The Ten Trials (PK's daily devotion)

19 Feb 2010
Remember! Do not forget how you provoked the LORD your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day that you departed from the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the LORD. Deuteronomy 9:7

There were 10 trials in the wilderness, and the Israelites failed them all. After they failed the 10th test at Kadesh Barnea, the Lord said, “They have put Me to the test now these ten times, and have not heeded My voice” (Num. 14:22). Here are the 10 tests:

(1) Murmuring against God. The Israelites accused God of deceiving them into a trap so that the Egyptians could kill them. There is always a tendency to blame God in the midst of crises.

(2) Bitter water at Marah. The Israelites murmured at the bitter water. Every believer will be tried by bitter experiences and disappointments.

(3) Hunger. This represents economic times of testing. We will all experience times of shortages and lack during which our faith in God will be tested. Our faith in God will then be tested.

(4) Gluttony. By taking more manna than they needed for the day, the Israelites willfully disobeyed the Lord.

(5) Thirst at Rephidim. Thirst speaks of dry and boring experiences. The Israelites murmured again.

(6) Idolatry of the gold calf. Inordinate desires and lusts must be conquered. Anything that replaces our reliance upon God is idolatry.

(7) Complaining about misfortunes at Taberah. Complaining about adverse circumstances doesn’t help us to find favor with God.

(8) Unthankfulness. The appetites of the Israelites were not consecrated to God. They detested God’s provision of manna and gorged themselves with quail.

(9) Criticism of leadership. Aaron and Miriam criticized Moses, the man who saw the face of God.

(10) Unbelief at Kadesh Barnea. The Israelites were right at the border of the Promised Land. The 10 spies all agreed that it was a good land, but that the enemies were too great. They infected the whole congregation with fear and unbelief. They had failed the 10th and most important test.

Finally, God said, “You will not enter in.”

No teacher ever creates a test for the purpose of trying to fail the student. Every test should be a stepping stone for greater glory. Instead, Israel made each Aof their tests a stumbling block into defeat. The Holy Spirit was always around to show God strong on their behalf whenever they were met by diffi culties. But they didn’t lean on Him. Let’s remember the Scriptural exhortation: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion” (Heb. 3:15).

How did it happen?

Not overnight for sure! And, nothing to do with love at first sight.
We were really JUST friends for months.
But I guess, it all started with friendship.
The proximity of our place did create extra time for fellowship.
Now I believe how the chinese saying "近水楼台先得月”comes about.
I really thank God for being in the whole process.
It might sound ridiculous to involve so many people in the "move" but it was absolutely necessary.
When I realised we were getting too close ie. chatting and exchanging bb messages almost everyday, I panic a little.
Familarity breeds contempt. I recognized the need to draw a line especially when I actually "look forward" to the beeping sound from my bb.
I know I am not heading right if I allow things to continue.
Spoke to Pastor and asked to do some changes. Permisson granted.
Anyway, there was quite a bit of wrestling between the mind and the heart.
We stopped all modes of communication for a couple of days as I wanted to talk to Pastor again about the hows and the whats. And I wanted Pastor to call him.
Afterall, nobody should be misleading anyone.
Then, Mr Tay blurted out.
I think I was a little excited but yet, apprehensive.
How would God view this relationship? Would it be a go-ahead or a thumbs-down?
It was a tinge of every emotion!
Since Pastor was supposed to talk to him the next day, we both waited.
And the wait prolonged.
I was not too confident of how things will work out given how different we both are.
Our backgrounds, experiences, length of time in church...etc contribute to my hesitation.
It was good that Pastor was in the loop since Day 1 because woman being woman, my judgment can no longer be trusted in totality.
I need Pastor's advice! We need Pastor's advice.
I was quite surprised how well they thought of him thou. Haha.
He went through a round of phone interview and he survived.
I thought, my, this man would probably take a step or two back. He didn't :)
But it got him thinking. Not just of the present.
We maintained a comfortable distance as friends until he was "invited" to the leaders' New Year Eve countdown.
That was when the progress accelerated.
Then, he assured me he was ready and I feel, we are good to go as long as Pastor is agreeable.
We said, Pastor's decision is our decision.
When he received Pastor's reply, he must be grinning from ear to ear *wink*
And so... it happened!
It is really so important to receive blessings from the leaders.
Honestly, I was busy preparing myself how and what to do should Pastor say no- be calm, be cool, be obedient...etc.
So when it was otherwise, I was in a state of shock or rather pleasant surprise.
There's alot we need to do and need to learn.
Whatever it is, we want to keep God in the centre this relationship and in centre of our lives. Amen and amen.

My Favourite Man

Other than Pastor Kong, Pastor Ken, Xiaolong, MK, Wilson, Uncle Henry ....Kidding :p

Cold Turkey Treatment

Seeing his droopy eyes and excessive yawns, pains my heart ALOT.
Not because of the brutality of the treatment but the brutality of human.
He still has to struggle with gaining acceptance after so much effort put in.
But yes, it is necessary if we are looking further.
And I thank all for making us think.

A bliss to be blessed

Thank God for my leaders' support.
They taught me that you dont have to be perfect to love and be loved.
They walked the walk that no one is destined to fail even after one or many failures.
They showed me that hard does not mean impossible.
And if things didn't work out, I know who I can run to without having to face "See, I told you so".
And these are the ones, I will pour my heart to.
They hear my cries before stuffing their reasonings down the throat.
And if they say "no", I should be willing to hold though it might hurt me so.

SUNK

My heart. Because you are someone important to me.
Yet it is obvious, we are not running in the same direction.
And that hurts.
Sometimes I wonder when you will learn;
Somedays I wish I never know.
When you left Him out, what will we become?
Enough betrayals.

LOVE

I must have left it behind in 2009.
If not, why am I so judgemental?
Or has my "grace quota" been exhausted?
Need to find my way back into LOVE. God's kind. Agape.
-----------------------------------------------
Yes yes, BREATHE :)

How different?

No difference.

Waiting

Been doing a bit of waiting these 2 days.
Then a thought dawn on me before I left house today, that I am no longer the suave Yen who can do things at her own pace, as and when she likes.
I kind of miss that life.

This Afternoon

Had a "conversation" with my sister.
Felt that things are not going to be easy.
The road ahead seems difficult and complicated.
So heavy.

In his & his & His eyes

In his eyes, I am someone who goes all out for Jesus and I expect my loved ones to do the same.
True but that caused me to ponder, am I imposing my standard, pressuring others to perform up to human's expectations?
Is either on par or better. Can't be any lesser.
Is that good or bad?
In his eyes, I am someone he loves and cares. I feel pampered.
What a luxury to be able to dress down from an "iron lady" to an "ordinary woman", for just a journey long.
To me, that's good enough.
In His eyes, I can rest in His presence and show my true self without reservation.
I can cry and howl; I can laugh and smile
I am free to express myself, knowing He will be there anyhow.
I want to be in His house:)

Wednesday

Surrounded by happy people today.
Felt chirpy too :)
Tonight might be a drinking session.
After all, I haven't been out with the girls for years.
It is funny how God brings people together.
We lost touch since... JC?
Those were the days.
Cheers!

Tuesday Night

Quite funny.
Someone who sat behind me on the bus started talking to me about how beautiful the sky is.
Yea, I agree. It's a nice day :)
My feet nearly tore apart after much walking.
Didn't spot anything I like at SKIN.
Aiya, I really need a pair of fitting jeans after losing some kilos.
Great appetite during dinner since my lunchtime was spent on the paperwork.
PK is coming back tonight. I wonder how things will be tomorrow.
Trust that it will all be good.
Good night :)

Tuesday

Woke up really late today.
Kena "suan" by Jon.
Still, I get to eat St Leaven yummy bread! Happy.
Didn't notice that the playground is finally ready...
The colours really cheered me up.
Had an interesting encounter at the lift.
Why would someone be attracted to a lady pushing a trolley and looking super unglam?
He got down my email.
Just received something from him and he is asking for my contact and for a cup of coffee.
Goodness.
Thank God I am leaving for a meeting soon and can excuse myself from the nonsense.
The rest of the day will be better!

Monday Night

Yes yes, I was supposed to be home at 7pm but thanks to Jon and Ernie, I was out till now.
They were nice enough to hang out at HV thou.
Had yummy raman at some Jap restaurant and mud pie at Coffee Club.
My throat was screaming out so I stopped after 2 spoonfuls of the dessert.
Food aside, it was fun talking and chatting.
From nonsense, to spiritual, to serious and back to crazy giggles.
Received 2 emails at almost the same time.
One is from PK and the other, a friend.
By the way, I cut off 3 credit cards.
Declaring a war with impulse buying. I felt really relieved.
One more thing to cut. I'm sure things will get even better there after :)

Monday

A bit slow as expected but I did wake up earlier than usual.
If Vic sees me, he will probably shake his head and say "all black again?"
Didn't have much mood and told Mel not to come over.
I am doing him a favor so he can do basketball with Pastor mah.
My poor advisor haha.
Waiting for time to quickly pass so I can go back home to rest.
Feeling terrible with ulcers in the mouth.
PK went China last night so tomorrow's meeting is cancelled.
Emailed him and Vivien the necessary instead.
Vien replied. She is so so sweet and kind.
PK is one fortunate man indeed!