Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Substitute Players
The Substitute Players
The Substitute Players
A couple of weeks ago US Navy decided to sink one of its ships that has served since
World War II. The ship will serve as an artificial reef. Think of it. Even though the ship is no longer
on active duty, but it’s not totally out of service. It still has a purpose.
Terry has something similar to that Navy ship. She has suffered stroke, cancer, and
recently, appendicitis, and blood infection. What can sustain her, it’s her faith.
One day, in the hospital, Terry prayed for a nurse who was treating her, “May the Lord bless
your hands.” The Holy Spirit touched her heart, and the nurse wept. She shared her life with Terry.
She divorced and has been suffering.
Terry, on her hospital’s bed, could comfort and counsel the nurse regarding her relationship
with a new friend. The old Navy ship was sunk, but can still serve bottom fish. Terry was down on
her bed, but could minister to a nurse who needed a word of encouragement.
I’d like to share the story of another brother-in Christ, Bob Roeters who passed away last
weekend. Cindi, Bob’s wife emailed to friends, and Church’s members, “In lieu of flowers,
donations can be made to: Lynden First Reformed Church/ Vietnam Mission. Bob was an active
supporter of world missions through his church and was at his best when hosting two Vietnamese
missionaries last summer. “
We know best what a person believes at the last moment when he/she is still alive. As a
person prepares to leave his/her temporary house, what he/she wishes his children to do shows his
core values. We may not know the depth of Bob’s heart, but we know what is important to him.
We know that Bob take Jesus’ last words seriously: “ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to
obey everything I have commanded you.”
Like that WWII Navy ship Bob is decommissioned, but still on a mission. Even though
Bob is with the Lord, he can still donate to Mission.
Huynh’s
June 13, 2009
GHOST
The Woodworker
My son is responsible for taking care of the lawn and landscaping. He wants to
give his mother a nice Mother’s Day present. Since she loves growing vegetable and
flowers he asked our neighbor Gary to make for her three wood planters and benches.
Gary loves to make things like that. He has his own shop to make things for his yard.
Triet took the master piece home. Today, when he was painting the planters,
Gary came over for a short visit with Triet. Holding a cup of coffee in his hand, Gary
watched Triet painting. I did not hear what they talked about. But by looking at his face I’d
guess that he was happy with his workmanship.
The Bible tells us “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” After
he has created something, “God saw that it was good.” That statement is repeated five
time, and after he finished His creation, “God saw all that he had made, and it was very
good” (Genesis 1:31—NIV).
That explains why we love what we make. The story of creation reveals that God
doesn’t make “junk.” If that is true, why his creation lost its original goodness? The story in
Genesis, chapter 3 gives us the answer to that question. God created human beings in
his own image, or perfect. And because they failed to obey him, all of God’s creation is
cursed. The fall of man led to the fall of the whole earth.
The Gospel recorded the story of Jesus. He was born of a virgin, the wife of
Joseph. This man was out of the picture after his family went to Jerusalem for the
Passover when Jesus was twelve year old. Many scholars believed that Mary and her
children survived him. And probably Jesus had to work as a carpenter to support his
family, since Joseph was a carpenter. As a carpenter, he created many good things.
The apostle John asserted, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was
made that has been made” (John 1:3—NIV). So the Christ is co-Creator with God.
Two thousand years ago the Word became flesh. God himself came into the
world, in a human body. He offered himself as a living sacrifice to save us from the
sufferings of this fallen world. The believers of the Lord Jesus Christ still suffer sickness,
epidemic, natural disasters until he comes back. At that time he will lift up the curse, so
we can enjoy a perfect life.
Meanwhile we must do our part to conserve God’s creation, and to acknowledge
the Creator.
An Huynh
5/10/09
God Spoke to Me
Over a decade ago, a well-known TV evangelist claimed that God told him to
raise one million dollars; else God would call him home. Many believed him and made
contributions toward his ministry. It was very hard for me to believe that kind of story
because the Bible does not back it up, and there is nothing to verify the validity of his
statement..
Today I’m going to tell you that the Lord did talk to me, because the Bible did
support it, and a sermon confirmed what He spoke to me.
One Sunday morning like others, after the congregation finished worshipping
with songs of praise, the Lord told the Senior Pastor to prophesy over a couple of
members. He checked with his associate about that unusual experience. His associate
gave him the names of one woman and two men, and he gave to each of them the
special words of the Lord.
I’d be embarrassed if the Pastor called me and prophesied over me. However, I
coveted God’s word. Just a few minutes later, the associate Pastor interviewed a
member of the Church and through her, the Lord gave a word, that was “Passion,” and
Luke chapter 2: 46-49.
I knew that the Lord spoke to me, because I don’t have passion for anything.
When I was young, I tried to play guitar; now I can’t play because I did not take time to
play or to practice. I played pingpong, soccer, and even poker. But I didn’t have passion
for none of the above. So I was not successful in what I was doing.
Now, after walking with God for 25 years I started to receive His blessing when I
serve Him. I’d not say I have a passion for what I’m doing, but I enjoy what I’m doing.
Today the Lord spoke to me again during Sunday service. This time His
message was confirmed by a sermon I heard over the radio broadcast, just two hours
after the morning service.
During the worship, a member who was in front of us, prostrated before the Lord
when I stood up with all others. The Lord drew my attention to the story found in Luke 7:
36-47, and especially verse 47: “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven-
for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
I thought I didn’t have to kneel down and bow down, but raising the hands was
good enough. But the Lord told me that He accepted the worship of the member who
prostrated before Him today.
I thought I didn’t do anything bad that I need to repent. The Lord told me, “The
spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” I must agree with the Lord who is always right. I ask
Him to forgive my many weaknesses.
I didn’t not literally prostrate before Him, but I humbled myself, and He forgave
me, for He is faithful and just.
An Huynh
The Antidote for Flu Bugs
The Bird flu is almost over—we hope. Now the Swine flu makes us worry. It came as a
thief, without warning. It attacked like a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour. That is the
scheme of the devil.
I’m not trying to prescribe a miracle anti-flu medication. I’m trying to write about spiritual
disease. What we can do to protect ourselves from flu bugs, we can prevent sins from controlling
our souls.
In the book of Deuteronomy God warned His children of the danger of disobedience to His
commandments. He said, “However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully
follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you
and overtake you... The LORD will plague you with diseases until he has destroyed you from the
land you are entering to possess” (Deuteronomy 28:15, 21—NIV).
It is true that God does punish sins, but we should be careful when we say that all natural
disasters are acts of God. It’s more likely that many natural disasters come from the devil. The
apostle
Peter asserts that “The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1
Peter 5:8—NIV). Like people, lions must work hard to have something to eat. They have to hide in
the bushes, and wait for hours before they can spot a prey. And at the right moment a lion jumps out
of his hiding place, and chases his prey until he can catch his prey.
The devil uses the same tactic. He patiently waits for the right time to attack a carnal
Christian. And at the moment when a believer is the weakest the devil jumps on him and devoured
him. To protect ourselves from such unexpected attacks Peter teaches us, “Be self-controlled and
alert.” We must be prayerful and spiritually awake. Else, we would be an easy prey for the devil.
Paul also gives us a good advise for our self defense; he said,” Finally, be strong in the Lord and in
his
mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's
schemes” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
What those advices have anything to do with flu virus? We know that Swine flu broke out
without warning. Health experts could not predict its outbreak. Pharmacist can’t make medication
the can cure the disease, or even prevent the disease. What people can do is to take precautions such
as avoiding the crowd that may carry flu virus, washing hands often, avoiding eating pork
strengthening their immune systems.
What we do to protect ourselves from flu bugs we can do to protest us from sin bugs.
First, we can protect ourselves from the world’s influence. Do not confirm to the
philosophies, to the worldview, to the standards of the world because they are spiritual flu bugs.
Avoid the crowd that gets together to indulge themselves without giving God the glory that is due to
Him.
Secondly, Doctors advise us to wash our hands often to prevent bugs from invading our
bodies. At the same token, we need to wash our spiritual hands often to avoid spiritual infection, as
the apostle James teaches, “·Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands,
you
sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded’ (James 4:8—NIV). To come near to God, we
must prepare our heart, and get rid of any impurities. A good housewife keeps her home clean, in
order to be attached to God we must keep ourselves clean by confessing our wrong doing and
asking Him to forgive our trespasses. James also tells us to confess our sins to each other so that we
may be healed.
Thirdly, we need to spiritually keep ourselves in good shape. Our daily exercise includes
adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and service. We should worship the Lord our God, thank Him
we what He’s done for us, confess our sins to Him and to each other, and to serve Him with the gifts
He’s given to us.
The flu or any natural disasters such as earthquake, flood, tornadoes, sunami can strike any time
without warning. We must be prepared. Peter told us to be self-controlled and alert. We need to be
on guard because the devil will launch his attacks when we fall asleep or when we party. The apostle
Paul reminds us to be “strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” One of the preventive
measures we can take is to strengthen our body through exercises. We can maintain our immune
systems by taking vitamins. Our spiritual exercises include studying the Bible, fellowship with
believers and prayers.
The writer of Psalm 119 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin
against you” (Psalm 119: 11). God’s word works as flu shot that reinforce our immune system.
When our immune system is strong enough, it can fight back the bugs, or at least, the flu cannot
knock out our body.
Today, when the influenza epidemic is at our doors, what children of God can do is to
humble ourselves and pray. The antidote for influenza is found in the book of II Chronicle: “If my
people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn
from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their
land” (2 Chron 7:14—NIV).
An Huynh
Cinco de Mayo, 2009
My wife and I try to walk 2 miles a day to keep us in good shape. We prefer quality—to be
healthy-- to quantity—long life. When the weather is not cooperative, we play videotape and
exercise at home. On one exercise while a team is working out on Waikiki Beach, a group of
tourists is watching.
Which one of the two parties enjoys life better? Maybe those who are watching are
entertained, and those who exercise work hard. I think the question we should ask is: “Which one of
the two parties benefits by what it does?”
The answer is obvious. Those who invest their time and energy in the work out will
eventually have a quality life. On the other hand, those who enjoy watching will not be as healthy as
the others. unless they exercise afterward.
I’m thinking of Christians. Many are believers of the Lord Jesus, and some are His
disciples. The majority if Christians meet the minimum requirement to be saved and have eternal life
as the Lord Jesus has promised. They do not do more than attending Sunday services, weekly Bible
study, and do not get involved in other ministries. They are watching and not doing.
In a ball game, thousand are watching a few players competing. Is it better to play than to
watch? Maybe watching is easier, and playing required a lot of work.
The Lord Jesus teaches, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go
and bear fruit-fruit that will last” (John 15:16). He saves us so we can serve Him and our neighbors.
To be His disciples does take hard work, but it will give us a sense of fulfillment.
An Huynh
April 8, 2009
Last week the American flagged ship Maersk Alabama was attacked by pirates off the
Somali’ coast. The Media reported that Captain Richard Phillips told his crew to lock themselves up
in the cabin when he offered himself as hostage. The pirates took him captive and let the boat sail to
its destination.
Also according to the Media, the pirates asked for a ransom of 2 million in exchange for the
life of Captain Phillips.
When the negotiation is still going,, on Easter Sunday, the US Navy Commandos
succeeded in freeing Captain Phillips from the hands of the pirates. Three of the pirates were killed,
and one was captured.
From this event we can draw some spiritual principles.
First, Captain Phillips didn’t have to offer himself as hostage, but he did in order for his crew
to be free. Only he went through the ordeal while his people were safe. He knew that his life was in
danger, but he accepted it. We consider him as a hero.
The Bible tells us the story of a greater man of all times. His name is Jesus of Nazareth.
In the evening when a large crowd armed with swords and clubs came to arrest the Lord
Jesus, Peter tried to protect his “rabbi.” But the Lord told Peter that God the Father would put in his
disposal more than twelve legions of angels when he needs to be rescued. However He chose to
offer himself as a living sacrifice. While Captain Phillips offered himself in exchange for the safety of
a few men, the Lord Jesus offered himself as a living sacrifice for the sins of all mankind. The Bible
informs us that before Christ, the high priests offered sacrifices day after day, first for their own sins,
and then for the sins of the people, but the Lord Jesus, unlike the other high priests. He sacrificed for
their sins once for all when he offered himself (Hebrew 7:27—NIV).
Secondly, Captain Phillips can only be freed when his employer or his family pays the
pirates who kept him captive a ransom of 2 millions dollars. After the “Fall of man” all human
beings sin, and are slaves to sin, and the wages of sin is death. Before Christ, the blood of animals
was required for the forgiveness of sin. But that was a temporary atonement before the final ultimate
atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ who alone can pay a spiritual ransom for all mankind.
Thirdly, Captain Phillips attempted to escape, but he was recaptured. Many religions that
did not accept the atonement of Christ, have tried to avoid paying the ransom or the penalty of death
by human works such as holy living, routine prayers, fasting and so on. They cannot escape the
wages of sin that is spiritual and eternal death. The Bible asserts, “Salvation is found in no one else,
for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12—
NIV). The Lord Jesus, God’s Son alone is qualified to atone for the sin of all human beings.
On Easter Sunday, the US Navy rescued Captain Phillips after sharp shooters shot three
pirates and captured another. Captain Phillips could not save himself, someone else did. We cannot
save ourselves from sins and death. The Lord Jesus can and would do it if believe in Him as the
word of God promises: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).