Don't lose hope, don't give up on life yet. We still have Jesus! Even if He's the last hope we have, it's the only hope we will ever need!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
To be or not to be? Cold or Hot?
Revelation 3:15-22
15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot.
16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked,
18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.
20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.
21 The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."
Another mini sharing topic that has been weighing in my heart for quite a while. These verses are spoken by God/Jesus/His spirit especially to His churches, which obviously include its members. Are you neither cold nor hot? God said clearly that he rather you be either cold or hot, not lukewarm, nonchalant or sitting on the fence in layman terms (or the "heck-care" and "bo-chap" attitude in local context.)
Many "Christians" profess that they are Christians, yet their lives reflect otherwise. We know what accreditation professional bodies mean, don't we? If you're a qualified doctor in Singapore, you must belong to Singapore Medical Council. If you're a qualified nurse, you most probably have to register with Singapore Nurses Association. If you're a psychologist, it's Singapore Psychological Society. What does being a member of these associations means? It basically means that we carry the qualifications and professional ethics of being their members, serving our rightful and professional duties to the society. What does it mean then, to be part of the body of Christ, to belong to a church, to be called His children?
If you're lukewarm in any profession, then you might as well not belong to any association. You're not serving the society according to the terms laid down by the bodies. You could probably just get by with whatever credentials you already have, but please don't bother to join any association. There are many accountants and psychologists who are not registered with their respective boards, and therefore they don't have to account to these boards. Rightfully and technically, they can't go around and tell people that they're a registered nurse, accountant, or psychologist. Yet how many Christians go around professing to their colleagues that they're Christians, and belonging to so and so church, yet spew vulgarities, smoke, lose temper easily, gossip and harbour hatred.
It's one thing to think wrongful thoughts, to lose our temper or to swear or to indulge in gossips among our colleagues occasionally (and to realise our wrong and repent), but it's another thing to make it our lifestyles and without any guilt or repentance.
As Christians, we're not called to judge our fellow brothers (we leave it to God to do the judgement). But that doesn't mean we can condone their actions and not rebuke them when possible. And I don't think God condones such acts or thoughts. Which is why He said that he rather you be hot or cold, not in between.
What is to be in between? If you're in a debate team, you either belong to the pros or cons team. There's no in between, no impartiality, no buts or maybes. If you see a pregnant lady in a train, you either give up your seat, or don't give up. Waiting for others to give up, or assuming the pregnant lady is ok to stand is to be "in-between" (to bo-chap). You're not taking any actions! You're not doing anything to qualify yourself as a civilised and cultured citizen. The same applies to being a Christian. Oh, so Christians ultimately have only 2 stands to take, hot or cold? To be for God or against Him? Hmm, but it's tough to be a "true" Christian, I heard you muttering. Nobody says its easy. It's not easy to become an accountant or a doctor, or any profession for that matter! You don't call yourself a qualified doctor if you're only half-baked. I would be ashame to call myself a Counsellor if I'm half-baked. I will be doing injustice to my clients! Yet how many half-baked Christians are there out there? No, I'm not saying you can't be half-baked, or that I'm fully-baked. What I'm stressing is the fact that you need to start to choose to get serious with God!
Decide today. Do you really want to be His light and ambassador and shine forth brightly to the world? Luke 11:33 teaches, "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light." By being lukewarm, you are hiding your light under a bowl! You do not serve any purpose. If you're dim and covered up under a bowl, then you might as well not light up at all! Your dim light will most probably die off in no time due to lack of oxygen! What good can that be?
Decide today. Do you want to truly be called His beloved and precious and to consciously pursue all matters relating to righteousness, or do you want to belong to the world and indulge in its pleasures and sins? It's a choice - your choice. Life is all about choices, isn't it? The right one, or the wrong. You choose.
Oh, perhaps to aid in your decision, I shall add in this harsh truth, that God will spew you out of His mouth if you're lukewarm. The end times are really near. A new generation of hot Christians must be bred!
By His "hot" servant,
Stephen
15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot.
16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, 'I'm rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,' and you don't know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked,
18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent.
20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.
21 The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 "Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches."
Another mini sharing topic that has been weighing in my heart for quite a while. These verses are spoken by God/Jesus/His spirit especially to His churches, which obviously include its members. Are you neither cold nor hot? God said clearly that he rather you be either cold or hot, not lukewarm, nonchalant or sitting on the fence in layman terms (or the "heck-care" and "bo-chap" attitude in local context.)
Many "Christians" profess that they are Christians, yet their lives reflect otherwise. We know what accreditation professional bodies mean, don't we? If you're a qualified doctor in Singapore, you must belong to Singapore Medical Council. If you're a qualified nurse, you most probably have to register with Singapore Nurses Association. If you're a psychologist, it's Singapore Psychological Society. What does being a member of these associations means? It basically means that we carry the qualifications and professional ethics of being their members, serving our rightful and professional duties to the society. What does it mean then, to be part of the body of Christ, to belong to a church, to be called His children?
If you're lukewarm in any profession, then you might as well not belong to any association. You're not serving the society according to the terms laid down by the bodies. You could probably just get by with whatever credentials you already have, but please don't bother to join any association. There are many accountants and psychologists who are not registered with their respective boards, and therefore they don't have to account to these boards. Rightfully and technically, they can't go around and tell people that they're a registered nurse, accountant, or psychologist. Yet how many Christians go around professing to their colleagues that they're Christians, and belonging to so and so church, yet spew vulgarities, smoke, lose temper easily, gossip and harbour hatred.
It's one thing to think wrongful thoughts, to lose our temper or to swear or to indulge in gossips among our colleagues occasionally (and to realise our wrong and repent), but it's another thing to make it our lifestyles and without any guilt or repentance.
As Christians, we're not called to judge our fellow brothers (we leave it to God to do the judgement). But that doesn't mean we can condone their actions and not rebuke them when possible. And I don't think God condones such acts or thoughts. Which is why He said that he rather you be hot or cold, not in between.
What is to be in between? If you're in a debate team, you either belong to the pros or cons team. There's no in between, no impartiality, no buts or maybes. If you see a pregnant lady in a train, you either give up your seat, or don't give up. Waiting for others to give up, or assuming the pregnant lady is ok to stand is to be "in-between" (to bo-chap). You're not taking any actions! You're not doing anything to qualify yourself as a civilised and cultured citizen. The same applies to being a Christian. Oh, so Christians ultimately have only 2 stands to take, hot or cold? To be for God or against Him? Hmm, but it's tough to be a "true" Christian, I heard you muttering. Nobody says its easy. It's not easy to become an accountant or a doctor, or any profession for that matter! You don't call yourself a qualified doctor if you're only half-baked. I would be ashame to call myself a Counsellor if I'm half-baked. I will be doing injustice to my clients! Yet how many half-baked Christians are there out there? No, I'm not saying you can't be half-baked, or that I'm fully-baked. What I'm stressing is the fact that you need to start to choose to get serious with God!
Decide today. Do you really want to be His light and ambassador and shine forth brightly to the world? Luke 11:33 teaches, "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light." By being lukewarm, you are hiding your light under a bowl! You do not serve any purpose. If you're dim and covered up under a bowl, then you might as well not light up at all! Your dim light will most probably die off in no time due to lack of oxygen! What good can that be?
Decide today. Do you want to truly be called His beloved and precious and to consciously pursue all matters relating to righteousness, or do you want to belong to the world and indulge in its pleasures and sins? It's a choice - your choice. Life is all about choices, isn't it? The right one, or the wrong. You choose.
Oh, perhaps to aid in your decision, I shall add in this harsh truth, that God will spew you out of His mouth if you're lukewarm. The end times are really near. A new generation of hot Christians must be bred!
By His "hot" servant,
Stephen
Kingdom of God? Can We Have It Here On Earth?
Matthew 13:44-51
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.
48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.
49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous
50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Here is my little sharing once again (I wish I can call it a mini sermon, but till the day I am qualified to call it so). May it blesses you.
Pointer:
v44-45 tell us that
1) Kingdom of heaven is precious and of great value; ("treasure", "fine pearls")
2) It is hidden and one can only find it through active (not passive) searching. ("A man found it", "merchant looking")
3) Once found, it brings joy to its founder; ("...then in his joy went...")
4) People do yearn and want to have the Kingdom of God, above and beyond any measurable materials and wealth. ("sold all he had and bought that field")
v47-48 tell us that
1) Kingdom of God (akin to a net) is available to everyone, including the good and bad; ("caught all kinds of fish")
2) There will come a day when the Kingdom of God (net) will be filled with "fish";
3) The good fish shall be separated from the bad ones;
4) The bad ones will be thrown into hell ("blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth"), while the good ones remain with the chief fisher of man (Jesus).
v51 tell us that
Jesus clarified with his disciples to make sure that they really understand what the Kingdom of God is like.
***Therefore it is very important for us to understand it too!
Are we doing all we can to seek God and His truth? Remember that we have to actively seek it, thus effort is required. You can't just sit around and hope to become enlightened or wiser through His words without putting in any due effort. Yes, indeed God looks at our hearts, but first we must have the heart before our actions match it! Most of us should be familiar with Luke 11:9-10 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Notice that in this 1 verse alone, many verbs describing actions were used. So it is paramount that one needs to actively seeks, finds, knocks, asks, receives...before the door can be opened.
Many are caught in the rut of complacency and have the mis-concept of "once-saved-forever-saved" belief. I challenge and rebuke this theory (and people who teach such) boldly in the name of our Lord Jesus! Many have and had (present and past tenses) found the Kingdom of God (the net catches all types of people), but they will still be separated from God in the end days if they are deemed "bad". Also, by now you would probably have read my posting regarding God's view on lukewarm Christians, and how He will regard them on His judgement day.
Fellow brethren, seek Him and His righteousness while you still can, and while there's still time. For a time shall come when one seeks, finds, knocks, asks, and the door shall not open anymore.
Matthew 3:2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Forever His tiny but powerful fish,
Stephen
-----------------------------------------------
44 天 国 好 像 宝 贝 藏 在 地 里 ， 人 遇 见 了 就 把 他 藏 起 来 ， 欢 欢 喜 喜 的 去 变 卖 一 切 所 有 的 ， 买 这 块 地 。
45 天 国 又 好 像 买 卖 人 寻 找 好 珠 子 ，
46 遇 见 一 颗 重 价 的 珠 子 ， 就 去 变 卖 他 一 切 所 有 的 ， 买 了 这 颗 珠 子 。
47 天 国 又 好 像 网 撒 在 海 里 ， 聚 拢 各 样 水 族 ，
48 网 既 满 了 ， 人 就 拉 上 岸 来 ， 坐 下 ， 拣 好 的 收 在 器 具 里 ， 将 不 好 的 丢 弃 了 。
49 世 界 的 末 了 也 要 这 样 。 天 使 要 出 来 ， 从 义 人 中 把 恶 人 分 别 出 来 ，
50 丢 在 火 炉 里 ； 在 那 里 必 要 哀 哭 切 齿 了 。
51 耶 稣 说 ： 这 一 切 的 话 你 们 都 明 白 了 麽 ？ 他 们 说 ： 我 们 明 白 了 。
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.
46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.
48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.
49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous
50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.
“Yes,” they replied.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Here is my little sharing once again (I wish I can call it a mini sermon, but till the day I am qualified to call it so). May it blesses you.
Pointer:
v44-45 tell us that
1) Kingdom of heaven is precious and of great value; ("treasure", "fine pearls")
2) It is hidden and one can only find it through active (not passive) searching. ("A man found it", "merchant looking")
3) Once found, it brings joy to its founder; ("...then in his joy went...")
4) People do yearn and want to have the Kingdom of God, above and beyond any measurable materials and wealth. ("sold all he had and bought that field")
v47-48 tell us that
1) Kingdom of God (akin to a net) is available to everyone, including the good and bad; ("caught all kinds of fish")
2) There will come a day when the Kingdom of God (net) will be filled with "fish";
3) The good fish shall be separated from the bad ones;
4) The bad ones will be thrown into hell ("blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth"), while the good ones remain with the chief fisher of man (Jesus).
v51 tell us that
Jesus clarified with his disciples to make sure that they really understand what the Kingdom of God is like.
***Therefore it is very important for us to understand it too!
Are we doing all we can to seek God and His truth? Remember that we have to actively seek it, thus effort is required. You can't just sit around and hope to become enlightened or wiser through His words without putting in any due effort. Yes, indeed God looks at our hearts, but first we must have the heart before our actions match it! Most of us should be familiar with Luke 11:9-10 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Notice that in this 1 verse alone, many verbs describing actions were used. So it is paramount that one needs to actively seeks, finds, knocks, asks, receives...before the door can be opened.
Many are caught in the rut of complacency and have the mis-concept of "once-saved-forever-saved" belief. I challenge and rebuke this theory (and people who teach such) boldly in the name of our Lord Jesus! Many have and had (present and past tenses) found the Kingdom of God (the net catches all types of people), but they will still be separated from God in the end days if they are deemed "bad". Also, by now you would probably have read my posting regarding God's view on lukewarm Christians, and how He will regard them on His judgement day.
Fellow brethren, seek Him and His righteousness while you still can, and while there's still time. For a time shall come when one seeks, finds, knocks, asks, and the door shall not open anymore.
Matthew 3:2 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Forever His tiny but powerful fish,
Stephen
-----------------------------------------------
44 天 国 好 像 宝 贝 藏 在 地 里 ， 人 遇 见 了 就 把 他 藏 起 来 ， 欢 欢 喜 喜 的 去 变 卖 一 切 所 有 的 ， 买 这 块 地 。
45 天 国 又 好 像 买 卖 人 寻 找 好 珠 子 ，
46 遇 见 一 颗 重 价 的 珠 子 ， 就 去 变 卖 他 一 切 所 有 的 ， 买 了 这 颗 珠 子 。
47 天 国 又 好 像 网 撒 在 海 里 ， 聚 拢 各 样 水 族 ，
48 网 既 满 了 ， 人 就 拉 上 岸 来 ， 坐 下 ， 拣 好 的 收 在 器 具 里 ， 将 不 好 的 丢 弃 了 。
49 世 界 的 末 了 也 要 这 样 。 天 使 要 出 来 ， 从 义 人 中 把 恶 人 分 别 出 来 ，
50 丢 在 火 炉 里 ； 在 那 里 必 要 哀 哭 切 齿 了 。
51 耶 稣 说 ： 这 一 切 的 话 你 们 都 明 白 了 麽 ？ 他 们 说 ： 我 们 明 白 了 。
LIFE
What is the origin of life? Are we intricately created or are we a result of an accident, of random atoms banging into each other in the universe? Or did we evolve from apes?
Who decided the 4 seasons in life? Who designed the beautiful colours and patterns of the butterfly? Who controls the revolving of the earth and the strength of the sun? The rising and setting of it too. Who and what determines the cycle of life? Who determines the food cycle, who sets the rule that grass must grows on ground and soil, and that cows eat grass, and that we can eat cows? Who determines that cow must eat grass, and frogs and lizards eat flies, and bacterias break down decaying organisms? Which wise creature designed the water to evaporate as vapours to form clouds, and back to earth again as rain? Who invented snow? Are all these the result of random accident? Or that everything just happens somehow and cows just happen to like grass, that birds happen to be able to fly, that monkeys climb trees, and fishes swim? Is it accidental that our mouths are link to our stomachs, and our stomachs produce specific juices that are strong enough to digest only food, yet not our flesh? Is it just a careless sketch that our waste must pass out through our rectums that so happen to be placed at the bottom end of our intestine? Is it Albert Einstein? Or Mathma Ghandi? Hippocrates, the father of medicine? Or Sigmund Freud, the father of psychology? Or Pablo Picasso, the most famous artist ever? Or Solomon, the wisest man recorded on history, or some contended the title must belong to Confucius, or the highly revered Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment and became Buddha? Who is it?
Don't you wish to know where you came from? Or who created you? Or are you just a product of Big Bang theory or Apes evolution theories? Who decides your strengths and talents and your weaknesses and flaws? Your previous life determines that? Or perhaps this life affects your life after this? So how much good is good enough for one to become something/somebody better than human in the next life? And how much bad is considered bad enough to be downgraded to a lesser being or animal? Murder? White or just about any coloured lies? Does lustful thoughts alone condemn one to hell, or must it be fornications and adulteries? What if I do 10 good deeds but 1 very bad deed? Or can I do 10 very good deeds to atone for my 1 atrocious deed? How and what should I do to repent and to gain true forgiveness from God(s)?
No, I'm not stirring up any debates nor am I highlighting any specific religion. I've great respect and tolerance for all religions. I'm just pondering now just as you could be wondering too. After all, we don't blindly accept anything thrust to our mouths, right?
How does life 1st come about? Many would agree that there's one thing all of us will ponder some day, be it now or later, but especially during our old age or on our deathbeds. That is life and death, or more specifically "life after death". Granted, most of you probably won't think of it now. And I'm the weird or rare ones out there to be thinking of it so prematurely. What if, just what if...there's really an Almighty God? I'm saying what if? And what if, what if tomorrow is our last day on Earth? What if, what if someone indeed created us, and we know not who is He, nor bother to find out? Most of us know who our earthly parents are. But is there really such a being as a heavenly Father, who created our beautiful earthly parents, and loves them as much too?
What if your life is indeed carefully woven and knitted in your mother's womb? What if a breath has to be breathed into your once lifeless body to make it alive? What if your life is so precious and valuable that it is given a soul that forms our most unique personality and character, that there is no other that is similar to you in this entire world? Even your thumb print is so carefully threaded that there's no single thumb print in this universe that shares your design. Wow! If it's true that there is a God and Creator, then we must be so loved and wonderfully designed! And how wonderful this God must be!
Or maybe there isn't a God who's almighty and wise. All that God-stuffs are man-made and a figment of man's imaginations. Everything on planet Earth and out of it are random. The stars and how the constellations are arranged and fixed throughout ages, the shape of the moon which follows the calendar without fail, the sun that never runs out of heat, the earth that never stops revolving... Now, you and I know these are certainly not random! But hey, since there's no almighty and wise God or Creator, everything just kinda happens!! How and why these came about, nobody knows, and we shouldn'tbe bothered by it. I mean, luck has it that we have day and night, sun and moon, water and clouds. Nature has it that we gradually evolved from apes. And who knows, we might evolve into another creature in future?! How can there be somebody who is so wise to design the homo sapiens and all non and living beings on, beneath, and above the earth? Or maybe, at most somebody designed the apes, and just stop at that, and let the apes evolve into whatever it becomes thereafter?
But still, even if the evolution theory stands true, somebody must design the apes. Or the dinosaurs, or any creature for that matter! Who is it? Who determines that most living creatures must have 2 eyes (why not just 1, after all we can also see with just 1 eye)? Who so decides that all lives are in the blood (for without blood, there's no life)? How then did such blood come about? Who invented blood? All doctors can testify about the intricacies of the blood and DNA. Who is this chief scientist of all scientists, the chief inventor of all inventors? Can any doctor in this world manufacture blood or form a single atom from machines? If so, we can finally do away with blood donation!
Sigh...what if, what if? So many mysteries. Perhaps you are keen to know more about your very existence, the reason why you are created, and who's your creator. Or perhaps I hear you saying "Who cares!? I've only 1 life, so I shall just live it to the fullest and take in whatever this world has to offer. After life or not, what will be will be, que sara sara."
Whatever...it's your life.
From yours truly and His only,
Stephen
Who decided the 4 seasons in life? Who designed the beautiful colours and patterns of the butterfly? Who controls the revolving of the earth and the strength of the sun? The rising and setting of it too. Who and what determines the cycle of life? Who determines the food cycle, who sets the rule that grass must grows on ground and soil, and that cows eat grass, and that we can eat cows? Who determines that cow must eat grass, and frogs and lizards eat flies, and bacterias break down decaying organisms? Which wise creature designed the water to evaporate as vapours to form clouds, and back to earth again as rain? Who invented snow? Are all these the result of random accident? Or that everything just happens somehow and cows just happen to like grass, that birds happen to be able to fly, that monkeys climb trees, and fishes swim? Is it accidental that our mouths are link to our stomachs, and our stomachs produce specific juices that are strong enough to digest only food, yet not our flesh? Is it just a careless sketch that our waste must pass out through our rectums that so happen to be placed at the bottom end of our intestine? Is it Albert Einstein? Or Mathma Ghandi? Hippocrates, the father of medicine? Or Sigmund Freud, the father of psychology? Or Pablo Picasso, the most famous artist ever? Or Solomon, the wisest man recorded on history, or some contended the title must belong to Confucius, or the highly revered Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment and became Buddha? Who is it?
Don't you wish to know where you came from? Or who created you? Or are you just a product of Big Bang theory or Apes evolution theories? Who decides your strengths and talents and your weaknesses and flaws? Your previous life determines that? Or perhaps this life affects your life after this? So how much good is good enough for one to become something/somebody better than human in the next life? And how much bad is considered bad enough to be downgraded to a lesser being or animal? Murder? White or just about any coloured lies? Does lustful thoughts alone condemn one to hell, or must it be fornications and adulteries? What if I do 10 good deeds but 1 very bad deed? Or can I do 10 very good deeds to atone for my 1 atrocious deed? How and what should I do to repent and to gain true forgiveness from God(s)?
No, I'm not stirring up any debates nor am I highlighting any specific religion. I've great respect and tolerance for all religions. I'm just pondering now just as you could be wondering too. After all, we don't blindly accept anything thrust to our mouths, right?
How does life 1st come about? Many would agree that there's one thing all of us will ponder some day, be it now or later, but especially during our old age or on our deathbeds. That is life and death, or more specifically "life after death". Granted, most of you probably won't think of it now. And I'm the weird or rare ones out there to be thinking of it so prematurely. What if, just what if...there's really an Almighty God? I'm saying what if? And what if, what if tomorrow is our last day on Earth? What if, what if someone indeed created us, and we know not who is He, nor bother to find out? Most of us know who our earthly parents are. But is there really such a being as a heavenly Father, who created our beautiful earthly parents, and loves them as much too?
What if your life is indeed carefully woven and knitted in your mother's womb? What if a breath has to be breathed into your once lifeless body to make it alive? What if your life is so precious and valuable that it is given a soul that forms our most unique personality and character, that there is no other that is similar to you in this entire world? Even your thumb print is so carefully threaded that there's no single thumb print in this universe that shares your design. Wow! If it's true that there is a God and Creator, then we must be so loved and wonderfully designed! And how wonderful this God must be!
Or maybe there isn't a God who's almighty and wise. All that God-stuffs are man-made and a figment of man's imaginations. Everything on planet Earth and out of it are random. The stars and how the constellations are arranged and fixed throughout ages, the shape of the moon which follows the calendar without fail, the sun that never runs out of heat, the earth that never stops revolving... Now, you and I know these are certainly not random! But hey, since there's no almighty and wise God or Creator, everything just kinda happens!! How and why these came about, nobody knows, and we shouldn'tbe bothered by it. I mean, luck has it that we have day and night, sun and moon, water and clouds. Nature has it that we gradually evolved from apes. And who knows, we might evolve into another creature in future?! How can there be somebody who is so wise to design the homo sapiens and all non and living beings on, beneath, and above the earth? Or maybe, at most somebody designed the apes, and just stop at that, and let the apes evolve into whatever it becomes thereafter?
But still, even if the evolution theory stands true, somebody must design the apes. Or the dinosaurs, or any creature for that matter! Who is it? Who determines that most living creatures must have 2 eyes (why not just 1, after all we can also see with just 1 eye)? Who so decides that all lives are in the blood (for without blood, there's no life)? How then did such blood come about? Who invented blood? All doctors can testify about the intricacies of the blood and DNA. Who is this chief scientist of all scientists, the chief inventor of all inventors? Can any doctor in this world manufacture blood or form a single atom from machines? If so, we can finally do away with blood donation!
Sigh...what if, what if? So many mysteries. Perhaps you are keen to know more about your very existence, the reason why you are created, and who's your creator. Or perhaps I hear you saying "Who cares!? I've only 1 life, so I shall just live it to the fullest and take in whatever this world has to offer. After life or not, what will be will be, que sara sara."
Whatever...it's your life.
From yours truly and His only,
Stephen
當你走到無力
Hebrews 13:5
...because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Matthew 28:20
"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
...because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Matthew 28:20
"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Thailand's Got Talent - Bell Nuntrita
Just like what the judge said, "It's impossible!" A transvestite who sang so well in both woman and man's voice. I just feel like telling you, "It's God who gives you this talent. Even though your earthly father rejects you, He loves you dearly, regardless of who you become now". Transvestites and homosexuals can also shine for God!
So You Would Come - Hillsongs
John 3:16
"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.
"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.
Favourite Verses
James 4:2-3
You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don't receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
James 4:8
"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!"
Mat 5:43-46
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you"
Psalm 17:6
I call on You, God, because You will answer me.
Proverbs 21:19
Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
Mark 5:36
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Matt 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
1 John 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Matthew 28:20
"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Titus 2:7-8
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
You desire and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and don't receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your evil desires.
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
James 4:8
"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!"
Mat 5:43-46
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you"
Psalm 17:6
I call on You, God, because You will answer me.
Proverbs 21:19
Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife.
Mark 5:36
Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
Matt 10:28
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
1 John 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Matthew 28:20
"...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Titus 2:7-8
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Vic Chou
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/vic-chou-depression-065400453.html
Vic's emotional burden accumulated over the years, resulting in depression a few years ago.
"I was immune to pain and was unafraid of death, during the worst period when I had depression. Death became optional. In other words, I would die, if I wanted to die today," he let on.
Vic's emotional burden accumulated over the years, resulting in depression a few years ago.
"I was immune to pain and was unafraid of death, during the worst period when I had depression. Death became optional. In other words, I would die, if I wanted to die today," he let on.
Chae Dong-ha
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/ex-sg-wannabes-dong-hwa-suicides-185200175.html
Be on guard always of the darkest cloud of Depression. It can happen to anyone - rich or poor, young or old, good-looking or otherwise. If not treated or managed, it can lead to suicide. That jovial colleague beside you may be its next victim.
Prayer and faith in God is the most effective way. Faith in people and this world are the least. It is more spiritually-rooted than biological and psychological. I know, cos I had been there...
Be on guard always of the darkest cloud of Depression. It can happen to anyone - rich or poor, young or old, good-looking or otherwise. If not treated or managed, it can lead to suicide. That jovial colleague beside you may be its next victim.
Prayer and faith in God is the most effective way. Faith in people and this world are the least. It is more spiritually-rooted than biological and psychological. I know, cos I had been there...
Shine Like Stars - True Worshippers
Look at the world we live today
Look at the hurting everywhere
Let us see mercy and your grace
overflowed in every place
Let us be one with you today
And let your glory fall....
Teach us to live in rigteoness
Teach us to love in one accord
Guide us to live life everyday
As we worship in your cort
Let us declare your majesty
And let your glori fall.....
Chorus:
We will shine
Shine like star above
Shining in your light
Guided by your love
Let your fire burn in us
Burning like the sun
As we glorify
And show your kingdom come
In all the Earth
We will shine like star above
As we're burning like the sun
10 lessons learnt about Life...and God.
Throughout my fluctuations in my faith and my disobedience to God, my ups and downs, my faithfulness and faithlessness, I've learnt that:
1) God is still God, whether we acknowledge Him or not.
2) God has never left or forsake us. It's we who choose to leave God.
3) God still blesses us abundantly, but it's the Devil who snatches them away through our sinful acts.
4) We reap what we sow. Everything has a cause and effect (consequence), God can overlook the cause if we ask for forgiveness, but we can never ignore the effect (e.g. infidelity resulting in divorce). We can only accept it humbly and seek repentance, and pray that we will not repeat them.
5) Everything happens for some reasons (more often than not it's good), for God has good plans for us. We may not understand it now, but we will in time to come.
6) Everything happens 1st in our mind (and we can submit our mind either to God or devil) before manifesting into actions.
7) God is the same God when He 1st created the world, when He was on earth, now, tomorrow, and after Armageddon.
8) Bible says that the love of money (and hence all greed) is the bottomest root of all evil. If we open our eyes wide when we read the newspaper and around us, we know that is indeed very true.
9) Bible says that having a good wife (or partner, bf/gf, whatever you call it, but only serious relationship of course, not flings or 10 nights stand -_-) is a good thing. If God says it's good, it's REALLY good (and don't you ever believe the devil when he says it's good. Remember what he told Eve about the apples? They're "good"...really "good"). Therefore conversely, having a bad wife (or whatever you call it) is REALLY bad. So choose wisely. This earth could be your sparkling heaven, or fiery hell, figuratively of course.
10) It's easier to preach than to eat your peach! Er...I mean, it's easier to talk the talk than to walk the walk.
.................................
:) Yours *whatever,
Stephen
1) God is still God, whether we acknowledge Him or not.
2) God has never left or forsake us. It's we who choose to leave God.
3) God still blesses us abundantly, but it's the Devil who snatches them away through our sinful acts.
4) We reap what we sow. Everything has a cause and effect (consequence), God can overlook the cause if we ask for forgiveness, but we can never ignore the effect (e.g. infidelity resulting in divorce). We can only accept it humbly and seek repentance, and pray that we will not repeat them.
5) Everything happens for some reasons (more often than not it's good), for God has good plans for us. We may not understand it now, but we will in time to come.
6) Everything happens 1st in our mind (and we can submit our mind either to God or devil) before manifesting into actions.
7) God is the same God when He 1st created the world, when He was on earth, now, tomorrow, and after Armageddon.
8) Bible says that the love of money (and hence all greed) is the bottomest root of all evil. If we open our eyes wide when we read the newspaper and around us, we know that is indeed very true.
9) Bible says that having a good wife (or partner, bf/gf, whatever you call it, but only serious relationship of course, not flings or 10 nights stand -_-) is a good thing. If God says it's good, it's REALLY good (and don't you ever believe the devil when he says it's good. Remember what he told Eve about the apples? They're "good"...really "good"). Therefore conversely, having a bad wife (or whatever you call it) is REALLY bad. So choose wisely. This earth could be your sparkling heaven, or fiery hell, figuratively of course.
10) It's easier to preach than to eat your peach! Er...I mean, it's easier to talk the talk than to walk the walk.
.................................
:) Yours *whatever,
Stephen
You Are My Father (Acoustic Demo) by True Worshippers
Verse 1:
It doesn't matter where I run, You're there for me
It doesn't matter what I've done Your love's for me
You wipe away the tears, You lift me when I fall
My life is safe by the mercy of Your grace
Verse 2:
It doesn't matter where I go, You walk with me
It doesn't matter when I fall, You cover me
You wipe away the tears, You lift me when I fall
My life is safe by the mercy of Your grace
Chorus:
You are my Father, Provider
You're my Deliverer
Your mercies embrace me, surround me
Through Your everlasting love
Father I worship You
Father I worship You
And Your love is for me
And Your love is for me
And Your love is forever
God's Beauty Tips
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others.
To lose weight, let go of stress, hatred, anger, discontentment, and the need to control others.
To improve your ears, listen to the Word of God.
For poise, walk with knowledge and self-esteem.
To strengthen your arms, hug at least three people a day; touch someone with your love.
To strengthen your heart, forgive yourself and others.
For the ultimate in business, casual or evening attire, put on the robe of Christ; it fits like a glove, but allows room for growth. Best of all, it never goes out of style and is appropriate for any occasion.
Doing these things on a daily basis will certainly make you a more beautiful person.
~Author Unknown
For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others.
To lose weight, let go of stress, hatred, anger, discontentment, and the need to control others.
To improve your ears, listen to the Word of God.
For poise, walk with knowledge and self-esteem.
To strengthen your arms, hug at least three people a day; touch someone with your love.
To strengthen your heart, forgive yourself and others.
For the ultimate in business, casual or evening attire, put on the robe of Christ; it fits like a glove, but allows room for growth. Best of all, it never goes out of style and is appropriate for any occasion.
Doing these things on a daily basis will certainly make you a more beautiful person.
~Author Unknown
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Be still and know that I am God
Psalm 46:10
Be still and know that I am God.
What does it mean when God taught us to be still and know that He is God. Don't we already know that He is God? So if knowing God is not an issue, then it must be keeping still that is. Or could knowing God be the key issue?
When you are down to your penny, when your debtors are chasing you for payments, when you have just lost your job, when your boss is shouting for a fault that's not yours, when your children are sick and crying non-stop in the middle of the night, when your close friend betrays you, when the doctor told you that you've cancer...
Can you be still, and know that He is God?
Meditate on the verse again, and may His rhema falls upon you. Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." When you know that God is control, when you know that He was and is beside you when you lost your loved ones, when you lost your job, when your baby was in hospital, when you're suffering from depression or feeling suicidal, when you feel that nobody can help except...
...God.
"Be still and know that I am God."
You see, God wants you to know that He is God. He is not a mortal Mr Super-hero or Mr Idol or Mr Mega-star. He is not your earthly loving father, nor your generous boss, nor your caring best friend. Neither is He an up-and-coming candidate running for US Presidency.
HE IS GOD!
Now when you know that He is God, you will be still. And when you are still, you will realise that He's really God. God is God! Period.
"Be still and know that I am God."
When you are anxious and worried and panicky, can you be still? So why are you anxious and why do you worry and panic when you know that God is God? And that this God who is God is with you and for you, and that He will never leave you nor forsake you?
Peter and the other 11 disciples doubted Jesus and thought He was a ghost when they saw Him walking on water. Peter thus shouted to Jesus, "If you are Jesus, command me to walk on water!". Jesus replied, "Ok, come. And you tell me if I am Jesus or a ghost." Thank God that Peter had greater faith than the other disciples and did the impossible by trusting Jesus (note that at that point Peter wasn't really sure if He's indeed who He claimed Himself to be, or is He really a ghost). Unlike Doubting Thomas, Peter trusted with a child-like faith, and immediately his heart was stilled (and I'm sure the rest of the disciples too). Until..., well you know the rest of the story.
Doubting Thomas was not still when he doubted Jesus when the rest of disciples told him that they saw Jesus. He was stilled only when Jesus said "Ok, come, feel my hands and sides. And you tell me if I am Jesus or otherwise (most probably a familiar spirit)." No points for guessing correctly that Thomas was stilled when he fell upon the feet of Jesus.
"Be still and know that I am God."
When you doubt, you are not still. When you are not still, it's hard for you to know that He is God, even if He appears in front of you. So my brethren, "Be still and know that I am God."
Thank you, Jesus for using me to share your truth. Glory be unto you!
Yours-in-Christ,
Stephen
Thursday, March 31, 2011
My Testimony - God's Countless Blessings
God has brought me thus far. He answered my prayers to clear all my debts in super duper fast speed. He blesses me with super duper energy to give tuition 5 nights a week, on top of my full-time job as a private school teacher. Thanks to these tuition assignments, I've been blessed with an allowance of more than $1K. To others this amount is peanuts, but to me, this amount covers my daily expenses, such that I do not really need to touch my full-time salary. Thank God for that!
Every day when I wake up, each time when I go for tuitions, I will always thank God. I thank God for His providence. God has put me into a great time of lack to humble me, yet He's has also shown me how He alone can pull me out and bless me abundantly. We need to adopt a heart of gratitude. How many of us truly thank God for our blessings, however minor it may seem? I wish to share with you this miracle of Jesus healing the 10 lepers.
Luke 17:11-19
Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”"
Jesus asked one of the 10 whom he had healed, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” In the midst of their excitement, they left and forgot to thank Jesus for their healing. The other one man, left with them too. However, he suddenly remembered about Jesus and came back to thank Him. To which Jesus replied “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Were the other 9 not well? I believe they were completely healed, for Jesus is not a petty God. Neither will He take back any blessings which He has poured (though it's to my belief that He will and can humble you if that is what is needed to draw you back or closer to Him). "Your faith has made you well,” Jesus said. What did this man do that was different from the other nine? He had a heart of gratitude, and He came back to thank Jesus for His healing! So what did this man have that the other 9 did not? A heart of gratitude!
Well, isn't it interesting that Jesus chose to say "Your faith has made you well”, instead of "Your gratitude has made you well"? From what I perceive, He is telling us that faith = gratitude! If you have faith, you will thank God in every circumstances, regardless of its outcome! If you have a heart of gratitude towards God in every and anything, it means you have faith that God alone can do ALL things! And so you thank God for His powers and abilities, be it whether your prayers have been answered or not! Can you see the link? Can you see that faith and gratitude is synonymous in this case?
Therefore, I choose to thank God each time I get to open my eyes every morning, and for His strength within me to work and contribute to the economy, and to carry His cross and be His light to the world. I thank God each time I get to talk to a new friend, re-unite with an old pal, or simply hang out with friends. These quality times with friends are truly luxuries to me, given my busy schedule. I thank God the most when I get any opportunity to share about Christ. For I am storing up treasures in heaven! And I am planting the seeds of eternity into others! How joyful can that be! Oh, and I am very thankful too whenever I get to fill my ever-hungry stomach.
How many of you truly thank God for every little good things that come your way? Or are you like the ingrate lepers, who took His blessings for granted? Or worst, you don't even realised you've been blessed, or who your blessor is? If we are taught to walk by faith and not by sight, doesn't that also mean that through every of our steps, we are to be grateful towards Him, whose grace alone is sufficient for us?
How would you like to try this out? Be conscious about every thing that you believe is from God, e.g. the air, your good sleep last night, a good dream, your pet, your parents, your job and each time when you receive your salary, your friends, and each time when you get to catch up with them, each time you have a satisfying meal, each time you get a seat on the train, etc. And thank God for them! By the way, each time when we sing a praise song to God, we are thanking Him.
See, there's so many things to thank God for! And God is certainly pleased when you thank Him. It tells Him that you acknowledge His blessings and works in your life, but more importantly, it tells God that you remember Him and that He is always on your mind. When you have trained yourself to be grateful to God in every circumstances, big or small, you have mastered the secrets to physical and mental wellness. Remember Jesus' parting shot to the grateful leper, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Indeed, your faith has made you whole! And when you thank God enough, there's no room for depressive thoughts.
Thank you, Jesus. For guiding me every step of my way, every word from my mouth, and every thought through my mind. Through these, I am made whole and well.
Every day when I wake up, each time when I go for tuitions, I will always thank God. I thank God for His providence. God has put me into a great time of lack to humble me, yet He's has also shown me how He alone can pull me out and bless me abundantly. We need to adopt a heart of gratitude. How many of us truly thank God for our blessings, however minor it may seem? I wish to share with you this miracle of Jesus healing the 10 lepers.
Luke 17:11-19
Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy
11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”
14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”"
Jesus asked one of the 10 whom he had healed, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” In the midst of their excitement, they left and forgot to thank Jesus for their healing. The other one man, left with them too. However, he suddenly remembered about Jesus and came back to thank Him. To which Jesus replied “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Were the other 9 not well? I believe they were completely healed, for Jesus is not a petty God. Neither will He take back any blessings which He has poured (though it's to my belief that He will and can humble you if that is what is needed to draw you back or closer to Him). "Your faith has made you well,” Jesus said. What did this man do that was different from the other nine? He had a heart of gratitude, and He came back to thank Jesus for His healing! So what did this man have that the other 9 did not? A heart of gratitude!
Well, isn't it interesting that Jesus chose to say "Your faith has made you well”, instead of "Your gratitude has made you well"? From what I perceive, He is telling us that faith = gratitude! If you have faith, you will thank God in every circumstances, regardless of its outcome! If you have a heart of gratitude towards God in every and anything, it means you have faith that God alone can do ALL things! And so you thank God for His powers and abilities, be it whether your prayers have been answered or not! Can you see the link? Can you see that faith and gratitude is synonymous in this case?
Therefore, I choose to thank God each time I get to open my eyes every morning, and for His strength within me to work and contribute to the economy, and to carry His cross and be His light to the world. I thank God each time I get to talk to a new friend, re-unite with an old pal, or simply hang out with friends. These quality times with friends are truly luxuries to me, given my busy schedule. I thank God the most when I get any opportunity to share about Christ. For I am storing up treasures in heaven! And I am planting the seeds of eternity into others! How joyful can that be! Oh, and I am very thankful too whenever I get to fill my ever-hungry stomach.
How many of you truly thank God for every little good things that come your way? Or are you like the ingrate lepers, who took His blessings for granted? Or worst, you don't even realised you've been blessed, or who your blessor is? If we are taught to walk by faith and not by sight, doesn't that also mean that through every of our steps, we are to be grateful towards Him, whose grace alone is sufficient for us?
How would you like to try this out? Be conscious about every thing that you believe is from God, e.g. the air, your good sleep last night, a good dream, your pet, your parents, your job and each time when you receive your salary, your friends, and each time when you get to catch up with them, each time you have a satisfying meal, each time you get a seat on the train, etc. And thank God for them! By the way, each time when we sing a praise song to God, we are thanking Him.
See, there's so many things to thank God for! And God is certainly pleased when you thank Him. It tells Him that you acknowledge His blessings and works in your life, but more importantly, it tells God that you remember Him and that He is always on your mind. When you have trained yourself to be grateful to God in every circumstances, big or small, you have mastered the secrets to physical and mental wellness. Remember Jesus' parting shot to the grateful leper, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Indeed, your faith has made you whole! And when you thank God enough, there's no room for depressive thoughts.
Thank you, Jesus. For guiding me every step of my way, every word from my mouth, and every thought through my mind. Through these, I am made whole and well.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Why I Come To Christ....Again
People who know me might wonder about my change in life's philosophy and world views. Some might wonder why and when have I become this godly. I wish to take this opportunity to share with my friends the reasons...
Firstly, I don't consider myself godly or holy. What is the definition of godly or holy? What is ungodly or unholy? If holy means thinking about spiritual matters such as heaven, hell, and supreme being, and yearning for higher truths (not simply man-made) and fearing the wraths of my God and paying the price for my sins, then my answer is a confident Yes. If it's about pure display of religiosity and piousness, and proving to others that I'm good and righteous and a sin-hater, then it's No. On the contrary, I am far from being sinless. I struggle with many bad and secret habits. I have common issues faced by most men. I used to be the chief of sinners. The only difference between then and now? I am more conscious of my sins, of my wrongs, and I'm consciously seeking to rid it with God's help. And yes, I hate my fleshly desires and often cry out to God for forgiveness and divine help and wisdom to change me for the better. Does that mean I'm improving by the day? I believe so, by the grace of God. Does that mean I'm already good or perfect, or am I in any position to judge others? No!
My ex-pastor used to say, "God specialises in turning your 'Dis-appointments' to 'His-appointments'". How true that is! God has used my lowest low for His highest high, my sorrow to His joy, my fear to His confidence, my weaknesses to His strengths, my failures to His success, my disobedience to His obedience. Allow me to elaborate.
I could have died from a nasty head-on fall from a cliff 2 years ago. I was "lucky" to have escaped with multiple fractures to my wrist. You see...my legs got caught in some low bushes, I tripped at the edge of a 2 stories high cliff, and I fell head first. The only thing that saved my life? The soft soil. The only thing that could kill me? The concrete slabs that were barely 5cm away from the soil.
You see, when you are that close to death, you can't help but thank God. And you know it must be God.
Still, I was that prodigal son who chose to continue his prodigal ways. I continued to get involved in several wrong and sinful relationships. Oh, please don't give me that kind of look, as if you've never done a wrong before, be it relationship or otherwise. Some people just have more wrongs than others, or took a longer time to realise or learn from their mistakes. I was both.
Then in 2010 April, I was hit with the dreadful D word - Depression. It's not an understatement that depression is scary. It's tormenting! I can only use the analogy that several dark clouds came over my life during that period. You never know when the dark clouds will leave, and you toy with the thoughts that perhaps the only way out is to end your life. Hey, I'm trained in Psychology and Counselling, so I know what I'm talking now, and what I was experiencing then. In fact, I'm more qualified to talk about depression than those psychologists or counsellors who only know about it in theory. Still I had no control over depression. The tears just flowed uncontrollably, and the dark clouds loomed as and when they fancied.
I wanted to end my life. I had the lowest self-esteem then. I questioned my purpose of living, my very existence. I was fearful of stepping out of my house and meeting people. I dragged myself to work, and my bed was my best friend. It was then that I remembered God. If I commit suicide, I might go to hell. So that's not really what I want. But if I seek God, perhaps He can help me out of those dark clouds, and as a by-product, I may get to go to heaven too! Not too bad a deal huh?
Instead of crying to thin air, I cried to God. Instead of burying my face within the pillow, I buried it within the book of Psalms. It was during that period that I get to understand King David's heart. King David was depressed too! He cried to God for help, and God comforted him. I wanted that! So I began to emulate David's behaviours and prayers. Whenever I was outside, and I felt fear creeping in, I would go to a toilet cubical, squat down and pray to God. And if I was at work, I would lock myself up in a counselling room, and kneel and cry to God, amidst tears. Was I holy? Whatever, I was just doing what I knew best then. I fasted every week, I read the bible everyday, I prayed and praised Him daily, I told people about God's goodness wherever I went. Was I too holy and radical? Whatever it was, I found God and His peace. That's what matter most.
Then came end August, and a nice Christian girl came into my life. I thought she was God-sent. I thanked God. But soon we lived our lives as if we know no God. Yes, we believe in God and rightfully confessed so, and we faithfully attended church every weekend, but our actions showed otherwise. God's way is higher than our ways. This relationship was not glorifying to God. God took it away.
As a result, I was forced to come back to God again. Did I once blame God for all my failures? No! I blamed myself and my disobedience from His truths! I truly thank God for using my sins and failures to draw me back to Him again, and closer! I see how good and gracious God is. I see the magnitude of His love. I see His forgiving nature. I finally understood the parable of The Prodigal Son.
Seriously, isn't there anything in life that I want to live for, other than God? Plenty! I am just like you. I want a good life! I want a nice house, a car, a loving and complete family of my own, sufficient savings and retirement funds, yearly holidays, etc. Nothing wrong with these wants. These used to be my top priorities. However, I can touch my heart and sincerely tell you now, that I yearn for God and to please Him more than any material wealth and possessions. Again, am I still keen in becoming a millionaire? Yes!!! But way above that, I yearn to see God. Is that super holy or super spiritual?
I asked God a month ago "Jesus, you boldly claimed that You are the Way, the Truth and the Light, then what about other religions? Are they NOT the way, NOT the truth, NOT light? God then installed within me the desire to read up on the 3 other main religions in Singapore. I did, and my faith in God was further strengthened. Not one of the founders of the other 3 major religions claimed that they are gods, and even their followers admitted that they had died and were no longer alive. Only their teachings remained. One religion even states that their gods are simply enlightened beings, or were once highly-respected earthly beings. You see, when you're faced with depression or cancer or just about any crisis, wise teachings and meditations can only help thus much. But my God is the creator of the universe and is still alive! In fact, He Himself said that He is always with me and for me! How comforting can that thought be in the midst of my problems or crisis?
Maybe you feel that you are strong and successful and capable and don't need God now, or that you're in total control of your life, or that you're very happy and satisfied with your present life and state. Those are good beliefs, but how about asking God to be a partner in those beliefs too? What's more, it's free (accessories not included)!
There are still many reasons why my beliefs in Jesus are strengthened. I will share more in future when time permits.
Firstly, I don't consider myself godly or holy. What is the definition of godly or holy? What is ungodly or unholy? If holy means thinking about spiritual matters such as heaven, hell, and supreme being, and yearning for higher truths (not simply man-made) and fearing the wraths of my God and paying the price for my sins, then my answer is a confident Yes. If it's about pure display of religiosity and piousness, and proving to others that I'm good and righteous and a sin-hater, then it's No. On the contrary, I am far from being sinless. I struggle with many bad and secret habits. I have common issues faced by most men. I used to be the chief of sinners. The only difference between then and now? I am more conscious of my sins, of my wrongs, and I'm consciously seeking to rid it with God's help. And yes, I hate my fleshly desires and often cry out to God for forgiveness and divine help and wisdom to change me for the better. Does that mean I'm improving by the day? I believe so, by the grace of God. Does that mean I'm already good or perfect, or am I in any position to judge others? No!
My ex-pastor used to say, "God specialises in turning your 'Dis-appointments' to 'His-appointments'". How true that is! God has used my lowest low for His highest high, my sorrow to His joy, my fear to His confidence, my weaknesses to His strengths, my failures to His success, my disobedience to His obedience. Allow me to elaborate.
I could have died from a nasty head-on fall from a cliff 2 years ago. I was "lucky" to have escaped with multiple fractures to my wrist. You see...my legs got caught in some low bushes, I tripped at the edge of a 2 stories high cliff, and I fell head first. The only thing that saved my life? The soft soil. The only thing that could kill me? The concrete slabs that were barely 5cm away from the soil.
You see, when you are that close to death, you can't help but thank God. And you know it must be God.
Still, I was that prodigal son who chose to continue his prodigal ways. I continued to get involved in several wrong and sinful relationships. Oh, please don't give me that kind of look, as if you've never done a wrong before, be it relationship or otherwise. Some people just have more wrongs than others, or took a longer time to realise or learn from their mistakes. I was both.
Then in 2010 April, I was hit with the dreadful D word - Depression. It's not an understatement that depression is scary. It's tormenting! I can only use the analogy that several dark clouds came over my life during that period. You never know when the dark clouds will leave, and you toy with the thoughts that perhaps the only way out is to end your life. Hey, I'm trained in Psychology and Counselling, so I know what I'm talking now, and what I was experiencing then. In fact, I'm more qualified to talk about depression than those psychologists or counsellors who only know about it in theory. Still I had no control over depression. The tears just flowed uncontrollably, and the dark clouds loomed as and when they fancied.
I wanted to end my life. I had the lowest self-esteem then. I questioned my purpose of living, my very existence. I was fearful of stepping out of my house and meeting people. I dragged myself to work, and my bed was my best friend. It was then that I remembered God. If I commit suicide, I might go to hell. So that's not really what I want. But if I seek God, perhaps He can help me out of those dark clouds, and as a by-product, I may get to go to heaven too! Not too bad a deal huh?
Instead of crying to thin air, I cried to God. Instead of burying my face within the pillow, I buried it within the book of Psalms. It was during that period that I get to understand King David's heart. King David was depressed too! He cried to God for help, and God comforted him. I wanted that! So I began to emulate David's behaviours and prayers. Whenever I was outside, and I felt fear creeping in, I would go to a toilet cubical, squat down and pray to God. And if I was at work, I would lock myself up in a counselling room, and kneel and cry to God, amidst tears. Was I holy? Whatever, I was just doing what I knew best then. I fasted every week, I read the bible everyday, I prayed and praised Him daily, I told people about God's goodness wherever I went. Was I too holy and radical? Whatever it was, I found God and His peace. That's what matter most.
Then came end August, and a nice Christian girl came into my life. I thought she was God-sent. I thanked God. But soon we lived our lives as if we know no God. Yes, we believe in God and rightfully confessed so, and we faithfully attended church every weekend, but our actions showed otherwise. God's way is higher than our ways. This relationship was not glorifying to God. God took it away.
As a result, I was forced to come back to God again. Did I once blame God for all my failures? No! I blamed myself and my disobedience from His truths! I truly thank God for using my sins and failures to draw me back to Him again, and closer! I see how good and gracious God is. I see the magnitude of His love. I see His forgiving nature. I finally understood the parable of The Prodigal Son.
Seriously, isn't there anything in life that I want to live for, other than God? Plenty! I am just like you. I want a good life! I want a nice house, a car, a loving and complete family of my own, sufficient savings and retirement funds, yearly holidays, etc. Nothing wrong with these wants. These used to be my top priorities. However, I can touch my heart and sincerely tell you now, that I yearn for God and to please Him more than any material wealth and possessions. Again, am I still keen in becoming a millionaire? Yes!!! But way above that, I yearn to see God. Is that super holy or super spiritual?
I asked God a month ago "Jesus, you boldly claimed that You are the Way, the Truth and the Light, then what about other religions? Are they NOT the way, NOT the truth, NOT light? God then installed within me the desire to read up on the 3 other main religions in Singapore. I did, and my faith in God was further strengthened. Not one of the founders of the other 3 major religions claimed that they are gods, and even their followers admitted that they had died and were no longer alive. Only their teachings remained. One religion even states that their gods are simply enlightened beings, or were once highly-respected earthly beings. You see, when you're faced with depression or cancer or just about any crisis, wise teachings and meditations can only help thus much. But my God is the creator of the universe and is still alive! In fact, He Himself said that He is always with me and for me! How comforting can that thought be in the midst of my problems or crisis?
Maybe you feel that you are strong and successful and capable and don't need God now, or that you're in total control of your life, or that you're very happy and satisfied with your present life and state. Those are good beliefs, but how about asking God to be a partner in those beliefs too? What's more, it's free (accessories not included)!
There are still many reasons why my beliefs in Jesus are strengthened. I will share more in future when time permits.
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