Saturday, January 31, 2009

A Breach In The Wall

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father. - 1 John 2:16


The 4,000-mile-long Great Wall of China was built to keep out invaders from the north. The first wall was constructed by Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China, who lived between 259 and 210 bc. But in ad 1644 the Manchus broke through the Great Wall and overan China. They did this by bribing a general of the Ming dynasty to open the gates.

During the reconstruction of ancient Jerusalem, Nehemiah understood the acue danger posed by those who opposed the rebuilding of the city's ruined walls. So he commanded constant vigilance. Half of the workers were to stand watch while half rebuilt the walls (Neh. 4:13-18).

As Christians, we must be vigilant that nothing breaches our spiritual defenses. Even the most mature believer can never afford to let down his guard.

The apostle John warns us of enemies from three quarters. He identifies them as "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16). These enemies lure us away from God and His Word and leave a gap for the enemy to sneak in.

Let's be alert to what entices us today. A lapse opens the door to sin, which in turn may develop into a habit that overwhelm us. Don't permit a breach in the wall. - C. P. Hia


It may not be some heinous deed
That chills our hearts and chokes the seed;
It's oftern just a trifling toy
That grabs our eyes and steals our joy. - Gustafson

The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. - John 2:17

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A space without God have is meaningless... take care of our cleaned heart by Jesus is our responsibility of being a Christian...

Aware of evil and keep our world fullfil with God's appearance...

None of the human being is able to face the result of being away from Lord...

Planting Time

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. - Galatians 6:7


Somewhere in the world right now a farmer is dropping seeds into the ground. Soon those seeds will begin to change the place where they were planted. The carefully prepared soil that appears barren today will become a field ready for harvest.

In the same way, New Year's resolutions can be seeds to alter the landscape of life for others and ourselves. This prayer of Saint Fancis of Assisi is a powerful model of this longing to bring positicve change in a hurting world:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me saw love, where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.

A famrer who sows wheat is never surprised when wheat grows from the ground where it was planted. That's the universal law of sowing and reaping. Paul used it to illustrate a corresponding spiritual principle: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7). Our sinful nature says, "Satisfy yourself," while the Spirit urges us to please God (v.8).

Today is planting time. God has promised: "In due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (v.9). - David C. McCasland


Let's sow good deeds though life be grim
And leave the harvest time with Him;
Let's give and serve as to the Lord
And look to Him for our reward. - Jarvis

Sow today what you want to reap tomorrow.

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Friday, January 30, 2009

The Aging Process

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails. - Psalm 71:9


I was having breakfast with a friend who had recently celebrated his 60th birthday. We discussed the "trauma" of the number 6 being the first digit in his age and all that the age of 60 implies (retirement, social security, etc.). We also pondered the fact that he felt so much younger than such a "large" number would seem to indicate.

Then the conversation turned to the lessons, joys, and blessings he'd found in living those 60 years, and he said, "You know, it isn't really that bad. In fact, it's pretty exciting." The lessons of the past had brought a change in how he viewed the present.

Such is the aging process. We learn form our past in order to live in our present - a lesson reflected on by the psalmist: "For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth" (Ps. 71:5). He continued, "By you I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother's womb. My praise shall be continually of You" (v.6). As the psalmist looked back, he clearly saw the faithfullness of God With confidence in that faithfulness, he could face the future and its uncertainties - and so can we.

May we say with the psalmist, "I will praise You - and Your faithfulness, O my God!" (v.22). - Bill Crowder


Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father!
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. - Chisholm

As the years add up, God's faithfulness keeps multiplying.

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Murphy's Laws

You shall have no other gods before Me. - Exodus 20:3


Murphy's Laws are observations about life that seem to have the weight of experience behind them. You've probably heard this one: "if anything can go wrong, it will." Here's another one: "You can't do just one thing; everything has its consequences."

My own experience seems to confirm many of Murphy's Laws, but it's that second one that I would hang on the wall as a motto. Wrong choices have their consequences. For example, if we choose to live for pleasure, that will affect our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren (Ex. 20:4-5). If we walk away from God, we may discover that our children have taken that trip with us. Later, even if we return to Him, they may not.

But there is also good news. Devotion to the Lord has is consequences too. Men and women who live in faith before God can have a strong influence on their children and their children's children. If they live a long life, they can witness the effect thier faith has had on several generations. What satisfaction it brings to older people to see their posterity living for Chirst!

Murphy and the Bible agree on this point: "Everything has its consequences." - Haddon W. Robinson


If you saw seeds of wickedness,
Sin's harvest you will reap;
But scattered seeds of righteousness
Yield blessings you can keep. - Sper.

People who follow Christ lead others in the right diretion.

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Prayer Circles

Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled. - Luke 18:14


Around the circle the 6th-grade girls went, taking turns praying for each other in the Bible-study group. "Father in heaven," Anna prayed, "please help Tonya not to be so boy-crazy." Tonya added with a giggle, "And help Anna to stop acting so horrible in school and bothering other kids." Then Talia prayed, "Lord, help Tonya to listen to her mother instead of always talking back."

Although the requests were real, the girls seemed to enjoy teasing their friends by pointing out their flaws in front of the others instead of caring about their need for God's help. Their group leader reminded them about the seriousness of talking to almighty God and the importance of evaluating their own hearts.

If we use prayer to point out the faults of others while ignoring our own, we're like the Pharisee in Jesus' parable. He prayed, "God, I thank You that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector" (Luke 18:11). Instead, we're to be like the man who asked God to be merciful to him, "a sinner" (v. 13).

Let's be careful not to let our prayers become a listing of others' flaws. The kind of prayer God desires flows out of a humble evalution of our own sinful hearts. - Anne Cetas


Lord, teach us how to pray aright,
Oh, lead us in Your way;
Humbly we bow in Your pure light;
Lord, teach us how to pray. - Anon.

The highest form of prayer comes from the depths of a humble heart.

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Monday, January 26, 2009

Cod Liver Oil Coercion

When the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proeeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. - John 15:26


A woman bought a b0ttle of cod liver oil to give her dog so he could have a healthier and shinier coat. Every morning, she pried the dog's jaws open and forced the liquid down his throat. He strunggled, but she persisted. He doesn't know what's good for him! she thought. Faithfully, each day she repeated the process.

One day, however, the bottle tipped over and she released her grip on the dog for just a moment to wipe up the mess. The dog sniffed at the fishy liquid and began lapping up what she had spilled. He actually loved the stuff. He had simply objected to being coerced!

Sometimes we use a similar method in telling others about Christ. Called buttonholing, it's an intense, in-your-face kind of confrontation. While earnestly desiring to share the gospel, we may end up repelling people instead. In our sincere but overly enthusiatic attempt, we create resistance.

We are called to share the good news, but we are not responsible for someone's acceptance or rejection of Christ. It's not our job to try to convict someone of sin. That's the Holy Spirit's responsibility (John 16:8).

As you tell others of Christ's sacrifice, be sensitive. Know when to slow down and let God and His Word do the convicting and drawing to Himself. - Cindy Hess Kasper


The Spirit's role is to convict
THe world of all their sin
So they will seek forgiveness and
Be cleansed and changed within. - Sper

The Spirit convicts so that Christ might cleanse.

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Sunday, January 25, 2009

Benediction Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you. - Numbers 6:24


Our church introduced a new practice for the close of our traditional morning worship service. We turn to one another and sing the familiar Aaronic blessing the Lord gave to Moses to give to Israel: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His fae shine upon you..." (Num. 6:24-26). Our hearts are uplifted as we mutually catch the eye of a fellow believer and extend our blessing to him or her.

One Sunday, I noticed a heartwarming and special exchange that has now become a weekly event. In a pew near the front sat Oscar and Marian Carison, faithful followers of Jesus Christ and devoted partners for the 62 years of their married life. When we began to sing, Oscar reached over and took Marian's hands in his. They sang the opening words of this special blessing to each other before looking to others. Everyone nearby sneaked a peek at the look of love and tenderness on their faces.

A benediction is not simply a ritualistic closing; It's a genuine prayerful wish for God's goodness to follow the other person. In offering it to one another, Oscar and Marian exemplify its warmest and deepest meaning. In blessing others, we express gratitude for what God has done for us through Christ's death (Heb. 13:20-21). - David C. Egner


Bless me, Lord, and make me a blessing;
I'll gladly your message convey;
Use me to help some poor needy soul,
And make me a blessing today. - Anon.

God gives blessing to us so we can be a blessing to others.

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Saturday, January 24, 2009

Small Is Beautiful

Who has despited the day of small things? - Zechariah 4:10


Just the day someone said of a friend, "This man is destined for a great ministry," by which he meant he was headed for the big time - a high-profile church with a big budget.

It made me wonder: Why do we think that God's call is necessarily upwardly mobile? Why wouldn't He send His best workers to labor for a lifetime in some small place? Aren't there people in obscure places who need to be evangelized and taught? God is not willing that any perish.

Jesus cared anout the individual as well as the masses. He taught large crowds if they appeared, but it never bothered Him that His audience grew smaller every day. Many left Him, John said (John 6:66), a fickle attrition that would have thrown most of us into high panic. Yet Jesus pressed on with those the Father gave Him.

We live in a culture where bigger is better, where size is the measure of success. It takes a strong person to resist that trend, especially if he or she is laboring in a small place.

But size is nothing; substance is everything. Whether you're pastoring a small church or leading a small Bible study or Sunday school class, serve then with all your heart. Pray, love, teach by word and example. Your little places is not a steppingstone to greatness. It is greatness. - David H. Roper


The Lord will give you help and strength
For work He bids you do;
To serve Him from a heart of love
Is all He asks of you. - Fasick

Little is much when God is in it.

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Supersize It

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. - Isaiah 6:1



After you placed your food order at a popular fast food restaurant, the cashiers used to ask that famous question: "Would you like to supersize that?" In essence, they were asking the customers if they wanted more of what they were already getting.


In a similar way, when we come into God's presence, I believe He asks us: "Would you like to enlarge your understanding of Me today?"

Isaiah had one such experience with God. Through a painful event in his life, Isaiah saw the Lord "high and lifted up" (Isa. 6:1). Through this encounter, God supersize Isaiah's understanding of His holiness. He saw God's complete moral excellence that unifies His attributes.


God also enlarged Isaiah's realization of his own sin (v.5). This led to an expansion of his understanding of God's complete forgiveness and cleansing (w.6-7). Only when Isaiah understood the depth of his sin could he appreciate and accept forgiveness and cleansing from God. Finally, his encouter with God led to Isaiah's declaration of availability and commitment to reach out to others and to help them increase their understanding of God (w.8-9).


Let's ask God to supersize our understanding of His greatness today. - Marvin Williams




Oh, I want to know You, blessed Lord,
Better than I've ever known before!
In Your Word I read of Your great purpose -
Help me understand it more and more. - Hess


Knowing about God is fascinating. Knowing God personally is life-changing.


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The God Of Victory

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:21


In Greek mythology, Nike was the goddess of victory. Nike fought on the side of the Olympian gods, gaining a victory over the mighty Titans. As a result, she became a symbol of winning. But Nike's alleged powers were not just limited to warfare. She also became a favorite goddess of athletes who wanted to win in competition sports. The Romans adopted her into their worship and gave her the Latin name Victoria.

In the Greco-Roman world where Paul taught, victory was highly valued. So when he expressed Christian truth, he used words his audience could understand. In his letters, he described Christ as the One who leads us in a military procession of triumph (2 Cor. 2:14-17) and compared the Christian life to someone training for the ancient Olympic games (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

Paul also used the word for victory in reference to our strunggles with thosewho intentionally hurt us. "Overcome [be a victor over] evil with good" (Rom. 12:21) This may mean returning kindness for spite or respectfully setting limits on evil behavior. In either case, an attitude of love annot be generated in our own strength. But in Christ, we have divine power that ancient pagans could only hope for. Jesus Christ is the genuine God of victory. - Dennis Fisher


Through trials we learn to overcome,
Through Christ our victories are won;
Come lay your burdens at His feet
And find this inner peace so sweet. - Halsey

God will give us the victory when we join Him in the fight.

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Thursday, January 22, 2009

The Perfect Sentence

Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? - Exodus 15:11


As a young girl writing in my diary, my secret ambition was to compose the perfect sentence. I wondered what it would look and sound like. Perhaps it would include a strong verb and colorful adjectives.

My pursuit of the perfect sentence will never be satisfied, but I have found a statement of perfection in Exodus 3:14. When the Lord God called Moses from the burning bush, He told him that he had been chosen to bring His people out of bondage in Egypt (v.10). Moses, who was anxious about this responsibility, wondered what to say if the Israelites doubted him and asked who he was representing.

The Lord replied, "I AM WHO I AM" (v.14). By using His unique name, He offered Moses a glimpse of the nature of His eternal existence in one sentence. You might say it's a statement of perfection!

Bible commentator G. Bush writes about God's description of Himself: "He, in distinction from all others, is the one only true God, the God who really is... The eternal, self-existent, and immutable Being; the only being who can say that He always will be what He always has been."

God says, "I AM WHO I AM." He and His name are perfect. In reverence we are to bow before Him. - Anne Cetas


Looking for perfection? Look to Jesus.

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Protocol

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. - James 1:6


If you were invited to a meeting at the White House with the president of the United States, regardless of your opinion of him or her, you would probably go. Upon entering the White House, a protocol officer would meet you and outline the proper procedures for meeting the President. Suffice it to say, it would be unacceptable to let loose with a burst of undignified familiarity or negative criticism as you shook hands.

So it should come as no surprise that God's Word make it clear that there is a protocol for entering the presence of God. Hebrews 11:6 outlines one aspect of appropriate interaction: "He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." God wants us to be fully devoted to Him - and He takes it personally when our hearts are filled with criticism, unbelief, and doubt.

James tells us that when we ask God for wisdom, the key to His response is whether or not we are asking "in faith" (1:6). God is pleased when we approach Him with unwavering faith.

So leave your doubt at the door and follow the protocol: Approach God with a heart of faith, and He will be pleased to provide all the wisdom you need. - Joe Stowell


God, give me the faith of a little child!
A faith that will look to Thee-
That never will falther and never fail,
But follow Thee trustingly. - Showerman

Exchange the dissatisfaction of doubt for the fulfillment of faith in God.

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Monday, January 19, 2009

Impossible?

You have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." But I tell you not to resist an evil person. - Matthew 5:38-39


When Nobel Chairman Gunnar John delivered his presentation speech for Martin Luther King's 1964 Peace Prize, he quote Jesus: "Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matt. 5:39). As Mr. John noted: "It was not because he led a racial minority in their strunggle for equality that Martin Luther King achieved fame... [His] name will endure for the way in which he has waged his strunggle."

In 1955, King had led a year-long, peaceful boycott to protestt segregation on buses. He paid a high price. His home was bombed, and he was assaulted and arrested. He never retaliated. Eventually he was murdered.

How contrary Dr. King's peaceful example stands to my fleshly nature! I want justice now. I want retribution. I want others to pay for their wrongdoing, especially when it's directed at me. What I do not want is to turn the other cheek and invite them to take another swing.

Haddon Robinson comments on the lofty standards Jesus set forth in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7), calling them "goals... not impossible ideals. [Jesus] want His disciple to strive toward these goals to master a new kind of life."

Amid then injusties of life, may we have the courage, faith, and strength to turn the other cheek. - Tim Gustafon


So send 1 you to hearts made hard by hatred,
To eyes made blind because they will not see,
To spend - though it be blood - to spend and spare not -
So send 1 you to taste of Calvary. - Clarkson

It takes true strength to refuse to retaliate.

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Sunday, January 18, 2009

Wonderfully Made

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. - Psalm 139:14

A quote in George MacDonald's book David Elginbrod speaks to thosewho wonder, at times, why God has made them the way they are - and who wish they were someone else.

Lay Emily muses: "I wish I were you, Margaret."

Margaret answers: "If I were you, my lady, I would rather be what God chose to make me than the most glorious creature that I could think of. For to have been thought about - born in God's thoughts - and then made by God, is the dearest, grandest, most precious thing in all thinking."

MacDonald may have had Psalm 139:17 in mind: "How precious... are Your thoughts to me, O God!" In this psalm, David is thinking about his conception, and vividly describes God's thoughts as He wove him together in his mother's womb, creating a unique and special individual to be the object of His love.

It's a comforting thought to know that we're not a terrible mistake, but a very special creation, "born in God's thoughts." David could stand before a mirror and say in all honesty and humility: "I am a fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works" (v.14).

You are a designer original! As such, you are dear, grand, and precious to God. - David H. Roper


Of all creation's treasures rare,
Not one compares in worth with man;
In God's own image he was made
To fill a place in His great plan. - D. De Haan

You are one of a kind - designed to glorify God as only you can.

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Saturday, January 17, 2009

Brotherhood Of The Sea

Now, Therefore, you are... fellow citizens with the saints. - Ephesians 2:19


On August 8, 2005, the world learned of the dramatic rescue of seven Russian sailors trapped in a small sub entangled in a fishing net. The men had survived 3 cold, dark days on the bottom of the ocean and had less than 6 hours oxygen left. Meanwhile, up above, a frantic, unified rescue effort by Russian, Japanese, British, and American personnel was underway. Finally, the sub was freed. The Russian defense Minister praised the operation, saying, "We have seen in deeds, not in words, what the brotherhood of the sea means."

The book of Ephesians talks about the unit of believers in Jesus by referring to the oneness of "the household God" (2:19). The Gentiles, who were once "aliens" and "strangers" (v.12), had now been "brought near by the blood of Christ" (v.13), uniting them with their Jewish brothers and sisters. This unity is to permeate the efforts of the Christian community today.

Believers in Jesus are commissioned to undertake the most important rescue effort. People are dying without Christ. Praise God that united mission efforts are bringing hope, salvation, education, and relief to desperate people around the world. That's what the brotherhood of Christ is all about. - David C. Egner


In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North,
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth. - Oxenham

A healthy church is the best withness to a hunting world.

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A Sin By Any Other Name

How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? - Genesis 39:9


Joseph found himself in a difficult position one day when his master's wife attempted to seduce him. How tantalizing this woman must have been to a healthy young man! And it must have accured to Joseph how fearsome her wrath would be when he spurned her advances.

Yet Joseph flatly resisted her. His moral convictions stemmed from his clear view of sin and his reverence for God. He said to her, "How then can I do this great wicknedness, and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9).

Today, it is popular to call sin by more acceptable names. But using euphemisms for offenses against God will only weaken our resistance and trivialize sin's harmfulness to us.

To Joseph, sin was not just "an error of judgement." Nor was it a mere "slip of the tounge" or an "indiscretion" in a "moment of weakness." Joseph saw sin for what it was - a serious offense against the Lord- and he did not play down the gravity of the offense.

God's moral standards are absolute. It is only when we see sin as something abhorrent to the Lord that we will be motivated to make right moral judgements.

Calling sin by a softer name will change neither its offensieness to God nor its cost to us. - C. P. Hia


Was it for crimes that I have done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree! - Watts

There's no excuse for excusing sin.

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It's In God's Word

I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heaert. - Psalm 119:32


As optimistic as I am (I can find a bright side to just about everything), I also know that life can be a dark and lonely place.

I've talked to teenagers who have a parent whose anger makes just going home after school a dreaded trip.

I've known people who can't escape the curtain of depression.

I've spent considerable time with others who, like my wife and me, are enduring life with the sudden death of a child.

I've seen what relentless poverty can do to people all over the world.

Despie knowing that these scenarios exist, I don't despair. I know that hope is available in Jesus, that guidance comes through the Spirit, and that knowledge and power are found in God's Word.

The words of Psalm 119 give us encouragement. When our soul "clings to the dust," we can be revived according to God's Word (v.25). When our soul is full of sorrow, we can be strengthened b His Word (v.28). When we are treatened by deceit, we can follow the truth of His Word (w. 29-30). Our heart can be set free by God's commands (v.32).

Are life's demands overwhelming you? If so, you can find hope, guidance, and knowledge to help. It's in God's Word. - Dave Branon


If your soul is parched and thirsty
And you feel weighed down by care,
Go to God's Word for refreshment -
You'll find strength and comfort there. - Sper

A well-read Bible makes a well-fed soul.

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On The Wing

Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. - Matthew 10:31


In his book On The Wing, Alan Tennant chronicles his efforts to track then migration of the peregrine falcon. Valued for their beauty, swiftness, and power, these amazing birds of prey were favorite hunting companions of emperors and nobility. Sadly, the wide use of the pesticide DDT in the 1950s interfered with their reproductive cycle and placed them on the endangered species list.

Interested the recovery of this species, Tennant attached transmitters to a select number of falcons to track their migration patterns. But when he and his pilot flew their Cessna behind the birds, they repeatedly lost signal from the transmitters. Despite their advanced technology, they were not always able to track the birds they wanted to help.

It's good to know that the God who cares for us never loses track of us. In fact, Jesus said that not even one sparrow "falls to the ground apart from [God's] will... Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:29-31).

When we face difficult circumstances, fear may cause us to wonder if God is aware of our situation. Jesus' teacing assures us that God cares deeply and is in control. His tracking of out lives will never fail. - Dennis Fisher


I would tell the Lord my longings,
Roll on Him my every care;
Cast upon Him all my burdens,
Burdens that I cannot bear. - Weigle

If God cares for birds, will He not care for his children?

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The Bible's School Of Prayer

I will speak in the anguish of my spirit. - Job 7:11


To call God and us unequal partners is a laughable nderstatement. And yet by inviting us to do kingdom work on earth, God has indeed set up a kind of odd-couple alliance. God delegates work to human beings so that we do history together, so to speak. Clearly, the partnership has one dominant partner - something like an alliance between Microsoft and a high school programmer.

We know well what happens when human beings from unequal alliances: the dominant partner tends to throw his weight around and the subordinate mostly keep quiet. But God, who has no reason to be threatened by us, invites a steady and honest flow of communication.

I sometimes wonder why God places such a high value on honestly in our prayers, even to the extent of enduring unjust outbursts. I am startled to see how many biblical prayers seem ill-tempered. Jeremiah griped about unfairness (20:7-10); Habakkuk accused God of deafness (1:2); Job conceded, "What profit do we have if we pray to Him?" (21:15). The Bible teaches us to pray with blistering honesty.

God wants us to come to Him with our complaints. If we march through life pretending to smile while inside we bleed, we dishonor the relationship. - Philip Yancey


Give Him each perplexing problem,
All your needs to Him make known;
Bring to Him your daily burdens -
Never carry them alone! - Adams

The best thermometer of your spiritual temperature is the intensity of your prayer. - Spurgeon

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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Beyond Help?

Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." - Luke 23:43


A 110-year-old Israeli Bedouin shepherd was admitted to a Beersheba hospital while experiencing a heart attack. In spite of his age, doctors worked hard to save him. The man was thought to be the oldest heart patient ever to be treated successfully with anticlotting drugs. A hospital spokesperson reported that the Bedouin returned to his tent in the Negev Desert to tend his goats.

The care given to this 110-year-old man faintly enchoes the way Jesus responded to those people we consider beyond help. His ability and willingness to go beyond social barriers to help lepers and social outcasts went far beyond the normal expectations of what a good person would do.

Even in the agony of His own suffering, Jesus reached out to a dying man everyone else regarded as beyond help. The man was a criminal, condemmed to die, and only hours from entering a lost eternity. In help and said, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).

Do you know someone who seems beyond help today? perhaps you think you are without hope. The God of the Bible specializes in giving help to those regarded as so old, so guilty, or so weak as to be beyond help. - Mart De Haan


Jesus seeks the lowly ones
When others do not care;
His lovingkindness and His help
He longs with them to share. - D. De Haan

God's strength is best seen in our weakness.

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That's Awesome

Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men. - Psalm 66:5



The word awesome is tossed around alot these days. Talk about cars, movies, songs, or food - and someboody will say, "That's awesome!"


But if we call earth-side stuff awesome and then call God awesome, we diminish how truly awesome He is. A friend of mine has a rule in her house - the word awesome is reserved only for God.


Trivializing God is no trivial matter. He is far more than a companion who will fit into our "buddy system" or a divine ATM respondingto our impulses. Until we are stunned by the awesomeness of God, we will be way too impressed with ourselves and lose the joy of the privilege of belonging to an awesome God.


A look at the Psalms put it all in perspective. One psalmist declares, "For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth" (Ps. 47:2). And another psalm commands: "Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works!'... Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men" (Ps. 66:3,5).


What could be more awesome than the love that compelled Jesus to go to the cross for us? Put Him in His proper place as the only One who is truly awesome, and praise God for His awesome work in your life! - Joe Stowell




Holy, Holy, Holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be. - Heber


If you're too impressed with yourself, take a closer look at God's awesomeness.

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Saturday, January 10, 2009

The Old And The New

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17


Typical resolutions in January are to lose weight, exercise more, spend less time at work and more time with family - maybe even stop chatting on the cell phone while driving.

It's not a surprising that we want to change the things in our lives that we're unhappy about - even though most New Year's resolutions are kept for no more than 3 weeks.

What if you were to ask God what He wants you to change, improve, or begin this year? He might tell you to:

- Demonstrate more of the fruit of the Spirit in your life, which is "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23).

- "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who... persecute you" (Matt. 5:44).

- "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).

- "Be content with such things as you have" (Heb. 13:5).

- "Walk according to His commandments" (2 John 1:6).

As believers and new creations, we can be free from old patterns and failures. We must ask God to help us live each day in the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we can shed the old and embrace the new (2 Cor. 5:17). - Cindy Hess Kasper


How can we live to please the Lord?
By knowing what He says to do
And trusting in the Spirit's strength
To make us into someone new. - Sper

Resolutions are easier to keep when you rely on God.

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Well... I had set my goal for this year... and I will do my best to get it... it is to glorify my God and also makes my mum happy...
I just don't want to make anyone disappointed again... Father Lord... help me... I need Your help...

Friday, January 9, 2009

To Judge Or Not To Judge

Judge not, that you be not judged. - Matthew 7:1


What better way to tell people to mind their own business than to quote Jesus? People who seldom read the Bible are quick to quote Mattew 7:1 when they want to silence someone whose opinion they don't like. "Judge not, that you be not judged" seems like the perfect response.

In context, however, the passage indicates that we are indeed to judge; we're just supposed to avoid faulty judgements. Furthermore, our judgements are to begin with self: "First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye," Jesus said (v.5). He then said, "Beware of false propets" (v.15). This too requires judging - we need to able to discern truth from falsehood.

Jesus used the metaphor of fruit to give us the proper criteria for judging. "By their fruits you will know them" (v.20). We are to judge people (includig ourselves) by the quality of the fruit they produce. This fruit cannot be judged by earthly values such as how good we look (v.15). It must be judged by heavenly values - the fruit of the Spirit produced within us - love, joy, peace (Gal. 5:22).

Our tendency is to judge by appearance. But God judges by that we produce, and so should we. - Julie Ackerman Link


The truly lead who lead by love
And humbly serve the Lord;
Their lives will bear the Spirit's fruit
And magnify His Word. D. De Haan

Be slow to judge others and quick to judge yourself.

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There is a sentence in Chinese... mirror shows others but not itself...

Means we people always got to see others bad things but not even ONE from ourselves...

After all, just want to say that... Before saying anything about others for negative side, look at ourselves first... are there anything thing that we may let others to say too?...

Thursday, January 8, 2009

The King

These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings. - Revelation 17:4


It might be surprising how many people around thw world know that today is Elvis Presley's birthday. The enduring popularity of the singer from Mississippi spans generations and cultures. More than 30 years after his death, sales of Presley's music, memorabilia, and licensing agreements generate millions of dollars in annual income. Once dubbed "The King of Rock and Roll," Elvis is often called simply, "The King."

Whether the "kings" of this world are celebrities, athletes, crowned heads, or tycoons, they come and go. Their influence may be immense and their follower fanatically loyal, but it doesn't last forever.

The Bible, however, refers to Jesus Christ as the eternal King. Revelation 17 speaks prophetically of earthly kings who will fight to establish their authority at the end of the ages. Biblical scholars have debated the identities of these kings, but there is no mistake about the One they cannot overpower: "These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful" (Rev. 17:14).

Jesus Christ the Lord is King, and He will reign forever. - David C. McCasland


The King of kings and Lord of lords,
who reigns today within our heart,
Will one day bring His peace on earth -
A kingdom that will not depart. - Sper

There is no greater privilege than to be a subject of the King of kings.


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When we are ready to face our Lord... nothing to be afraid... unless we have did something wrong and couldn't hand-in a nice report to Him...

First thing first... and God is my First and Most important stuff... to get closer to Him is the main goal...

He doesn't need anyone to worship or praise Him... it is we human being need to worship and praise Him to get what we want... no matter is for the needs in the world nor eternal life after our death...

The Innocent Man

Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? - Genesis 18:25


John Grisham is well known for his courtroom novels - fast-paced tales of lawyers and victims, authorities and wrongdoers. However, his book The Innocent Man is not fiction. It is a real-life story of injustice. It tells of the brutal murder of a young woman and the two men who, though innocent, were convicted and sentenced to death for the crime. Only with the advent of DNA testing were they proven innocent and spared from execution after 17 years of suffering wrongly. At long last; justice prevailed.

Everyone desires justice. But we must recognize that our human frailty makes it challenging to mete out the true justice. And we can be bent toward revenge, making a casualty out of the pursuit of it.

It's helpful to remember that perfect justice can be found only in God. Abraham described Him with the rhetorical question, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Gen. 18:25). Te neccessary answer is yes. But even more, His courtroom is the one and only place where we can be certain that justice will prevail.

In a world with injustice, we can take the wrongs done to us, submit them to the Judge of all the earth, and trust Him for ultimate justice. - Bill Crowder


The best of judges on this earth
Aren't always right or fair,
But God, the Righteous Judge of all,
Wrongs no one in His care. - Egner

Life is not always fair, but God is always faithful.


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Father Lord promised He will be back and He won't disappoint us... same as His promise to save us...

Every circumstance we face to can get help from Him... Always ask help from Him... Totally rely on Him... never forget that only He is the One that can be rely on... of course be trusted...

The world may be bad... but house of Lord will be fine and have a big sun shine on you...

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Faith Of A Child

Unless you are converted and becomes as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 18:3


One Sunday I heard Mike talk about his relationship with his two fathers - the one who raised him as a child, and his Father in heaven.

First he described his childhood trust toward his earthly father as "simple and uncomplicated." He expected his dad to fix broken things and to give advice. He dreaded displeasing him, however, because he often forgot that his father's love and forgiveness always followed.

Mike continued, "Some years ago I made a mess of things and hurt a lot of people. Because of my guilt, I ended a happy, simple relationship with my heavenly Father. I forgot that I could ask Him to fix what I had broken and seek His advice."

Years passed. Eventually Mike became desperate for God, yet he wondered what to do. His pastor said simply, "Say you're sorry to God, and mean it!"

Instead, Mike asked complicated questions, like: "How does this work?" and "What if...?"

Finally his pastor prayed, "Please, God, give Mike the faith of a child!" Mike later testified joyfully, "The Lord did!"

Mike found closeness wiht his heavenly Father. The key for him and for us is to practice the simple and uncomplicated faith of a child. - Joanie Yoder


Have you noticed that the childlike faith
Of a little girl or boy
Has so often shown to older folks
How to know salvations's joy? - Branon

Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart.


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My mum always saying me that I am too simple minded... and I will think it over again and again... what's wrong with that?

I try to makes myself not to be that... but, are there anyone can teach me how?

Anyway, I don't care for that anymore... I got to know that Father Lord prefer someone with children minded... simple and no harm... :) hehe.... I had qualify... :P

A simple minded will makes you look at the nice thing for everthing happen around you... no matter how worse it is for others... for you, it must be at least one thing is good...

I am someone like that... and although I know when I step into the society sooner or later, I will face some trouble... but why am I thinking of it?... God will take care of me... just because I am His daughter... the one and only one Sapphire... :P

A Lot To Remember

He who restrains his lips is wise. - Proverbs 10:19


"Thanks a lot," the man behind the postal counter said to the person in front of me. The clerk, Jon, had seen me in line and was hoping I would overhear him. When it was my turn, I said hello to Jon, who had been a student of mine when I taught high school in the 1980s.

"Did you notice what I said to her?" Jon asked. "I told her, 'Thanks a lot.'"Sensing that I was missing his point, he explained, "Remember what you told us about the term a lot? You said a lot was a piece of land, not a phrase to use instead of much."

Astounding! An English lesson from a quarter-century before had stuck with Jon through all those years. That speaks clearly to us of the importance of what we say to others. It also backs up one of my favorite lines by poet Emily Dickinson: "A word is dead when it is said, some day. I say it just begins to live that day."

The words we say may have long-term consequences. Our comments, our compliments, and even our harsh criticisms may stick with the hearer for decades.

No wonder Scripture says, "He who restrains his lips is wise" (Prov. 10:19). The words we speak today live on. Let's make sure they come from "the toungue of the righteous" (v.20). - Dave Branon


Father, help me live today
With thoughtfulness in what I say,
Confronting wrong with truth and fact,
Expressing gentleness and tact. - Hess

The toungue is a small organ that creates either discord or harmony.

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Sunday, January 4, 2009

Living Deceptively

You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15


The year 2007 was labeled the "Year of Living Deceptively" for South Korea, because of the country's numerous scandals involving fake academics and corrupt politicians. A survey of 340 professors selected the Chinese phrase 'ja-gi-gi-in" (deceiving yourself and others) to sum up the year.

It should not surprise us to hear of deception like that. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:13, "Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." To received is to make others believe falsehood as truth and accept wrong as rigth.

Our defense against deception is to know God's Word, for "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (v. 16). Correction is to set right what is wrong. God's Word not only makes us aware of wrongs, it also prompts and teaches us to do what is right.

Is your New Year's resolution to walk rightly before God and others and to be "thoroughly equipped for every good work"? (v.17). Then read and apply God's Word, asking the Lord to make you a person of integrity. - Albert Lee


When reading God's Word, take special care
To find the rich treasures hidden there;
Give thought to each truth, each precept hear,
Then practice it well with godly fear. -Anon.

The more we meditate on Scripture, the more readily we'll detect error.

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Saturday, January 3, 2009

Eating As Worship

Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need. - Proverbs 25:16


When you walk into the bookstore and see a table filled with books on dieting, you know it must be January. After several weeks of overeating all kinds of holiday foods, people in many cultures turn their attention to not eating.

Food plays an important role in Scripture. God uses it not only to bless us but also to teach us. Our misuse of food keeps us from knowing God in ways He wants to be known.

In the Old Testament, God gave instructions to Adam as to what to eat and what not to eat (Gen. 2: 16-17). Later He gave the Israelites manna to convince them that He was God and to test them to find out if they believed Him (Ex. 16:12; Deut. 8:16). In the New Testament, the apostle Pail stated the proper attitude for everything we do, including eating: "Whether you eat or drink,... do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).

When we think of food as a friend that comforts us or an enemy that makes us fat, we miss the wonder of receiving with gratitude a splendid gift from God. Obsesive eating or not eating indicates that we are focused on the gift rather than on the Giver, which is a form of idolatry.

When eating becomes a true act of worship, we will no longer worship food. - Julie Ackerman Link


You alone are worthy, Lord,
To be worshiped and adored;
We to You our tribute bring
As our hearts rejoice and sing. - Hess

When food becomes our God, our appetite for the Bread of Life is diminished.

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I had found a problem that, I will remember to pray before dine... but I don't have the faith, or the meaning to pray... it just like a habit... used to it, and just continue it... without a reason... I do know if God didn't give me, I will be hungry... but, I just don't have the feeling like I must pray...
huh... even now... I just ignore it... I do pray, but meaningless... I know I need to find out what is missing... but I had ask God... and now I can only wait for God's reply...

Friday, January 2, 2009

Don't Waste Your Breath

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. - Psalm 150:6


If I were to scoop up a handful of dirt and blow into it, all I would get is a dirty face. When God did it, He got a living, breathing human being capable of thinking, feeling, dreaming, loving, reproducing, and living forever.

As one of these human beings, I speaks of "catching" my breath, "holding" my breath, or "saving" my breath, but these are idioms of language. I cannot save my breath for use at a later time. If I don't use the one I have now, I'll lose it, and I may even lose consciousness.

When God breathed into Adam, He gave more than life; He gave a reason to live: Worship! As the psalmist said, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" (Ps. 150:6).

This means that we waste our breath when we use it for something that doesn't honor the One in whom "we live and more and have our being" (Acts 17:28).

Althought we cannot blow life into a handful of dirt, we can use our breath to speak words of comfort, to sing songs of praise, and to run to help the sick and oppressed. When we use our breath to honor our Creator with our unique combination of talents, abilities, and opportunities, we will never be wasting it. - Julie Ackerman Link


Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do. Hatch

All that I am and have I owe to Jesus.

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When you were told the days you left, I think you will makes your more meaningful than before... as you know you may not have the chance...
Someone told me, "if you assume today is your last day, you will have a more meaningful life... as you use most of your time and doing stuffs you like..."...
I had predict my lifetime will be 60 years old... so, I will try to use it usefully...

Thursday, January 1, 2009

0.o 2008

It is 1st of January 2009 now... well, let's look back what had I done in 2008...

January

In Tawau... 6th moved in to Aunty Ming Zhu's house and stayed there for 2 months... I was there due to no where to go... her place is the best choice among others... isn't other my relative's place is not good... but I prefer silence... and without pressure...

Get to know my leader and Augustine on 7th... that was my begining of knowing Jesus Christ... still remember Augustine brought his laptop and playing a problem solving game... fun, interesting and HARD!!!... XD ...

Accepted Jesus Christ as my savior and master of my life on 13th around 0100H... early right? :P ... I started going to church every Sunday and joining cell group... alot of gathering makes me feeling my time is being use at the most... tired but happy...


February

It is valentine day... learn how to pack those flowers with beautiful color paper and ribbon... i had learnt alot over there... but I didn't make any flower arrangemnet when I come back to KK... only help friends tie up ribbon... they say it is nice la... I had my CNY in Tawau... quiet happy... although I can't gather with mum, but I really feeling that my heart was full of joyness and happiness...


March

Going to NS... but had join once Alpha and cell group... mum was not happy with that... Actually the church had arrange a special baptist for me due to my leaving... but because I am not yet 18, I need permision from mum... I cried, begged... calling people to help convince mum... in the end... failed... that was my sadness moment... maybe because of this, I went to KL without missing mum at all...


April

Still in camp... mum visited me 3 times... miss my friends there...


May

I get out from camp early due to Form 6... I was forced to come back... I really don't want to go... After coming back, I had my form 6 started...


June

The form 6 class started officially... and also I didn't went to church... busy this and that... too much stuffs need to be settle...


July

Still not going to church... but I had my CF...


August

Joined Chinese Youth Camp... actually is because I had promise my friend in Tawau before I leave there... so I went back... still remember the day I call my leader he told me the next day they will need to book the bas... so lucky I had made that call... start going to church after coming back from camp... and the next week I also join the youth gathering...


September

Academy result is worse but I think my spiritual life in Christian has growth... joining leader meeting after sunday service...


October

Confirmed all my position in co-cum... basketball - treasurer... wushu - vice president... CF - Form 1's AJK... Library - Tresurer... Class - Treasurer... :P ... I seems to be very close with money, but actually I am quiet a poor person...

Going to church on saturday at 11am... for learning piano... and then join the meeting... leader meeting... and until the youth gathering start...


November

Making cross using beads for sell at X'mas Gaya... and practice ribbon dance for 'You're the Best'...


December

Get a copy of cert. for involving myself in the competition... and miss the beach fear factor... didn't went to Gaya for X'mas... absent for youth x'mas party... T.T ... I had miss alot of fun!!!...

but i did help to blow balloons... tie a ribbon for party's decoration la... that's all I can do... T.T

Last night they have a thanks giving prayer meeting... of course I was absent again... T.T ...


Conclusion... I found that I am quiet limited for church events... sad for that and also regret why I refuse to go Tawau for Form 6... if I were there, no one will block me joing all the church event... T.T ...

Live It!

You are to them as a very lovely song... they hear your words, but they do not do them. - Ezekiel 33:32


Each year, one of my goals is to read the entire Bible. While listing it among my New Year's resolutions, I noticed a bookmark on my desk. On one side was a brief appeal for people to take in foster children. On the other side were these words referring to that appeal: "Don't read it. Live it. Real children. Real stories. Real life." The people who produced the bookmark knew how easily we absorb information without acting on it. They wanted people to respond.

Regular intake of God's Word is a worthy practice, but it's not an en in itself. THe prophet Ezekiel spoke to an audience who loved to listen but refused to act. The Lord said to Ezekiel: "Indeed you are them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them" (33:32).

Jesus said: "Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matt. 7:24).

How will each of us read the Bible this year? Will er read it quickly to achieve the goal of getting through it? Or will we read it with the aim of doing what it say?

Don't just read it. Live it! - David C. McCasland


The Bible gives us all we need
To live our lives for God each day;
But it won't help if we don't read
Then follow what its pages say. - Sper

The value of the Bible consists not onlyin knowing it but obeying it.

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I think back when I was in Tawau, I live with my Godmother... the house only living both of us... and I got a full guidian in my path of Chirstian...
But when I left Tawau, my spiritual growth slow down or even didn't move at all... dangerous but I goes back to church after youth camp... at most of the stuffs is settled, and I have more time...
I stopped reading the Bible now... don't know why, don't have the willing to pick it up and read it... although I always take it with me... but i didn't read it... I know I shouldn't just take it around but also read it...
I still remember I had made a promise before in my blog... but I am really sorry about it... I didn't act it out... I will try to improve it...