Times And Seasons

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1

The Rev. Gardner Taylor has been called "the dean of American preaching." Born in Louisiana in 1918, the grandson of slaves, he overcame the segregation og his youth to become the pastor of a large New York congregation and a leader in the strunggle for racial equality. For 6 decades he traveled the world as a much sought-after preacher.

But at age 89, Rev. Taylor's health gave way and he could no longer accept speaking engagements. He told Rachel Zoll of the Associated Press: "I at first felt rather crestfallen." But then he spoke of his belief that "there are seasons and eras, and we have to see what they are are best as we can, and to find what is positive in them."

In an effort to face the challenges of life, we often turn to Solomon's words: "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven" (Eccl. 3:1). But we readily admit that we would rather laugh than weep, dance than mourn, and gain than lose (w.4, 6).

Yet we know that as we embrace the lessons and opportunities of every season that comes to us, we find that "God is our refuge and strength" (Ps. 46:1).

Whatever season we're in, it's always the season to trust in Him. - David C. McCasland

Just as the winter turns to spring,

Our lives have changing seasons too;

So when a gloomy forecast comes,

Remember - God has plans for you. - Sper

Whatever the season of life, attitude makes all the difference.

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... We have joy, we have fun, we have seasons in the sun...

It is part of the lyrics of a song from Westlife... I like it, as it has describe the scene of the happiness moments...

When I was a little girl, I had alot of fun... whatever toy or any theme park, as long as I want it, mum will definitely get it for me... :P ... went to Sunway Lagoon, Genting, Singapore's biggest theme park, Perth...

However, too much fun makes me keep playing around and not study at all... that was my most happy time ever... after that going to secondary school... haha, still playing around... well, maybe I am quiet a 'clever girl', although I didn't study much, I can still get in to 'good class'... not the best but the worse of the best... :P

Anyway, from form 4 onward, I start study... not working hard on it but at least I can survive in science class... :P ... and now is my form 6... huh... T.T ... no time for fun now... but I had makes some fun in my co-cum... I join the Basketball club, so I can at least play for once every 2 weeks... and, become a libririan had give me mor opportunity to get closer to books... :P ... I am quiet a book worm... although I don't really like those text book, but I can read very fast... and I am very interested in those foreign books... :P

I am 18 and a half... still young, so my life's seasons had only past fun and study... as the spring time and summer time... now I am still in the middle of spring and summer...

... Spring is a very fresh and nice season, just like a new born baby... Summer is a very hot yet active season... I had go through the spring, and going to summer now...

No Fear In The New Year

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine. - Isaiah 43:1

Hours before 2007 began, some friends of ours in the UK were aboard their boat, anticipating the arrival of the new year, when a violent storm struck. But they were able to send us this reassuring note: "John and Linda are sitting on board the good ship Norna, and happy to say that we are secure... The wind is storm force ten [48-55 knots]. Hope that all of you have a happy and prosperous new year."

Jesus' disciples also encountered a stormy experience. They were on the Sea of Galilee when a windstorm shipped up (Mark 6:48). The storm was so violent that despite being experienced fishermen who knew the lake well, they feared for their lives. But Jesus walked out to them and saved them.

No one can predict with certainly how stormy the new year will be. We do know, though, that everyone will face storms. But we who have Jesus have our future securely moored to Him. Jesus, who did not fail us in the past, will not fail us in the future.

Lewis Edgar Jones aptly described our situation in his old hymn:

I've anchored in Jesus, the storms of life I'll brave;

I've anchored in Jesus, I'll fear no wind or wave.

I've anchored in Jesus, for He hath power to save;

I've anchored to the Rock of Ages!

How will you fare in the storms of the new year? Id you're anchored in Jesus, you have nothing to fear. - C. P. Hia

Faith in Chirst will keep us steady in the stormy sea of change.

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Most of the time, I still handle stuffs with my own ability... but actually I should uphold to God... still learning about it...

I don't mind someone plan my life path for me... but I would also speak out my mind... anyway, God's decision is the best... I know He will have the best for me...

Rely on Father Lord, let Him be the master of life, a different yet better life will be...

Hearts And Banjos

Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? - Psalm 85:6

While working my way through graduate school, I taught five-string banjo in a music store. The job provided me with the opportunity to buy a brand-new, professional-quality instrument for nearly half-price.

That was over 30 years ago, and that banjo has accompanied me in ministry efforts around the world. But despite its excellent craftsmanship, eventually it needed to be refurbished. A master repairman pointed out how imperfections had worn into the banjo. He was confident that his repairs would result in the instrument sounding better than new.

I wasn't disappointed. The action on the strings and the clarity of the sound are astonishingly superior to its original condition when I purchased the instrument.

In a way, our lives are like musical instruments intended for "the praise of the glory of [God's] grace" (Eph. 1:6). But over time, life wears us down. Our hearts cry out for renewal. The psalmist prayed: "Will You not revive us again?" (Ps. 85:6). The Hebrew word for revive means not only "to restore and refresh" but also "to repair."

It's vital that we submit our sould to the Master's restorative touch. Why not set aside some time for spiritual retreat, and ask the Lord to repair your heart? - Dennis Fisher

Revive us again -

Fill each heart with Thy love;

May each soul be rekindled

With fire from above. - Mackay

Time in Christ's service requires time out for renewal.

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Recently, I had improve my piano skill... I can play it better than last time... but, I lose something...

I used to be knowing nothing at all about piano, but now I can play some songs and not bad heard... at least people can enjoy the melody... however, I lost the 'first touch'...

Before this, I play piano is just for fun... simply playing it when I was bored... but now I learn some skills and I can play with both hands and queit smooth when I play... the problem is, I am playing praise songs... I prayed for playing better in order to worship Him... but I realize I am now focus on the skills but not the 'feeling'...

No use to play the praise song full with perect skills but no 'feel' at all... I just don't want playing a song without 'feelings'... Same goes to my spiritual life...

I can read Bible, have my 'daily bread' everyday... going to church every sunday and also for youth cell gathering... but, if I am just being there due to commands... I don't think that is what Father Lord wants...

I hope I can get a feeling that I must be there... I can't miss any of them.... and etc... but I felt nothing... how to get the feeling?... anyone can answer me?...

I had get to know Jesus Christ, getting closer to Him, accepted Him, admited Him... but, why am I still feeling something is missing...

Soul Food

Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. - Jeremiah 15:16

Grocery shopping with my wife, Martie, is like taking a seminar in nutrition. I'll often pick up a box of something that looks good, and she'll say: "Look at the label. Are there trans-fats? What's the calorie count? Houw about the cholesterol rating?" I have to confess that if she weren't the nutrition cop in my life, I'd look like Shamu the whale!

More important than making good choices in the grocery store is thinking carefully about the food we digest for our sould. I love the verse that says: "Your words were found, and I ate them" (Jer. 15:16).

When we read God's Word, we have to be doing more than checking it off our to-do list. We have to read it to digest it. Slow, thoughtful absorption of the Word of God with quiet reflection on its implications is high in nutrition. His Word provides all the ingredients we need to thrive spiritually:

- a direct connection to the sustainer of our soul

- brain food that makes us wise and discerning

- a daily check-up revealing the condition of our hearts

- preventive medicine keeping us from sin

- a spiritual shower of peace, hope, and comfort

Eat God's Word. It's a spiritual feast! - Joe Stowell

God's Word provides the mourishment

That Christians need if we're to grow;

But if we do not feast on it,

A vibrant faith we'll never know. - Sper

The Bible contains all the nutrients for a healthy soul.

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I only having my 'daily bread' now... had quiet a long time didn't read my Bible... :P

okok... I am making my promise here, I will read my Bible everyday from now on... that is one of the compulsary homework of being a Christian anyway...

Feelings - Deficient

I sought the Lord, and He heard me. - Psalm 34:4

Mallory doesn't feel loved by God. She received Jesus as her Savior several years ago and is confident that she is forgiven and will spend eternity with Him. She believes what God says in His Word, but she would also like to feel loved.

Her friends give her what she thinks is a pat answer: "It's not about feelings! Just believe and the feelings will come later." She says, "Okay, but when is later?" She believes she's "feelings-deficient."

God created us in His image to have emotions, so the longing the feel loved is legitimate and good. One way that many of us sense we're loved is when someone talks with us and listen to us.

God provides those needs in our relationship with Him too. He speaks through His Word to our heart (Heb. 4:12), and He wants us to pour out our heart to Him about everything (Ps. 62:8) - even our longing to feel His love. Besides a relationship with Him, he daily gives us our breath, clothing, food, and shelter. Like the psalmist, we can find Him to be our "rock" and "refuge" as we trust Him (w. 2,7).

God loves us. Now, we walk by faith. One day, when we're in His very presence, we'll never again be feelings-deficient. - Anne Cetas

Knowing that God loves us come by faith; feeling His love for us comes by relationship.

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Ya... I am someone like wants to 'feel' loved by God too...

Although my left-sided brain told me God had provided me every physical needs everyday and that is the way He shows His love to me...

Then I learn to be honor and humble... but honestly, I know I am still wanting for the 'feeling'... maybe I got it, but I don't know it... It seems like hard for me to know what "love" is about...

:P ... maybe I really got to get a bf... well not a best friend but boy friend... :P

He can Lead You Out Of It

After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. - 1 Kings 19:12

Almost everyone will at some time in their life be affected by depression, either their own or someone else's. Some common signs and symptoms of depression include feelings and hopelessness, pessimism, worthlessness, and helplessness. Although we cannot say for certain that characters in the Bible experienced depression, we can say that some did exhibit a deep sense of despondency, discouragement, and sadness that is linked to personal powerlessness and loss of meaning and enthusiasm for life.

Elijah is one biblical character who fits this description. After defeating the prophets of Baal, he received a death threat from Jezebel. His hope was shattered, and despondency set in. He wanted to die! God helped Elijah deal with his despondency in several ways. The Lord did not rebuke him for his feelings but sent an angel to provide for his physical needs. Then, the Lord revealed Himself and reminded Elijah that He was quietly working among His people. Next, He renewed Elijah's mission by giving him new orders. Finally, God reminded Elijah that he wasn't alone.

In our times of discouragement, let us remember that God loves us and desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of Himself! - Marvin Williams

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change He faithful will remain. - von Schlegel

The weak, the helpless, and the discouraged are in Shepherd's special care.

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I know He can lead me out... but the time is not now...

Asked and asked... but still remain unchanged... T.T ...

Didn't went to X'mas party... but went to her friend's house... she just don't want me to go church... I just wonder if I say I am going to some pub or disco, she will just let go...

A Gift Most Lavish

Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. - 2 Corinthians 8:9

I have a piece of old plaster on my desk that comes from the ancient site of the Herodium in the land of Israel. It reminds me of the humility of our Lord Jesus.

Herodium was a lavish residence that served as King Herod's summer palace, a sumptuous villa with opulenrt apartments furnished for the royal family and their guests. It boasted a Roman bath with hot and cold pools, surrounded by colonnaded gardens.

It's said that Herod built his palace to commemorate a victory in battle, but knowing Herod's selfish ambition it's possible he had another purpose in mind. Some have conjectured that Herod, despite inquiring of the scribes (Matt. 2:4-6), knew about Micah's prediction that Israel's Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. He may have wanted Israel's King to be born in his palace.

The Father's plan, however, was for our Lord to be born not in a castle but in a cave. It was in a lowly manger that the little Lord Jesus was born.

This is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (2 Cor. 8:9). This is the gift of lavish salvation - of all gifts, the greatest gift that you and I will ever receive. - David H. Roper

He did not use a silvery box

Or paper green and red;

God laid His Christmas gift to me

Within a manger bed. - Prentice

The goodness and love of God became incarnate at Bethlehem.

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The quote from Bible let me think of my mum... :P ... She used to be quiet rich... but she spent all her money on my study... and I as the receiver, I got the chance to study in a better school... and if, if I able to manage my study well, I might have a bright future and my mum will be 'rich' again then...

Same goes to our Father Lord... He had died for us on the cross, and we all who believe in His name got salvation... and then one day when we all did our job to have a good testimony, His name will be glorify and rise up highly again... that is what He likes...

I read another special edition for Christmas, for today, it talk about the present for God... actualy it is just a simple question, that we all might remember it for everyone except Him... funny? but it is true... at least I never think of it...

The kid ask: "today is Jesus birthday, when are we going to give Him the present?"... what a simple and logic question but never flew through my mind... I will spent times to thinking what a present I should give away... but I never think of giving my lovely Father Lord a present... I think I should think back am I really love my Father Lord?... I remember His birthday but didn't think of giving Him a present...

I have no idea what to give... He is the creator of this world, what can I give?... well, I am going to marry Him one day if I am able to be in heaven, right?... then let's treat Him as my lover... :P ... and a lover shouldn't leave another one alone... I guess every 'on dater' will think so... so, I wish I can stay in church... doesn't mean like really 'staying' in church la... but I have no offence if I can do so... :P ...

What I meant is I won't leave church... church is the house of God, leaving it will causing a distance between God and me... I don't want that... I had tried once, and I am not going to repeat the mistake...