Friday, December 31, 2010
Hello 2011 and goodbye 2010
As the year comes to a close, its time we count our blessings as well as consider of things that have happened. No doubt 2010 has been an interesting year for many. To some, its a year filled with miracle and blessings that God has poured out. To some however, its a year of sowing and reaping in time to come. To others it may have been a year filled with trials in life. Well as for me, as 2010 comes to an end, I just want to submit everything to God. Indeed this year, I have gone through trials and blessing. I have indeed failed both God and man in many areas however with God's grace, I am able to still see achievements in the year. I believe to some of us perhaps as we count our blessing and consider, there is just a word that seems to come to some of us...faithfulness. When we see good things happening in our lives and in our ministry, do we give thanks? When we undergo trials, are we still there to serve faithfully or have we come to a state of wondering if its still worth it? The word of God to me at the close of this year is be faithful in everything that He has entrusted to me. Perhaps the times I was wondering...is it worth serving? and God sees it. This year I have seen God expanded my ministry in the manner I serve him. Indeed, this year, my experience in my walk with Jesus is "Luk 16:10-12 He who is faithful in the least is also faithful in much. And he who is unjust in the least is also unjust in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust the true riches to you? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who shall give you that which is your own?" Yes indeed if we are faithful in our studies, God will give us better grades. This is something I learn after my poor results for my second semester (due to my bad online gaming attitude). Being faithful in ministry (this has got nothing to do with my studies) has seen my area of serving expanded from just a few area to more areas. As of next year, I believe if I continue to be faithful in the small things, God will indeed give me more. Thanks God, this year 2010 has been interesting and I believe 2011 is gonna be more interesting. Amen!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas truth and lies
Well, it is written in Matthew 13:24-30
Mat 13:24 He put out another parable to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field.
Mat 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel among the wheat and went his way.
Mat 13:26 But when the blade had sprung up and had produced fruit, then the darnel also appeared.
Mat 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then where have the darnel come from?
Mat 13:28 He said to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Then do you want us to go and gather them up?
Mat 13:29 But he said, No, lest while you gather up the darnel you also root up the wheat with them.
Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest. And in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, First gather together the darnel and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my granary.
Darnel = poisonous weeds that look like grain but its black in color.
Well, its Christmas, every year people look forward to this occasion. Its 25th of December as all knows it. Well..for some reason...are people getting the right reason to celebrate Christmas or have they allowed the darnel to grow in their fields?
1) Its Christmas not Xmas for everyone's info...
The meaning of Christmas as defined by the Original Catholic Encyclopedia as "Christ's Mass". Yes..its Christ + mas not X + mas. Its all about Christ we are celebrating that is why is called Christ's mass. If we take away Christ and replace it with an X, then all is left is nothing but a wrong reason to celebrate Christmas that's why people who have no idea what Christmas is calls it Xmas and thus mass together without any purpose or reason. In today society people wanted to take Christ out of Christmas but whatever is established by God can never be de-establish by man as Christmas lights and decoration (1) quote that X is the Greek word to represent Ch which is the 1st letters of Christ's name.
2) Christmas is about Santa or Jesus?
Well a few weeks ago I saw this article on the internet about the billboards by American Atheists and the Catholic league which can be found in:
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/30/dueling-billboards-face-off-in-christmas-controversy/?hpt=C1
"You know is a myth, this season celebrate reason!" by the American Atheist
"You Know It's Real: This Season Celebrate Jesus." by the Catholic league
Funny thing is that the background of the billboard for the American Atheist is the background picture of the wise man traveling to see Jesus. What it shows to me is this: What is the myth? What is the reason? Not mentioned but the background of the 3 wise man traveling to see Jesus seems to suggest that the only reason is none other than Jesus. The Catholic league posting shows us that what is real is to celebrate Jesus. If its the myth they are mentioning about, the only myth that anyone would probably agree on is Santa Clause as even the article "Santa Claus: The real man behind the myth" (2) calls Santa as a myth in its title itself.
If we look into various sources we will see that why is Christmas celebrated? Its to commemorate the birth of Jesus. When Christmas was first celebrated back in the 4th century, the purpose was to commemorate the birth of Jesus (3). There has been no citation regarding the origin of this celebration to do with Santa Clause at all in relation to the birth of Christ.
If Santa got nothing to do with Christmas in the beginning, why is he a figure? The origin of Santa can best be described by Patti Wigington (4). In this article we can see that Santa Clause even though is to remember saint Nicolas but it has many influences from the heathen belief of Odin, the Germanic deity and the belief that Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir that brings gift. Saint Nicolas generous givings being used as disguised to hide the pagan belief of Odin has silently creep into Christian society as a figure in Christmas and as times pass, Christians fail to realize that honoring Santa Clause as a figure during Christmas is in actual fact having a belief that the pagan god Odin but in the name of Saint Nicolas aka Santa Clause.
In conclusion to this matter of Jesus or Santa?, we conclude that Christmas is about Jesus and not Santa.
3) Symbols of Christmas
-Christmas tree
The tradition of having the Christmas tree during Christmas can be traced back to the 15th and 16th century in Europe where guilds set up a tree in the town and people dance around it. (5) The Christmas tree was only decorated in 1584 in Russia (6) Christmas tree itself does not really carry much symbolic meaning but its decoration do.
-Star or angel on top of the Christmas tree
The star and angel on the Christmas tree is usually placed at the top and it represents the star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-9) while the angel represents the angels that bring the news to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-18).
-Candy cane
The candy cane as explained by pastor John Simpson during Eagle point Christian Fellowship Christmas dinner 2010 as "The candy cane has the shape of the shepherd staff. It reminds us of how the shepherd seek after the Savior. It is white in color because it is made of peppermint. White represents purity. Only Christ can make us pure (Isaiah 1:18) and everyone who wants to be pure must go to Jesus. Red represents the blood of Jesus which only by the blood of Christ we can be made pure. The green color represents life that will come only from Christ (Romans 6:23). If the candy cane is reversed its the letter J. J for Jesus. Jesus is the only reason for Christmas and its marked by the candy cane."
-Christmas lights
Christmas lights and decoration mentioned that since the 17th Century, people have lit their Christmas trees to sit by its comforting glow (7). Wikipedia mentioned that "Early Christians were persecuted for having worship gatherings ("mass"). A candle in the window signified where worship would be occurring for Christians in a community." (8)
-Bells
"In the case of Christmas, bells are typically rung to herald the holiday season, celebrate good cheer, and on Christmas Day, to rejoice in the birth of Jesus." Christmas lights and decoration. (9)
-Caroling
Caroling origins are unknown but its probably associated with Luke 2:13 with the angels singing because its the only record of the 1st singing during the birth of Christ.
-mistletoe
Mistletoe is described as "a parasitic plant, it grows on the branches or trunk of a tree and actually sends out roots that penetrate into the tree and take up nutrients. But mistletoe is also capable for growing on its own; like other plants it can produce its own food by photosynthesis. Mistletoe, however, is more commonly found growing as a parasitic plant. The mistletoe that is commonly used as a Christmas decoration (Phoradendron flavescens) is native to North America and grows as a parasite on trees in the west as also in those growing in a line down the east from New Jersey to Florida. The other type of mistletoe, Viscum album, is of European origin. The European mistletoe is a green shrub with small, yellow flowers and white, sticky berries which are considered POISONOUS." and "From the earliest times mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious, and sacred plants of European folklore. It was considered to bestow life and fertility; a protection against poison; and an aphrodisiac. The mistletoe of the sacred oak was especially sacred to the ancient Celtic Druids. On the sixth night of the moon white-robed Druid priests would cut the oak mistletoe with a golden sickle. Two white bulls would be sacrificed amid prayers that the recipients of the mistletoe would prosper. Later, the ritual of cutting the mistletoe from the oak came to symbolize the emasculation of the old King by his successor. Mistletoe was long regarded as both a sexual symbol and the "soul" of the oak." by Mistletoe its history, meaning and traditions. (10) This shows how pagan belief is associated to the mistletoe and that how Christians should not hang the mistletoe.
4) The date for Christmas is 25th December?
Christ's birth was never mentioned in the Bible as the exact date and month. There was no early records in the Bible either of celebrating the birth of Christ. It was only celebrated centuries later. The date 25th December was in fact proposed by St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Christmas lights and decoration)(11). If we look at facts, the shepherds would not be grazing their flocks as mentioned in the gospel of Luke chapter 2 during winter months as shepherds will gather the flock into a small enclosure.
In conclusion:
Do not let the counterfeit tares from the devil grow in our field. Let truth prevail (John 8:32, Hosea 4:6). You know Jesus is real and the myth Santa is false so celebrate Jesus, the One and only reason for Christmas
references
1) http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/christmas-origins.aspx
2) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34525202/ns/technology_and_science-science/
3) http://www.history.com/topics/christmas
4) http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/yulethelongestnight/p/Santa_Claus.htm
5) Friedrich Amelung, Geschichte der Revaler Schwarzenhäupter: von ihrem Ursprung an bis auf die Gegenwart: nach den urkundenmäßigen Quellen des Revaler Schwarzenhäupter-Archivs 1, Die erste Blütezeit von 1399–1557. Reval: Wassermann, 1885.
6) Balthasar Russow. 1584. Chronica der Provinz Lyfflandt
7) http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/christmas-lights.aspx
8) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_lights
9) http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/christmas-bells.aspx
10) http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/mistletoe.htm
11) http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/christmas-origins.aspx
Mat 13:24 He put out another parable to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field.
Mat 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed darnel among the wheat and went his way.
Mat 13:26 But when the blade had sprung up and had produced fruit, then the darnel also appeared.
Mat 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? Then where have the darnel come from?
Mat 13:28 He said to them, An enemy has done this. The servants said to him, Then do you want us to go and gather them up?
Mat 13:29 But he said, No, lest while you gather up the darnel you also root up the wheat with them.
Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest. And in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, First gather together the darnel and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my granary.
Darnel = poisonous weeds that look like grain but its black in color.
Well, its Christmas, every year people look forward to this occasion. Its 25th of December as all knows it. Well..for some reason...are people getting the right reason to celebrate Christmas or have they allowed the darnel to grow in their fields?
1) Its Christmas not Xmas for everyone's info...
The meaning of Christmas as defined by the Original Catholic Encyclopedia as "Christ's Mass". Yes..its Christ + mas not X + mas. Its all about Christ we are celebrating that is why is called Christ's mass. If we take away Christ and replace it with an X, then all is left is nothing but a wrong reason to celebrate Christmas that's why people who have no idea what Christmas is calls it Xmas and thus mass together without any purpose or reason. In today society people wanted to take Christ out of Christmas but whatever is established by God can never be de-establish by man as Christmas lights and decoration (1) quote that X is the Greek word to represent Ch which is the 1st letters of Christ's name.
2) Christmas is about Santa or Jesus?
Well a few weeks ago I saw this article on the internet about the billboards by American Atheists and the Catholic league which can be found in:
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/30/dueling-billboards-face-off-in-christmas-controversy/?hpt=C1
"You know is a myth, this season celebrate reason!" by the American Atheist
"You Know It's Real: This Season Celebrate Jesus." by the Catholic league
Funny thing is that the background of the billboard for the American Atheist is the background picture of the wise man traveling to see Jesus. What it shows to me is this: What is the myth? What is the reason? Not mentioned but the background of the 3 wise man traveling to see Jesus seems to suggest that the only reason is none other than Jesus. The Catholic league posting shows us that what is real is to celebrate Jesus. If its the myth they are mentioning about, the only myth that anyone would probably agree on is Santa Clause as even the article "Santa Claus: The real man behind the myth" (2) calls Santa as a myth in its title itself.
If we look into various sources we will see that why is Christmas celebrated? Its to commemorate the birth of Jesus. When Christmas was first celebrated back in the 4th century, the purpose was to commemorate the birth of Jesus (3). There has been no citation regarding the origin of this celebration to do with Santa Clause at all in relation to the birth of Christ.
If Santa got nothing to do with Christmas in the beginning, why is he a figure? The origin of Santa can best be described by Patti Wigington (4). In this article we can see that Santa Clause even though is to remember saint Nicolas but it has many influences from the heathen belief of Odin, the Germanic deity and the belief that Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir that brings gift. Saint Nicolas generous givings being used as disguised to hide the pagan belief of Odin has silently creep into Christian society as a figure in Christmas and as times pass, Christians fail to realize that honoring Santa Clause as a figure during Christmas is in actual fact having a belief that the pagan god Odin but in the name of Saint Nicolas aka Santa Clause.
In conclusion to this matter of Jesus or Santa?, we conclude that Christmas is about Jesus and not Santa.
3) Symbols of Christmas
-Christmas tree
The tradition of having the Christmas tree during Christmas can be traced back to the 15th and 16th century in Europe where guilds set up a tree in the town and people dance around it. (5) The Christmas tree was only decorated in 1584 in Russia (6) Christmas tree itself does not really carry much symbolic meaning but its decoration do.
-Star or angel on top of the Christmas tree
The star and angel on the Christmas tree is usually placed at the top and it represents the star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-9) while the angel represents the angels that bring the news to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-18).
-Candy cane
The candy cane as explained by pastor John Simpson during Eagle point Christian Fellowship Christmas dinner 2010 as "The candy cane has the shape of the shepherd staff. It reminds us of how the shepherd seek after the Savior. It is white in color because it is made of peppermint. White represents purity. Only Christ can make us pure (Isaiah 1:18) and everyone who wants to be pure must go to Jesus. Red represents the blood of Jesus which only by the blood of Christ we can be made pure. The green color represents life that will come only from Christ (Romans 6:23). If the candy cane is reversed its the letter J. J for Jesus. Jesus is the only reason for Christmas and its marked by the candy cane."
-Christmas lights
Christmas lights and decoration mentioned that since the 17th Century, people have lit their Christmas trees to sit by its comforting glow (7). Wikipedia mentioned that "Early Christians were persecuted for having worship gatherings ("mass"). A candle in the window signified where worship would be occurring for Christians in a community." (8)
-Bells
"In the case of Christmas, bells are typically rung to herald the holiday season, celebrate good cheer, and on Christmas Day, to rejoice in the birth of Jesus." Christmas lights and decoration. (9)
-Caroling
Caroling origins are unknown but its probably associated with Luke 2:13 with the angels singing because its the only record of the 1st singing during the birth of Christ.
-mistletoe
Mistletoe is described as "a parasitic plant, it grows on the branches or trunk of a tree and actually sends out roots that penetrate into the tree and take up nutrients. But mistletoe is also capable for growing on its own; like other plants it can produce its own food by photosynthesis. Mistletoe, however, is more commonly found growing as a parasitic plant. The mistletoe that is commonly used as a Christmas decoration (Phoradendron flavescens) is native to North America and grows as a parasite on trees in the west as also in those growing in a line down the east from New Jersey to Florida. The other type of mistletoe, Viscum album, is of European origin. The European mistletoe is a green shrub with small, yellow flowers and white, sticky berries which are considered POISONOUS." and "From the earliest times mistletoe has been one of the most magical, mysterious, and sacred plants of European folklore. It was considered to bestow life and fertility; a protection against poison; and an aphrodisiac. The mistletoe of the sacred oak was especially sacred to the ancient Celtic Druids. On the sixth night of the moon white-robed Druid priests would cut the oak mistletoe with a golden sickle. Two white bulls would be sacrificed amid prayers that the recipients of the mistletoe would prosper. Later, the ritual of cutting the mistletoe from the oak came to symbolize the emasculation of the old King by his successor. Mistletoe was long regarded as both a sexual symbol and the "soul" of the oak." by Mistletoe its history, meaning and traditions. (10) This shows how pagan belief is associated to the mistletoe and that how Christians should not hang the mistletoe.
4) The date for Christmas is 25th December?
Christ's birth was never mentioned in the Bible as the exact date and month. There was no early records in the Bible either of celebrating the birth of Christ. It was only celebrated centuries later. The date 25th December was in fact proposed by St. Cyril of Jerusalem (Christmas lights and decoration)(11). If we look at facts, the shepherds would not be grazing their flocks as mentioned in the gospel of Luke chapter 2 during winter months as shepherds will gather the flock into a small enclosure.
In conclusion:
Do not let the counterfeit tares from the devil grow in our field. Let truth prevail (John 8:32, Hosea 4:6). You know Jesus is real and the myth Santa is false so celebrate Jesus, the One and only reason for Christmas
references
1) http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/christmas-origins.aspx
2) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34525202/ns/technology_and_science-science/
3) http://www.history.com/topics/christmas
4) http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/yulethelongestnight/p/Santa_Claus.htm
5) Friedrich Amelung, Geschichte der Revaler Schwarzenhäupter: von ihrem Ursprung an bis auf die Gegenwart: nach den urkundenmäßigen Quellen des Revaler Schwarzenhäupter-Archivs 1, Die erste Blütezeit von 1399–1557. Reval: Wassermann, 1885.
6) Balthasar Russow. 1584. Chronica der Provinz Lyfflandt
7) http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/christmas-lights.aspx
8) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_lights
9) http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/christmas-bells.aspx
10) http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/mistletoe.htm
11) http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/christmas-origins.aspx
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
the 3 cross and the 4 nails
Summary of Pastor Jonathan Lim GP message on Resurrection Sunday 2010
There are 2 types of people when they see God. One is the dog type and another is the cat type. The dog type is my master provided everything for me, he must be God. The cat type is my master provided everything for me..so I must be God. which one are we?
Now there were 2 thieves beside Jesus who was nailed. What do they mean? the one who mocked him is the cross of rejection. This person refuse to acknowledge his wrongdoing and rejected righteousness. The other symbolizes the cross of repentance as he know that his destiny is in Christ's hands and that he can only be saved by Jesus. The cross of Jesus is the cross of redemption. Which cross do we belong? The cross of rejection or the cross of repentance? Do we reject Christ or do we accept him?
We always say that on the cross, there were 3 nails. Was that true? Nope. If we read the scriptures correctly, there were 4 nails on the cross of Jesus. What do they mean? The 2 nails on Jesus's hands was to show that we now have his ministry. The nail on the feet shows that we should live like Christ as we now walk His path. Now the last nail was the nail on the sign that Pilate wrote "King of the Jews". This shows that we have to proclaim who Jesus is.
In summary, lets perform our role and carry the right cross.
There are 2 types of people when they see God. One is the dog type and another is the cat type. The dog type is my master provided everything for me, he must be God. The cat type is my master provided everything for me..so I must be God. which one are we?
Now there were 2 thieves beside Jesus who was nailed. What do they mean? the one who mocked him is the cross of rejection. This person refuse to acknowledge his wrongdoing and rejected righteousness. The other symbolizes the cross of repentance as he know that his destiny is in Christ's hands and that he can only be saved by Jesus. The cross of Jesus is the cross of redemption. Which cross do we belong? The cross of rejection or the cross of repentance? Do we reject Christ or do we accept him?
We always say that on the cross, there were 3 nails. Was that true? Nope. If we read the scriptures correctly, there were 4 nails on the cross of Jesus. What do they mean? The 2 nails on Jesus's hands was to show that we now have his ministry. The nail on the feet shows that we should live like Christ as we now walk His path. Now the last nail was the nail on the sign that Pilate wrote "King of the Jews". This shows that we have to proclaim who Jesus is.
In summary, lets perform our role and carry the right cross.
The mine on Resurrection Sunday by the youth of EPCF
I am reminded to record down the plot of the mime so that if others wanna use it, they can use...but the soundtrack I have yet to receive from Jenny Henson.
It starts with a guy and a girl. The guy portrays Jesus and while the girl portrays all of us. In the beginning, it shows Jesus creating and dancing with us. This basically means we once had an intimate relationship with God.
After a while came another male actor who will come and dance with the female actress. This guy came in and pushed "Jesus" aside. This shows that how we get distracted in life. This new actor who came into the role represent relationship especially ungodly ones who came into our lives and we allow them to distract us from Jesus.
Soon the actor left and another person came into the play with money. The girl tries to grab the money but fails. Then this person drop some money on the floor. The actress collects them but the money was snatched away from her. This portrays monetary gains. As was mention in the scriptures, we cannot serve both God and mammon. It shows how sometimes we can be distracted by monetary gains and are never satisfied. That's why we were never satisfied (symbolized by the money being snatched away).
Then came in 2 person with a bottle and pretending to smoke. 1 of them hand the bottle to the girl and they stand in the line to block the girl from Jesus. This represent addiction. Addiction can also mean drinking, drugs, smoking, gaming and all other stuff that distracts us from Jesus.
Next we see 2 ladies coming into the picture with fashion items. They represent vanity in life. Example of such in our lives are chasing after fashion and wanting to impress others with our looks that we forgot our real identity.
Last came a person in black. This person is influencing the girl to commit suicide. He shows how to cut the wrist and hand a gun to the girl. This represent Satan who came to kill, steal and destroy.
The girl points the gun at her head for a moment. Jesus portrays himself dying on the cross. The girl stopped and threw the gun away. She then tries to reach Jesus but all the other people stops her and pushed her back. Its sad to interpret this cause it basically means that when we we yet sinners Christ died for us. The sad interpretation is that shows that most people look for Jesus at their lowest point. As the girl was stopped and pushed back. It means that there is no way we can reach Jesus with our own strength nor works.
The girl then falls down after several tries and about to give up when all cave in. Just then Jesus came in and stops them and pushed them back. This shows that only by grace we are saved not by our good works least we should boast.
In the end, Jesus danced with the girl. This shows that we can once again have an intimate relationship with Jesus as we acknowledge Him as our Lord and received His grace.
It starts with a guy and a girl. The guy portrays Jesus and while the girl portrays all of us. In the beginning, it shows Jesus creating and dancing with us. This basically means we once had an intimate relationship with God.
After a while came another male actor who will come and dance with the female actress. This guy came in and pushed "Jesus" aside. This shows that how we get distracted in life. This new actor who came into the role represent relationship especially ungodly ones who came into our lives and we allow them to distract us from Jesus.
Soon the actor left and another person came into the play with money. The girl tries to grab the money but fails. Then this person drop some money on the floor. The actress collects them but the money was snatched away from her. This portrays monetary gains. As was mention in the scriptures, we cannot serve both God and mammon. It shows how sometimes we can be distracted by monetary gains and are never satisfied. That's why we were never satisfied (symbolized by the money being snatched away).
Then came in 2 person with a bottle and pretending to smoke. 1 of them hand the bottle to the girl and they stand in the line to block the girl from Jesus. This represent addiction. Addiction can also mean drinking, drugs, smoking, gaming and all other stuff that distracts us from Jesus.
Next we see 2 ladies coming into the picture with fashion items. They represent vanity in life. Example of such in our lives are chasing after fashion and wanting to impress others with our looks that we forgot our real identity.
Last came a person in black. This person is influencing the girl to commit suicide. He shows how to cut the wrist and hand a gun to the girl. This represent Satan who came to kill, steal and destroy.
The girl points the gun at her head for a moment. Jesus portrays himself dying on the cross. The girl stopped and threw the gun away. She then tries to reach Jesus but all the other people stops her and pushed her back. Its sad to interpret this cause it basically means that when we we yet sinners Christ died for us. The sad interpretation is that shows that most people look for Jesus at their lowest point. As the girl was stopped and pushed back. It means that there is no way we can reach Jesus with our own strength nor works.
The girl then falls down after several tries and about to give up when all cave in. Just then Jesus came in and stops them and pushed them back. This shows that only by grace we are saved not by our good works least we should boast.
In the end, Jesus danced with the girl. This shows that we can once again have an intimate relationship with Jesus as we acknowledge Him as our Lord and received His grace.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
answers from prayer
How kind of answers does God give when we pray?
Have we ever wondered why we pray and what is prayer all about? Well, as for me, prayer is basically me chatting with my Father in heaven. Now if prayer is communication, then it should be 2 ways. Sad to say it usually ended 1 way where we are the only 1 who ask for things and walk away without giving God a chance to reply us. I think it’s best to wait upon God in prayer and listen to him.
Psa 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
So if God does answer, what kind of reply do you think he will give to our prayers? I have seen Him giving 3 basic answers to our prayers and those are:
No1, our favorite answer and everyone loves it that is yes!
No 2, the answer that most of us don’t like to hear, that is a big N and O, NO!
Last but not least, WAIT!
Talking about yes is easy because most of us had our prayers answered before. Now, have we ever wondered why sometimes God reply with no or wait? Sometimes it’s not the answer no but waits. Why? Let’s talk about the no answers.
Why God say no?
No 1, because we have sinned and do not walk in His ways.
1Ki 8:36 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance.
No.2, we are not asking Him to give us the right things
Matt 16:19 (AMP) I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth [9] must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth [10] must be what is already loosed in heaven.(2)
Even in the Lord’s prayer we pray:
Mat 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
If we are not praying according to God’s will, then we are definitely not getting what we ask.
Mat 7:9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Mat 7:10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Mat 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
No 3. Because we have doubts
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
Jas 1:7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
Jas 1:8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
This shows us clearly why sometimes our prayers are unanswered. Example: We never study and had skip class often. Exam time we pray God help me. God can help if He wants to but He may also not help because God is fair. How can God allow you to achieve scores of flying colors when you never even pay the price to study?
Last answer, wait. God gives good gift. He cannot give you things that you are not ready to receive. God knows whether we are mature enough to handle situation or not. How can He give us things we cannot handle like God I want a car when I don’t even have any license? I mean, Moses had to wait for 40 years in the desert to be sharpened before the cries of the people of Israel can be answered so what is it to wait for less than that?
So in conclusion, as we pray, let’s expect an answer from God and accept the answer be it a yes, no or wait because it is for our good.
Have we ever wondered why we pray and what is prayer all about? Well, as for me, prayer is basically me chatting with my Father in heaven. Now if prayer is communication, then it should be 2 ways. Sad to say it usually ended 1 way where we are the only 1 who ask for things and walk away without giving God a chance to reply us. I think it’s best to wait upon God in prayer and listen to him.
Psa 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
So if God does answer, what kind of reply do you think he will give to our prayers? I have seen Him giving 3 basic answers to our prayers and those are:
No1, our favorite answer and everyone loves it that is yes!
No 2, the answer that most of us don’t like to hear, that is a big N and O, NO!
Last but not least, WAIT!
Talking about yes is easy because most of us had our prayers answered before. Now, have we ever wondered why sometimes God reply with no or wait? Sometimes it’s not the answer no but waits. Why? Let’s talk about the no answers.
Why God say no?
No 1, because we have sinned and do not walk in His ways.
1Ki 8:36 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants, Your people Israel, that You may teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on Your land which You have given to Your people as an inheritance.
No.2, we are not asking Him to give us the right things
Matt 16:19 (AMP) I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth [9] must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth [10] must be what is already loosed in heaven.(2)
Even in the Lord’s prayer we pray:
Mat 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
If we are not praying according to God’s will, then we are definitely not getting what we ask.
Mat 7:9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?
Mat 7:10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?
Mat 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
No 3. Because we have doubts
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
Jas 1:7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
Jas 1:8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
This shows us clearly why sometimes our prayers are unanswered. Example: We never study and had skip class often. Exam time we pray God help me. God can help if He wants to but He may also not help because God is fair. How can God allow you to achieve scores of flying colors when you never even pay the price to study?
Last answer, wait. God gives good gift. He cannot give you things that you are not ready to receive. God knows whether we are mature enough to handle situation or not. How can He give us things we cannot handle like God I want a car when I don’t even have any license? I mean, Moses had to wait for 40 years in the desert to be sharpened before the cries of the people of Israel can be answered so what is it to wait for less than that?
So in conclusion, as we pray, let’s expect an answer from God and accept the answer be it a yes, no or wait because it is for our good.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
object lesson for today...
Sometimes we just feel like giving up on things delegated to us. I was on this bus heading from Queensbay Mall back to my rented room at Burma road. There was a road block due to the Chap Goh Mei festive and the bus driver took another lane that was available and detoured round to get me back to my destination. Now what have I learned? On the bus, the driver told me that if it wasn't for me, he would have return back to the station and report that the jam made it impossible to reach the destination on time therefore will have to canceled the trip. Well, I was thinking..how many times when we are given a task and we faithfully complete it even though it is troublesome and very frustrating? Do we give up or do we press on? Especially task delegated to us from God. Just as James 1:2-4 says:
Jas 1:2 My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways.
Jas 1:3 You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance.
Jas 1:4 Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won't need anything.
When we are given a task...sometimes is a task on weather we complete it or give up after some failures (objective failures that does not equate total failure) or some frustration or do we endure and be mature?
Jas 1:2 My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways.
Jas 1:3 You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance.
Jas 1:4 Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won't need anything.
When we are given a task...sometimes is a task on weather we complete it or give up after some failures (objective failures that does not equate total failure) or some frustration or do we endure and be mature?
Thursday, February 11, 2010
My daily spiritual journal
“Mat 13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field. When a man discovered it, he buried it again. He was so delighted with it that he went away, sold everything he had, and bought that field.
Mat 13:45 "Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant who was searching for fine pearls.
Mat 13:46 When he found a valuable pearl, he went away, sold everything he had, and bought it.”
Mat 6:21 Your heart will be where your treasure is.
These indeed are interesting scriptures taken From Matthew 13: 44-46 (God’s Word) and Matthew 6:21 (God’s Word). What does it means to me? Well, if we really find what God has for us is that awesome, are we willing to give up everything for His all? It’s interesting as to how willing are we to God’s instructions that’s why it says where are heart is will be where are treasure is. If we want to be great and do great things, we need to put our heart to it and pay the price. The price at times may be giving up something or some habits to make us inherit greater things. God never reserve good things for us but He always reserves the best things for us. Note English superlatives: good ->better -> best
God, I’ve been given the opportunity to share Recess Revolution in Wesley Methodist School tomorrow to their principal. Help me and guide me to use the right words to show them the benefits of starting 1 in their school. God teach me to be willing and to obey you whole heartedly. Thanks God for everything. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Mat 13:45 "Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant who was searching for fine pearls.
Mat 13:46 When he found a valuable pearl, he went away, sold everything he had, and bought it.”
Mat 6:21 Your heart will be where your treasure is.
These indeed are interesting scriptures taken From Matthew 13: 44-46 (God’s Word) and Matthew 6:21 (God’s Word). What does it means to me? Well, if we really find what God has for us is that awesome, are we willing to give up everything for His all? It’s interesting as to how willing are we to God’s instructions that’s why it says where are heart is will be where are treasure is. If we want to be great and do great things, we need to put our heart to it and pay the price. The price at times may be giving up something or some habits to make us inherit greater things. God never reserve good things for us but He always reserves the best things for us. Note English superlatives: good ->better -> best
God, I’ve been given the opportunity to share Recess Revolution in Wesley Methodist School tomorrow to their principal. Help me and guide me to use the right words to show them the benefits of starting 1 in their school. God teach me to be willing and to obey you whole heartedly. Thanks God for everything. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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