Loving God the way you are called to do.
Remember the first time when you were walking down the street. Your parent held you by your hand. Your attention were on your parent's delicate hand and on the street ahead of you. You knew that that day would be your first time walking across the street.
Dragging your feet slowly left and right; you wished your parent just picked you up and carry you across. Why do I have to walk now?
Experience in life can be different between one person and the other, yet they consist of the same basic steps. Some children had to learn how to walk by themselves; some children had to learn walking from their brothers or sisters; some couldn't walk with their legs, etc. Yet, every children had to walk from one point of their lives to another point.
The same way, God teaches us to walk in this life. He gave us direction, on how to walk, what potholes to avoid, and where your focus should be.
Walking for the first time maybe the most exciting thing you have ever learned in your life. Similar to riding a bike, or driving your car, or writing, or reading. You were very proud of your achievement that you tell your parent: that you have master the lesson.
As we have grown older, our walking began to perfect itself. Your legs have grown stronger, you have developed your walking pace, you know how to get across the street safely.
Learning how to walk maybe not the hardest thing to learn in life, however, guiding your feet to the right place is crucial. This takes more time to develop.
There can be many distractions, signs on the street, but your goal is still to get across the street.
If you can walk today..look at where God wants you to walk, then start walking slowly by faith.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Monday, September 11, 2006
I shouldn't worry..why?
What a joy..what a joy...
I was listening to this commentary on the book of Acts. Somehow, God keeps resonating this lesson on my mind beginning on Sunday School lesson on Sunday morning. So, here it goes:
It is written on Acts 2:47, "The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Sometimes, I wonder, what is it that we, as brothers and sisters in Christ should be focusing on with our life.
Earlier on the chapter, it is written, "They [the first 120 believers] devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders nd miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people..." (Acts 42-47)
I think you would agree with me that God is pleased when He sees unity in His body.
In addition, I read earlier on chapter 1, the apostles asked Jesus, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?", then Jesus replied, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (v. 6-8)
There are many things that often consume our mind, hence, our time and our energy that we shouldn't have worried in the first place. There is a difference between worrying and thinking or planning of course. I would say that there is the seed of doubt in worrying.
There many instances where I found myself facing a dead end. It's just me and the black gigantic hole in front of me. I probably have the same thought as Moses when He faced the Red Sea, "Ok, now there's a big sea in front of me. I have bunch of people, family, and friends complaining to me. And people are running after me from behind; they probably are trying kill me or put me in prison. What should I do now?"
And here you go, there are also many instances where I have witnessed God's amazing work on my life for example in school, work, relationship, or life in general.
Someone says the following: There is a solution to everyone problem. And unfortunately, there are times, when I, myself have taken the wrong solution to my problem, making things worst than they were in the beginning.
But, as we read in the bible or have been shown many times by God, that the solutions lie within Him.
Take a moment in reading the following:
Peter delivered a message to devoted Jews people who were there celebrating Shavuot or Pentecost (50 days after Passover). Jews from every nation were there bewildered listening to their own language spoken by the 'Holy Spirit filled' believers (Acts 2:5-12)
The message was:
"Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
The whole bible is about repentance of our sins and trusting in Jesus, the Son of God who died for our sins.
That is what Jesus had taught us from the beginning. And we will hold it fast until He comes. Until then, be His witnesses wherever you are.
"The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
If you'd like to study more about the book of Acts, listen to the following commentary by Bob Davis, a senior pastor of North Country Chapel in Idaho. http://www.blueletterbible.org/audio_video/davis_bob/Act/Acts_template.html
I was listening to this commentary on the book of Acts. Somehow, God keeps resonating this lesson on my mind beginning on Sunday School lesson on Sunday morning. So, here it goes:
It is written on Acts 2:47, "The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Sometimes, I wonder, what is it that we, as brothers and sisters in Christ should be focusing on with our life.
Earlier on the chapter, it is written, "They [the first 120 believers] devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders nd miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people..." (Acts 42-47)
I think you would agree with me that God is pleased when He sees unity in His body.
In addition, I read earlier on chapter 1, the apostles asked Jesus, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?", then Jesus replied, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (v. 6-8)
There are many things that often consume our mind, hence, our time and our energy that we shouldn't have worried in the first place. There is a difference between worrying and thinking or planning of course. I would say that there is the seed of doubt in worrying.
There many instances where I found myself facing a dead end. It's just me and the black gigantic hole in front of me. I probably have the same thought as Moses when He faced the Red Sea, "Ok, now there's a big sea in front of me. I have bunch of people, family, and friends complaining to me. And people are running after me from behind; they probably are trying kill me or put me in prison. What should I do now?"
And here you go, there are also many instances where I have witnessed God's amazing work on my life for example in school, work, relationship, or life in general.
Someone says the following: There is a solution to everyone problem. And unfortunately, there are times, when I, myself have taken the wrong solution to my problem, making things worst than they were in the beginning.
But, as we read in the bible or have been shown many times by God, that the solutions lie within Him.
Take a moment in reading the following:
Peter delivered a message to devoted Jews people who were there celebrating Shavuot or Pentecost (50 days after Passover). Jews from every nation were there bewildered listening to their own language spoken by the 'Holy Spirit filled' believers (Acts 2:5-12)
The message was:
"Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
The whole bible is about repentance of our sins and trusting in Jesus, the Son of God who died for our sins.
That is what Jesus had taught us from the beginning. And we will hold it fast until He comes. Until then, be His witnesses wherever you are.
"The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
If you'd like to study more about the book of Acts, listen to the following commentary by Bob Davis, a senior pastor of North Country Chapel in Idaho. http://www.blueletterbible.org/audio_video/davis_bob/Act/Acts_template.html
Friday, September 08, 2006
Dream Job
The journey of getting to your dream job is a painstaking, unpredictable, frustrating yet is the most rewarding and memorable experience.
Remember the old cliche: what do you want to be when you grow up?
It seems that children have yet to learn to make a better prediction or forecast. How many doctors or astronauts do we have :)
Or better yet, maybe we (adults) ought to learn how to recognize that working is only a segment of one's life.
Just like the weather, or "if I hit a million dollar jackpot" wish, or significant other, or "I am going to live to be a hundred years old man/woman", an occupation is similar to the rest, they affect our lives but we have little say over them.
Here is a list of truth about career that I learn which God has taught over the course of life, which can also be applied to other aspects of life:
- Don't procrastinate: which means don't be lazy. God's timing is perfect, so when He told you to do it, do IT right away.
- Repent while time allows. Human makes mistakes (sinner), yet our God is a forgiving God. Don't let your past mistake burden you. Ask for forgiveness, learn from your mistakes, and move ON.
- The only true source of joy and fulfillment is God Himself: means, doing what God wants for you to do in your life, doing it for the purpose He wants you to do, otherwise you will keep looking and looking and will never find it :)
- Don't be selfish. "It's better to give then to receive." (Acts 20:35) Help your coworkers, volunteer your time.
- Don't be proud. "Apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) All the gifts and talents come from Him. Guess what, He doesn't give it to us, so we misused them or be boastful about it. Remember in the Hebrew (Old) Testament, that God can remove King or Kingdom if He choose to do it.
- Use your talent for His glory. No cheating or beating your coworkers on the head, just to get a promotion :) And of course, be thankful on the skills that have been given to you.
Again remember that our job is only a part of life. It's like when God has made us from dust. Imagine how small we are, compared to the earth we live in. Yet, God numbers our hair and care for our soul.
Do the best on your job. Care about the spouse or families God has placed in your life. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) Don't waste your life and start living for Him. Start simply by inviting Him to your life, develop a relationship with Him, honor Him, and thank Him especially for the Son He gave to die for us.
Feel free to share your thoughts or comments. There are plenty of room to add to the list above.
God bless.
Remember the old cliche: what do you want to be when you grow up?
It seems that children have yet to learn to make a better prediction or forecast. How many doctors or astronauts do we have :)
Or better yet, maybe we (adults) ought to learn how to recognize that working is only a segment of one's life.
Just like the weather, or "if I hit a million dollar jackpot" wish, or significant other, or "I am going to live to be a hundred years old man/woman", an occupation is similar to the rest, they affect our lives but we have little say over them.
Here is a list of truth about career that I learn which God has taught over the course of life, which can also be applied to other aspects of life:
- Don't procrastinate: which means don't be lazy. God's timing is perfect, so when He told you to do it, do IT right away.
- Repent while time allows. Human makes mistakes (sinner), yet our God is a forgiving God. Don't let your past mistake burden you. Ask for forgiveness, learn from your mistakes, and move ON.
- The only true source of joy and fulfillment is God Himself: means, doing what God wants for you to do in your life, doing it for the purpose He wants you to do, otherwise you will keep looking and looking and will never find it :)
- Don't be selfish. "It's better to give then to receive." (Acts 20:35) Help your coworkers, volunteer your time.
- Don't be proud. "Apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) All the gifts and talents come from Him. Guess what, He doesn't give it to us, so we misused them or be boastful about it. Remember in the Hebrew (Old) Testament, that God can remove King or Kingdom if He choose to do it.
- Use your talent for His glory. No cheating or beating your coworkers on the head, just to get a promotion :) And of course, be thankful on the skills that have been given to you.
Again remember that our job is only a part of life. It's like when God has made us from dust. Imagine how small we are, compared to the earth we live in. Yet, God numbers our hair and care for our soul.
Do the best on your job. Care about the spouse or families God has placed in your life. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) Don't waste your life and start living for Him. Start simply by inviting Him to your life, develop a relationship with Him, honor Him, and thank Him especially for the Son He gave to die for us.
Feel free to share your thoughts or comments. There are plenty of room to add to the list above.
God bless.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Sacred Marriage - by Gary Thomas
I am reading this book "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas. The book talks about about drawing closer to God as we draw closer to our spouse; about loving our God when we are loving our spouse; about serving your spouse in family; and many more. I encourage people to read this book, I guess it is best to be used by married couple or those who are in relationship, but It is definitely a good guide for loving and serving others. Let me know if you are reading the book or are interested in borrowing the book.
A few excerpts from the book :
" In the same way, some of us ask too much of marriage. We want to get the largest portion of our life's fulfillment from our relationship with our spouse. That's asking too much. Yes, without a doubt there should be moments of happiness, meaning, and a general sense of fulfillment. But, my wife can't be God, and I was created with a spirit that craves God. Anything less than God, and I'll feel an ache." (p.26)
"We can never love somebody too much...love must be acquired" (40) - to me this sentence meant that God commanded us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love others (this includes people that you don't like or people that are "different" than you). We are called to sacrifice daily, to be broken and used by God. Whenever we heard the word break, sacrifice, it involves pain, hurt, etc. And that is love, and what you will encounter when you are called to love brother, sister, boss, homeless person, other Indonesians, Mexicans, Americans, the list can go on. But, Paul also reminded us in his letter, that love is patient, love is kind, it does not boast,...
"God doesn't command us to get married..." (42) - yet He commanded us to love others. The author also mentions that marriage is a choice in life that God has entrusted us to make. This means we have to take on all the luggages that comes with it: listening, "understanding, sympathize" (48)
I haven't finished the book, so I close with a verse from the bible I found on page 49 in the book: "If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother" (1 John 4:20-12).
A few excerpts from the book :
" In the same way, some of us ask too much of marriage. We want to get the largest portion of our life's fulfillment from our relationship with our spouse. That's asking too much. Yes, without a doubt there should be moments of happiness, meaning, and a general sense of fulfillment. But, my wife can't be God, and I was created with a spirit that craves God. Anything less than God, and I'll feel an ache." (p.26)
"We can never love somebody too much...love must be acquired" (40) - to me this sentence meant that God commanded us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love others (this includes people that you don't like or people that are "different" than you). We are called to sacrifice daily, to be broken and used by God. Whenever we heard the word break, sacrifice, it involves pain, hurt, etc. And that is love, and what you will encounter when you are called to love brother, sister, boss, homeless person, other Indonesians, Mexicans, Americans, the list can go on. But, Paul also reminded us in his letter, that love is patient, love is kind, it does not boast,...
"God doesn't command us to get married..." (42) - yet He commanded us to love others. The author also mentions that marriage is a choice in life that God has entrusted us to make. This means we have to take on all the luggages that comes with it: listening, "understanding, sympathize" (48)
I haven't finished the book, so I close with a verse from the bible I found on page 49 in the book: "If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother" (1 John 4:20-12).
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