SPIRITUAL MUSCLE TONE

One bedtime problem many of you have experienced is being too “wound up” from overwork to fall asleep. However, another situation can also contribute to lack of sleep: that is, not being tired enough.

The more I talk to our partners, the more I’m convinced that not enough physical activity during the day can be as great a hindrance to sound rest as being overactive.

Granted, the ideal level of exertion is different for each individual. No one would expect a retired person to operate at the same physical level as a construction worker. But, we need to watch out for sluggishness, whether it be physically, mentally or spiritually.

The Apostle Paul addressed the issue on a spiritual level when he said, “…we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:11-12, NKJV).

Through this we can see that sluggishness on any level can start to affect our spiritual “muscle tone” even to the point of eventually deteriorating our faith. Don’t let this happen. Determine tonight to begin a “fitness program” in the area you and the Lord decide needs more exertion.

POINT OF BLAME

Who would have ever thought that anyone would point the finger at Jesus and say to His enemies, “It’s His fault that I’m healed. Go get Him.”

Yet, in essence, that’s exactly what the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda did when he reported Jesus to the Pharisees (John 5:15). However, this man not only had a history of paralysis, he had a history of blaming others for his troubles. When Jesus asked him if he wanted to be healed he said, “I can’t. Everybody always pushes into the water ahead of me.”

Paralysis and blame: The two went hand-in-hand.

The tragic thing is that many of you lying on your beds tonight have been suffering spiritual paralysis for the very same reason: Blame. You may have awakened in a near-frenzy, thinking, “It’s their fault this relationship failed. If only they…” or “How could they do this to me?” Stop right now. Don’t carry the burden of blame one night longer.

Read these words of Isaiah: “If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness…The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones” (Isaiah 58:9, 11, NKJV).

Have no more to do with blame, the silent crippler of your soul. Repent of “pointing the finger” and be free to enjoy new health and good sleep.

SLIGHTED FOR CHRIST

In the past, how have you responded to rejection? Have you allowed hurts and the brokenness of your spirit to keep you awake night after night?

Jesus came to heal your broken spirit, and to pour the balm of His love into all those wounds…but there are still more challenges ahead. As you move out to minister Christ’s life to an abused and pain-wracked world, you may have to be prepared to meet the worst rejections you have ever felt from those you love the most.

Why? Perhaps they are afraid of Christ’s life in you, or they prefer to live in darkness. They could be jealous over your spiritual gifts, or a misunderstanding of what Christ’s love is all about. Regardless of the reason, rejection can come with the territory.

The Apostle Paul felt this intensely, saying, “I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.” (2 Corinthians 12:15, NLT). And, Jesus also lamented, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.” (Matthew 23:37, NLT).

WRONGFULLY ACCUSED

It has happened to God’s greatest servants, and it could happen to you. The night may come, if it hasn’t already, when you lie awake in violent outrage beseeching God: “How should I answer these false accusations? I’ve done nothing wrong! What should I say? What should I do?

God’s answer may come as a shock. He may instruct you to say nothing at all. Joseph, set up by Potiphar’s wife; David, slandered by Saul; and Jesus, whose trial was a total mockery, all behaved the same way: By exercising incredible self-control, they trusted God for their defense.

David described himself as being like a mute, restraining his mouth with a “muzzle” while the wicked were before him (Psalms 38 and 39). But unbeknownst to him, God was using these trials to prepare him for greater things.

It is possible that God is preparing you to face future persecution, through your experiences with false accusations now. What you are learning to handle and the way you handle it could bring great glory to Him.

As He told the disciples: “Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer; or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say” (Luke 12:11-12, NKJV).

As difficult as it is, look at these painful accusations as a training ground for unprecedented progress in the Lord. He has tremendous things in store for you!

In a souvenir shop

Today, as I took my usual jog in this small humble town, i came across this shop which sell jewellery and souvenir. Walked in, was greeted by a small gal, about 11 years old who called her mom. Her mom, the owner came and greeted. I just said to her, I just would like to look around. She went back to do her cooking.

As I was walking around this pretty small shop, I came across a photo of the owner and her 2 daughters. The elder one looks so familiar, seems like someone i met before. Her smile on the photo caught my eyes, such beauty… such elegance… Then i remember, she was a student in usmkk too… Cant believe my old memories in usmkk still fresh…

Quite some time i gazed at her smile… I remember once, I saw her a few times in usmkk, did ask her to join some cf activities but didnt saw her in cf activities at all… Jz cant believe tat i recall this in this small town…Rupanya this is her hometown..

Gained strength, I asked her mom about her, and her family. Seems to me, she has a very loving and caring mom.. We had quite a long chat.

Crush injury

A 30 year old vietnamese, working in a wood factory presented to A@E with alleged industrial injury. His left hand got stuck in a wood cutting machine, while working. Post-trauma, no LOC, no nausea and vomiting, no headache. But c/o left hand bleeding with severe pain and deformity. O/E, the left hand was totally crushed. 1st and 2nd finger totally gone and not viable. 3rd to 5th fingers viability questionable. Case was attended by Medical officer with me in the A@E itself. Patient’s BP was intially low, probably due to excessive bleeding, but then later responded to fluid resus. About 5 pints of Gelafundin was run.

This patient will need a hand microsurgery, which is not available in this hospital. He has to be referred to a hand microsurgeon which is about 3 hours journey from here. But another problem, since this patient is not a malaysian, a deposit of at least RM3000 is needed prior to surgery. My MO then consulted his employer regarding this option. As we expected, his employer is not keen to pay RM3000 for him, instead ask us to do wat we can for him.

So we planned a wound washout, wound debridement, K-wire insertion, and toilet and suturing under emergency GA, Keep In View Below Ankle Amputation if the 3rd to 5th fingers are not viable. consulted bout patient and his wife regarding this, and they signed the consent form.

So MO and me went in the surgery. Fortunately, his 3rd to 5th fingers were viable. So we did a wound washout, wound debridement, K-wire insertion and Toilet and suturing under GA. Patient was stable thoughout admission and discharge after 4 days.

Pre-surgery

Post-surgery

I do wonder, will he ever get back to work…. Will his employer give him any compensation…. the life of foreign worker in Malaysia is really a sad case…. Many more are like him….

One little mistake and he lost 2 fingers…. Thinking of this, sometimes I just give thanks to God for whatever I has. Having a full function limbs is already a blessing from God…

Destress with food!!!

SEEK UNDERSTANDING

“I just don’t understand her!” “He’s impossible!” These little phrases have caused many sleepless nights.

How many times have you gone to bed with your mind churning over someone you just can’t understand? Questions like, “Why is she so miserable?” “Why doesn’t he change?” or “How could he do this?” rage on and on.

You soon discover that there’s no peace in trying to figure this person out for yourself; you need God’s help. Only His understanding can give you the serenity necessary not only to sleep well, but to deal with the individual later on.

How can you “tap into” God’s understanding? Merely desire it and seek Him for it and it’s yours! He says, “apply your heart to understand; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding… Understanding will keep you, To deliver you from the way of evil, From the man who speaks perverse things, From those who leave the paths of uprightness To walk in the ways of darkness” (Proverbs 2:2-3, 11-13, NKJV).

By gaining His understanding you will enter into a love and appreciation of those who now trouble you. No longer will you be in bondage to the distresses they cause. Through His understanding you will be free!

A new life in a new department

8 months into housemanship, 16 more months to go… Im counting days of being a houseman in a beloved country called Malaysia… Housemanship is only once in a lifetime, many ppl says we should learn as much as possible during housemanship… I do wonder… Hav I been learning enough the past 8 months? Still seems so much is lacking within me.

Im currently in a new posting, a very much different posting than the previous 2 ones. The previous 2 ones was really a very hectic and busy ones. They really drained me of my adrenaline… And now I really feel so tired and ‘malas’ already…

Here in this posting, I got more time for sports and social. Got to play badminton and futsal more often. Get to spend more time socialising with friends. I feel much ‘younger’ now… Really miss those days in USMKK where sports is an everyday thing to me…

But the past 8 months of hectic life has also drained me of my spiritual life. I oso now feeling tired and ‘malas’ spiritually. Tried to pray sometimes but really difficult to concentrate… Tried to read the bible but my eyes gets heavy in a short while. I need God’s love to overwhelm me again, that I will continue to desire Him more and more…

A LONG PROCESS!

Have you become totally impatient with yourself? I have heard even the strongest Christians cry in utter frustration, “What’s wrong? I’m supposed to be a ‘new creation’ in Christ, but nothing seems to be changing. It’s the same old me!”

You may spend wakeful nights, feeling you can’t possibly measure up to God’s expectations of you, but put your mind to rest. Realize that spiritual growth is a process; sometimes a long process. Genuine maturity does not happen overnight.

The following Scripture, with which you may be very familiar, offers some helpful insights: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV). In the original language the full meaning is that old things are in the process of passing away; behold, all things are in the process of becoming new.

This refers directly to your life. What God is telling you is that all things in your soul and your innermost being are in the process of being transformed in and through His Life!

Don’t be impatient. Don’t be frustrated with yourself when progress doesn’t come as quickly as you’d like. You aren’t failing God. In His time He will complete a work in you that far exceeds what you could ever imagine or believe!

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