriage counselors have advocated speaking softer with each response to force a similar action. This not only signals the intent to reduce the tension, but also to create self-awareness on the other. Try that. When you speak softer at each level, see how your opposite responds.

Secondly, it reduces the ground for root formation. Every seed needs a fertile soil to grow. When the ground space is reduced, there will be less room for the seed to take root. Likewise, when one refrains from retaliation, there are fewer words the adversary can use to hit us back.


Thirdly, when we turn the other cheek, we are telling ourselves that we too are sinners. We have no right to take another person's life. We have no right to hurt another person. When Jesus died on the cross, He did not just die for me. He died for all. When we retaliate, we are also retaliating against a person that Jesus loves. When we turn the other cheek, we are also offering the person space to de-stress. It is an opportunity for us not just to save a friend, but to potentially save an enemy.

D) Radical Hospitality

Reading Henri Nouwen's thoughts about hospitality also gives me some idea about a fourth reason not to retaliate: Radical hospitality. Turning an enemy to a stranger, to a friend, and eventual restoration to God. Nouwen writes of hospitality as follows:

"Hospitality... means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place." (Henri Nouwen, Reaching Out)

Turning the other cheek is radical hospitality.  Recently, my name was implicated in an unfortunate email situation. It was a clear case of miscommunication by another person. For reasons unknown to me, the email began to take on a life of its own. Misunderstanding led to a bigger misunderstanding. Surprise turned to shock. Astonishment turned to anger. People were downright angry and upset.

One email can open the floodgates of negative emotions.

I prayed. I reflected. I thought about reasons to deny the allegations. Finally, reflecting on the life of Makarios, I thought the best thing for me is to apologize unreservedly. I had no desire to defend myself. I did not wish to make things worse. More importantly, I did not want to stumble a weaker brother or sister.

I apologized, simply because I acknowledge I am imperfect. Things could have been better communicated. I could have justified or denied each and every statement.

I chose not to hit back. I resisted the temptation to hit back, thereby halting any evil from taking root. I apologized, thereby turning the other cheek. I will apologize again, without wanting to justify myself, thereby preventing pride from growing in me.

I am no Makarios. I am simply a sinner saved by grace, and I will let my emails and my life be one of grace.

It takes a small heart to fight back. It takes a big heart to resist fighting back. It takes a spiritual heart to see every person from the eyes of God. Turn the other cheek is oft quoted, seldom practiced. Perhaps, you may want to start doing more of it, regularly.

THOUGHT: "It takes a strong person to say sorry, and an ever stronger person to forgive."


sabbathwalk

---

Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries.

Are You Ready?

TITLE: ARE YOU READY?
SCRIPTURE: Luke 21:34
Written by: Dr Conrade Yap
Date: 28 June 2012

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. (Luke 21:34)

This week is a horrible week for residents of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Raging wildfires are threatening to burn and destroy huge parcels of forests, land and property. The fires have been burning for almost a week now. More than 35000 people have been evacuated, many of them with only minutes to pack their precious belongings and memories. Firefighters have called the fires as a "2 mile wall of flame," "state's most destructive," and videos showing the burning in "epic proportions." If by reading and watching the fires from afar can give us shivers, what about the actual residents and firefighters who are at Waldon Canyon region?

(Photo Credit: Twitter)

A) Disastrous Flames Come Suddenly

Horrible. It is moments like these that cause one to ask, "Why?" For people who have lost everything, they will be glad simply to know their loved ones are safe. I wonder about people who have lost families to the fire. It is downright heartbreaking. In times like these, the best fire fighting technology and know how can only do so much. With the fire of such magnitude, many are dependent on mother nature to either send rain, not to make things worse, or both. News reports now indicate that only 10% of the fires have been contained. In other words, the battle is far from over. I know of several Christian book publishers in that region that have been evacuated for safety regions. NavPress, Multnomah, David C. Cook publishers are all in Colorado Springs. It is also a time in which Christians come together to help the community and each other. For instance, the staff from NavPress have been offered the offices of Focus on the Family to continue part of their work. This is wonderful news, to see how simple gestures of cooperation and graciousness in action.


B) A Difficult But Necessary Question to Answer

What things will I grab in the event of an emergency? Vancouver is in an earthquake region, and people have long been talking about the "Big One" happening anytime. On top of that, wildfires during Summer are frequent occurrence. Disasters can happen anytime. The big question is: "Are we ready?"

This is one question I hate to answer. Even if I say, "I am not ready," it is still an incomplete answer. I have to be ready. I have to make plans. I know the why. The big issue is when and what forms of readiness.

Sometimes, my wife and I will talk about how one day we will leave everything behind in this world. This is no secret that everybody will die one day. The only difference is when. We do not know when.

In Luke 21, Jesus is telling the disciples about the end times, what to expect and why one does not need to fear. Instead, one needs to be prepared not to be surprised. It all began when the disciples were admiring how beautifully decorated the temple was (Luke 21:5)

"Some of the disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 'As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another, every one of them will be thrown down.'" (Luke 21:5-6)

The words take the disciples by surprise. This is simply because they are clueless about the biggest surprise of them all, that the temple to be scattered and thrown down is actually Christ being crucified. Without death on the cross, we remain in sin. 

Jesus then brings the disciples through a long description of the end times. Finally he gives this warning about being ready.

"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will will close on you unexpectedly like a trap." (Luke 21:34)

C) Two Applications

The first point of application is a positive one, to be careful with our life.The King James render it as "take heed to yourselves." It is about living on guard. It is about not wasting our lives but to make it meaningful for our neighbours and fruitful for God. The story

The second is application is basically warnings. The Greek word (barethosin) can be translated as "weighed down," "dulled," or "overcharged" by the distractions of the world, being drunk by worldliness and deluged by worries.  All of these things have one common purpose: Make us stray away from our calling.

We need to be firm, to heed what God is calling us to do. If we look at Luke 21:34 carefully and ask ourselves, "What is the one thing that prevents us from obeying the call to take heed?" I think it is losing our focus on God.

The moment we fail to take heed on God, we become easily dissipated, easily drunk, and easily anxious about the world. Worry is opposite of trust. Without trust, we are extremely susceptible to all kinds of worry. Elisabeth Elliot, in Discipline, the Glad Surrender, mentions 6 things about the nature of worry that we can all take heed.

1. "Worry is totally fruitless."
2. "Worry is worse than fruitless: it is disobedience."
3. Worry is being anxious about tomorrow.
4. Worry is ignoring the present.
5. "Worry is the antithesis of trust."
6. "Worry is a wicked squandering of time (as well as energy)."

When we worry, we fail to take heed to ourselves, to be ready for what God is calling us to do today. When we worry, we forget that it is more important to prepare for tomorrow rather than to worry about it. In being prepared always, we will be ready to face the world at all times. We are ready to respond to emergencies. We are ready to know what are the more important things to grab when fires and calamities occur. Instead of worrying, why not just prepare, and get ready?

Surely, that is a more constructive way to live instead of giving in to destructive worry? Perhaps, may I encourage you my reader to ask yourself the question. If you break down the active hours of your life, what is the percentage that you are using to get ready for tomorrow, or your final goodbye?

THOUGHT: "The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today." (H. Jackson Brown Jr.)

sabbathwalk

---

Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries.

"Sticky" Faith vs "Post-It-Note" Faith

TITLE: "Sticky" Faith vs "Post-It-Note" Faith
SCRIPTURE: Luke 8:14-15
Written by: Conrade Yap
Date: 13 Mar 2012

"The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop." (Luke 8:14-15)

MAIN POINT: Inculcating sticky faith, in a 'post-it-note' world?

Man has always strived to invent things, and to create wonderful gadgets and devices. Yet, for all their striving and their diligence, the fact remains that many of the world's most innovative stationery products happen by accident. The American company, 3M (also known as Minnesota Manufacturing and Mining company) has long been known for producing great innovative products. Sometimes, they create so many different things that they do not know what to do with it. One of such an invention was a special adhesive developed by Dr Spencer Silver. Such a chemical will be able to hold light objects together temporarily without forming a permanent bond. At that time, this product is deemed to be a 'solution without a problem.'

While searching for a marketing application, Silva's colleague, Arthur Fry decides to use the adhesive for his music notes while singing for the Church choir. Often, the choir will struggle to keep the musical sheets together as any movement will cause the papers to fall all over the place. Just then, Fry remembers the adhesive back in the office and decides to use them for his choir notes. The application works like a champion for the church choir. The rest is history. The Post-It-Note pad becomes one of the most successful products ever to be launched by the 3M Corporation.

Pressing On

TITLE: Pressing On
Written by: Conrade Yap
SCRIPTURE: Hosea 6:3

"Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth." (Hosea 6:3)

MAIN POINT: If God does not give up on us, why do we give up on ourselves? This week, I share 7 reasons why we ought to press on.

A Happy New Year 2012 to all my readers!

On the last week of 2011, I had pockets of quiet moments to reflect. Like the preceding year, I preached on New Year's Day. Again. Thus, my countdown celebration had been mixed with both anticipation of the New Year and at times anxiety about whether I would be too tired for a morning message. Thankfully, our service started an hour late, as we knew that most people would appreciate an additional hour of rest for New Year's Day. In my sermon, I challenged my congregation live beyond their average lives. Based on 1 Cor 12:31, my intent was to prepare my hearers for the pulpit theme for January 2012: Love according to 1 Corinthians 13.

After my sermon, I was exhausted. When I arrived back home, I watched "Dolphin's Tale" with my daughter. It was a good movie, and a nice way to simply chill out on a cold and rainy day. From tired, I became moved. I was inspired. The story was a dramatization of a true story of how a little boy (Sawyer Nelson) became re-energized about his own calling, and how he channeled this calling into saving the life of a dolphin. I was particularly fascinated by how Lorraine talked about her son's revived energy and passion. It was like a lamp inside him had suddenly lit up. Before I share 7 points about not giving up in the midst of adversity, let me reflect on the passage above.

A) Hosea's Predicament

Hosea is the first of 12 minor prophets in the Old Testament books. The 'minor' here is used with regards to the books being shorter in length, and does not mean they are of lesser importance. At the time of writing, the Jewish nation had already been split into Northern (Israel) and Southern Kingdom (Judah). Hosea spoke out against the spiritual atrocities of Israel, and called them to return to the Lord. Hosea 6 is written within the context of asking the people to hang on to God in the midst of hardship and persecution. One thing about reading the Old Testament is that we need to always look at judgment from the perspective of redemption and restoration. Hosea 6 is an excellent example. Even after judging the people by letting their enemies conquer them, the Lord provides a way back to Him. Note how Hosea develops his exhortation:

• "He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us;" (Hosea 6:1b)
• "He has injured us but he will bind up our wounds." (Hosea 6:1c)

Like Hosea 6, Hosea encourages the people to hope in God, and to never give up. He urges them to 'press on to acknowledge the Lord.' Punishment is not forever. Redemption will finally come.

B) Pressing On: #1 - Sawyer's Calling

Great Family Movie: 5 stars!

Coming back to Dolphin's Tale, there are many elements of how those who have been down and out manage to press on despite their struggles. Firstly, the movie shows Sawyer as a boy without passion or energy. He goes to school late. He hardly pays attention in class. He looks uninterested in anything. Until one day, he sees a wounded dolphin landed on the beach, whose tail is caught by a nasty crab trap.  He develops a special connection with this dolphin. As he tries to help the dolphin survive and live, little does he realize that he has triggered an inner desire and purpose to live: To save the dolphin. From that day on, Sawyer becomes a passionate boy pressing on toward doing all he can for the dolphin.

KEY: Hosea recognizes his calling to be a prophet for a kingdom doomed to destruction. Imagine how Hosea feels when he sees only the threats and the coming judgment. Thankfully, he sees God's hopes more and the threats of judgment less. Hosea does not simply pronounce judgment. He announces hope.

C) Pressing On: #2 - Sawyer and Hazel

Secondly, both Sawyer and his friend Hazel have something in common. They are children of single parents. Together, they share a common bond in trying to help the dolphin called 'Winter.' It is encouraging to see that when one suffers, one needs not suffer alone. In one very special scene, when Sawyer laments about his dad who 'never calls' and 'never writes,' Hazel chimes in about her feeling the same way about her own mum. Pain when shared is halved. It seems like in moments of disappointment, one can find comfort and understanding with those who have gone through somewhat similar experiences. In other words, we are able to press on with the help of fellow strugglers.

KEY: For us, we can think of Jesus as a fellow sufferer, persecuted by the world. It is because He has suffered, we too can press on in spite of any disappointment or suffering. Pain shared is halved.

D) Pressing On #3 - Amputated Tail

Thirdly, due to the extensive damage and potential infection, Winter's tail has to be amputated. Without a tail, Winter cannot swim. Worse, it can lead to early death. With the lack of financial support, the rescuers are looking at the possibility of putting down Winter humanely. Just when all hopes seem lost, one of their friends agree to build a new prosthetic tail for free! That raises hopes in the midst of an impossible situation. Thankfully, the story's characters do not simply give in to their circumstances and give up on their hopes. They press on with whatever little they have.

KEY: Losing a part of us does not mean all hopes are lost. One small flicker of hope shines brighter than a large shade of gloom.

E) Pressing On #4 - Multiple Rejections

Time and again, the dolphin refuses to wear the tail. Each time a tail is put on it, it destroys it in no time. This is not only financially damaging, it is emotionally discouraging. It seems like the dolphin is destroying its very hope for survival. Yet, Dr Haskell presses on. Until Sawyer reflects on a possible reason for the rejection in the first place. When all hopes seem lost, Sawyer brilliantly comes up with a reason why Winter does not like the new tail. Sawyer eventually saves the day for all.

KEY: When the same way fails, try a different method. 

F) Pressing On #5 - Kyle

Sawyer's cousin, Kyle, was once a champion swimmer serving with the military forces. Unfortunately, an accident leaves his right leg maimed. Kyle goes into depression and refuses to live for anything. The turning point arrives when he sees some similarity between Winter and himself. He sees how his cousin, Sawyer, presses on to keep Winter alive, and at the same time, keep encouraging Kyle. Toward the end of the show, Kyle was seen proudly swimming his best, with his artificial limb, just like Winter was swimming with its artificial tail. Sometimes in life, we learn to press on when we see someone else doing their best to get back to normal.

KEY: God can use anyone to encourage us, even a dolphin.

G) Pressing On #6 - Financial Disaster

Hazel's father, Dr Haskett had poured his money and energy in building up a non-profit hospital for animals. Without additional money, they would have to close down the whole operation. As they prepare to shutter the doors, to give all their animals away, and call it a day, that would also mean certain death for Winter, as no buyers wanted Winter. Someone came up with a great idea to have a "Save Winter Day," a day in which they would highlight their plight to the world, and showcase Winter the amazing dolphin. Miraculously, it worked. Eventually, they landed a generous donation that allowed their entire operation to continue. It took a creative idea to avert a near certain disaster.

KEY: When we do our best, we let our best shine for all to see. When that happens, chances of a dramatic turnaround are higher. When all hopes seem lost to men, it is never lost with God. God always has a better way. We need to give ourselves time to hope in God.

H) Pressing On #7 - Never Give Up

The story of Dolphin's Tale is not simply about a dolphin's tail. It is about the spirit of pressing on, regardless of the mountain of challenges. Scene after scene, we see how every adversity has been overcome by a sudden turnaround of hope and faith. Sometimes, like the case of the failure of several prosthetic tails, one discouragement leads to another. During moments like these, we need to remember to press on, perhaps through another creative manner. As long as we do not give up, there is always hope.

My fellow readers, as we begin this New Year, we will all experience our fair share of ups and downs, happiness and sadness, encouragement as well as disappointments. The Bible tells us to hope in God. It tells us to press on. It calls us to look always to God. The certainty of God's coming is as certain as the sun that will rise in the morning. It is as certain as rain that will come one day to water our crops. It is because Jesus says He will come again, we can be sure to see it becoming a reality. Soon.

Press on. If you find it hard to press on, do yourself a favour. Watch "Dolphin's Tale."

Thought: "Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond to it." (Anonymous)

sabbathwalk

---

Copyright by SabbathWalk. This devotional is sent to you free of charge. If you feel blessed or ministered to by SabbathWalk weekly devotionals, feel free to forward to friends, or to invite them to subscribe online at http://blog.sabbathwalk.org . You can also send me an email at cyap@sabbathwalk.org for comments or enquiries.

The Success of Failure

TITLE: THE SUCCESS OF FAILURE
DATE: 14 Nov 2011
Written by: Conrade Yap

“You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.” (1 Thess 2:1)

MAIN POINT: The world measures success in terms of financial profits, pleasurable gains, and worldly acquisitions. The Christian rises above the paradigms of success and failure, to begin at the cross of Christ, which is foolishness to the world, a stumbling block to many. In other words, Christians see success and failures using a different measurement.

Aaron Feuerstein was a Jewish businessman. Like many, he did not enter into business to fail. He wanted to make money out of it. He desired to inject meaning in what he works. He aimed to live faithfully according to the Torah. For close to a century, his family had devoted their lives to supporting the economy in their hometown in Lawrence, Massachusetts. This company is Malden Mills, one of the largest textile companies in the state of Massachusetts. As CEO, Feuerstein was the third generation member to manage the innovative and reputable company.

Fire at Malden Mills, Lawrence, Massachusetts, 1995

On the night of Dec 11th, 1995, the sprawling factory ended up in smoke, in one of the biggest fires ever in Massachusetts. While there were no casualties, the damage to the economy in the town was immense. Without a factory, there will be no production. Without output, there is nothing to sell and there will not be any revenues. Without revenue and work, there is no justification in keeping the 3000 employees. The fire burned up not only the factory and jobs. It burned up hopes amid a difficult economy.