Risky Business

Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. - Luke 9:24

As the worldwide financial crisis deepened in 2010, executives of a global banking firm were investigated for deceiving their customers about the risk involved in certain investments they were selling. While promising a high rate of return, the banking firm knew that the investments were destined to fail, leaving those who purchased them with nothing.

Deceptions is nothing new. Jesus described Satan as one who "does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him... for he is a liar and the father of it". The enemy of our souls tells us, "Live only for the present," when he knows it will results in our eternal loss.

Jesus, on the other hand, did not offer His disciples a life of prosperity and ease but called them to self-sacrifice and identification with Him. After telling them that He would be killed and raised from the dead, Jesus said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it".

There are two voices telling us where to invest our lives. It's risky business to follow the wrong one.

When you hear the Shepherd's voice
As He calls you, "Come to Me,"
In your life make Him your choice
And His faithful follower be. 

If we hold on to God's truth, we won't be trapped by Satan's lies. 

Luke 9:18-27

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, "Who do the crowds say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; other say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life."

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "God's Messiah."

Jesus strictly warned them not to tell to anyone. And he said "The Son of Man must offer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life."

Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.

"Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God."

Theory of Everything

For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible. - Colossians 1:16

Scientists have been looking for the "Theory of Everything." One person who thinks he found it is physicist Brian Greene, who wrote The Elegant Universe: Superstrings, Hidden Dimensions, and the Quest for the Ultimate Theory. Greene's "string theory" is a complicated concept suggesting that as its tiniest level everything consists of combinations of vibrating strands, or strings. He has described his theory as "a framework with the capacity to explain every fundamental feature upon which the world is constructed."

Over the years, thinkers from Newton to Einstein to Hawking to Greene have spent the greater portion of their lives trying to figure out how the universe works - and they have proposed fascinating theories.

In reality, for any theory to explain everything in the universe adequately it must begin and end with God. "All things... visible and invisible" have their origin in Him and exist for His glory. The first few verses of John's gospel tell us that our Lord created the universe - and that without His hand of creation nothing would exist.

That's why when we consider the world and everything in it, we can exclaim with Isaiah: "The whole earth is full of His glory!". Praise His holy name!

Our God has fashioned earth and sky, 
Sun, moon, and stars beyond compare;
His workmanship we can't deny - 
His fingerprints are everywhere. - Seals

All creation is an outstretched finger pointing towards God.


John 1:1-13

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his on did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God - children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

Life-Changing Choices

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. - Isaiah 41:10

Champion athlete Eric Liddell's decision not to run on Sunday in the 1924 Olympic Games was not difficult because of his deep belief that the Lord's Day was for worship and rest.

A more agonizing dilemma had come a year earlier when Eric was asked to speak about his faith in Christ to a group of coal miners. Liddell said of his struggle: "My whole life had been one of keeping out of public duties but the leading of Christ seemed now to be in the opposite direction, and I shrank from going forward. At this time I finally decided to put it all on Christ - after all if He called me to do it, then He would have to supply the necessary power. In going forward the power was given me."

The day after agreeing to publicly share his faith, Eric received a letter from his sister, Jenny, in China. Written weeks before, it ended with this verse of Scripture: "Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand".

Every call from God is an opportunity for us to say "Yes," trusting His strength and not our own.

Lord, I'm fearful sometimes when You ask me
to do something out of my comfort zone. 
Help me to remember that as I step out in faith, 
You will provide the power to obey. 

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. 

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Isaiah 41:8-14

"But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, You descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I sad, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 

"All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob, little Israel, do not fear, for I myself will help you," declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. 

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Thanks Lord, thank you for Holy Spirit you have given to me... Thank you lord... 

it was sad that being too naive, not knowing anything, either things that i suppose to know or not... is that a way putting down others, just to show that they are right, when they are not?

Thank you Lord for letting me to see that it's not my fault, neither is my war... You reminded me that it's yours to revenge, and showing me that I do not need to prove myself to them.. What's the point of proving myself to someone that don't cares or loves me? Even if I should do better, it should be for the sake of those who cares for me, don't disappoint them...

Your words has been a great courage to me, thank you Lord... You are my God... It's good to know that I have the greatest support in the world behind me, a support that will not let me fall... regardless of the situation, I believe God will let me have access to things that I should know of, and close the door to things that I do not need to know of. 

Lord I put everything unto your mighty hand, I am willing to surrender everything to you... Thank you Lord for Your mercy on me, reminds me of what it could be if i follow my fleshy will... I might be successful but i might forget God... tho i want to be richer, but that means i will try to solve everything on my own... which i left no rooms for God to work on... Thank God that actually showing me such dangerous consequences if i make that choice...

Daddy I love you.. once again i'm thankful for everything you had given to me... 

Changing Enemies Into Friends

But I say to you, love your enemies... do good to those who hate you. ~ Matthew 5:44

During the US Civil War, hatred became entrenched between the North and South. In one instance, President Abraham Lincoln was criticized for speaking of benevolent treatment for the Southern rebels. The critic reminded Lincoln that were was a war going on, the Confederates were the enemy, and they should be destroyed. But Lincoln wisely responded, "I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends."

Lincoln's comment is insightful. In many ways it reflects Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: "I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven".

We will encounter difficult people in our lives - some on whom we will need to set limits. But to give in to the temptation to undermine or hurt them in any way is not God's way. Instead, we should pray for them, show consideration, look out for their best interests, and emphasize the positive. This may result in changing an enemy into a friend.

Not everyone will respond positively to us, but we can pray and plan for a more harmonious relationship. What difficult person can you start befriending?

Lord, some people in my life are difficult to love. 
I am tempted not even to try to care. 
But You showed love to me even when I was Your enemy. 
Please direct me into ways to love with Your power and grace. 

It's hard to hate someone when  you're doing something good for him. 

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Matthew 5:43-48

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love our neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

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well, isn't really that hard to treat other better... is just the willingness and humble myself... 
all i need is just need to humble myself, not to look down at others... 
hmm, lemme start being nice to everyone... :) 

Don't compare with others, if i do better, i will be proud... 
if i do bad, i jealous... so i shouldn't compare, the result isn't please God.. neither it's good for me...

Remembering The Reason

For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. - Mark 10:45

Joe Morris flavors his ice cream with ingredients ranging from chocolate and strawberries to green tea and dried chipotle peppers. He's one of three ice-cream makers for a successful Texas company known for its quality, creativity, and innovation. But Joe hasn't forgotten why he does it.

He told reporter Ricardo Gandara that one of the longtime employees always reminded them, "Why are we making ice cream? It's a happy food. We're here to make people happy." And that's why Joe Morris makes ice cream.

We know that it's extremely important to remember the reason for what we do as followers of Jesus. If we forget, we become like the disciples when a dispute over who was most important created anger and division among the. Jesus reminded them that "even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

If our goal is to share the good news of God's love with others, we won't become impersonal or harsh if someone resists or ridicules our appeal. As we follow our Lord's path of loving service and sacrifice, we are reminded that He came to serve and save.

That's the reason for everything we do.

He whose right was heaven's glory
Chose to serve on earth below,
Leaving us a clear example
Of the love He'd have us show.

Keep your eyes on the Lord, and you won't lose sight of life's purpose.

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The reason, i with him, was because he asked for a present...
and now he no longer need this present, he had enough life experience from this...
he's prepared for the right person... as he deserve better... 
be his present, makes him happy... it's time to end this, when i fail...


maybe, this is just a lesson for his life.. 
and now it's time to move on...
without me...  


i came to serve, and it's over..

Planted In The House Of The Lord

They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. - Psalm 92:14

After conducting a series of interviews with elderly people, author Don Gold published the book Until the Singing Stops: A Celebration of Life and Old Age in America.

Gold loved and admired his grandmother, and it was the memory of her that moved him to meet and learn from other elderly people. He recalls that on the way to one of his interviews, he got lost on a dusty country in Missouri. When he pulled into a farm to ask for directions, a teenager came up, listened, shrugged his shoulders, and then replied, "Don't know." So he drove on. A few miles farther down the road, he stopped again at a farmhouse. The farmer, who was an old man, graciously gave him flawless directions.

Perhaps, Gold mused, that experience sums up what he was searching for when the memory of his grandmother sent him out to find people like her. He was looking for someone to guide him in his life journey.

If you're "young," seek out older people who have been drinking deeply from God's love and goodness throughout their life. They have wisdom to share that will help you so that you also might flourish and grow in your faith.


Dear Jesus, take my heart and hand, 
and grant me this, I pray:
That I through Your sweet love may grow
More like You day by day. - Garrison


Fellowship with Christ is the secret of fruitfulness for Him. 

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suppose, i have to listen to those experienced people, to learn...
but, it really hurts when all i have from him was stupidity of me... 
i want to grow too.. with more wisdom, like someone he admires... 
but it takes time.... i don't know how long will this takes, but i'm trying...
can't he be nice to me? phrase it some other way... i would listen and follow..
why it has to end this way?


i thought, we are strong, have firm foundation...
but why all this collapse just because of my ignorant? naive? stubborn and stupidity?


maybe, it's time to let it go?
continue to live with someone that he can't be sure,
be sure to be his firm support,
must has struggled him severely all this while...
I should let him go...
get someone that can promise a future for him?
he deserve better, i should let him go...
if i love him enough, i won't let him suffer all this..


it's enough... i had enough happiness from him,
and he suffered enough from me...
it's done... the end...


the fruit of this relationship, i guess...
i got my happy memories with him...
and i had no idea what he got, other and suffers...

Troubled Times

In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ~ John 16:33

If you've never heard of Murphy's Law, you've probably experienced it: "If anything can go wrong, it will."

Murphy's maxim reminds me of the principle Jesus shared with His disciples when He told them, "In this world you will have trouble". In other words, we can count on it - sooner or later we will hit troubled times. It's not the way God originally intended life to be, but when the human race first succumbed to Satan's seduction in the garden, everything on this planet fell into the grip of sin. And the result has been disorder and dysfunction ever since.

The reality of trouble in life is obvious. It's the reality of peace that often eludes us. Interestingly, when Jesus warned His followers about trouble, in the same breath He also promised peace. He even told them to "be of good cheer, I have overcome the world". The word overcome indicates a past event that has a continuing effect. Not only did Jesus conquer the fallen world through His death and resurrection, but He continues to provide victory, no matter how much trouble we may face.

So, although we can expect some trouble in this fallen world, the good news is that we can count on Jesus for peace in troubled times.


Dear Lord, thank You for always being with us. 
We ask that when troubles invariably come, 
You would renew in us once again the blessed
peace of Your presence. Amen.


In the midst of troubles, peace can be found in Jesus.



John 16:25-33


"Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."


Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God."


"Do you now believe?" Jesus replied. "A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 


"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But that heart! I have overcome the world."


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Time in troubles... Troubled times~

When there is misunderstanding, leave room for wrath of God...
When there is miscommunication, be patient for work from God...


I will have no fear to others if my God will fight for me, who will brings justice to me...
I shall have peace when there is hard time, for we have God's promise, who will bless us...


Let all these troubles become our testimonies~
Let all these problems become our promises~
Let all these, good or bad, be the lessons of our life~


Nothing is too hard, or impossible, when we leave it to God....
We learnt, He is the God that do awesome things, who fixed all the problems...

Your love so great, Higher than the stars
Unfailing love, Deeper than the sea
Your love so sure, Stronger than the mountains
Oh Your love, It's everything to me

*Love so high ~ Cornerstone @ Hillsong*