Map of Life

I've just enrolled for a online bible course. The first lesson is an important but yet being forgotten by some of the Christians today - The Map of Life.

The lesson was being introduced by a short story of a boy and the father.

The boy had never seen his father study a map so carefully. He asked, "Father, why are you looking at that map?" His father smiled. "This map shows the streets of the city to which we are going. They say there is work there, in the city." Then the father's smile became a little sad. "I used to always know where I was," he said, "but the world has changed. Now we are going where we have never been before. For that, one needs a map."

The journey was long, and there was much time for thought. After a while, the boy again looked to his father. "Father, my birthday is coming soon. I know that I should not ask for much, but there is one thing you could give me." "I will give you whatever I can, son. What is it you want?" The boy replied, "A map." The father was puzzled. "Why do you ask for a map?"

The boy thought carefully. He said, "Because I will be growing older. I will be going where I have never been before. And you said, 'for that, one needs a map.'"

Yes! Indeed the truth is, whether young or old, we are all going where we have never been before. Every day we face new decisions, new demands, and new dangers. How are we to find our way safely through these? How are we to guide our families and especially our young ones? There are maps for every part of the world. But is there a map for the greatest journey of all, life itself?

How quickly this one, brief life passes. To ruin it by choosing a wrong road would be a terrible waste. How can we be sure of life's true purpose and direction? How can we be certain that we have made proper preparation for what lies beyond death? In seeking a Map for life, we should open the Bible because of the claims it makes. Again and again it assures us that it is the pure word from our Maker. Yes, the map for life.

Great man of God like Moses, King David,and Jeremiah has been emphasizing that the Word are from God through the Spirit! We must therefore seriously ask, "Did these prophets have a bad habit of lying? Or were they speaking the truth and God really did speak through them?"

Jesus assured us that these Bible prophets spoke the truth. Jesus relied on their reports of history (Matthew 12:40; 24:37-39). He trusted in all their writings, and taught us to have the same trust (Matthew 5:17-19; Luke 16:17, 29; 24:27, 44; John 5:39-47). He based His arguments on the exact words they used (Matthew 19:5-6; 22:32).

Paul urged his friend Timothy to be a good student of these Scriptures. Why? They are "the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). The apostles' writings make them even more valuable to truth seekers, for to the apostles Jesus promised "all truth" (John 16:13). There can be no doubt what the Bible is claiming to be: the Guide Book or the Map from our Maker who calls us to fulfill the special purpose for which He created us.

Many claim to speak for, or about, God. Making loud claims is easy. The hard part is proving those claims to be true. Most books by great thinkers do not try to offer real proof. The Bible not only offers good evidence, it is itself the proof!

The Bible, written over many centuries, stands alone in combining two things: It foretold coming events. Then, much later, it reported their fulfillment. These are not 'guesses' about small, hidden happenings. Many of the Bible's prophecies deal with entire nations, and world-changing events. Hundreds of the prophecies are about the King called Christ.

Well, the summary of this lesson will be: God's Message leads you into better, happier living. It brings you hope, joy, love and life.


Amen!

Treasure It!

Last Sunday, when I searched through my church's book shelves, I've found a few copies of Malay Language New Testament Bible.

I picked it up. As I hold it in my hands, I felt a great deal of satisfaction in my heart! This is because Malay Bibles are no longer allowed to be imported from other countries due to some political issues earlier on.

This little Malay Bible, has taught me to treasure what we already have, and be grateful for it! As we have received the salvation through Christ, let us continue to live out our salvation! Never ever take it for granted! Also, let us share the great joy and news to our friends and neighbors.

Philippians 2:12-13
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. "


With love,
FF