Thursday, February 9, 2012

An exposition on waiting on the Lord

This morning, I found a very relevant reading from a periodical that I want to share. It is not my own words or thoughts, but an interesting reading that has a message that is important to me. What I am going to share is taken from:


"Wait on the LORD" The Bible Searcher January 2012. Supplement to Messages of God's Love Volume 113, Part 1 - Section 1 (published in 5 parts) by Bible Truth Publishers: January 1, 2012.
The word 'wait' (qavah in Hebrew), used in many verses that have the phrase "wait upon the Lord," does not mean to sit or rest. The thought is to look expectantly while waiting for, or waiting on the Lord. Psalm 123:2 explains the type of waiting that is meant: "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God." Waiting on the Lord does not mean that we should do nothing, but rather that we should focus on the Lord watching for His signal to us, while we serve Him.
Breaking into the thought, I find this as a very good explanation or definition of what it means to wait on the Lord - watching for his signals and signs. It reminds me that I must constantly look at my environment and monitor what's going on in my world as well as to study the prophetic scriptures of end times, so that I can be aware of God's signs and signals. It also reminds me that I must at least commemorate that annual Sabbaths of the fall festival with contemplation, deep introspection and reflection. For all these are given as God's markers of what he's doing and going to do, as well as tells of the nearness of the coming of Messiah (as well as the Anti-Christ incarnate).

Continuing though on the author's trend of thought:

"A good waiter at a restaurant keeps an eye upon the guests he is serving (or waiting on) so that he can quickly answer even a look. Similarly, we should practice the same behavior toward the Lord. As we serve the Lord doing whatever He has put infront of us to do, we should keep our eyes, ears and hearts tuned toward the Lord so that we can quickly answer His call when He looks our way. To accomplish this practically in our lives, we need to always remember that no matter where we may be, we are the Lord's servants."
 I need not say any more. A timely reminder that location does not matter for an immigrant student in Canada.

Thoughts on gift giving

Valentine's day is coming up, but I don't celebrate it because of its pagan origin. Nevertheless, in my reflections I want to consider the verse above and its implications for those who are considering giving gifts or even those who will be receiving gifts on the day.

Just to let you know that the best gifts are not man-made. Good and perfect gifts come from the Creator. Gifts like the sun, the air we breathe, life itself. friends and relationships (and especially your partner or spouse) are all gifts that you can't purchase at any superstore.

So just a rule of thumb. If your gift is made by man, it may be good, but it ain't perfect. If your gift comes from God, such as your talents, the Holy Spirit, your ministry, then that gift is priceless. However it is far more important for you to celebrate that you have such a wonderful gift giver than it is to celebrate receiving his gifts.

God bless.