Is It Right to Yearn for Heavenly Reward?​

by | Apr 7, 2024 | Sam Tan, • Timely Word •

Is It Right to Yearn for Heavenly Reward?​

Regarding heavenly reward, it is common to hear believers say, “Salvation is sufficient a reward.” Others say, “Eternal life is the goal.” Yet others say, “I want a big house in heaven as my reward!”​

The New Testament (ESV) contains more than 20 references about a reward the faithful will receive from the Lord for their earthly deeds in His service. ​

In Matthew 16:27, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” Here, “reward” is clearly not a reference to salvation, for salvation is a grace gift (Eph 2:8-9), not a reward. Instead, “reward” as used here refers to a wage earned for work done. Accordingly, each believer will be rewarded by the Lord “according to what they have done” during their lifetime as Jesus’ disciple. ​

What works will earn a reward from the Lord? Eph 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Out of His love and grace He chooses to involve His disciples in His Kingdom work. Jesus, the King has prepared specific tasks for each of his subject to do – different tasks in different seasons. It is therefore incumbent on each subject to actively seek and discern what these are each season of their lives, and after that to prioritize and do them. Because Kingdom work is spiritual work, Kingdom tasks always require faith in action (see Heb 11). These faith actions done in response to His call, prioritized in life’s deeds and pursued with reliance on God’s unseen yet powerful presence, will earn the Lord’s reward. ​

When my children were little toddlers, I recall doing a stars-chart reward scheme for them during their school holidays. The goal was to inculcate certain habits (e.g. reading) and/or personal responsibility (e.g. making their own beds in the morning). Each action would earn a certain number of stars. At the end of the holidays, the stars would be counted and rewards would be given based on the stars tallied. While higher achievements earned more valuable rewards, I observed that the joy from receiving parental affirmation far exceeded the reward’s value. We were also so joyful and proud of them for their accomplishments. However, if our children had shown disinterest or were non-participative, it would have caused us great sadness and disappointment.​

Jesus has prepared different Kingdom tasks in different seasons for us to do and He will reward each according to what they do. The focus is not on amassing rewards, the value of the reward nor the reward itself, rather it is in the joy of collaborating with Jesus in the Kingdom work. When we have completed the tasks assigned, each work will be tested and each will be rewarded accordingly (1 Cor 3:12-15, Matt 25:14-30). If done faithfully, the joy at that time of both the faithful and that of Jesus will be so great when He says, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matt 25:21, 23). The alternative is regret and much sadness because there will be no turning back then.​

As we serve Jesus, our King, on top of a heart of gratitude and worship, will we also nurture a heart’s longing for His heavenly reward He yearns to give us? Today, how eager and expectant are we for His reward? At the end, will our lives bring joy or disappointment to Jesus?​

by brother Sam Tan​

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Listening for the Holy Spirit’s Voice

by | Apr 5, 2023 | Sam Tan, • Timely Word •

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:13-14)

When Jesus announced his imminent death to his disciples, the security of the believers crumbled. Jesus assured them saying, “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you. But  if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). “You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:17b-18). They would never be alone.

Fear of a situation or an unknown outcome in life decisions can often be debilitating. What we need then is to stay centred in God’s will for our lives – in and through Jesus, who is our Good Shepherd and the Word. But we often simplify God’s Word into a set of rigid and quick rules and apply them resolutely and equally to all situations. In addition, Jesus often uses the same words to speak to us differently for different situations. What then?

This is where we rely on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus after the Ascension to dwell in every believer. One of His roles is to “teach you all things”  (from the Word).  In every situation and life decision, He will “bring to your remembrance all that I (Jesus) have said to you” (John 14:26 NLT). The indwelling Holy Spirit “will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future” (John 16:13-14). The result is peace (shalom) amidst storms (John 14:27, 16:33) and rejoicing at the end of trials and temptations when we are able to see Jesus’ work in our lives (John 14:28, 16:20).

Reflecting on Easter, I am so thankful to Jesus for the Cross and for His Holy Spirit sent to dwell and speak to me always through my life’s journey; for the world is rough, fast and noisy.

So, let us learn to recognise the voice of the Holy Spirit from the many others voices which surround us. (eg, our own, others, the world’s and Satan’s). I am personally dissatisfied with the level of my ability to clearly discern the Holy Spirit’s voice for  I want to have a keener sense of Him: like that of a parent recognizing their child’s voice. So I am praying expectantly, asking God to train me to be still and to sharpen my discernment. May we all heed this command repeated 4 times in Revelation: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 2:29, 3:6, 13, 22)

By brother Sam Tan

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14a)

by | May 20, 2022 | Sam Tan, • Timely Word •

During my growing up years, I was a timid little boy. Each time the refuse collection truck passed by my house, its monstrous size and thunderous roar scared me so much I would hide behind the main door or run to the back of the house. Growing up as a teen, I disliked myself much and often tried to behave like those who were very popular and accepted by many. I would try to wear what they wore; speak how they spoke and even write in styles they wrote. When relating to others, I would not allow others to get too close to me lest they see the real person in me.  As a result, I had difficulties building authentic close relationship with others. This became an issue in my teenage years and through my time during National Service.

Then in 1987, God broke through. He sent an army colleague to invite me to the Reinhard Bonnke rally at the National Stadium. There, I surrendered my life to Jesus. After becoming a Christian, the first thing I learned was that God loves me. I reflected in amazement, “I don’t even love myself, yet this God  who is above all, accepts and loves me?” It was a breakthrough. From then I started to accept myself more and related with others better.

Later, I discovered that God treats me as His treasured possession (Deut 26:18). Possessions that are treasured are always kept by their owner in the most secure place, watched over carefully and endeared greatly. On days when I felt down or defeated, I asked myself, “If I am His treasured possession, how could He have allowed such issues to happen to me? Surely, He cares about how I am feeling.” I rationalized that He must have allowed it because He had a special purpose for me. That thought would lead me to prayer and waiting upon Him (to understand His reason).  And in the meantime, I would pick myself up again, in assured hope I would hear from Him (and I did).

In recent years, I discovered that after salvation, till the day I die, every day God is busy at work remolding my inner person (Isa 64:8, 2 Cor 3:18) to be who He had made me (before sin broke it) and calls me to be. As I abide in Him daily, part by part, step by step, He restores me. He rejoices at every change that happens in me. There is still lots of work to be done. But He never sleeps nor slumbers, He continues shaping me, and will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6). Amazing!

I do not dislike myself anymore. In fact, I love myself very, very much (haha)! But this is not in arrogance nor self-pride but rather in humility, thankfulness and rejoicing. I do not see myself from my viewpoint because if I do, I might rate myself too highly (resulting in arrogance and pride) or too lowly (resulting in low self-esteem). Rather, I see myself from His viewpoint. And what He sees is a treasured possession.

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.

They cannot be numbered!” (Ps 139:17NLT)

By brother Sam Tan

Why Aren’t the Children Listening When I Am Teaching?

by | Jun 22, 2021 | Sam Tan, • Timely Word •

Fathers are given the lead charge to bring the children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Eph 6:4). For a short, precious season, together with their wives, they get to be the first to “write on a blank sheet” and influence who their children will grow up to be. But if they are not present sufficiently, that page will still be filled but by someone or something else (like the internet). Therefore, this calls for great intentionality.

When our three kids were in their pre-school to primary ages, we often brought them to the beach. The night before, we would pack our beach pack (sand toys, ball, kite, mats, goggles, etc). In the morning, we would wake everyone up by 8am, have breakfast, sunblock everyone, put on their swim wear, pack them into the car, swing by a market or hawker centre to buy packet lunch, and then head to the beach. We would swim, build sandcastles, tunnels, bury someone in the sand, play ball or fly a kite. After lunch, we would shower everyone and wash up the toys, before returning home.

Once our neighbour passed by and remarked, “Both of you are very energetic, yeah?”. Till today, my wife and I cannot stop laughing when recalling that remark. Yes, parenting is tiring. Many might say that it is too much trouble. But we had never felt that way. On the contrary, we found it enjoyable and even necessary. Apart from the beach, we also did other outdoor activities together like cycling, swimming, walks in MacRitchie, participation in running races and many visits to the zoo. Till today, we recall the many memorable moments we had built up together with much joy and fondness.

But on top of building memorable moments, the more crucial point is that it opens up many opportunities for us to observe and know them better (e.g., their temperament, likes/ dislikes, strengths/ weaknesses, listening in to their hearts, and monitoring any stress points from school or even home). Likewise, they too get to observe and know us better. There are no short cuts to these. Without intentional moments outside of school routine together, deeper discoveries and connections cannot happen.

During their young formative years, if you find your personal time / energy crunched on most days, it is imperative to review and reprioritize your task list. Putting the children as priority (after God and spouse) may mean putting on hold other priorities for a season (e.g., career advancement, personal ambition, shortening time spent with extended family and friends or even how many ministries to serve in).

This will be very worthwhile because the scary truth is that with the children, there is no PAUSE button to let you do other things first and return to the point where you had left off. Also, no U-TURNs if for example you had not spent sufficient time instilling basic discipline in them during their toddler to primary ages, it might be too late to discipline them when they have reached their teens. During their young formative years, you just need to overcompensate and be there a lot.

Today, I celebrate and affirm many fathers I see in our midst who are very involved in their children, especially those with infants and toddlers. Good job and Happy Father’s Day! 

By brother Sam Tan

A Father’s Heart

by | Jun 21, 2020 | Sam Tan, • Timely Word •

The Christian father is called to be the head of his household. He is to lead, protect, provide, nurture and be their role model. Foremost, he is to be one who loves the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength. From that, he serves God in his home as a loving husband and an authoritative disciplinarian, yet a loving, gentle, affirming and encouraging father to his children. As a role model, he needs to lead a personal life with integrity, discipline and rectitude, amongst others. In addition, he is to remain consistent over the course of time.

Oh, what a lofty calling!

I cannot blame you if you feel overwhelmed. The mandate given by God is a high one. However, in upholding the call, men need not walk alone. The issue is that he has a tendency to do so. In general, men tend to put up a “strong-man” front socially. For example, when sharing past experiences,  he has a tendency to share only his success stories (showing his achievements). When someone talks about a setback, though none was called for, he voluntarily offers a solution (showing his intellect). Else, he would talk about the latest gadgets (showing his knowledge). He seldom bares his heart to talk about his setbacks (showing his weaknesses).

Whenever men face failures, disappointments or feel overwhelmed, generally men would not easily open up to his peers about them. A man’s heart is a like a high-walled, top security facility, off limits to others. This explains his preference to dwell on neutral topics with his friends (e.g. world politics,  latest sporting scene,  gadgets, work)  because  in  these, the risk is low for anyone to go near to his heart. Moreover, in these he is able to show that he has a good grasp of world’s issues (and solutions for them). The only problem is that such issues are usually too big or far away, they do nothing for him or his household. Wives cannot understand how their husbands can spend the whole night talking about such topics.

Because men are not used to baring his heart to his friends (“strong-man” image), men suffer when facing setbacks. While the “strong-man” image is needed (because everyone in the household is looking up to him), it becomes a problem if he does have the skill to let his guard down or have a safe place to do it.

Two keys:

First key is to ensure he connects to his Father God daily to seek guidance and strength. If he is not setting aside time daily to spend with Jesus, his Lord and Master, he will become lost, vulnerable and exhausted easily.

Second key is to have accountability partner(s) whom he connects with regularly (have 2 or 3 for each season of life, monthly catch-ups and regular text chats on issues/ joys/ prayers). For this bond to work, a safe environment has to be created by each agreeing to bring their “strong-man” image down when they meet, be vulnerable to bare their hearts about their lives (challenges, failures, fears, joys, victories, direction, etc.), give prior permission to speak into each other’ lives without reprisal, and to uphold confidentiality on all information shared. As a band of brothers through life’s challenges, they commit to regularly pray for each other and give an account of their spiritual walk.

Fathering is a high and lofty calling and often littered with brokenness. By not journeying alone but authentically with a band of brothers, fathers find a safe place to pour out and deal with any setbacks/ brokenness, regain their direction and strengths, and be refreshed again for the next lap. To all fathers, today and every day we want to appreciate and honour you, for your love and your herculean fathering work. Happy Father’s Day!

– Brother Sam Tan, a Father (YCKC Bulletin 21 June 2020)

PS: We invite all men to join YCKC’s “men in prayer for men” at YCKC’s Men’s Online Prayer Night (every Wed 8.30pm – 9pm, see bulletin page 13 for details).

PPS: Father’s Day prayer on page 14 of the bulletin.

 

Do you have a good friend?

by | Sep 29, 2019 | Sam Tan, • Timely Word •

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Prov 18:24)

In His Kingdom, God give us a grace community of friends. He also provides at least one good friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Often times, keeping on the narrow road is not easy. The narrow road is one less travelled. It can be lonely. Some junctions have no clear signs to show the way to stay on it. It can be confusing and exasperating. Some sections are dark. We want to get through it quickly but to stay on the narrow road, we can only meander through it slowly. It is scary. And God can seem quiet during such times.

At 2am, when we are in the midst of such troubles, do we have a good friend whom we can call without a risk of being rejected, misunderstood or scolded? Who are these good friends? How do we develop such friendships?

These are individuals advisably of same gender who have the same love for Jesus, passion to live out the Kingdom life and calling, and a deep desire to want to keep on the narrow road till finish. They have an agreement to support each other in prayer and in practical ways to keep on keeping on.

To grow that relationship, they create a safe environment for themselves through upholding three basic principles of “no pretence”, “no leakage” and “no need permission”. The first calls for an openness and authenticity with each other about their personal lives, including their brokenness. The other party is to withhold judgment and provide a compassionate listening ear. The second calls for an absolute confidentiality to all information received. The third is an open permission to allow each to speak into each other’s lives. The other party is not to be defensive nor angry but to be open to listen.

Such a good friend is like a fighter pilot’s wingman who always provide the necessary cover and support during a mission and always stay close, keeping watch over for any external dangers, issues or erroneous ways that one may be oblivious about. He affirms and celebrates together in victorious times.

Such a relationship would of course take time to develop because trust is foundational. It always start with a gradual pace.

If you desire to have such a good friend, ask the Lord to provide. Then seek out a matured brother or sister to explore walking a journey together for a season (alternatively, ask church leaders to recommend). Once agreed upon, commit to meet at least once a month and for a season (e.g. 1 year). Meet and read the Scriptures together. The use of a devotional book is helpful. Share each other’s journey, personal challenges, brokenness, victories and pray for each other. Supplement these with regular short messages/calls of prayers, encouragements and updates. Through this, you will slowly find the relationship with that Kingdom friend grow.

To be a Kingdom kind of a person living out the Kingdom call is not easy. The bar Jesus sets is very high. However, the grace He provides will be equally sufficient. He never rejects when we boldly approach and persistently come to Him. In the narrow road journey He calls us into, He provides a grace community of friends and at least one good friend to help us finish it well.

In your current journey, do you have such a good friend whom you can call at 2am?

By Sam Tan (YCKC Bulletin 29 September 2019)