Brothers and Sisters in Christ...
We know that at times, our minds and lives are attacked by the enemies, and it seems that this battle are going completely out of hand. And we are wondering, why are we in this battle and sometimes we feel that we are fighting this battle on our own.
God has promised to His children that He will never leave nor forsake us. We learn from this that no matter what is going on in our lives, God is present. If we cry out to Him, trust Him, that He will be able to help you out in amidst of your difficult situation.
This morning, my mind was pulled in so many different directions, and could feel the pressure that just keeps building on my head. Of course, situation like this arise from doubts, fears, unbelief, etc.
I've learned that when thing like this happen, I always try to cling to God's promise closer and just plant my feet on His words.
Storms will come into our lives, but know for sure that where we stand is a firm foundation, and no storm can blow our house away, because our God, Jesus Christ is our firm foundation.
God bless
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Generation Youth
The word of God in Acts explained to us the characteristics of a church, not long after Jesus had ascended to heaven.
A church, a group of people, at first mainly consisted of the apostles, like Paul and Peter.
They joined their hands in prayer. Peter came up to address the crowd and speak boldly about repentance and calling the name of the Lord.
Peter addressed the crowds, "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem." which shows how he understands whom his audiences were. Just like in Youth Street Evangelism in today's time, we need to address the crowd where we are living, e.g., Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, etc.
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...They were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."
A Youth group, would be a place, where many young people can get together and share and learn together about Christ. It should have both the teachers and the students, but at the same time, there's a unity between everyone.
They all have faith in Christ, and through His Name, healing comes to those who need it, boldness comes to those who ask for it.
There would be persecution, there would be many people attacking the faith and testimony of the believers, there would be many distractions, but the apostles were able to overcome it with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Today's generation of youth would follow the samples of the first generation of Jesus's apostles. We would pray, we would preach, we would heal, we would be persecuted or attacked for our faith, we would distribute food,...
The purpose for this meeting is no other than to fulfill the prophesy, "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams...."
By God's grace, generation youth would be a blessing to many others...in Christ I pray.
A church, a group of people, at first mainly consisted of the apostles, like Paul and Peter.
They joined their hands in prayer. Peter came up to address the crowd and speak boldly about repentance and calling the name of the Lord.
Peter addressed the crowds, "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem." which shows how he understands whom his audiences were. Just like in Youth Street Evangelism in today's time, we need to address the crowd where we are living, e.g., Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, etc.
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...They were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."
A Youth group, would be a place, where many young people can get together and share and learn together about Christ. It should have both the teachers and the students, but at the same time, there's a unity between everyone.
They all have faith in Christ, and through His Name, healing comes to those who need it, boldness comes to those who ask for it.
There would be persecution, there would be many people attacking the faith and testimony of the believers, there would be many distractions, but the apostles were able to overcome it with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Today's generation of youth would follow the samples of the first generation of Jesus's apostles. We would pray, we would preach, we would heal, we would be persecuted or attacked for our faith, we would distribute food,...
The purpose for this meeting is no other than to fulfill the prophesy, "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams...."
By God's grace, generation youth would be a blessing to many others...in Christ I pray.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tuesday Night Prayer Meeting
How merciful and how great our God is...
Not only is He willing to forgive anyone who come to Him that ask for His mercy, but He also is willing to guide us in our walk in this life.
I had not appreciated the power of prayer, which brings so much peace, and joy, and incomprehensible feeling...of love, anointed power, courage, freedom that are everlasting and eternal, until recently.
I remember the first time I had prayed...it was back when I was growing up at a Catholic school, where the nuns had taught students to memorize different prayers. A priest would often assign these prayers to a person to repeat several times given as penalty for their sins after they made a confession.
It's amazing to see myself now compare to when I was 10 years old. It really brings back a lot of memory...the school...the teachers...my friends...I guess I was being a kid...where I follow directions and obey what my mother or teachers told me to do.
As I grow older, and turned into my Junior High School year, things began to change...I have more authority to make decision...it's not that I am asking for more authority, but it seems that I became more aware of myself and the decision that I had to make and its consequences. In other words, I became more independent to my choices and life.
I was 12, when I entered Junior High. I wasn't familiar at all with anything other than my Catholic upbringing. And even the experience that I had wasn't too enticing either. I guess, it was hard to follow the rules that were set as I remember. But, in my heart, there's a longing to meet and show my heart to a Maker, a Creator, a Savior, a God.
I always express my desire to go to church, but I ended up staying at home watching Sunday morning cartoon or practicing martial arts. None of my family members were interested in going to the church, let alone to bring me with them. So, I guess I was left to my ownself to explore this journey of faith.
All those years going to a Catholic School, I learned the concept of "sin". I had a theory, this theory may also be passed down by one of the nuns or my fellow students. Whenever I took communion, I always checked if the holy bread would stick on the upper part / ceiling of my mouth. If I had sinned a lot, the bread would stick there, but if I was forgiven, it would not stick.
The story of Jesus would meant a sad, a happy, and interesting stories, where I was amazed by all the miracles that had happened, and it could probably qualify for the best cartoon show ever. And I would come to the Christmas or Easter show, for just the show. But, of course I couldn't blame anyone, since I was a kid and it probably is normal to think that way :)
Many years had passed by. My next encounter with God in prayer after a long absence was when I heard that voice that were calling me back to go back to church. What a dear and loving voice that draws me back.
Not only is He willing to forgive anyone who come to Him that ask for His mercy, but He also is willing to guide us in our walk in this life.
I had not appreciated the power of prayer, which brings so much peace, and joy, and incomprehensible feeling...of love, anointed power, courage, freedom that are everlasting and eternal, until recently.
I remember the first time I had prayed...it was back when I was growing up at a Catholic school, where the nuns had taught students to memorize different prayers. A priest would often assign these prayers to a person to repeat several times given as penalty for their sins after they made a confession.
It's amazing to see myself now compare to when I was 10 years old. It really brings back a lot of memory...the school...the teachers...my friends...I guess I was being a kid...where I follow directions and obey what my mother or teachers told me to do.
As I grow older, and turned into my Junior High School year, things began to change...I have more authority to make decision...it's not that I am asking for more authority, but it seems that I became more aware of myself and the decision that I had to make and its consequences. In other words, I became more independent to my choices and life.
I was 12, when I entered Junior High. I wasn't familiar at all with anything other than my Catholic upbringing. And even the experience that I had wasn't too enticing either. I guess, it was hard to follow the rules that were set as I remember. But, in my heart, there's a longing to meet and show my heart to a Maker, a Creator, a Savior, a God.
I always express my desire to go to church, but I ended up staying at home watching Sunday morning cartoon or practicing martial arts. None of my family members were interested in going to the church, let alone to bring me with them. So, I guess I was left to my ownself to explore this journey of faith.
All those years going to a Catholic School, I learned the concept of "sin". I had a theory, this theory may also be passed down by one of the nuns or my fellow students. Whenever I took communion, I always checked if the holy bread would stick on the upper part / ceiling of my mouth. If I had sinned a lot, the bread would stick there, but if I was forgiven, it would not stick.
The story of Jesus would meant a sad, a happy, and interesting stories, where I was amazed by all the miracles that had happened, and it could probably qualify for the best cartoon show ever. And I would come to the Christmas or Easter show, for just the show. But, of course I couldn't blame anyone, since I was a kid and it probably is normal to think that way :)
Many years had passed by. My next encounter with God in prayer after a long absence was when I heard that voice that were calling me back to go back to church. What a dear and loving voice that draws me back.
To bring the story closer to up to date...yesterday praying meeting was remarkable. I was amazed and overwhelmed by God's presence. He always present when two or three are gathered in His Name...He manifests Himself and reveals Himself when we seek Him...
I felt I was sitting down with the rest of the prayer team enjoying His communion at the Last Supper.
to be cont..
Friday, August 10, 2007
Ephesians 3:20-21
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
It's amazing how much God is pouring out His love and His grace to His people...
God doesn't look at what you've done in the past, nor your background, nor your status...
He loves us the same...
I'd like to encourage those who already know who He is...to keep praying in His Spirit and keep seeking His will...and He promises to reward those who dilligently seek Him, He will bring revival first in your life, and renew your mind, body, and spirit with a new fresh mind, body, and spirit.
For those who are still searching for Him...I'd like to also encourage to keep seeking the true and only God above who has created us...we should follow His way and not our own...He is near, closer than ever before...ask Him to show Himself to you...
God bless all
It's amazing how much God is pouring out His love and His grace to His people...
God doesn't look at what you've done in the past, nor your background, nor your status...
He loves us the same...
I'd like to encourage those who already know who He is...to keep praying in His Spirit and keep seeking His will...and He promises to reward those who dilligently seek Him, He will bring revival first in your life, and renew your mind, body, and spirit with a new fresh mind, body, and spirit.
For those who are still searching for Him...I'd like to also encourage to keep seeking the true and only God above who has created us...we should follow His way and not our own...He is near, closer than ever before...ask Him to show Himself to you...
God bless all
Friday, May 18, 2007
Doa Penghiburan - 05/17/07 @ Bethel Center
Shalom Everyone,I would like to personally thank you for all who attended the encouragement prayer service on Thursday, May 17th, 2007 at Bethel Center.
Some of the scriptures that were share that night was:
* God's perfect timing
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiaste 3:11)
"A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. (Psalm 68:6)
* The coming of the Lord
" Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
* Perserverance in following Christ
"Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless." (Revelations 14:1-5)
"This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." (Revelations 14:12-13)
I also want to thank for your generous heart in giving into the works of the Kingdom of God, whether it is through your prayer, financial support, time, food or refreshments, or friendships.
God bless you all. Be encouraged in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Here are some pictures from the service and some old picture of my family.
Friday, March 16, 2007
My Family
The Lord has taught me a lesson here and there. But, again He is faithful to me and has answered my prayer.
I asked Him one night, “What is the lesson that You are trying to teach me, but I haven’t yet learned it?” I was struggling in my mind thinking, how come I am never content with my job and always looking for another place to work. How come whenever there is a little pressure knocking at my door, I am already packing my bag ready to leave the premise?
“This has to be stopped,” I said to myself.
In His awesome way, God embraced me, and taught me the following lesson, which I hope can be a blessing in your life.
We spend about half of our lives at work, or if you are a student at school, or if you are stay-at-home parents at home. Whether it is an office, school, or a home environment, the point is that we are spending majority of our time in that place.
We understand how our body is the temple of the living God, hence wherever we go, the Spirit of God goes with us. “For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."” (2 Corinthians 6:16)
We are also called Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), hence whatever we do or say, represents Christ’s nature.
Paul also mentioned about the need of obedience to the people whom God has put as our supervisor, teacher, or parents in his letter to the Ephesians church, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.” (Ephesians 6:5-6) They might call it slaves during Paul’s times, but it deals with similar relationship between subordinates and superiors.
To draw upon my own experience, which I am sure is similar to what others go through, finding a better paying job, a better house, a better education, are probably the top three priorities in one’s life when we are talking about financial matter. And we are pleased with ourselves when we have achieved something tangible connected with money, whether they are in a form of a house, a car, or a diploma.
And we all know how Jesus, Himself has taught us that we can’t serve two masters. “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Luke 16:13).
But, He also reassured us when He said how we are more important than birds or lilies that spin in the field, and how He knows what we need and would always provide for us. And that our life is more important than food, and our body is more important than clothes. And how we shouldn’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:25-34)
I believe it’s ok to plan ahead, and it is actually very important. But it is just as important as planning that we seek what God wants us to do before we jump into any conclusion. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
The Lord gave me an understanding also that another common theme that we have at work, school, or home, is relationship.
Simply put, we can say that our co-workers are our family. Our teachers or the custodians in school are our family. And at home, our parents and siblings are family.
We can extend this relationship idea to the strangers that we meet on the street, at a store, bank, library, and the list goes on.
But, when we talk about the three families mentioned above, we are talking about those people whom we spend a lot of time with together.
There might or should be a priority set on this, where family or work or school should come before or after the other. And the Lord will guide you and teach you this as well.
A family cares for one another, it helps each other, it builds one another, it does not envy each other, it is patient in dealing with one another, it thinks no evil of each other, it does not angry easily, it always trusts one another. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
In summary, when we are thinking of changing our jobs, or making a decision on our next step, think about all of the above, first ask the Lord if it is in His will that we move on, second, think about the impact that you will have on the people around you, last, but not least, be ready to hear no as an answer, because the Lord is constantly building your character to be humble and more like Him, and staying or being content is what He may desire for you at that moment.
God bless.
I asked Him one night, “What is the lesson that You are trying to teach me, but I haven’t yet learned it?” I was struggling in my mind thinking, how come I am never content with my job and always looking for another place to work. How come whenever there is a little pressure knocking at my door, I am already packing my bag ready to leave the premise?
“This has to be stopped,” I said to myself.
In His awesome way, God embraced me, and taught me the following lesson, which I hope can be a blessing in your life.
We spend about half of our lives at work, or if you are a student at school, or if you are stay-at-home parents at home. Whether it is an office, school, or a home environment, the point is that we are spending majority of our time in that place.
We understand how our body is the temple of the living God, hence wherever we go, the Spirit of God goes with us. “For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."” (2 Corinthians 6:16)
We are also called Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), hence whatever we do or say, represents Christ’s nature.
Paul also mentioned about the need of obedience to the people whom God has put as our supervisor, teacher, or parents in his letter to the Ephesians church, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.” (Ephesians 6:5-6) They might call it slaves during Paul’s times, but it deals with similar relationship between subordinates and superiors.
To draw upon my own experience, which I am sure is similar to what others go through, finding a better paying job, a better house, a better education, are probably the top three priorities in one’s life when we are talking about financial matter. And we are pleased with ourselves when we have achieved something tangible connected with money, whether they are in a form of a house, a car, or a diploma.
And we all know how Jesus, Himself has taught us that we can’t serve two masters. “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Luke 16:13).
But, He also reassured us when He said how we are more important than birds or lilies that spin in the field, and how He knows what we need and would always provide for us. And that our life is more important than food, and our body is more important than clothes. And how we shouldn’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:25-34)
I believe it’s ok to plan ahead, and it is actually very important. But it is just as important as planning that we seek what God wants us to do before we jump into any conclusion. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
The Lord gave me an understanding also that another common theme that we have at work, school, or home, is relationship.
Simply put, we can say that our co-workers are our family. Our teachers or the custodians in school are our family. And at home, our parents and siblings are family.
We can extend this relationship idea to the strangers that we meet on the street, at a store, bank, library, and the list goes on.
But, when we talk about the three families mentioned above, we are talking about those people whom we spend a lot of time with together.
There might or should be a priority set on this, where family or work or school should come before or after the other. And the Lord will guide you and teach you this as well.
A family cares for one another, it helps each other, it builds one another, it does not envy each other, it is patient in dealing with one another, it thinks no evil of each other, it does not angry easily, it always trusts one another. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
In summary, when we are thinking of changing our jobs, or making a decision on our next step, think about all of the above, first ask the Lord if it is in His will that we move on, second, think about the impact that you will have on the people around you, last, but not least, be ready to hear no as an answer, because the Lord is constantly building your character to be humble and more like Him, and staying or being content is what He may desire for you at that moment.
God bless.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
The truth vs. The world.
Sure, the media would portray what they deemed popular on their magazines, or their websites. Sure, people’s perceptions are somewhat influenced by information provided by the media.
But, these are not the truth folks.
God has freed us from these bondages. Not only has God set us free by the blood of Jesus, but He has also taught us through His Words and the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus came to the earth, He showed us examples of how He wants us, believers to live.
Everyday in our lives we are presented with choices. Many require subtle and hard-to-make decision. But one thing, I know, the Spirit of God is bigger than the spirit in this world. And it’s a guarantee that we can obey His will over our own will or the will of this world.
It started with simple steps, like obedience: Obeying the word of God and listening to His Spirit. We have that in our hearts. Some people called in conscience, but I believe it’s the Spirit of God that is talking to us.
Make that decision today, and stick to it. Put all your trust in the Lord and He will protect you. I’ve done it. I invite you to do the same.
Our God is faithful. He keeps His promises.
God bless.
But, these are not the truth folks.
God has freed us from these bondages. Not only has God set us free by the blood of Jesus, but He has also taught us through His Words and the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus came to the earth, He showed us examples of how He wants us, believers to live.
Everyday in our lives we are presented with choices. Many require subtle and hard-to-make decision. But one thing, I know, the Spirit of God is bigger than the spirit in this world. And it’s a guarantee that we can obey His will over our own will or the will of this world.
It started with simple steps, like obedience: Obeying the word of God and listening to His Spirit. We have that in our hearts. Some people called in conscience, but I believe it’s the Spirit of God that is talking to us.
Make that decision today, and stick to it. Put all your trust in the Lord and He will protect you. I’ve done it. I invite you to do the same.
Our God is faithful. He keeps His promises.
God bless.
Starting a non-profit
Artworks for Youth
A couple lesson learned:
1) Replication
“The model unfolds as follows: Replications selects an outstanding school, enlarges it by adding a team of three teachers-including a lead teacher-for a period of one year, and then replicates the school by having that team of three teachers open a new school in a new site (the lead teacher becomes the principal of the new school). After a year spent working in the successful school, the professional knowledge, skills and culture learned by the team is transported to the new school.
"The Replications model uses a 'people to people' approach to transmit professional knowledge, skills and culture," says John Elwell. "This insures that the intangible dynamics that make a school function successfully are carried over to the new school, often the most difficult aspect of making a new school work."”
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/news/article.htm?id=2991
2) Art Supply Drive
Not only, do people donate frequent flier miles for funding some of the trips to Africa, but they also do an art supply drive. (e.g., colored pencils, crayons, markers, paints and brushes, beads, craft wire) In addition to getting a non-profit status, receiving initial funding, the organization also auctions the art that is made by the students and the teachers.
3) Outcome
The children produce artwork that shows not only their talents but also their lives. One example is when the children were asked for some of the things that they worry the most, a few responded, hunger, or being stabbed while sleeping.
A couple lesson learned:
1) Replication
“The model unfolds as follows: Replications selects an outstanding school, enlarges it by adding a team of three teachers-including a lead teacher-for a period of one year, and then replicates the school by having that team of three teachers open a new school in a new site (the lead teacher becomes the principal of the new school). After a year spent working in the successful school, the professional knowledge, skills and culture learned by the team is transported to the new school.
"The Replications model uses a 'people to people' approach to transmit professional knowledge, skills and culture," says John Elwell. "This insures that the intangible dynamics that make a school function successfully are carried over to the new school, often the most difficult aspect of making a new school work."”
http://www.tc.columbia.edu/news/article.htm?id=2991
2) Art Supply Drive
Not only, do people donate frequent flier miles for funding some of the trips to Africa, but they also do an art supply drive. (e.g., colored pencils, crayons, markers, paints and brushes, beads, craft wire) In addition to getting a non-profit status, receiving initial funding, the organization also auctions the art that is made by the students and the teachers.
3) Outcome
The children produce artwork that shows not only their talents but also their lives. One example is when the children were asked for some of the things that they worry the most, a few responded, hunger, or being stabbed while sleeping.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
The day of the Lord
Can you imagine what the day would be like when Christ return to gather His brides?
We know it in our heart the day when the Lord would finally appear before His people. This would be the day when His brides are ready to receive Him fully in their hearts.
Do you remember the day when you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, the day when you say "I do" to Him?
Do you still remember the love that He showed you?
Do you still have that love and desire for Him? To honor and worship Him with all your life, heart, and soul.
That day would be a glorious day, He will appear from the cloud, shining like a sun, heightened by the trumpet's sound.
Let us pray that we will be ready when Christ return at anytime.
Let us pray that we don't play around with this life He has given us, but to use it for His glory.
Maranatha.
We know it in our heart the day when the Lord would finally appear before His people. This would be the day when His brides are ready to receive Him fully in their hearts.
Do you remember the day when you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, the day when you say "I do" to Him?
Do you still remember the love that He showed you?
Do you still have that love and desire for Him? To honor and worship Him with all your life, heart, and soul.
That day would be a glorious day, He will appear from the cloud, shining like a sun, heightened by the trumpet's sound.
Let us pray that we will be ready when Christ return at anytime.
Let us pray that we don't play around with this life He has given us, but to use it for His glory.
Maranatha.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Worship
Worshipping God…
What’s on your heart…what do you talk…what is your concern…
Teaching children to worship God…
How do we define the word “worship”?
According to the Blue Letter Bible Lexicon, the English word “worship” has more than one Hebrew and Greek word attached to it. For example, the Hebrew word for worship that appears 172 times in the Old Testament is shachah {shaw-khaw'}, means to bow down or prostate oneself before superior in homage, before God in worship, before false gods, or before angel. On the other hand, one Greek word for worship that appears 60 times in the New Testament, also used in the verse John 4:23, “God is a Spirit, they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” is proskuneo {pros-koo-neh'-o}, which means to kiss the hand to one, in token or reference, or to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reference.
By understanding the original meaning of a word or the context in which it was used can help us to understand the word better and in a more complete term.
For example, the word “worship” and “sing” had different root word. The word “sing” also has more than one meaning: to make music (zamar or shiyr - Hebrew), to overcome or to cry (ranan – Hebrew), to praise with a grateful soul (ado - Greek), to play instrument (psallo – Greek).
What is the difference between singing and worshipping? According to the root word mentioned above when we are in a state of worship, we are exalting or giving our reference, and that can come in form of singing, or playing instrument, or dancing. Hence, when we sing, we know and understand what we are singing, and we are acknowledging God’s sovereignty over our lives. Hence, we know why Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and scribes, “You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But, in vain do they worship Me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.” (Matthew 15:7-9), because the Pharisees cares more about what people think of them than what God thinks.
I was reading Psalm 84 this morning and amazed at the fact how these verses were sang or written long time ago but are used widely in today’s Christian contemporary songs.
These verses were the cries, prayers, and exaltations that came from the heart of the people back then.
I believe, even David produced some of the psalms when he was young, while tending sheep. Young David knew the God that he serves. He put his whole trust in Him. He grew up knowing who God is as he fought the battle with the Philistines, or when he dealt with Saul, or when he committed adultery or even until his death bed.
God seeks a generation that will worship Him in the spirit and in truth. “He will pour out His Spirit on all people. Our sons and daughter will prophesy; our old men and young men will see visions. There will be many who will call on the name of the Lord and there will be deliverance.” (Joel 2:28, 32)
In conclusion, worship comes from the heart that knows and accepts God’s sovereignty over our lives, that is accepting Jesus Christ, who has died on the cross, as our Lord and Savior. Continue in “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Eph 5:19)
God bless,
I have listed below sites that I think are useful:
Online bible with lexicon, commentaries, study tools
http://www.blueletterbible.org/
“The Disciple-Making Minister,” by David Servant
http://www.shepherdserve.org/dmm/dmm_20.htm
Free ESL lesson
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/a.html
Lesson Plan on different subjects
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson122.shtml
More for writing ideas and practice
http://www.teenagewriters.com/forum/
http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/
What’s on your heart…what do you talk…what is your concern…
Teaching children to worship God…
How do we define the word “worship”?
According to the Blue Letter Bible Lexicon, the English word “worship” has more than one Hebrew and Greek word attached to it. For example, the Hebrew word for worship that appears 172 times in the Old Testament is shachah {shaw-khaw'}, means to bow down or prostate oneself before superior in homage, before God in worship, before false gods, or before angel. On the other hand, one Greek word for worship that appears 60 times in the New Testament, also used in the verse John 4:23, “God is a Spirit, they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” is proskuneo {pros-koo-neh'-o}, which means to kiss the hand to one, in token or reference, or to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reference.
By understanding the original meaning of a word or the context in which it was used can help us to understand the word better and in a more complete term.
For example, the word “worship” and “sing” had different root word. The word “sing” also has more than one meaning: to make music (zamar or shiyr - Hebrew), to overcome or to cry (ranan – Hebrew), to praise with a grateful soul (ado - Greek), to play instrument (psallo – Greek).
What is the difference between singing and worshipping? According to the root word mentioned above when we are in a state of worship, we are exalting or giving our reference, and that can come in form of singing, or playing instrument, or dancing. Hence, when we sing, we know and understand what we are singing, and we are acknowledging God’s sovereignty over our lives. Hence, we know why Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and scribes, “You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But, in vain do they worship Me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.” (Matthew 15:7-9), because the Pharisees cares more about what people think of them than what God thinks.
I was reading Psalm 84 this morning and amazed at the fact how these verses were sang or written long time ago but are used widely in today’s Christian contemporary songs.
These verses were the cries, prayers, and exaltations that came from the heart of the people back then.
I believe, even David produced some of the psalms when he was young, while tending sheep. Young David knew the God that he serves. He put his whole trust in Him. He grew up knowing who God is as he fought the battle with the Philistines, or when he dealt with Saul, or when he committed adultery or even until his death bed.
God seeks a generation that will worship Him in the spirit and in truth. “He will pour out His Spirit on all people. Our sons and daughter will prophesy; our old men and young men will see visions. There will be many who will call on the name of the Lord and there will be deliverance.” (Joel 2:28, 32)
In conclusion, worship comes from the heart that knows and accepts God’s sovereignty over our lives, that is accepting Jesus Christ, who has died on the cross, as our Lord and Savior. Continue in “speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Eph 5:19)
God bless,
I have listed below sites that I think are useful:
Online bible with lexicon, commentaries, study tools
http://www.blueletterbible.org/
“The Disciple-Making Minister,” by David Servant
http://www.shepherdserve.org/dmm/dmm_20.htm
Free ESL lesson
http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/a.html
Lesson Plan on different subjects
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson122.shtml
More for writing ideas and practice
http://www.teenagewriters.com/forum/
http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Do you remember?
When was the last time you play video games with your son or daughter?
I remember the time when my dad played with me a business simulation game, building airports and setting up prices for the flights, which seems to happen just yesterday.
I don't know if he would still remember it, but I remember it now.
It's a bit strange, I always think that my parents had never spent enough time with me while I was growing up.
There were only few short moments where I can meet and talk with my dad. In regular days, I would bump into him as I leave for school, and you can count by hands where I would see him at night time as he comes home from his second job working at the theater.
And I wonder why sometimes he sleeps until late afternoon on Sundays, where he catches up his sleep.
When it comes the time to actually spending some quality time with him, he probably wonders what to say or what to do with his youngest son.
Now my dad is battling with a brain tumor, and God knows why he has this tumor.
It's been a while since I've seen him. He came to visit me in NY about three to four years ago, and while he was staying here...I was busy with my work schedule.
I believe that it happens only by God's grace that I remember the time where my dad played with me, that I can write this.
There is one common theme in spending time with your loved one or spending time with God, which is to spend time aside of yourself.
If I have the privilege to say that: when Christ came to earth, he is spending time with us and forsaking His heavenly dwelling to be with us (Philippians 2:1-11).
Honor your parents..spend time with your love one..get to know them..their likes and dislikes..when time allows.
I remember the time when my dad played with me a business simulation game, building airports and setting up prices for the flights, which seems to happen just yesterday.
I don't know if he would still remember it, but I remember it now.
It's a bit strange, I always think that my parents had never spent enough time with me while I was growing up.
There were only few short moments where I can meet and talk with my dad. In regular days, I would bump into him as I leave for school, and you can count by hands where I would see him at night time as he comes home from his second job working at the theater.
And I wonder why sometimes he sleeps until late afternoon on Sundays, where he catches up his sleep.
When it comes the time to actually spending some quality time with him, he probably wonders what to say or what to do with his youngest son.
Now my dad is battling with a brain tumor, and God knows why he has this tumor.
It's been a while since I've seen him. He came to visit me in NY about three to four years ago, and while he was staying here...I was busy with my work schedule.
I believe that it happens only by God's grace that I remember the time where my dad played with me, that I can write this.
There is one common theme in spending time with your loved one or spending time with God, which is to spend time aside of yourself.
If I have the privilege to say that: when Christ came to earth, he is spending time with us and forsaking His heavenly dwelling to be with us (Philippians 2:1-11).
Honor your parents..spend time with your love one..get to know them..their likes and dislikes..when time allows.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Children's Learning
An adult and a teenager were asked good idea and bad idea questions. How many people think that riding your bike down a staircase is a good idea? How many people say that doing laundry is a good idea? PBS NewsHour Science Unit did a report on the difference between teenage and adult reasoning. The participants would answer the questions, and the brain scanner would identify which parts of the brain were used. They found out that “while adult used the part of the brain that processes visual imagery to form answers”, “teenager use their frontal cortex, the cognitive part of their brains.”
We can infer from the aforementioned study, how when teenagers/adults make a decision, they would base their decisions on past memory or experience.
When asked, adults would automatically recalled a picture of someone they know or a news they have seen that depicts a person who is riding a bike down a staircase, and would easily come up with an answer. However, when teenagers were asked, they had to think hard and find the connection between their own experiences and the questions.
And based on the study, a girl explained her reasoning, “It was like five stairs so it wasn’t too much. But, it was kind of interesting. It was fun.”
In other words, their brains are not fully matured yet to make that kind of decision. (“Most scientists believed the brain was a finished product by age 12, but according to the brain imaging, it doesn’t fully mature till about 25.”)
Television which sometimes can be seen as evil by many and as the greatest innovation by others has a big role in this case depending on how much time were spent in front of the big tube. In other words, children can learn about a lot of things from what they have watched on TV, at the same time, if they were never put to practice, they would remain just on the fantasy land.
According to another report produced by PBS – Frontline, Ellen Galinsky, a social scientist and the president of the Families and Work Institute, concluded from her interviews with more than a thousand children, “teens were yearning for more time and more communication with their parents, even when they seemed to be pushing them away. Even though the public perception is about building bigger and better brains, what the research shows is that it’s the relationships, it’s the connections, it’s the people in children’s lives who make the biggest difference.”
In conclusion, we now understand how children can learn from many mediums, whether it’s television, radio, computer, however, they also need to get the interaction from their peers, parents, or teachers. And it would be the greatest learning when it is actually applied in their life, hence it would be a lasting memory for them.
Work Cited
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/july-dec04/brain_10-13.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/teenbrain/etc/synopsis.html
Our strength
Our strength comes from the Lord…
Our joy comes when we serve and love one another
Our faith grows when it faces trials and tribulations
Dear brother and sister…
We pray that your joy may be completed as we serve and love one another
And your faith to grow, as you endure persecutions and trials.
(ref. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)
Our joy comes when we serve and love one another
Our faith grows when it faces trials and tribulations
Dear brother and sister…
We pray that your joy may be completed as we serve and love one another
And your faith to grow, as you endure persecutions and trials.
(ref. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4)
Monday, February 26, 2007
Responsibilities that comes with our job/ministry
Sometimes we ask God, Lord, why is my brother or my family not saved yet..or Lord why is it that I never get the job that I like...in other words we are basically asking God, O God… How come you work very slowly or why do I have to work to live?
Remember the story about the parable of the talents; the Lord gives each and every one of us talents that we are responsible of and would be accountable for.
Some would grow and use the talents that God has given them wisely, while others would hide them, because they are probably too afraid of what might happen to them or to the talents. What if nobody would appreciate it? Or what if people would just laugh at me?
It requires faith, determination, and focus to grow the talents.
When God is asking us, His children to do something, do we believe and trust that God knows what we are capable of doing and that He never wants us to fail, but to succeed.
Are we giving our 100% to make sure that we are doing what God wants us to do? Do we compromise our heart and worry that if we focus too much on the Lord that we might not able to gain the things of this world?
When we are doing our job/ministry, do we focus on the Lord?
Let me share with you a verse from the scripture, from 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
This letter was written by Paul to the church in Thessalonica to encourage them and tell them how Paul longs to come and visit them.
Earlier on the passage, Paul wrote, “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6)
Paul knows that his ministry is not for his own gain; Paul knows that his ministry is not of a counterfeit (“because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:5); Paul knows that His goal is to glorify Jesus Christ with His life.
When Paul realizes about his responsibilities that God gave him, He did it wholeheartedly and full of conviction.
Instead of looking at the future, and worrying about God’s timing, Paul focuses on what he has on his hands and asking God to multiply and to help him to use them wisely.
When we decide to marry someone, hasn’t Paul warned us that there are many responsibilities that come along with it? (1 Corinthians 7)
When we decide to follow Christ, don’t we know that we would be persecuted or hadn’t Jesus warn us that before we build anything, we have to calculate everything form cost, time? (Luke 14:25-34)
May God bless you in your job and ministry!
Remember the story about the parable of the talents; the Lord gives each and every one of us talents that we are responsible of and would be accountable for.
Some would grow and use the talents that God has given them wisely, while others would hide them, because they are probably too afraid of what might happen to them or to the talents. What if nobody would appreciate it? Or what if people would just laugh at me?
It requires faith, determination, and focus to grow the talents.
When God is asking us, His children to do something, do we believe and trust that God knows what we are capable of doing and that He never wants us to fail, but to succeed.
Are we giving our 100% to make sure that we are doing what God wants us to do? Do we compromise our heart and worry that if we focus too much on the Lord that we might not able to gain the things of this world?
When we are doing our job/ministry, do we focus on the Lord?
Let me share with you a verse from the scripture, from 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
This letter was written by Paul to the church in Thessalonica to encourage them and tell them how Paul longs to come and visit them.
Earlier on the passage, Paul wrote, “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6)
Paul knows that his ministry is not for his own gain; Paul knows that his ministry is not of a counterfeit (“because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:5); Paul knows that His goal is to glorify Jesus Christ with His life.
When Paul realizes about his responsibilities that God gave him, He did it wholeheartedly and full of conviction.
Instead of looking at the future, and worrying about God’s timing, Paul focuses on what he has on his hands and asking God to multiply and to help him to use them wisely.
When we decide to marry someone, hasn’t Paul warned us that there are many responsibilities that come along with it? (1 Corinthians 7)
When we decide to follow Christ, don’t we know that we would be persecuted or hadn’t Jesus warn us that before we build anything, we have to calculate everything form cost, time? (Luke 14:25-34)
May God bless you in your job and ministry!
Thursday, February 22, 2007
passion
What is your passion…
When we are struggling and striving so much to accomplish something…we wonder why we struggle as much as we do…
Numerous times we ask and see for ourselves that we are putting our hope and dreams at the wrong direction, but we kept going at it.
Learning from the Lord…it is well when we come to the Lord and ask Him to guide us in our understanding and our approach on things in this life.
What is your passion…
What is your destiny…
What is your obligation…
Many times we have failed - failed to see where we ought to
The Lord is waiting patiently to embrace and console His children
Bring your burden unto the Lord and leave it there…
Shine and arise all of you, God’s beautiful children.
He is coming soon to pick you up.
When we are struggling and striving so much to accomplish something…we wonder why we struggle as much as we do…
Numerous times we ask and see for ourselves that we are putting our hope and dreams at the wrong direction, but we kept going at it.
Learning from the Lord…it is well when we come to the Lord and ask Him to guide us in our understanding and our approach on things in this life.
What is your passion…
What is your destiny…
What is your obligation…
Many times we have failed - failed to see where we ought to
The Lord is waiting patiently to embrace and console His children
Bring your burden unto the Lord and leave it there…
Shine and arise all of you, God’s beautiful children.
He is coming soon to pick you up.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Decision, decision, decision
This morning God reminded me of His precious word about decision making.
Back in old testament, a priest appointed by God would use something called Urim and Thummim to help them decide on certain issues. These items (which likely to be in the form of a jewel) were put on the priest's garment which would be near the priest's heart.
"Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD." (Exodus 28:30)
Then, God would use his elect which are also known as prophets to deliver His message for a period of time.
Here is an excerpt when Saul was inquiring to God, but didn't get an answer back:
"He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets." (1 Samuel 28:6)
Lastly, before Jesus resurrected, He promised the disciples (us) of His Holy Spirit who will guide us in our daily walk.
"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26)
Sometimes when we are making decision, we are afraid of making the wrong choice. There are a lot of what ifs and buts.
As He has commanded us, we have to test everything that comes into our mind, whether it is from the Lord or what He wants us to do.
When we commit our decision to the Lord, we are committing it to the end.
Hence, when the end time comes, the Lord will look at us and able to say, "my faithful servant, come and join Your Master's happiness"
God bless
Back in old testament, a priest appointed by God would use something called Urim and Thummim to help them decide on certain issues. These items (which likely to be in the form of a jewel) were put on the priest's garment which would be near the priest's heart.
"Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron's heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD." (Exodus 28:30)
Then, God would use his elect which are also known as prophets to deliver His message for a period of time.
Here is an excerpt when Saul was inquiring to God, but didn't get an answer back:
"He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets." (1 Samuel 28:6)
Lastly, before Jesus resurrected, He promised the disciples (us) of His Holy Spirit who will guide us in our daily walk.
"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26)
Sometimes when we are making decision, we are afraid of making the wrong choice. There are a lot of what ifs and buts.
As He has commanded us, we have to test everything that comes into our mind, whether it is from the Lord or what He wants us to do.
When we commit our decision to the Lord, we are committing it to the end.
Hence, when the end time comes, the Lord will look at us and able to say, "my faithful servant, come and join Your Master's happiness"
God bless
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Faith in the Son of God
1 John 5
1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.
3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
6This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7For there are three that testify: 8the[a] Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
9We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
16If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. 17All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.
18We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. 19We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
21Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.
3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
6This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7For there are three that testify: 8the[a] Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.
9We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
16If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that he should pray about that. 17All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.
18We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. 19We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 20We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
21Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
Friday, February 02, 2007
To save and not to judge
Jesus healed a man born blind.
The Pharisees, legalistic-religious rulers at that time, didn’t believe in His miracles. They questioned the man to describe how he was healed, and invited his parents to testify whether he is their son who was born blind.
The man testified before the Pharisees how he was healed by a man, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and now I see.”
The Pharisees was still hardened in their heart and didn’t believe in his testimony. They threw the man out of the premise.
Just outside, Jesus met the man again, and asked him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
The blind man who didn’t recognize him said, “Who is he sir? Tell me so that I may believe in him.”
Jesus replied, “You have now seen him; in fact he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshipped him.
Not long after, Jesus raised a dead man, named Lazarus.
The news got out that Martha’s brother was dead. Jesus came to their dwelling place. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him halfway and said, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Jesus said, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whosoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes, Lord, “she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
At the entrance of the tomb, Jesus prayed, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” Then He said, “Lazarus, come out!”
The dead man came out, with his hands and feet still wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
I want us to think about what Jesus said in the following chapter of John:
“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But, if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
“When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. As for the person who hears my words, but does not keep them, I do not judge for him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.”
“There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
Bibliography
- excerpt from John 9, 11, & 12 (NIV)
The Pharisees, legalistic-religious rulers at that time, didn’t believe in His miracles. They questioned the man to describe how he was healed, and invited his parents to testify whether he is their son who was born blind.
The man testified before the Pharisees how he was healed by a man, “He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and now I see.”
The Pharisees was still hardened in their heart and didn’t believe in his testimony. They threw the man out of the premise.
Just outside, Jesus met the man again, and asked him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
The blind man who didn’t recognize him said, “Who is he sir? Tell me so that I may believe in him.”
Jesus replied, “You have now seen him; in fact he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshipped him.
Not long after, Jesus raised a dead man, named Lazarus.
The news got out that Martha’s brother was dead. Jesus came to their dwelling place. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him halfway and said, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died, but I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
Jesus said, “Your brother will rise again.”
Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whosoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes, Lord, “she told him, “I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
At the entrance of the tomb, Jesus prayed, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” Then He said, “Lazarus, come out!”
The dead man came out, with his hands and feet still wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
I want us to think about what Jesus said in the following chapter of John:
“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But, if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
“When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. As for the person who hears my words, but does not keep them, I do not judge for him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.”
“There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day. For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”
Bibliography
- excerpt from John 9, 11, & 12 (NIV)
Where do you live?
Where do you live?
It was seven years ago, when I left the town where I grew up, Pamulang, Indonesia.
Many challenges and obstacles I have had to face. Thank God, I didn’t have to face the fights by myself. My older brother was with me. We flew together from Indonesia, transited at Singapore, then many hours later we landed into a city, called the Big Apple, New York.
We had the privilege to stay at my mother’s older sister house. We both share a room, which once belong to my aunt’s eldest son, who then had to find his own apartment.
I continued where I left off my education. I took and passed some of the high school requirement tests and finally graduated and entered into an undergraduate business school.
My brother and I, finally were ready to be living independently, looked and found our own place to live. It was a basement in Brooklyn.
We moved a couple times in Brooklyn, before we decided to move to Queens, to an area that is closer to my brother’s girlfriend.
Now, it is seven years later. I thought to myself, time really has passed rather quickly. It seems like yesterday, where I and my brother were living together with our parents, and now we are both adults ready to start our own families.
Will we ever forget the past? Will we ever forget how much love, encouragement, money, time spent by the people around us for our upbringings?
We might forget a little, just because of the nature of our physical mind, but one thing that we know for sure. God never does.
Soon, my brother is getting married to his fiancée. And I am just about ready to meet with my girlfriend in Singapore.
Some people like to describe life as a wheel that goes around, but I like what my pastor say how life is more like a railroad. Our life has a destination ahead, and it will always moves in forward direction.
We are growing every second, whether they are our physical bodies or they are our spiritual lives.
God is holding our hands daily, directing us into the way He wants us to go, whether it is Singapore, whether it is in Pamulang, Brooklyn, Queens.
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)
It was seven years ago, when I left the town where I grew up, Pamulang, Indonesia.
Many challenges and obstacles I have had to face. Thank God, I didn’t have to face the fights by myself. My older brother was with me. We flew together from Indonesia, transited at Singapore, then many hours later we landed into a city, called the Big Apple, New York.
We had the privilege to stay at my mother’s older sister house. We both share a room, which once belong to my aunt’s eldest son, who then had to find his own apartment.
I continued where I left off my education. I took and passed some of the high school requirement tests and finally graduated and entered into an undergraduate business school.
My brother and I, finally were ready to be living independently, looked and found our own place to live. It was a basement in Brooklyn.
We moved a couple times in Brooklyn, before we decided to move to Queens, to an area that is closer to my brother’s girlfriend.
Now, it is seven years later. I thought to myself, time really has passed rather quickly. It seems like yesterday, where I and my brother were living together with our parents, and now we are both adults ready to start our own families.
Will we ever forget the past? Will we ever forget how much love, encouragement, money, time spent by the people around us for our upbringings?
We might forget a little, just because of the nature of our physical mind, but one thing that we know for sure. God never does.
Soon, my brother is getting married to his fiancée. And I am just about ready to meet with my girlfriend in Singapore.
Some people like to describe life as a wheel that goes around, but I like what my pastor say how life is more like a railroad. Our life has a destination ahead, and it will always moves in forward direction.
We are growing every second, whether they are our physical bodies or they are our spiritual lives.
God is holding our hands daily, directing us into the way He wants us to go, whether it is Singapore, whether it is in Pamulang, Brooklyn, Queens.
“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)
Joy
“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:22-24, 33
When I read this passage of scripture in the morning on my commute to work, I was amazed.
Yes, I was amazed by the wonderful works of God on how God has been faithful to me and how He longs to share His heart and blessings.
I might not realize it the day I was born. But, thank God for His revelation, that I may know Him personally – my Savior, my Comforter, my Everything – today.
If you read carefully the scripture above, it is said that God wants us to have a complete joy, which can only be found in Him.
At times, I think to myself, “God, You are great; I just can’t begin to describe how much You have done for me. You have blessed me financially, spiritually, and life as a whole.”
And this is true: that only through Him that our joy would be completed.
But, also pay a close attention to verse 33 on John, Chapter 16.
At times, we often face oppositions and hardships, but look at the end result and the why. It is to draw ourselves to God, the only true peace giver.
I pray that your joy may be completed in Him, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:22-24, 33
When I read this passage of scripture in the morning on my commute to work, I was amazed.
Yes, I was amazed by the wonderful works of God on how God has been faithful to me and how He longs to share His heart and blessings.
I might not realize it the day I was born. But, thank God for His revelation, that I may know Him personally – my Savior, my Comforter, my Everything – today.
If you read carefully the scripture above, it is said that God wants us to have a complete joy, which can only be found in Him.
At times, I think to myself, “God, You are great; I just can’t begin to describe how much You have done for me. You have blessed me financially, spiritually, and life as a whole.”
And this is true: that only through Him that our joy would be completed.
But, also pay a close attention to verse 33 on John, Chapter 16.
At times, we often face oppositions and hardships, but look at the end result and the why. It is to draw ourselves to God, the only true peace giver.
I pray that your joy may be completed in Him, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Fishing
Believe and trust the Lord with all your heart.
Have you ever caught yourselves thinking that everyone in this world is going against you, maybe your parents, your friends, or coworkers or even worst putting the blame on God? You might say, well since God created us, wouldn’t He be the one responsible for the planning for our lives.
Well, I want to be honest and say that I have been guilty of both cases. However, I want to show you today what God says in His Word about this matter.
But, before that, let me start you of with a story:
I am currently in the process of planning my marriage with a person whom I love dearly. We have been together for exactly a year on February 6, 2007. A lot of things have happened in our relationships.
We’ve dealt with issues ranging from honesty, patience, trust, sacrifice, selfishness to personal tastes.
I’ve gone to fishing once, and I felt the way we are handling our relationships is very similar to the way we fish.
Let me explain the best that I can from an amateur fisherman point of view.
Fishing takes patience and perfect timing.
Of course, it would take many other things such as preparation, looking at weather forecast, renting a boat, etc. But, today I would like to focus on patience, and timing.
You throw bait to the water and wait for a fish to eat it. Someday you might catch a fish just half an hour after you threw the bait, other days, you might go home empty handed.
I wonder why Jesus had picked some of His disciples who have a fishing background. Patience is one of the main key to a Christian lives, whether when we minister to others or when we wait for the answers to our prayer.
Maybe, you are not like the traditional fisherman that you prefer to use fishing rod than using a net, but this principle works both ways.
I can use the most expensive fishing rod, thickest line, shiniest hook when I fish, however, if I don’t know how to fish properly, even a small fish won’t even bother looking at my bait.
Knowing when to reel and drag is important to prevent your line from snapping.
And knowing the proper handling of your fish, when you caught one is also significant in the whole process.
Let us go back to our main problem: These are what our prayers may sound when we are in doubt:
“Lord, what is going on with the winds?”
“Lord, what happened to all the fishes, You know how hungry my families are?”
“I think the fisherman who is sitting next to me is stealing all my fishes.”
I want to take a moment to read the following passages of scripture from Isaiah, chapter 62:
“1 For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch.
2 The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will bestow.
3 You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4 No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.
5 As a young man marries a maiden, so will your sons marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
6 I have posted watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem;they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest,
7 and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.
8 The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: "Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled;
9 but those who harvest it will eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather the grapes will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary."
10 Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations.
11 The LORD has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.' "
12 They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the LORD; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.”
I want to briefly summarize the above passages to some few lesson points that I believe the Lord wants to teach us today:
- God promises to impregnate our lands with His blessings as a show of how much He cares and loves us.
- We as God’s children should be patient and endure the journey proclaiming God’s Holy Name until His second return.
- God rewards those who dilligently seek Him.
I hope this letter has been a blessing to you. Have fun fishing!
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