Missing's'

It has been a long time since I last post something on this blog. I wasn't missing but busy with studies and work.

Well, I have been busy with university exams, and serving in a christian student group as well as in church. I can actually say my life in Adelaide is getting more and more interesting.

Unknowingly, today is already 24th November! And guess what?! I'm posting this blog at the free internet kiosk at Perth International Airport! I will be heading home in another 5 hours time! I'm sure many people will think heading home is going to be fun and interesting, but I have this strange feeling in my heart! I actually missing Adelaide now! Friends, Church, Uiversity...

Anyways, I have had a good day yesterday helping my friend on his album project! Though the progress was not up to our expectation, but at least we have got something done! 

I don't really have any particular thoughts to past today, but yea, just to show my presence on this blog and to waste some time while waiting for check-in! Guess what, I've been in this airport since 7 in the morning! I've been missing sleeping for some time now, jus wanna hop on the plance and get some rest!

Well, I'm sure I'll see all my friends in Adelaide in 3 months time. In the meantime while I'm away, I will be praying that all of you will have an awesome summer either in Adelaide or some other places. 

Missing you guys!

Shining as Stars

Philippians 2:12-18

12Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe 16as you hold out[c] the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. 17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Humility

I have found a very interesting passage in the Bible, which is also a very hard lesson to learn.

Philippians 2:1-18

Imitating Christ's Humility

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Shining as Stars

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

How did Jesus show humility? The greatest example will be in John 13.

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.""No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.""Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Washing someone's feet back in those days were the job of slaves and servants. Can you imagine if you were in that situation, what would your reaction be? I personally will be like Simon Peter. Who am I that the Lord of all the earth would come and wash my feet! I am not worthy of him doing so. But greater still, He was humble enough to die on the cross for our sake.

I personally had my feet washed by my brother in christ today. I felt the great love and the humility of him in doing so. How much more that our Lord Jesus Christ did that before he died to His disciples.

Humility is a really hard lesson to learn. It is never possible for someone doing it on his own strength. But Christ the perfector of our faith has enabled him to do so. Let us look upon God and allows Him to transform our lives.

May all the praise and glory be to our God!

Lessons to learn

Hello, people might be wondering where was I for the past whole month. Oh well, I have just shifted to a new place and do not have access to the internet for almost a month. For this past one month, I have learnt a lot of new lessons especially in the three weeks of winter holiday that I have.

One of those which really touched my heart was the reading of Genesis chapter 1 - the creation of God.

Have you ever wondered why our God, who is so mighty and powerful would choose to create the whole universe in 6 days rather than just one split second?

As I reflect on it, I realized that God is a well-planned God, He was trying to set an example for us that we do not need to rush in things. You see, firstly, He created the heaven and the earth, then He separated light from darkness. It was not until the sixth day that he created human. From this passage, we can see that God do things in order. He do not rush into things like what we are in our daily lives.

We should not be rushing when our Creator God pauses. When we do, we will be walking away from Him. Walking away from God does not mean that you turned 180 degrees away from the Lord, but you are walking in the different direction than where God wants you to go. If you chose to continue rushing on while He pauses, you are now running ahead of God, which means you are walking away from God. We, as Christian should be walking side by side with God. Though He will not leave you nor forsake you, bear in mind that you have to bear your own consequences if you decide to ignore God. The choice is yours.

Besides, I also found out that how distracting internet is. People nowadays has been so addicted to internet where this thing has become a part of their lives. Internet is just like a spider web, where it helps the spider to catch its victim. Once you have got yourself stick to it, it is really hard for you to get away from it.

As I have mentioned earlier, I do not have access to Internet at all for one whole month, I feel like there is something deep inside of me gone missing. To ease the feeling, I have gotten myself some Christian books to read during the holiday that I had. I found life without Internet is quite a pitiful one where you can't do anything that you want, like what people love to "facebook-ing" or "youtub-ing". Oh well, I spent my 3 weeks holiday reading books that really help me to grow deeper in the Lord. It is until now only I realized that how Internet has became part of my life and I need to do something about it. I just have to set the priority right.

Hopefully this post will help you realized that we need to always be with God and do not try to outrun Him. =p

Amazing Story - God is always in control

A man from Norfolk , VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003, TWO YEARS AFTER THE TRAGEDIES OF 9/11/2001. His name was Robert Matthews.

These are his words:

A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. We had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight. both very upset, we drove home.

I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight.

My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower. I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can't just sit by for; I have to do something.'

I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild. Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort.

My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say good-bye.

Then something happened. About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child.

The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews..... I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.'

He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris. He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this.. He then said, 'there is something else you need to know.'

His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news.

Now I know that when I get to Heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves.

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew, in honor of the man who gave his life so that a mother and baby could live.

This story should help us to realize this: God is always in control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.

Please take time to share this amazing story. You may never know the impact it may have on someone... God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures Forever. Psalm 136:1

An Interesting Proof

Just found this out somewhere in my lecture notes. Of course, I'm going to modify it!

Do you believe that you have just inhaled an air molecule which Jesus exhaled in his last breath saying "It is finished" after more than 2000 years ago?

Our intuition tells us the probability of this is really small. After all, the numbers of molecules exhaled by Jesus was a tiny fraction of all the molecules available in the atmosphere. However, get ready for a suprising answer!

Let's build a model to see clearly.

Assuming:
1. There are n air molecules available in the atmosphere.
2. Jesus exhaled p air molecules.
3. The air molecules were distribute uniformly over the years.
4. We have just inhaled q air molecules.

Let's consider a single (randomly chosen molecule) in the atmosphere.
The probability that this is in fact a molecule that exhaled by Jesus is p/n.

Conversely, the probability that this is not a molecule exhaled by Jesus is 1 - p/n.

So, if we inhale 2 molecules, the probability that none of them was exhaled by Jesus is (1 - p/n)^2.

And, if we inhale q molecules, again, the probability that none of them was exhaled by Jesus is (1 - p/n)^q.

And, the probability that we did inhale a molecule which exhaled in his dying breath is given as:
P = 1 - (1 - p/n)^q

Alright! We now have a model and are ready for calculations.
Let's estimate the values of our variables.
The atmosphere has a lot of air molecules, n (approx.) = 10^44
The capacity of a normal human lung, p & q (approx.) = 2.2 x 10^22

Let's substitute in the values above into the equation!
P = 1 - (1 - 2.2 x 10^22/10^44)^2.2 x 10^22 (approximately) = 0.99

Wow! The result is so amazing right?!

The chance that we have just inhaled a molecule which Jesus exhaled in his dying breath is more than 99%!

This story is just in time - Three Bullets

There once was a man who had nothing for his family to eat. He had an old rifle and three bullets. So, he decided that he would go out hunting and kill some wild animals for dinner.

As he went down the road, he saw a rabbit. He shot at the rabbit and missed it. The rabbit ran away.

Then he saw a squirrel and fired a shot at the squirrel and missed it. The squirrel disappeared into a hole in a cottonwood tree.

As he went further, he saw a large wild turkey up in a tree, but he had only one bullet remaining. A voice spoke to him and said, "Pray first, aim high and stay focused." However, at the same time, he saw a deer which would provide more meat than the turkey. He brought the gun down and aimed at the deer. But, then he saw a rattlesnake between his legs about to bite him, so he naturally brought the gun down further to shoot the rattlesnake.

Still, the voice again said to him, "Pray first, aim high and stay focused."

So, the man decided to listen to God's voice. He prayed, then aimed the gun high up in the tree, and shot the wild turkey. The bullet went into the turkey, deflected off a bone and hit the deer, killing it. When the gun fired, it knocked the man off balance, he stepped on the rattlesnake' s head which killed it and fell backwards into a pond. When he stood up to look around, he had fish in all his pockets, a deer and a turkey with which to feed his family. The snake was dead simply because the man listened to God.

Moral of the story:- Keep God first and everything else will follow.

Pray first before you do anything. Aim high in your goals, and stay focused on God. Never let people or things discourage you concerning your past. Do not look to man for your blessings, but look only to God.

GOD MUST BE NUMERO UNO IN OUR LIVES!!!!!

Drastic change

Have you ever had a good thing and a bad thing happened together on the same day?

Today (9th Jun 2009) is the day where I submit my final report which I have been working on for the whole semester. Well, it supposed to be a great news for me, as finally I can get settle down and start doing revision for the final exam which will be coming in two weeks time. But today, also is the day my beloved grandmother gone back to be with the Lord. At first, I was calling my mom wanting to tell her that the flights nowadays are really cheap! But in turn, she told me that "Your grandmother has passed away this morning in the hospital." Well, although I have prepared for this when I was informed that last time she was admitted to Intensive Care Unit of the hospital. But I didn't know that the day has came so fast. What can I do? I can't go back to Malaysia as my exam is so near, but just to call home and comfort them.

As I reflect back the days that I have spent with my grandmother, she was the one that taught me Thai language, that celebrate my birthdays with me, we went jogging together in the mornings and picked up snails together because i love snails, and she is the one I turn to when I was sad and moody. But now, she has left me FOREVER... My tears started to roll down my eyes now... These scenes are going to be in my memories forever... It will no longer be real in my life. I imagined that she was lying on the bed of the Intensive Care Unit, crying and mourning of the pains that she was suffering, well, now might be the time that she be relieved from the pains and sufferings that she has been dealing with for the past month.

Well, this day has changed so drastically. The minute before, I was still happy and enjoying my time going online and chatting with friends, the next minute I am drown into the emo mood. This change has been so drastic, and I still cannot make up my mind of what to do yet.

This reminded me of a verse that in Matthew 24:44 "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him." This drastic change has reminded me to get ready always, as God will come back at the hour that you do not expect Him, like what happened to my grandmother earlier on.

I just hope that this post will make us all realised that we should honour our parents always as the day will come when we do not realise it, then it will be too late to show our care to them.

Just hope that my family can get over this feeling as soon as possible, as we know that she is with our Father in Heaven now.

Rest in peace, grandma!

A chat with a Jehovah Witness

I was at a bus stop today waiting for bus with one of my friend. Suddenly, there is this lady giving us a brochure of Christianity. Afterwhich, she started to share about God and the Bible. As I read through the brochure, I found out that she is a Jehovah Witness.

Yea, she did pointed out a few points that I really agree with. That is the truthfulness of the Bible. She said that the Bible that we believe in is true because of the internal harmony in the Bible. Since the 66 books in the Bible was written by about 40 authors, there is no conflict in the statements made because it is written because the Creator has inspired the writers to write. In addition, there are a few proofs that was written long time ago that is proven by science today. She gave the example that the earth is round which is written in Job and Isaiah.

She, as a Jehovah Witness has find every chance to share her thought about Christianity, but why that we rarely see Christians share the gospel to their friends? Fellow brothers and sisters, do not be hesistate to share the gospel to people around you. I do feel ashamed today, and I want to learn the courage from her to share the word to my friends. Do not be ashamed of the gospel, as it is stated in Matthew 10:32-33 that "If you tell others that you belong to me, I will tell my Father in heaven that you are my followers. But if you reject me, I will tell my Father in heaven that you don't belong to me. "

At the point of death.

Have you ever have a family member that is really sick and at the point of death? My grandmother has been admited to hospital and had a total kidney failure. She could hardly breathe and now she has to undergo dialysis to clear up the toxic in her body.

Well, I did question God. Why did He allows these things to happen? Well, I think the reason behind is fairly simple. God wants His glory to be shown through all these hardships that He put in our lives. He wants to train us to be strong and courages at these points of time, to depend on Him for His plans and purpose in our lives.

Psalms 23 says:

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not lack.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

He refreshes and restores my life; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord shall be my dwelling place.

God has been really gracious to me. He has placed people around me to encourage and support me whenever I face troubles. God has also shown His power and glory through the salvation of my dad (when my grandmother was admited to hospital last year). 

We should thank God for these that He allows to happen and really look upon Him for strength to pull you through as He has promised that He will be with us and lead us. God will not place something greater for us to bear. These troubles or trials are there to sharpen you to be a useful tool for the Lord. Let us continue to seek His will in our lives.

What is Love?

Have you ever thought of what is love?

People will say: "Love is blind. Love is something that cannot be explained with words."

But what did the Bible says about love?

1 Corinthians 13

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Love is something that you poured out to people around you and expect nothing in return. People might claim: "I love you these much, and you must love me these much too!"

But what did God do in the aspect of love? He loves us and He even sacrificed His own and beloved Son to die on behalf of us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness and so that we can be with Him in eternity. 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."

Does it mean that Christians are holy saints that do not commit sins anymore? Absolutely not! Christians are also normal human beings. We do fall into the trap of sin at times, but by the grace of God, we are being forgiven again and again if we repent before Him.

I can assure you that there is no love under heaven that is greater than the love from our God for us. God is the source of love. He created us so that we can have fellowship with Him. 

Will you at this day tell God that you love Him too?

A Glass of Milk

Just a touching story:

A Glass of Milk

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water.

She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"

"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness."

He said..... "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.

Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.

After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval.

He looked at it, and then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill.

She read these words.....

"Paid in full with one glass of milk"

(Signed)
Dr. Howard Kelly

Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands."

 

John 3:16

A beautiful story that i found in my inbox...

A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner,the people were in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers. He walked up to a policeman and said, 'Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay.

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, 'You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you in.

So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady answered. He looked up and said, 'John 3:16.' The lady said, 'Come on in, Son.' She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fire place, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself: John 3:16.. I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm. Later she came back and asked him, 'Are you hungry ?' He said, 'Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food, 'The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more.

Then he thought to himself: John 3:16... Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full. She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for awhile. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.

The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night,he thought to himself: John 3:16... I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested.

The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fire place and picked up a big old Bible. She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face. 'Do you understand John 3:16 ?' she asked gently. He replied, 'No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it,'

She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fire place, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16 -- don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe. You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Jesus said, 'If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father.' He is our source of existence.. He keeps us functioning each and every day.

So, do not be ashamed of the gospel but rather be proud of it! Be strong and courages to take your stand for the Lord.

House Inspection

Have you ever had a house inspection before? Of cause you had. I will have an inspection tomorrow. I was so busy doing some last minute cleaning of my room and the common places. 

But come to think of it, are you ready for the "Inspection of Christ"? People will call this Jesus' second coming. Are your hearts right and blameless and ready to meet the Lord? 

Matthew 24:36

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

No one will know when is the end time, so we need to get ready to meet the Lord at all times.

How do we get ready?

Matthew 24:9-13

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."

Stand strong upon the Word so that you will  not be shaken in times of persecution. Continue to spread the Word to the nations (people group) around you. Confess all your unrighteousness to God cause you can't hide a single thing from God.

Just something to be ponder  upon:

"Is it right to sell everything and sit on a hilltop waiting for Him? Definitely NOT! We ought to plan and work as if He were not coming for another century but live a pure and holy life as if He were to return today."

Alright, that's all for now. I got to continue cleaning my house for inspection tomorrow.

See Clearly!

I had a friend who lost his spectacles last week. As a result of it, he can't clearly see the things around him. He had a hard time trying to do his assignments and daily works.

In the same way, in our christian life, we can't see things clearly if we don't have the "spectacles" , Christ Jesus. Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life, no one can come to the Father except through me." If we do not have Jesus in our life, we will be living a blurred life, do not know the plan our Father in Heaven has for us.

How can we put on our spectacles and know the plans of God in our lives? The answer is really simple! Believe in Jesus Christ that He is the Son of God and spend time with Him, build up a good relationship with Him and the Father, and then He will slowly reveal His will to you.

Guys, God gave us a chance whether we want to put on the "spectacles" or continue to live a blurred life. So what is your choice??

Desires for Food!

I was walking through the MYER's foodcourt today after having lunch in Southern Cross. I had a really heavy 3-course meal and I was so full until can't even take in a deep breath. The thing is when I was walking through the foodcourt, smells of the dougnuts, KFC, McDonalds, Subway nearly made me vomit. This suddenly inspires me to write this particular post:

We are human. We are being tempted with a lot of things, ie gadgets, food, cars, power, authorities... Yea, but since we already found the source of all, the Lord our God, why will we have to turn to something else? Or why will we still fall into temptations? Aren't our God already provided us with anything that we ask for (if it's according to His will of course.)?

Like my incident, I was so full and satisfied, I wouldn't get another Subway/dougnut/KFC of course, why do I need to? We all should be satisfied with what God has given to us, and be grateful. We should stand strong on our faith as we already have the Greatest of all!

Focus Unto Jesus

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:1-3

Who is Jesus? Visit any part of the world today. Talk to people of any religion. No matter how committed they are to their particular religion, if they know anything about history, they will have to admit that there has never been a man like Jesus of Nazareth. He is the most unique personality of all time.

Hundreds of years before Jesus' birth, Scripture records the words of the prophets of Israel predicting His coming. The Old Testament, written by many people over a period of 1,500 years, contains more than 300 prophecies describing His coming. All of these details came true, including his miraculous birth, His sinless life, His many miracles, His death and His resurrection. 

The life Jesus led, the miracles He did, the words He spoke, His death on the cross, His resurrection, His ascent to heaven - all point to the fact that He was not merely man, but more than man. Jesus claimed, "I and the Father are One" (John 10:30), "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9), and "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6).

Look at the life and influence of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, throughout history and you will see that He and His message always produce great changes in the lives of men and of nations. Wherever His teachings and influence have gone, the holiness of marriage, women's rights and voice in society have been acknowledged; schools and universities of higher learning have been established; laws to protect children have been made; slavery has been abolished; and a multitude of other changes have been made for the good of mankind. Individual lives are also dramatically changed. For example, Lew Wallace, a famous general and literary genius, was a known atheist. For two years, Mr. Wallace studied the leading libraries of Europe and America, seeking information that would forever destroy Christianity. While writing the second chapter of a book he planned to write, he suddenly found himself on his knees crying out to Jesus, "My Lord and my God." 

Because of solid indisputable evidence, he could no longer deny that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Later, Lew Wallace wrote the book Ben Hur, one of the greatest English novels ever written concerning the time of Christ. 

Similarly, the late C.S. Lewis, professor at Oxford University in England, was an agnostic who denied the deity of Christ for years. But he, too, in intellectual honesty, submitted to Jesus as his God and Savior after studying the overwhelming evidence for His deity.

Who is Jesus of Nazareth to you? Your life on this earth and for all of eternity is affected by your answer to this question. 

All other religions were founded by human beings and are based on man-made philosophies, rules and norms for behavior. Take the founders of these religions out of both their disciplines and practices of worship and little would change. But take Jesus Christ out of Christianity, and there would be nothing left. Biblical Christianity is not just a philosophy of life, nor an ethical standard or obedience to religious ritual. True Christianity is based on a vital, personal relationship with a risen, living Savior and Lord.

Jesus of Nazareth was crucified on a cross, buried in a borrowed grave, and three days later was raised from the dead; Christianity is unique in this regard. Any argument for the validity of Christianity depends on the proof of the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. 

Throughout the centuries, most great scholars who have considered the proofs of the resurrection have believed, and still believe, that Jesus is alive. After examining the evidence for the resurrection given by the Gospel writers, the late Simon Greenleaf, an authority on legal issues at Harvard Law School, concluded; "It was therefore impossible that they could have persisted in affirming the truths they have narrated, had not Jesus actually risen from the dead, and had they not known this fact as certainly as they knew any other fact."

John Singleton Copley, recognized as one of the greatest legal minds in British history, commented: "I know pretty well what evidence is; and I tell you, such evidence as that for the resurrection has never broken down yet."

The resurrection is central to the faith of a Christian. There are several reasons why those who study the resurrection believe it is true: 

1) His coming, death, resurrection was being foretold!

2) The empty grave is there to prove that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead.

3) Jesus has personal encounter with His disciples after He's resurrected.

4) The birth of the early church as the resurrection of Christ is the only explaination to this.

5) Life transfroming process.

6) A LIVING LORD, because of Jesus' resurrection, His true followers do not merely observe the ethical code of a dead founder, but rather have a vital, personal relationship with the living Lord. Jesus Christ lives today and faithfully blesses and enriches the lives of all those who trust and obey Him. Throughout the centuries, multitudes have acknowledged the worthiness of Jesus Christ, including many who have greatly influenced the world. 

French physicist and philosopher Blaise Pascal spoke of man's need for Jesus when he said, "There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man, which only God can fill through His Son Jesus Christ." 

Christianity is nothing without Christ. Friends, would you focus unto Jesus and let Him transform your life? 

Want to be successful in life?

Just want to share something that I have learnt from my devotion on the 26th April 2009.

Scripture: Joshua 1:8

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

Basically, as we can all read, in order to be prosperous and successful in life, we must not let the Book of the Law (the Bible) to depart from our mouth, our heart, our mind. We must meditate on it day and night and carry a life as God has commanded. 

Sometimes, doing devotions seems to be a hardwork for many Christians. It shouldn't be that way, though, should it? People may not be able to experience more of Jesus and hearing God speak to them in their devotion may regard the duty of doing devotion is dull and mission impossible. Is that really so?

Just a few tips of how to do your devotion effectively (as I found in my Life Journal booklet), and I find it useful.

1) Slow down in your reading. For those who follow the programme of reading the Bible in a year, if you have missed a day or two, it may not always be profitable to try to "catch up". Read the scripture word by word, verse by verse. Don't rush through!

2) Read it prayerfully expecting Christ to speak through the Holy Spirit.

3) Do not treat it as a job that you must do to please God! You should regard it as one of the greatest privileges and joys, to read the word of your God and Saviour.

4) We need to seek God for a fresh insight into the wonder of His pardon and forgivness as nothing we read in the Word will speak to us if our hearts are hard and cold.

5) Obey what God is saying to you, He knows what He's talking about! If God speaks to us, and we knowingly refuse to do anything, no wonder the Bible becomes cold and stony!

6) Don't treat the Bible as your study manual, but rather a LIVING WORD from God.

7) Lastly, maybe the particular translation is not suitable for you, get a new bible!

Hope these tips will help you and you will find your devotion effective and interesting as you hear God's speaking to you! As God has said, read His word and act upon it, then you will be prosperous and successful!

Calling all OCFers!

"Restoring vison, Renewing Hope!" is the theme for this year's 50th OCF Convention!

This convention is really special as you can meet with ex-ocfers (dinasaurs) from the 50s, 60s, 70s,80s,90s... It will be a very memorable one for sure!

Details as follows:

Date: 9th to 13th December 2009.

Venue: Hotel Equatorial, Malacca, Malaysia.

Registration will be open in a later date.

For more information, please visit the official website: http://ocfconvention.org/

Where are You?

"Where are You, God?!" is the most common question Christians nowadays will ask when they face troubles, sufferings and hardships in life. Do you think God will leave us alone to deal with these troubles and sufferings? What did God says in the Bible?

II Corinthians 1:3-4

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."

God will not leave us alone as He has promised, but rather He will comfort us and be with us in time of hardships. So let us find peace in God whenever we face troubles in our lives. Also, don't forget Him even though we do not have problems in life!

Just a meaningful story to share: "Footprints"

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One night I had a dream:

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with Lord and across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonged to me and the other to the Lord. 

When the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that many times along the path of my life, there was only one set of footprints, I also notices that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life. 

This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way, but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints." 

"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most, you should leave me." 

The Lord replied, "My precious precious child, I love you and I would never never leave you during your times of trial and suffering." 

"When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you." 

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Hebrew Word of the Day

It's Hebrew Word time!

Today's letter is "Beth" /bɛθ/, /beɪt/ -  בּ

"Beth" is the second alphabert in Hebrew. 

It can also be write as   ב ("veth", rather than "beth")

"Beth" has a numerical value of "2"

Example of "Beth" in the word "son": בֵּן  

Alright, that's all for today!

A Story by Pastor Thomas

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak...

"I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright. I stopped the lad and asked, "What you got there, son?" "Just some old birds," came the reply. "What are you gonna do with them?" I asked. "Take'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time" "But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do?" "Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them."

The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?" "Huh??!!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!" "How much?" the pastor asked again. The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?" The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone.

The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free.

Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story.

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught the world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!" "What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked. Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!" "And what will you do when you get done with them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, I'll kill'em," Satan glared proudly.

"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked. "Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!" "How much?" He asked again. Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life."

Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price.

The pastor picked up the cage he opened the door and he walked from the pulpit.

A thought for yourself:
"Jesus has paid the price for us, what should be your response then?"

No Time To Give

Just a meaningful poem to share, let us reflect whether we are too caught up with the things around us but forget the greatest commision from God.

I knelt to pray but not for long,
I had too much to do.
I had to hurry and get to work,
For bills would soon be due.

So I knelt and said a hurried prayer,
And jumped up off my knees.
My Christian duty was now done,
My soul could rest at ease.

All day long I had no time,
To spread a word of cheer.
No time to speak of Christ to friends,
They'd laugh at me I'd fear.

No time, no time, too much to do,
That was my constant cry,
No time to give to souls in need
But at last the time, the time to die.

I went before the Lord, I came,
I stood with downcast eyes.
For in his hands, God held a book;
It was the book of life.

God looked into his book and said
"Your name I cannot find.”
I once was going to write it down...
But never found the time."

Hebrew Word of the Day

Hebrew language is written from the right to the left.
It consists of 22 letters.
Let's start with the first one,

"Aleph" /ˈɑːlɛf/, /ˈɑːlɨf/ -- א

"Aleph" is SILENT in Hebrew, is not being pronounced in words.

One example of "Aleph" in the word "Alphabet": אלפבית

Hebrew letters also used to denote numbers, especially dates in the Hebrew calender.
"Aleph" has the numerical value of "1".

That's for today's Hebrew word. Look out for more.

Fanning the Flame

Have you ever heard people say: "Christian life is hard!" and see the fire in them slowly die down?Yes, indeed, Christian life is real hard, full with challenges, temptation and trials. God never promise a bed of roses after we accept Christ as the Saviour in our lives, but rather persecutions and temptations. 

"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:9-14

Have you ever wondered why that God wants to put these trials and hardships in our lives? It is only for the reason that God's glory will be shown through the hardships we face in daily life. Be not discourage when you encounter hardships, as it says in Joshua 1:9

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

The Lord our God is with us wherever we go, let us stay strong in the Lord, encourage and build up one another and let the flame in us continue to burn for Him, let us complete the great commision that He has shown us through Christ, 

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' " Matthew 28:18-20

"But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." I Thessalonians 5:8-11

God has shown us what properties or attitudes that we ought to have to be Christ-like in Colossions 3:12-14. 

“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” 

Mahamat Ghandi has once said, “If I could find a Christian just like Jesus Christ in the Bible, I would become one too!” The world is looking at us, therefore, we should pray that we can live out a Christ-like lifestyle to be a living testimony for Christ.