< Previous, > Next

The tribe of Issachar was able to discern the seasons. I do not have such gifting nor met someone with such gifting. Sensing that this is a turbulent period I have asked for the gifts of discerning of spirits and word of knowledge; hoping to be more effective in ministry.

What then is to be done about knowing the season? I believe it is always best to go back to basics; depend on the Holy Spirit who is our Counselor. It is He who reveals all truths to us and enables us to enjoy the liberty we have. To hear from the Holy Spirit of course will mean having to spend time with Him and to wait on Him. It is always such a struggle in this area. It is difficult to get people to listen to this let alone to try and do it. However, there is little complaint when one spends so much time waiting to see one’s doctor or dentist, banker or politician. We must have griefed the Holy Spirit often. Remember He dwells in us and listens to our thoughts and the intents of our hearts.

To know the season we must first know what we are supposed to do. Then we must go back to the Word of God. I find it difficult to read a book cover to cover for a lifetime. First I try to get an overview by reading the last book – Revelation. Faithfully I finished it and tried to make a summary. The only words that came to mind was “They that have ears let them hear …..”. I got the point, looked up and apologized and started reading from page one. Well meaning friends had advised me to start from the four gospels, the gospel of St. John, follow a schedule of ‘old’ and ‘new’ testaments in various computations. None was satisfactory except to follow what the Author intended; cover to cover.

Before we do anything, do we always make sure that we know what God want us to do. I came to know Jesus as Lord during the revival years in Kuala Lumpur – 1979. Things move at a fast pace at the time. Many felt called to be pastors, to start churches, go to missions. Some however responded according to their emotions. They did not wait for confirmation from the Lord. These young men left their jobs, went to bible school and worked as full time pastors. After two or three years, they left the ministry. They could have been spared the disappointment had they waited to confirm that their calling, generally by visiting speakers, is the will of the Lord. Today many meetings could be avoided, saving much time and expenses, if members first seek the will of the Lord. Remember our Lord Jesus Christ came to do only the will of the Father and to destroy the works of the devil. Look at the fruits He left behind. Let us stay focused and do not stray from our VISION and MISSION.

A recent event encouraged me and taught me a few things. Prompted by an article in the NECF newsletter of the spiritual dryness in Kelantan and Terengganu, I sought the Lord about a rally. With the peace to proceed, we looked for the speaker we had in mind. We knew not where he was for he was on mission. To our surprise, he emailed us that he would be in Malaysia and would like to meet up with us; something he had never done before. When we went to meet the pastors in Kelantan, we had another pleasant surprise. We were told that the NECF prayer team had been in Kelantan to lead the pastors in prayer and to encourage them. The pastors caught the vision of revival coming to their churches. When we presented our plans they were happy to welcome us. Now the pastors have agreed to come together and pray for the coming event. The Lord has said “the battle belongs to Me.”: If anything is of the Lord it will come to pass. His love binds our hearts together in unity. Let us continue to put our trust in Him.

I close with words of this chorus which came to mind:
“I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, no turning back.”