Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

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Month: November 2011 Page 2 of 3

Forbidden City – Now Open

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On November 16, 2011

In China Contemplations, Christian

Situated in the heart of Beijing is the Forbidden City (Gu Gong in Chinese). It was the imperial palace for twenty-four emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties that ruled China. Those who entered the imperial palace without permission of the emperor was punishable by death and hence the name ‘Forbidden City’. A visit to the Forbidden City leaves you undoubtedly tired, but at the same time awestruck for its expanse (over 170 acres) and architectural details. On November 7th, 2011, as a family, we were blessed to visit the Forbidden City, for what was once forbidden is no longer forbidden, as long as you have in your possession, the ticket that you purchase at the entrance to this attraction.

As I pondered about our experience, I realized that there is another Forbidden City, whose builder is not man but God (Hebrews 11:10; Revelation 21). It is forbidden to all who live according to the flesh and not according to the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-21). But in order to live according to the Spirit, one my first believe and have in them the Holy Spirit who is granted to seal all who believe in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:13). In other words, they must possess in them Jesus Christ, The Ticket. When man first sinned against God in the garden of Eden, access to having communion with God was forbidden, which is symbolized by the angels, and a flaming sword, that God placed, to prevent anyone from accessing the tree of life in the garden . But when Jesus paid the price (ticket price) for all of mankind with his very life, the veil that separated the Holy of Holies was ripped from top to bottom (Matthew 27:50-53), opening  access to God, which was previously forbidden (Hebrews 10:19-20). The Heavenly City is no longer forbidden to those who do the commandments of God (i.e., not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit), who have right to the tree of life, because they have believed in Jesus Christ. (Revelation 22:14).

Points to ponder:
Should you be standing now at the entrance to the city of Heaven, would you be allowed to enter in or would you be forbidden? Of all the questions that need to be answered, this one must not go unheeded and unanswered. The answer lies in, whether you have believed in Jesus Christ. If you have, the city of Heaven will welcome you. If not, the consequences of entering in, would mean judgment and certain fatality (second death). Think about it and believe, if you have not already done so, before it is too late and the city of Heaven remains forbidden to you.

Galatians 5:16-21 (KJV)
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 1:13 (KJV)
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Matthew 27:50-53 (KJV)
50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

Hebrews 10:19-20 (KJV)
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Revelation 22:14 (KJV)
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

The Great Wall – Lessons for Life

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On November 14, 2011

In China Contemplations, Christian

When visiting China with my family, it was a blessing and pleasure to be able to walk on the Great Wall of China on November 10, 2011. As one of the Seven Wonders of the medieval world, the Great Wall is not only magnificent in its splendor, but also meandering in its structure, stretching a little over 5500 miles, rightfully earning it the “longest man-made structure on earth” title. However, unbeknownst to many, the Great Wall is not a single long wall, but it is actually made up of many disconnected walls, built by various dynasties, as fortifications against invading armies. But because of its discontinuity, the Mongol invaders led by the one known as the Universal Ruler, Genghis Khan had no problem going around the wall and they subsequently conquered most of northern China until they were overthrown by the Ming dynasty.

As Reuben, our beloved five year old son, trekked the Great Wall from one watchtower to the next (approximately 2 kms) while my wife, Sangeetha waited on top of the starting tower in Badaling, I was amazed  by this feat of human engineering, but even more awestruck by the God who created and fashioned man, with the intellect to be capable of such superstructure achievements. Halfway through the walk, I tired and asked Reuben, if we should go back, to which he responded, that we must continue on our goal to reach the next tower. Reuben did not want to give up and his mission was to complete the course that we set out to. At one part of our journey, the slope was quite steep and as Reuben, inched his way down, holding on to the railing on the side, I could hear him say, “I am not afraid, God is with me, my dada is with me, I am not afraid.” I walked in front of him, backwards, down that slope, just to be sure that if he fell, I was going to be there to catch him. We eventually reached the next tower after about 45 minutes of walking up and down the stairs and slopes of the Great Wall and on our way back, I could see that Reuben was famished and fatigued. So I lifted him on my shoulders and walked until he regained some strength and then he would offer to walk, when he felt that I was tiring. My son, truly warmed my heart and this was indeed the highlight of my trip, to share nearly an hour and a half with my son, walking alongside and with him, through the trials and tests that the Great Wall could bring us. When we reached the tower from where we started, Reuben was rejoined with his loving mother and me with my beloved wife and all the tiredness and fatigue, seemed as just a vapor.

As I pondered of this spectacular and sensational experience, I began to wonder of its application to life and a few thoughts raised through my mind. First, just as the Great Wall separated China from invading kings, ‘sin’ is the great wall that separates us from the One True King of kings, Jesus Christ (Isaiah 59:2), but thanks be to God, that there is nothing, absolutely nothing, past or present (No Great Wall), that can separate us from the Love of God, that is in Christ Jesus, (Romans 8:35,38-39) because Jesus brought down this wall of sin and reconciled us to God, by his death in our stead (Romans 5:10) and his resurrection to reign. Second, the Great Wall is not impenetrable unlike the Only one who is impenetrable, who is God, our Creator, our fortress (in other words – THE Great Wall) around us (Psalm 18:2).  Third, my son taught me that we must be like one on a mission, running the race of life for God with an aim to complete it, fighting to win and not as one beating the air (1 Corinthians 9:24,26). Fourth, when we go through the steep slopes, including the valley of the shadow of death, we need not be afraid, for God is with us (Psalm 23:4). He goes in front of us, with his eyes on us, so that he can catch us, if we slip. My son with his words of overcoming fear was teaching me to “Trust in God” irrespective of how steep the slopes of life seem. Fifth, when we tire with our efforts, and are famished and fatigued, God happily puts on us his shoulders and carries us through the thick and thin of all that comes our way, as does a Good Shepherd, his sheep (Luke 15:4-6). Finally, when our journey on earth is done, our reunion with our loved ones who have gone ahead of us, and with The One who first loved us (Jesus Christ) would make the journey of life seem as if it was but a vapor (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

P.S: Click on the pictures to see a larger version. The first picture is a picture of the family at the starting tower. The second picture is the picture of Reuben walking down a slope in the Great Wall. The third picture is a picture of the section of the wall that Reuben and I trekked (from Watchtower 1 to Watchtower 2). This picture was taken from Watchtower 2.

Isaiah 59:2 (KJV)
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Romans 8:35, 38-39 (KJV)
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
…
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5:10 (KJV)
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Psalm 18:2 (KJV)
2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

1 Corinthians 9:24, 26 (KJV)
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
…
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

Psalm 23:4 (KJV)
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Luke 15:4-6 (KJV)
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJV)
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Psalm 121 :: Preserving God

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On November 11, 2011

In Christian, Psalm 121

Upon close introspection of the familiar Psalm 121, we can learn about some very distinct characteristics of God. Today, we will look at verses 7 and 8 which states, “The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” (NKJV)

God is portrayed here in these verses as our PRESERVER. In a world that is perishing for its unbelief in God (John 16:9), God who is the only Absolute of absolutes and Constant can preserve us.

Points to ponder:
Salt is used a good preservative because it has antibacterial properties that inhibits the growth of bacteria in food. When salt is infused with food, it is preservable. In like manner, when Jesus is infused in us, as the SALT in our lives, we are preservable as well, preserved from all evil (sin), any place (coming in and going out; spread), and not just in this world, but in the world to come (soul).

Psalm 121:7-8 (NKJV)
7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
8 The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore.

Psalm 121 :: Protecting God

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On November 10, 2011

In Christian, Psalm 121

Upon close introspection of the familiar Psalm 121, we can learn about some very distinct characteristics of God. Today, we will look at verses 5 and 6 which states, “The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night.” (NKJV)

God is portrayed here in these verses as our PROTECTOR. In the midst of the heat that the world throws at us, God will be our shade, not allowing anything to strike us, day or night.

Points to ponder:
Question: Since God is our protector, whom shall we fear?
Answer: Nothing or Nobody, anytime (day or night).

Psalm 121:5-6 (NKJV)
5 The LORD is your keeper;
The LORD is your shade at your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
Nor the moon by night.

Psalm 121 :: Patrolling God

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On November 9, 2011

In Christian, Psalm 121

Upon close introspection of the familiar Psalm 121, we can learn about some very distinct characteristics of God. Today, we will look at verse 4 which states, “Behold, He who keeps Israel, shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (NKJV)

God is portrayed here in these verses as our PATROLLING watchman who keeps vigil. A watchman does not slumber nor sleep, but keeps watch to protect against any threat. In like manner, God who keeps the Church (signified by Israel), is constantly in vigil, standing on guard for us, as a patrol man, diffusing and annulling any threat that come against us.

Points to ponder:
God is watching over you and me, keeping vigil, ALL the time. He neither slumbers nor sleeps, meaning that for not even a moment does God take his eyes off of you and me. Think about that!

Psalm 121:4 (NKJV)
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121 :: Pillar God

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On November 8, 2011

In Christian, Psalm 121

Upon close introspection of the familiar Psalm 121, we can learn about some very distinct characteristics of God. Today, we will look at verse 3 which states, “He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.” (NKJV)

God is portrayed here in these verses as our PILLAR, a support on whom we can rely and stand firm in a sure footed way. He has you and me in his focus all the time (no slumber) and is reliable.

Points to ponder:
In a world that is changing, God is the only constant – the same, yesterday, today and forever. He is the only one reliable that can be relied upon, like a lifesaver float that keeps us up, while the cares and worries of this world attempt to drown us. He is our support; our unshakeable pillar and we can, without any anxiety, lean on Him.
Cast your burdens on the Lord, for he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Lean on Him as he will not allow anyone or anything to topple you down.

Psalm 121:3 (NKJV)
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.

Psalm 121 :: Partner God

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On November 7, 2011

In Christian, Psalm 121

Upon close introspection of the familiar Psalm 121, we can learn about some very distinct characteristics of God. Today, we will look at verses 1 and 2 which states, “I will lift my eyes up to the hills – from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (NKJV)

God is portrayed here in these verses as not just the creator (producer) in verse 1, but also as our helper (PARTNER) in verse 2. A partner is one who is associated with another in some action or endeavor. A partner helps the other partner in times of need.

Points to ponder:
To be a partner with someone, implies that you and the other person are associated with each other and made whole together. Only with God as your partner, can you and I be made whole, and as our partner, He will be our helper so that we shall not want any good thing.
Have you been associated with God, by being grafted into The Vine, Jesus Christ, to be God’s partner?

Psalm 121:1-2 (NKJV)
1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
         From whence comes my help?
 2 My help comes from the LORD,
         Who made heaven and earth.

5Ps – Problems and Solution

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On November 4, 2011

In Christian

Problem statement: Man is a slave to one or more of the following – Power, Position, Prestige, Popularity and/or Pleasure. An obsession to these things are of the flesh and man must make no provision for gratifying these, but the flesh is weak, though the Spirit is willing.
Solution: There is only One and His Name is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Prophecy, proclaimed in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15), who came to this world, in the Persona of mankind (Philippians 2:7), and a Passion to save all (Romans 5:8). His death on the Cross and His resurrection comes as the Provision of a Savior (1 Corinthians 1:30) for the Problem of sin (Acts 2:38)

Romans 13:14 (KJV)
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Genesis 3:15 (KJV)
15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Philippians 2:5-7 (KJV)
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Romans 5:8 (KJV)
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Corinthians 1:30 (KJV)
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

Acts 2:38 (KJV)
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Ab ovo

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On November 3, 2011

In Christian

Ab ovo (pronounced: \ab-OH-voh\) in Latin, means from the beginning.

Genesis 1:1 states that In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The Bible not only talks about God’s creation of nature in the beginning, but it also talks about you and me, who were made in the image of God, and chosen, from the very beginning, even before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).

Points to ponder:
Before the foundation of the world, Jesus Christ existed and was foreordained (1 Peter 1:20) and He was the foundation under all of God’s creation (Colossians 1:16-17) and ab ovo, He chose us. But why did he choose us? He chose us ab ovo, so that we would be holy and without blame before him in love (Ephesians 1:4)

1 Peter 1:20 (KJV)
20 Who [Jesus Christ] verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Ephesians 1:4 (KJV)
4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 

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