The Kingdom of God

Christians' Facing Fear

2006-06-15T00:27:00.000-07:00

Fear is one factor that can confuse the Christian faith. Yes, even Christians have their own fear, they have a darkside that are hidden into a place one could not possibly take away except of course by God's hand. But there is a way we can go beyond and learn from it. We can do so because He gave every human being strength and that strength of a Christian is not a temporal one but it is a strength that will carry them in any kind of situation that fear can manipulate. It is an eternal blessings.

There are other explanations of course that were given but each one of them are lacking the actual explanation that deals with the main dilemma of fear, but I can say that they are not as prominent today, and space forbids further exploration.
We have always marveled on why God allows us to go through certain fear and undergo a certain painful circumstance. I say, just because we find it difficult to imagine such reason God may have, it does not mean that no such reason exists.

Because of the limitations of the human perspective, we are only able to see a few apparent threads of the great tapestry of life and of the will of God (if you believe in God). Even though we do not have the full grasp of the picture to view it. That is why God have called us to trust Him. For a believer, God has a reason for allowing painful circumstances to come our way – even if we cannot grasp it – by this, our fears involves drawing us closer to Him.

This question about fear may always be occurring from us. This will not be the only time we might be asking but expect our selves to keep on repeating the same question again and again. But the thing to consider is in what we do to get over this fear and how to get our satisfaction answered and only by putting our trust in Him. We may say, “It is sound silly, if He is a good God, why he needs us to feel this fear.” Yes, we could say that because we are subjected to it to question God, and we all do. We may not understand that purpose in the “temporal NOW”, but however exists – our inability to discern why we fear sometimes happen to us and does not disprove God’s benevolence, it merely exposes our ignorance.

As God is the author of life, and He is also the author of hope – hope will go above fear and all its blessings flow from Him.

No matter how mysterious life seems to acquire, there are always possibilities.

Psalms 36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

Fear - Are You A Pessimist?

2006-05-09T02:28:00.000-07:00

Not everyone is ready to accept the thought that "the best is yet to come." This is true for a number of reasons.

- Some are content to live in the past. They delight in the "good old days."

- Many are content to live mediocre. They are content to drift from day to day.

- Insecurity hinders many people from believing that the best is yet to be. They want to hold on to their position or things. They will never know the excitement of laughing out by faith, or waiting for the great things of tomorrow.

- Negative thinking guides the decisions and attitudes of many people. They choose to accept the premise that the worst is yet to come. They will get what they wish for if they are not careful.

- Many more have no goals for theirs lives. They don't know where they are going today, much less tomorrow.

- A few think they don't have any needs. They are please with the way things are in their lives. They forget that there is always room for improvement in our lives.

- Fear is always a major enemy to progress. It also hinders us from becoming excited about the future.

The life of the Christian is not as always bright as like sunshine. It always has the seasons of lowliness, or darkness and may full of trials. This life may not be a perfect life to live, and some of us still living in darkness of fear. We are afraid to try to escape from that darkness.

What is it that makes stopping us to move on and living in fear?

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Reminders

2006-04-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

God's divisions of mankind are based entirely upon the spiritual condition of the human heart!

Henry David Thoreau once said, "The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation."

The natural man is ego centered. He basically functions and seeks his fullfillment in the five human senses.

The spiritual man is able to make right decision, understand the scriptures, and live in God's perfect will.

Shaped for Glory

2006-03-10T23:30:00.000-08:00

During the Great Depression, a good man lost his job, exhausted his savings, and forfeited his home. His grief was multiplied by the sudden death of his precious wife. The only thing he had left was his faith – and it was weakening.

One day he was combing the neighborhood looking for work. He stopped to watch some men who were doing the stonework on a church building. One of these men was skillfully chiseling a triangular piece of rock. Not seeing toward the top of the building and said, “See that little opening up near the spire? That is where it goes. I am shaping it down here so it will fit in up there.”

Some of you are going through troublesome times. You may be experiencing some personal problems, or some heartbreaking sorrow. Or perhaps you are enduring some painful physical illness. Or it may be something else-maybe even too excruciating to talk to anyone about.

The blows of the hammer and chisel hurt. Does it really hurt?

But hold on to your faith. These difficulties will not get you down. They are only temporary. Glory is coming. Just keep in mind – it is the harsh blows to the outward man that often bring the greatest strength to the inner man. Keep praying, keep believing. The Master has to do some shaping of us down here so we will lift in up there.

Psalms 25:20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

Humble - Seek My Face

2006-03-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

DL Moody used to say, "You can always tell when a man is far from God - he is always talking about himself, how good he is. But the moment he sees God with the eye of faith, he is down on his knees, and like Job, he cries, "Behold, I am vile."

This may not an easy realization to come to - to see that while we may be morally clean we are vile in our own righteousness.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

This verse particularly dealt with the humility in each of us. With hope that the part in us which He created from his own image reflects its way back to Him. How gracious is He to give us all the means to get back to our destine path no matter how stubborn we had become. It was very simple, God only needs us to acknowledge and to seek Him just as a father needs from his son. I do believe that if we humble our selves before God that makes us ready to be blessed by all His grace.

GoodNite!

Today...

2006-02-28T00:34:00.000-08:00

I did not come this far - nor to this place - alone, but in the presence and power of my God.

The circumstances of this are not greater than my God. He knows them better
than I do, yet He permits. And He will overcome them within me if I will allow Him.
Mine is not to fret as though He does not know, or care, or cannot overcome.
Mine is to walk on the knowing that He is here.

I am His by His creation, and His new birth. I am His to do with as He chooses
to bless or to use up, to serve or to simply endure. The day belongs to my Lord,
and it is the only day I have to serve and glorify Him.

And so I shall give all that I have and am that for this one day He shall be honoured.

Deceitful Heart

2006-02-20T21:10:00.000-08:00

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and
desperately wicked: who can know it?

The verse is telling me that the corrupt heart is the worst
enemy the fallen creature can have. It is full of evil devices,
of deceit, of folly, and abomination. No matter how we hide our
heart's secret but only God can examine our own deeds
by the malice of our hearts.

"Be careful with your thoughts, they may become words in any moments"

God bless you and Goodnite!

True Love

2006-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Love

is kind

doth not behave itself unseemly

seeketh not its own beareth all things

believeth all things

hopeth all things

endureth all things

LOVE NEVER FAILS

Fruit of Knowledge

2006-02-10T00:37:00.000-08:00

What is the worth of having loads of knowledge without directions?

Matthew 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

"It is better to empty the container than to fill its space with worthless drainer"

GoodNight!

Single But Not Alone

2006-02-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

One thing that I have always admired in “single” people are their “courage”, for daring to be themselves. Of course I also hold at the outmost regards their sincerities and their faithfulness in God, in spite of them still being single.
I am guessing perhaps many of you out there are still single and aiming for someone to be with you for the rest of your lives. That maybe, just maybe praying and hoping that someday with God’s help and by his will, you will finally meet that perfect guy or that perfect girl that you have long dreamed and desired. As I have always believed, whenever you are looking for anything that has to do with love, you must have learned to be patient. There is no need to hurry. Love will come in due time.

I have a co-worker. She is a single Christian and a very devouted one at that. She is very nice and great to be with. Every time I have conversation with her, she always gives out this positive outlook in life, which I am very delighted to hear. One time I asked her about what her views are about being a single person and of how she enjoys her life even if she is alone and busy with career.

With her permission, allow me and let me share you the words from a single lady name Begonia, who loves Jesus as her Saviour. Here are the words of single Lady who love serving the church ministry with all her heart.

Lastly, I have very good verse for you to leave tonight.

Psalms 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Good Night!
-----

The single life
by Ms. Begonia C.

Without hesitation, I would rather to be a single girl than an unhappy marriage. Being a single, I could say it is just a temporary period. Like my sister-in-law, she got married when she was 52 years old. My pastors, she was married during the age of 60. However, some people no matter they are male or female, when they have their marriage around 20 or 30 years old. Finally, they divorced.

The point is how you manage your life, how you make the positioning when you are still single. You can be a volunteer to serve the community without the family burden. You can even take part in different courses to widen your networking, such as join the dancing club, cooking classes, singing group, or professional training courses in order to widen your networking. Always making friends with your neighbors so that you will not feel alone. Do not feel embarrassing in the group of married couples because it is a good chance to understand their feeling how to handle the relationship between their spouse and children. Just open yourself and you will learn something.

Don’t just stay at home and do nothing, you will be so sad. However, going to the library and read some books, most of the time, I spend myself in the Word of God. It is a greatest way to relax and polish your knowledge. Do enjoy your single life because it is the gracious gift from God. I have committed myself to serve God no matter I am single or married. Don’t always ask God why I am still single, instead, asking God to use YOU as a light and salt to serve people. Definitely, you will be the happiest girl in the world and you will be blessed.

Secrets Of The Heart

2006-01-25T01:50:00.000-08:00

All things are naked and open to the all seeing eye of God, and the great concern of his people is to approve themselves to him; in their deepest troubles they feel that their help must come from him.

For he knoweth the secrets of the heart - What is in the heart? what is concealed from the world. If there were any such alienation from Him in the hearts of the people, He would know it. The fact that God knows the heart, He can see what is inside of our heart. He knows if we are in trouble, if we are confuse. He also understands all our secret thoughts, purposes, and our motives, is one that is everywhere affirmed in the Scriptures.

Chosen One

2006-01-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

Why was Christ chosen out of the people? Speak, my heart, for heart-thoughts are best. Was it not that He might be able to be our brother, in the blest tie of kindred blood? Oh, what relationship there is between Christ and the believer! The believer can say, "I have a Brother in heaven; I may be poor, but I have a Brother who is rich, and is a King, and will He suffer me to want while He is on His throne? Oh, no! He loves me; He is my Brother." Believer, wear this blessed thought, like a necklace of diamonds, around the neck of thy memory; put it, as a golden ring, on the finger of recollection, and use it as the King's own seal, stamping the petitions of thy faith with confidence of success. He is a brother born for adversity, treat Him as such.

"I have exalted one chosen out of the people." --Psalm 89:19

Christ was also chosen out of the people that He might know our wants and sympathize with us. "He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin." In all our sorrows we have His sympathy. Temptation, pain, disappointment, weakness, weariness, poverty--He knows them all, for He has felt all. Remember this, Christian, and let it comfort thee. However difficult and painful thy road, it is marked by the footsteps of thy Saviour; and even when thou reachest the dark valley of the shadow of death, and the deep waters of the swelling Jordan, thou wilt find His footprints there. In all places whithersoever we go, He has been our forerunner; each burden we have to carry, has once been laid on the shoulders of Immanuel.

"His way was much rougher and darker than mine Did Christ, my Lord, suffer, and shall I repine?"

Take courage! Royal feet have left a blood-red track upon the road, and consecrated the thorny path for ever.

To Live Is Christ

2006-01-01T14:39:00.000-08:00

The believer did not always live to Christ. He began to do so when God the Holy Spirit convinced him of sin, and when by grace he was brought to see the dying Saviour making a propitiation for his guilt. From the moment of the new and celestial birth the man begins to live to Christ. Jesus is to believers the one pearl of great price, for whom we are willing to part with all that we have. He has so completely won our love, that it beats alone for Him; to His glory we would live, and in defence of His gospel we would die; He is the pattern of our life, and the model after which we would sculpture our character.

For me to live is Christ." --Philippians 1:21

Paul's words mean more than most men think; they imply that the aim and end of his life was Christ--nay, his life itself was Jesus. In the words of an ancient saint, he did eat, and drink, and sleep eternal life. Jesus was his very breath, the soul of his soul, the heart of his heart, the life of his life.

Can you say, as a professing Christian, that you live up to this idea?

Can you honestly say that for you to live is Christ?

Your business--are you doing it for Christ?

Is it not done for self-aggrandizement and for family advantage? Do you ask, "Is that a mean reason?" For the Christian it is. He professes to live for Christ; how can he live for another object without committing a spiritual adultery?

Many there are who carry out this principle in some measure; but who is there that dare say that he hath lived wholly for Christ as the apostle did? Yet, this alone is the true life of a Christian--its source, its sustenance, its fashion, its end, all gathered up in one word--Christ Jesus.

Lord, accept me; I here present myself, praying to live only in Thee and to Thee. Let me be as the bullock which stands between the plough and the altar, to work or to be sacrificed; and let my motto be, "Ready for either."

Happy New Year!

2006-01-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

Simplicity

2005-12-29T21:28:00.000-08:00

FOODS FOR POOR MAN'S TABLE – WHO IS TO BLAME?

2005-12-28T13:28:00.000-08:00

A brand New Year is coming a few days from now. A New life for some people, a new hope for those who still keeps holding on to hope, but for the rest of us, it is a beginning of the same old story, the same old struggles, and the same poverty that may even seemed reached pass into the extreme.

Amongst every word that Jesus has uttered, how can we forget the words when He said to us "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10) but unfortunately when we look around us, what do we see? Do we see life as how God meant it to be, do we see pictures of beds of roses, and milk and honey. No we don’t, instead we see reality taking the best of us. We have been left behind by time and we remained silent while hopelessness fills our eyes. We consume our daily lives with questions that we ourselves do not even understand let alone aspire to answer them.

What can we do? Where do we go from here?

Before, we were use to seeing Scad fish and rice as the food for poor man's table. That was not very much but acceptable. Now it seems as if everything shifting instead of scad fish you'll see hardboiled eggs, noodles and rice on there table. Just imagine 8 children shares one glass of coffee for breakfast, you feed 10 mouths with five hardboiled eggs for lunch, and for dinner a total of 3 noodles. It is very sad to admit but these are the reality of life.

Can we blame God for this kind of life? Or can we blame the government? Perhaps we can blame ourselves for all the wrong choices we have made?

All I can say is that nobody who is in their right mind will ever consider this kind of a life style. No one asked to be born in bondage. But within every cry this I know, just as long as there is life, as there is hope.

Remember, God is full of mercy and compassion and love to those who suffered, the weak, the despondent, he is very pitiful – He feels for them, He feels with them. And His words and ways, His promises and His gifts, His plans and His poses all manifest His grace. We must not forget there is God watching over us and will lead us from anything the world can set in our way.

Sin

2005-12-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

"If we cover our sin, God wil uncover it;

If we uncover it to God,

He will cover it with His own blood."

Teach The Children

2005-12-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

I would like to share the very inspiring story (below) from one of my favourite site. Hope the message of this story will give you the courage to tell your kids who is Jesus Christ in Christmas.

Skeptic people may not believe in Christmas. They might say, "it is a myth nothing to celebrate because for them there is no such thing about Jesus Christ" - well, it is their choice not to believe.

But one main reason about Christmas is when He came down in earth and He shall save his people from their sins - this shall be his great business in the world: the great errand on which he is come, to make an atonement for, and to destroy, sin: deliverance from all the power, guilt, and pollution of sin, is the privilege of every believer in Christ Jesus. The new ERA.

As Christian, Jesus Christ is the true meaning why there is Christmas, and Christmas is the beginning of relationship with Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Isaiah 8:8 And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

The story:

Teach the Children

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room, and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his finger over his mouth so I would not cry out.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask.The words choked up in my throat, and I saw that he had tears in his eyes.

His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement: "TEACH THE CHILDREN!"

I was puzzled, what did he mean? He anticipated my question, and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children. Teach them the real meaning of Christmas. The meaning of Christmas that now a days has been forgotten."

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point Heaven ward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward Heaven.

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. Teach the children that the star was the Heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of His promise. He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light, we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love Christ showed for us. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.

He then pulled from his bag an ornament of HIMSELF. Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December. He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood that He shed for us.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that whoever believes in Him shall have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. Teach the children that the wise men bowed before the Holy Babe and presented Him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. We should always give gifts in the same spirit of the wise men.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd's crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring strayed sheepback to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper.

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. Teach the children that it was the angels that
heralded the glorious news of the Saviour's birth. The angels sang "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of good will."

Suddenly I heard a soft tinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled outa BELL. Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should bring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked around and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes.

He said, "Remember, TEACH THE CHILDREN the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship Him, Our Lord, Our God, and Savior.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

2005-12-27T02:18:00.000-08:00

This is for you H.

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today;
While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand;
That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand;
And said my place was ready, in Heaven far above;
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearlylove.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye;
For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much yet to do;
It seemed impossible that I was leaving you.

The good days and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we'd had.
If I could re-live yesterday, just even for a while;
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be;

For emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow;
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home;

When God looked down and smiled at me from His great golden Throne;
He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you;
Today your life on earth is past, but here it starts a new.
I promise no tomorrow here, for today will always last."

And since each day's the same, there's no longing for the past.
But you've been so faithful, so trusting and so true;
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart;
For every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart.

I love you!

Rejoiced

2005-12-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

Glory

2005-12-20T00:13:00.000-08:00

Behold

2005-12-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

Gifts Under The Tree

2005-12-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15

I read that over thirty-three million American homes will purchase fresh cut Christmas trees this season. Families all over this nation are happily stringing lights and pulling out musty boxes of homemade ornaments. They are preparing the tree for Christmas morning when bright packages will bring excitement to both children and adults.

This morning I want you to recognize that the most significant tree of the Christmas season is not the one in your family room, it is the tree that was formed into a cross on a lonely hill just outside of Jerusalem. On that tree, God placed the greatest gift of all—the Saviour.

God’s sacrificial gift brought us into the very presence of God. Luke 1:32 says, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of his father David.” The reason the angels and shepherds rejoiced after Jesus’ birth was because they had been in the very presence of God’s Son.

Not only were they brought into His presence; they were brought to the living God. For the first time, He was manifested in bodily form. We read in John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Isaiah 7:14 gives us another example of Jesus Christ and His presence as the living God: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Immanuel literally means “God with us.”

I recently heard of a woman who left her husband. The husband called the police and filed a missing persons report. The police found her living at a rundown hotel. By this time her husband realized how badly he had treated his wife. He began to write her many letters. Finally Christmas came, and he went to visit her. “Won’t you please come home?” he asked. She complied. On the way home, he said, “I’ve written you for months, why did you come home so easily this time?” Her answer—“Those were just letters. This time you came in person.”

The greatest gift ever given was when Jesus came to earth in person and was crucified on the cross for our sins. Friend, have you accepted this gift? All of the beautiful Christmas trees and presents in the world cannot take the place of God’s gift to you—Jesus Christ.

by: Dr. Paul Chappell

Smile

2005-12-14T15:43:00.000-08:00

Mary: A Woman Yielded to God

2005-12-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

Mary: A Woman Yielded to God
by Dr. Paul Chappell

Luke 2:4-5"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city ofNazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is calledBethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."

Long before Mary, the mother of Jesus, traveled that arduous journey to Bethlehem, the angel Gabriel had been sent by God to prepare her for the amazing events that were about to take place.

Gabriel came to a young virgin named Mary and said, "Fear not, Mary:for thou hast found favour with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the highest: and theLord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there hall be no end." Can you imagine Mary's surprise when she finds out that she is pregnant with the Son of God? Gabriel tells her in verse thirty-five, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Can you imagine the initial fear and shock as these words reverberated in her mind? How would she tell Joseph, the man she was espoused to marry,that she was pregnant by the Holy Ghost? Would he still want to marryher? In those days, the punishment for an offence against an espousal was great. Would Joseph understand the situation?

Luke 1:38 gives us insight into the character of Mary and her yieldedspirit towards God and His divine plan: "And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And theangel departed from her." To put this in today's vernacular, this was not a planned pregnancy, and Mary's friends and relatives were probably telling her not to go through with the ordeal.

Thankfully, Mary was sensitive to the Lord's will. She was yielded to Him even in a confusing and difficult circumstance. Because of herwillingness to accept God's plan, she brought forth the Saviour ofthis world on that first Christmas morning.

Friend, when you look at Mary's life you will realize that God isready to assume full responsibility for the life that is completely yielded to Him. You may say, "I just don't know if I should step outby faith and trust God?" I believe Mary was saying, "Lord, I'm going to keep on believing, and I'm going to leave the results up to you,because if I follow Your Word, You will take care of me."

I want you to understand this Christmas that the God of Mary is the same God who says, "I will supply all of your needs." He is the same esterday, today, and forever. Are you going to trust Him this holiday season? Are you going to yield your will to His divine plan?Remember that God is waiting to bless the life that is wholly yielded to Him.

Gaius' Truth

2005-11-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

The truth was in Gaius, and Gaius walked in a the truth. If the first had not been the case, the second could never have occurred; and if the second could not be said of him the first would have been a mere pretence. Truth must enter into the soul, penetrate and saturate it, or else it is of no value. Doctrines held as a matter of creed are like bread in the hand, which ministers no nourishment to the frame; but doctrine accepted by the heart, is as food digested, which, by assimilation, sustains and builds up the body.

In us truth must be a living force, an active energy, an in dwelling reality, a part of the woof and warp of our being. If it be in us, we cannot henceforth part with it. A man may lose his garments or his limbs, but his inward parts are vital, and cannot be torn away without absolute loss of life.

A Christian can die, but he cannot deny the truth. Now it is a rule of nature that the inward affects the outward, as light shines from the centre of the lantern through the glass: when, therefore, the truth is kindled within, its brightness soon beams forth in the outward life and conversation. It is said that the food of certain worms colours the cocoons of silk which they spin: and just so the nutriment upon which a man's inward nature lives gives a tinge to every word and deed proceeding from him.

To walk in the truth, imports a life of integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and simplicity--the natural product of those principles of truth which the gospel teaches, and which the Spirit of God enables us to receive. We may judge of the secrets of the soul by their manifestation in the man's conversation. Be it ours to-day, O gracious Spirit, to be ruled and governed by Thy divine authority, so that nothing false or sinful may reign in our hearts, lest it extend its malignant influence to our daily walk among men.

"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth." --3 John 3

Mother's Cry

2005-11-23T23:00:00.000-08:00

Why are you crying, a young boy asked his Mom?

"Because I'm a woman," she told him. "I don't understand," he said.

His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will, but that's O.K."

Later the little boy asked his father, "Why does Mom seem to cry for no reason?".

"All women cry for no reason," was all his Dad could say...

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry. Finally he put in a call to God and when God got back to him, he asked "God, why do women cry so easily?"

GOD answered...

"When I made woman, I decided she had to be special. I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world, yet, made her arms gentle enough to give comfort. I gave her the inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times will come even from her own children. I gave her a hardness that allows her to keep going and take care of her family and friends, even when everyone else gives up, through sickness and fatigue without complaining. I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances.

Even when her child has hurt her badly. She has the very special power to make a child's boo-boo feel better and to quell a teenager's anxieties and fears. I gave her strength to care for her husband, despite faults and I fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart. I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

For all of this hard work, I also gave her a tear to shed. It is hers to use whenever needed and ! it is her only weakness. When you see her cry, tell her how much you love her, and all she does for everyone, and even though she may still cry, you will have made her heart feel good.

Mom, you are worthy of honor and obedience. You are the half of my life - you always encourage me to be a strong woman live with the desire of serving the Lord. Laarni

eCg New Forum

2005-11-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

Greetings and Hello!

Our e-group The Equipping Christians Group is 10 months old now and was founded January 22, 2005. This group was an idea from young group of Christians who put their faith and their courage for them to extend their own personal ministry. For them it is a one place to reach the world by sharing the Gospel to the people they meet over the net.

Proudly, I have been part of this since the e-group has started. In behalf of our e-group – I personally invite all the readers of this blog to join us the new official forum of the Equipping Christians Group.

See link: http://truthquest.4.forumer.com/

I hope you may find time to check the site and join with us and be part of it.

May God bless your heart.

Thank YoU.

Structure of Life

2005-11-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

There is only one thing in this world that we need to understand - every thing we do in life has consequences and those consequences requires great responsibilities –
but we need to accept
their consequences. We need to learn to face it and take control of it. When we face trouble in life we become upset, feeling lost, miserable for what we have done wrong but no one to blame but our selves.

Sometimes we question God “Why did God structure life this way?” full of sorrows, full of anxiety and trials – when God could have created life so that suffering would be impossible. If so, we would be in a world now with no pain, knowing only grace and peace.

So why didn’t He?

My answer is I don’t know.

But I do know that at the heart of His earthly creation is the freedom to make choices. So in the sense we can’t have it both ways – the freedom to choose and no hurt resulting from our choices. The freedom gives us space, in which we make choices but with that comes consequences.

No body is perfect as we were born a sinner and making mistakes is just simply a big part of our making. The best gift in a life is the freedom that we have in it to be who we want to be and to have a life of our choosing. Again such great rewards with it comes great responsibilities.

But we must learn to look at ourselves in a greater image that although we make mistakes, we can also take mistakes and learn from it. Falling is part of life and it is what we do after we have fallen is what makes one a better person - we have to look with better eyes to face our mistakes and determine the value of lesson it carries.

Sadly, many of our poor choices hurt us most, and hurt others too. We see the devastating result and we sometimes blame God more for what we’ve done wrong.

What are we going to do when things get so complicated? When things are all messed up? What are we going to do when we totally self-destruct and fails?

Are we just going to sit in one corner and do nothing? Feeling hopeless? Blaming God with all the wrong things that we selfishly created?

- No! of course not!

We need to move on and start fixing our messes and develop a new life with new hope. We cannot live all the time with repeating the same mistakes, and living the same scenario. Life is not all about pain and sufferings but also about love, joy and grace.

It is the unchangeable purpose of God to exalt those who are willing to submit, and God is abundantly able to accomplish it in love to those one who in trouble. And God is waiting for us to say, “Lord, I am tired, I can’t carry this burden anymore.” God is willing to take that pain, the burden we carry for so long – all we need to do is let it go – and put your trust in the Lord that He will give you a new spirit and new life that will bring glory to you and to God - as we move on, we give God the will to reconstruct our lives.

"Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasure, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." - C.S. Lewis

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." - Jesus Christ, John 14:27

30 Days of Praise: Day1 - A Consecrated Life

2005-11-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Praise: A Consecrated Life
by Dr. Paul Chappell

2 Corinthians 6:17"Wherefore come out from among them, and be yeseparate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,"

One of the many ways of expressing praise to God is through a life that is wholly consecrated to Him. In other words, praise is notmerely the act of saying something with our mouths, but is the_expression of the way we live each day.

A few years ago, I was witnessing to a man in our community. As I began sharing the Gospel with him, he told me of a man who worked with him in the aerospace industry. He said, "That man is always so positive about his God and his church." After an hour or so in his home, I was able to lead the gentleman to Christ. I believe it was in great part due to the consecrated life of a co-worker who brought praise to God every day.

In 1 Peter 1:15 the Bible says, "Because it is written, be ye holy for I am holy." The word "holy" means "set apart." Sometimes we refer to holiness as being sanctified. In other words, God wants our livesto be ready, so that at any moment, people may observe that our lives bring praise and honor to the Lord.

Second Timothy 2:21 says, "If aman therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work."

If I go to our kitchen and take a glass out of the cupboard that has old crusty milk inside and for some reason has not been cleaned, I am not going to use that glass. It will have to be set aside. I am looking for a glass that has been cleaned, consecrated, or prepared for my use. A life that is clean and separated unto the Lord is one that will bring praise to Him!

Quote of the Day:"The one who follows Christ leads the way for others."

What did you do with my Son Jesus Christ?"

2005-10-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

One of the member of "Equipping Christians Group" posted this question and this question made me to write something to reflect.

What did you do with my Son Jesus Christ?"

We just had the mission conference held in our church for 4 days period and during the conference I personally met one of the guest speakers Dr. Thompson from Cleveland. He was about 75 years of age. Just imagine even at his age, he still has the will to preach with tremendous energy. I truly enjoyed listening to him. He seems to be very knowledgeable with a great sense of humor. He made a lot of jokes during the conference. That is very remarkable considering at the same time, he is also physically ill from cancer. That tells me about the man and his convictions. What I really love about him most is when he said how he really likes Philippines more specifically the place where he lived at in San Pedro Laguna. He mostly visited the places where the Muslims are in Mindanao.

Dr. Thompson mentioned how this world has forgotten about Jesus Christ and even disregarded the ways of his words – it seems as if people have been too pre-occupied with each of his/her own selfish things that they don’t want to hear anything more to do about Jesus and instead fills their time with entertainment news about Hollywood, or of what is new in the fashion world. We now live in a world where “everyone for his or her own self “ philosophy.

People have put fun as their priority in life and they don’t want anything or anyone that could get in a way of that or to put limit to it. But the tragedy of it is that when in time of crisis, people don’t take responsibility for their decision and that is when they start to remember Jesus - that is to take the blame for their action. That is so sad to even imagine but it is true and it is happening at this very moment, somewhere somehow.

How I wish there is something that I can do. I want to make a difference no matter how insignificant it may be. We all have heard about how a certain virus can spread rapidly from people to people, city to city, even from state to state. Wouldn’t it be great if we can do the same thing but instead of spreading virus that kills, we spread the words that gives new meaning to living.

If a simple smile can truly be contagious, then I’ll try to smile more often and maybe even from that tiniest of step, it can get us closer to the bigger ones. Jesus did say in Matthew17:20 “ If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to the mulberry tree, Be uprooted and planted in the sea, and it will obey you.”

Nothing will be impossible for you.

Lord Let Me

2005-10-18T22:09:00.000-07:00

People are longing to learn of our Saviour
Children are growing not knowing he cares

Lord let me tell them about your compassion
Lord where can I be used

Lord let me serve
Lord let me follow
Give me a place and the for most to fill

Teach me to serve
Teach me to follow
Use me to do your will

Lord let me serve where ever you need me
Make me a vessels through which you can flow
Give me a passion to work for your glory
Lord where can I be used.

Spirit of Truth

2005-10-16T14:52:00.000-07:00

This is God's Spirit, who enables people to clearly understand his Word as they read it. It also guides people toward wisdom and holiness.

John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

Thankful Heart

2005-10-10T18:15:00.000-07:00

I praise and worship God coz of the confidence I have that my Salvation is real. I thank Him for all the blessings He bestowed upon me, and I thank Him for the eternal life He has given me.

H A P P Y - T H A N K S G I V I N G – D A Y - C A N A D A

A N D

Here's my hymnal song for tonite.

Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings name them all one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Chorus:
Count your blessings name them one by one;
Count your blessings see what God hath done;
Count your blessings name them one by one
Count your blessings see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your blessings every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

Repeat chorus*

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your blessings money can-not buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

Repeat chorus*

So a – mid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged God is over all;
Count your many blessings - blessings angels will attend
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Repeat chorus*

Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

The 3 Pillars of Christian Faith

2005-10-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

This journey of Christian life, I trust by looking these 3 fundamental pillars of Christianity together "Christ deity and incarnation, "the reliability of Scripture" and "the resurrection of Christ --- it captured my view a renewed vision of “who Christ is” and why he came to earth - I believe also that I will catch a fresh understanding of how reliable God’s word is and why He so carefully preserved it for me.

This is also a big challenge for me with an optimistic perspective on life and for my future as I explore the reality of Christ’s death, the Scripture and His resurrection.

As I have examined my faith in God, it convicted me with these 3 major questions in life. I believe, it answers all my questions of life – tonight, I pray that would do the same thing to you too.

Who Am I? And person of Jesus

Most of us may be asking the same question, that question “Who Am I?” slumbers in every individual heart. I may not be asking it in those three words, but my heart is seeking a vital relational connection to my Lord Jesus Christ.

I really want to know the value of who I really am. I really want to know the value of how to be loved and accepted.

Astonishingly, I finally found the answer to my question, it is also the key that will correct my distorted faith about God – it leads me to the truth about Jesus Christ and it kept my faith strongly at ease – that He is God who became flesh and lived amongst us.

Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

They are more overwhelming evidence of Christ’s deity though it is not only sufficient to convince our mind – especially those people who are skeptics. But if we are going to go deeper and study the deity of Jesus Christ – it is amazingly meaningful to individual especially for Christian like myself who is truly willing to study the truth within and enables to discover the true identity – “who I truly am?”

Why Am I Here? And the Word of God

As a Christian, I fear sometimes that the culture will somehow capture me to change my personal view about Christianity – I live in a multi-cultural country of Canada, working with people with different belief.

Living to a country and exposed to a place where people are into illicit sex, illegal drug abuse, alcohol use, dishonesty, violence, and host of other things that broke my heart and ruin people lives.

I want to live protected from such thing and see myself happy, productive and living in a godly way – praying that this kind of culture will not affect my Christian life.

Now, I asked this question, “Why Am I here? – most of the answer sprung up from distorted beliefs about the truth - but I trust and believe that there is only one answer to my question, an answer that leads me to conviction about the reliability of God’s Word, “the Bible”.

I continually studying the abundance of evidences of the Bible’s reliability and convinced that only the Word of God is an accurate and true reflection of the God who desires the relationship with us – understanding this is what justify of reliable means into our lives – and how this Word will lead the individual heart to a godly living – this will discover our God-given purpose in life.

Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Where Am I going? And the Resurrection of Christ

It doesn’t take me long to realize how life is full of disappointments, full of trials, and heartaches. This is an unavoidable conclusion from us.

But how are we going to handle this obstacle in life – far too often these obstacles turn to despondency and despair – we may become resentful and angry every time something has happened into our lives. It is far easy for us – especially if we live in the high risk and cruel world.

This third fundamental question become even more pressing to me and may be even to everyone especially for Christian - “Where Am I going?”

I believe and trust and without a doubt that there is only one answer to my question – and this tied into one of the three pillars of Christianity - the resurrection of Christ.

When I begun my study, and put my heart into looking at the evidences of the resurrection of Christ – I faithfully discovered the truth in regards to this historical event – and more than that, it answered my question that the resurrection is not only objectively true but it also profoundly meaningful particularly to any kind of disappointments in life – and strongly convicted me and lead me to the truth and the meaning of resurrection of Christ can actually changed my entire outlook on life and provide me with the assurance to “eternal life”.

I believe this is also a destiny to every Christian to change their entire outlook on life and can determine to face life and death, good or evil, victory or difficulty with a spirit of gratitude, optimism and of course the courage to know Jesus Christ.

I am sure Jesus Christ is saying the same thing to you – as Christian, we may acknowledge him as our Saviour, but have we examined the evidences of our faith?

You and I may have made the decision to trust God in our daily lives, but have we grasped the objective truth and relational meaning of our Christian faith?

I will leave the same questions tonight and thought - these may occur to you and you maybe asking yourself the same thing that I already asked and answered.

John 10:7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

Fairest Lord Jesus (The Beautiful Saviour)

2005-09-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

Of Jesus Himself has always been described as beautiful and perfect - the Creator in person - He sacrificed on the cross for the sin of humanity, however, He gives up His beauty.

Everytime I see the full creation of this universe - this creation displays the Creator's love of beauty which mankind cannot imitate. It shows the God is the originator of all that is beautiful.

Isaiah 33:17 Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

I have this song that I always love to hear "FAIREST LORD JESUS" - from the lyrics expresses the beauty of God that I always want it to see everytime I open my eyes and enjoy every little things in this world while I live.

Fairest Lord Jesus

Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul’s glory, joy and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.

All fairest beauty, heavenly and earthly,
Wondrously, Jesus, is found in Thee;
None can be nearer, fairer or dearer,
Than Thou, my Savior, art to me.

Beautiful Savior, King of Creation
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I’d love Thee, truly I’d serve Thee,
Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.

Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, Praise, adoration
Now and forevermore be Thine!

Lord, take my breath and take me with you to the place where I belong.

Psalms 45:2 Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.

Where I Belong

2005-09-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone...especially those who come and visit this blog to check for any update. Unfortunately, I will be away for a while but I'll be back soon - before I close this message. I would like to dedicate this song to all my friends outthere.

This is all for you and - playing with my guitar.

May God bless your heart!

Where I Belong

[Verse 1]
Sometimes I'm sadden by the choices I make
So many tears I have cried
Got what I wanted but the dream seemed to fade
Still feeling unsatisfied
But you saved me
Forgave me, how you've shown
You'd never leave me all alone
Oh, Lord

[Chorus]
Everytime I loose my place
The beauty of your grace
Shines a light so I can see
Everytime I loose my way
You make it all okay

I feel your love surrounding me
You are here, calming my fears
You lead me back with your sweet song,
You're where I belong

[Verse 2]
You're always there to guide me through my mistakes,
You've never once, left my side
The way you pick me up each time my heart breaks
The way you always stood by
I'd feel you, you'd move right through my heart
We never really were apart
Oh, Lord

[Chorus]
I will always put my faith in you
'Cause I know you understand
I will try my best to follow you
'Cause I know you've got a plan

Just to have you in my life
Is far more than enough
You are everywhere around me now
I can feel your precious love

All the wonders of your ways
I'm constintly amazed
How you make me safe and sound
Its the way you lift me up

You've given me so much
Only you would never let me down
You are here, calming my fears
You lead me back with your sweet song,
You're where I belong.

Used to, Not Anymore

2005-08-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

Have you had experience the life of Christian when you were in the church and decided to quit --- for some reason or you maybe heard the Word of God through preaching or sharing by your Pastor or co-Christian, and feel so difficult to accept the reality when the Pastor from your church preached something that deals about the true living Christian.

Unfortunately, I see myself from those years when I starting out strong in walk with God, but for some reason I started to fade and eventually drop off and quit. I shut off the door of my heart to everyone and to God. It is like when you go for a long race and many runners get weary of waiting for a prize and decide to quit.

I remember back years when I was a backslider; I turned myself away from God for I feel I don’t deserve to be there. There weren't any days that I wasn't miserable person after I quit attending the church that was a big regret I ever made.

During those days - I came to realized that I need that message even it hurts sometimes. And I need God. I need his guidance, I need His Word for I am a lost person--- as part of my study and my journey as Christian. I realized that the life of Christian is not a hundred yard dash, but it is a long-distance race and going to a close relationship with God is total commitment that holds you to eternal life.

There is this verse as says, “When people start rejecting God they need other things to hold life together. For everyone who turns away from God, those other things are but “broken water pots” that don’t hold anything of value.”

As I see this picture, if people believe that the Christian life means having their problems solved immediately, always treated right by people, never having doubts about the future, having prayers always answered within the days expected, and always being treated and entertained by church, then people are running after the wrong prize --- they’ll be disappointed, grow tired and give up.

But I do believe if the goal is simply to know God who always there who created us and loved us to die on a cross to save us from our sin then we’ll never grow weary. I also believe when you in the Word of God there is always something new to discover about the richness and depth of God’s love for us.

One thing I have learned is, “give God permission to change you---focus on how well you are doing and let God to work with you in His perfect time.”

There is this quote from a friend reminding me, says:

“If there was ever a contest to see whether you could sin more than He could forgive, you would lose the contest…He is so rich in forgiveness."

Psalms 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Shaping Your Child with Positive Discipline - Part 2

2005-08-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

The time here in Vancouver, B.C. is 11:09 am, and preparing myself to go out and enjoy the beautiful weather here. Thought before I leave the house, I can post the second half of the article...so here is the second half of it.

Take care everyone and God bless!

"Shaping Your Child with Positive Discipline" (Part 2)

THE EMOTIONS OF DISCIPLINE

Anger is your enemy when disciplining your child. Angry discipline is a roller coaster: it is inconsistent and unpredictable. In fact, anger can lead to all of the negative forms of discipline listed above.

To discipline fairly and properly, draw a consistent line. Before you discipline, show your child the line, and let him know beforehand what behavior crosses over that line. Tell him lovingly what he has to do to stay inside your boundaries.

Children, even young ones, have an uncanny sense of where the line is drawn. Every person who deals with children-parent, teacher, or babysitter-has drawn a line, and the children know exactly where it is.

Imagine a child giving you trouble all night long. Just little things-she refuses to pick up her toys, come to the dinner table on time, clean her plate, or take a bath when she's told. She wants to watch five more minutes of television or run outside for a while.

She has been pushing the line and irritating you the entire evening, and she finally refuses to go to bed. She knows where the line is drawn. She knows she can get away with only so much nonsense before the discipline begins. Children love to push those limits and bump up against that line.

The truth of the matter is, parents can draw a line anywhere they want to.

My wife drew a line with our boys about a block-and-a-half from the house. I drew a line about six inches from their noses. Every parent is different-thank God that we are. Along with consistent discipline, children need to know how to respond appropriately to different kinds of authority. Children need the freedom to explore, and one parent provides that. The other parent may provide the hard line that children will encounter in situations later in life.

Draw the line, but keep in mind that anger hurts more than it helps in discipline.

You may think that anger is the only discipline your child will heed. But remember, anger is not discipline. Anger is vengeful, demeaning, impulsive punishment-not loving discipline.Remind the child of the line he is crossing, and deal with your anger in some other way. Children don't mind making parents angry, but an angry response always results in improper, and often, ineffective discipline.

When I was in school, I had a teacher by the name of Miss Pickford. We loved to make her angry because she would throw a book or an eraser at you. We would go to great lengths, spending recess plotting what we could do to get Miss Pickford to throw an eraser.
In one of his books, Dr. James Dobson tells about another schoolteacher. She was a large woman, and when she got angry, she'd jump on the desk and blow a whistle. Dr. Dobson said her students spent much of the day trying to do things to get her to jump on her desk and blow a whistle.

Children love to move up to that line. But take care with your anger-it can have surprising results. If you think anger equals obedience, you are wrong. For too many parents and teachers, their anger means entertainment for the uncontrolled kids, and very ineffective discipline. You think you got results, but they know they just got a rise out of you.

The time to discipline is before you get angry. Draw your discipline line way ahead of the anger line. If children cross the discipline line, make sure the correction is quick because they will move right on to the anger line. By then, the chances for good discipline are greatly diminished.
Suppose you are at your limit long before they begin to test you. You've had a really bad day, or a stressful situation has put you on the edge. If your anger is immediate, save the discipline for later. Give them a clear warning and a time when the discipline is coming. Whether you need to wait 1 hour or 24 hours, when you are angry, save the discipline for a time when it will be correct and sensible.

THE TOOLS OF DISCIPLINE

There are many tools parents have to use in proper discipline. When you use them, keep in mind that every child is different. A tool that is too weak to mold the will of one child may be strong enough to break the spirit of another. Choose your tools wisely.

One positive form of discipline is encouragement. Words of praise are important in any program of discipline. If your son behaved himself in a situation where he would normally run wild, tell him. If your daughter responded to correction the very first time, thank her.

Make sure your children hear when other parents or kids say something to you about their good behavior. Give them credit for what they have done-don't save the reward for yourself. You may think, "What a wonderful parent I am. I must be doing something right." Pass along the reward to them, "What a wonderful child you are. You must be doing something right!"

Second, you can discipline through rebuke. But rebuke each child in such a way that you don't compare him with his brother, sister, or anyone else. If a school teacher ever compares a child negatively to anybody else, I think that teacher ought to be fired on the spot. Comparisons are deadly to a child's self-esteem.

Third, the Old Testament says discipline with the rod. The New Testament says use a whip. We used a switch when our boys were young, and a belt when they got a little older. Dr. Dobson recommends using a wooden spoon.

The purpose of discipline is to get the child's attention, not to hurt him. Never abuse, shame, or embarrass your child. It may just take a word with one child, and the rod with another. But whatever it takes, get their full attention and let them know clearly, but kindly, the sting of stepping over the line.

How do you shape the will without breaking the spirit? Discipline in the right way at the right time with the right spirit. Consider the personality of each child, and adjust your discipline accordingly.

SAVE THE SELF-IMAGE!

Let me tell you just a few more things about breaking the Spirit. Common sense rules can keep you from making the fatal mistake of damaging your child's emotions. Every child will have damaged emotions in his life; we cannot keep him from it. But keep the pain as far away from your discipline as you can.

Teachers can see things in the classroom that they misjudge. For example, one teacher said that my wife, JoBeth, would have serious social problems all of her life.

You see, JoBeth was born in Laurel, Mississippi. When she moved with her family to Bloomington, Illinois, she brought with her a Southern accent.

On her first report card of first grade, the, teacher wrote a long note to her mother and father. She said, "Throughout her life, your daughter will have serious social problems because she does not relate well to people."

The teacher had no idea what the problem was. This little girl's Southern accent was totally foreign to children in the Midwest. The kids laughed and asked her to say different words to hear how it sounded. So rather than answering the questions the teacher asked her, she just kept quiet. The teacher interpreted this as a social problem. Yes, it was a social problem, but not of the variety this teacher imagined.

We do not forget these events from long ago, do we? My own story comes from the second grade. One day in class, the teacher called a spelling bee. She asked the smartest boy and the smartest girl to choose teams. I was a poor speller, but suddenly I felt smart. I begged to be chosen, but nobody wanted me. Finally, the teacher told one team to take me. Guess who lost the spelling match that day. I don't remember a thing in the world about second grade, not even the name of my teacher, but I remember that spelling bee. That event left a scar.

If events like these can leave a permanent scar on children, be sure that poor discipline can easily do the same. Your children can and will experience emotional pain when they are away from you. That is why, even in discipline, your arms should be a haven of safety for your child. Don't let the scars come from you. Don't be the one to damage the emotions of your child.

Parents, please realize that some things are more important than academic or athletic achievement. The self-esteem of your child is more important by far. Your children can go through life successfully never knowing the difference between a noun and a verb, but they will never emotionally survive outside your picket fence if their self-image is broken.

Discipline is so necessary, but consider it with care. Do not take it lightly. I can say truthfully that I have never seriously punished any of my children, either with a severe rebuke or with a belt, that I did not leave them and go off by myself and cry. And, I can truthfully say, I have never failed to return after such an experience to give them a hug at the right time. I did not cancel the discipline, apologize for it, or take it back. I just reminded them that I loved them.

Why is that so important? Because God says so. You see, He deals with your sin and with my sin that way. With law, grace, and tears.

God Bless You!

Shaping Your Child with Positive Discipline

2005-08-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

What is causing mere children to be a coarse, so brutal? What is happening to our society that kids can be a violent, so callous, so unmindful of right and wrong. Most parent have always complained about the behaviour of their kids. This is maybe the most challenge for all parents how to deal this with their kids---of how to be a parent?

I am not a parent yet, but someday I will. Hmmm...that I don't know when? It maybe gonna take few more years before that happen --- need to marry someone first :) who knows?

As I promised from my last post, here is the article that tells us about "Shaping Your Child with Positive Discipline" . I pray that God will lead all parents to have a righteous relationship with Him, may the Lord will bless your heart.

The article was written by Dr. Ed Young from Second Baptist Church. The article is a little bit long so here is the first part of the article.

"Shaping Your Child with Positive Discipline"

Your first responsibility as a parent is to love God in everything. Children learn by example. They notice what we do and what we believe. Children know what Mom and Dad really love, and they try to attain it for themselves. So a wise father will love the Lord with all his heart, soul, body, mind, and strength. A good mother loves God more dearly than she loves her own family.

Your second responsibility as a parent is to teach your children. If you love God and teach your children well, you will be a successful parent. There is no guarantee that every child will find salvation and learn to love God completely. But if you love God and teach your children fairly, you have done everything a parent can do.

All their lives, your children will know that you truly love God. They will find the lessons you taught them valuable in all they do. How do we teach our children? We teach with words. But words have validity only when they are lived out in action. Unless our lives as parents are compatible with what we seek to teach our children, our teaching will be invalid and ineffective.

If you do not truly love God, do not try to teach your children about loving Him. They will only inherit your hypocrisy. Children will not listen and will not learn if you try to teach them what you yourself do not believe.

EFFECTIVE TEACHING

Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Notice the first commandment in this passage. Love the Lord with all you are. That is your first responsibility as a parent. When you do that, effective teaching naturally results in three ways.

First, we can teach our children when we are sitting down. Take the opportunity at the dinner table to share a real blessing with your children. When the entire family is together at the table, read something from the Scriptures and tell them how you have applied it to your life. Start early and your children will learn a love and respect for God's Word.

They will learn a love and respect for you as a parent if you show something of yourself. When you share something real about yourself, your children have a chance to see inside you, to see what makes you work. They learn about the things you truly care about. Our actions sometimes indicate we care more about our work than we really do. Here is your chance to set the record straight. Let them know that they are really more important to you than your work. Work helps you provide for them.

Second, we can teach our children as we are walking. Do things with them. Treat an appointment with your child like an appointment with a dear friend-not something to be postponed at the last minute.

Pastors get plenty of invitations to do things. Some people don't understand when I say I've got an appointment with one of my children. I hear the dangerous words, "Oh, that's just your family. That can be postponed; you spend plenty of time with them." Yes, I do, and l will hopefully spend plenty more time with them. How important are your children to you? As important as a corporate executive? Then treat them like one.

Finally, we can teach our children when we are lying down and rising up. When they go to bed at night, what a wonderful time to pray. With younger children, we can read a Bible story and tell them what it means. Tell your son or daughter what you thought about the first time you heard that story. They love to hear what Mommy and Daddy were like when they were little. At the right time, they will really listen and begin to understand things about God.

This passage also tells us that God's Word should always act as a signpost. For the believer, the Scriptures are a billboard. They stand as a sign over your life, over your home, and over your family. A sign does three important things:

A sign gives information. Signs tell us what to do. They provide instruction, guidance, and fair warning.

A sign carries authority. Signs call us to obey. I saw a "Candid Camera" episode once where the producers had placed a doormat at the entrance to a supermarket. On this doormat in block letters were the words WIPE YOUR FEET. You would be surprised to see how many people stopped and wiped their feet before walking in.

A sign points to the future. Signs tell us what lies ahead. Psalm 59:10 says, "My God in His loving kindness will meet me." I like to paraphrase that verse to say, "God meets us around every corner of life." We labor and toil over so many decisions, but God is there to meet us around the corner of every single one.

This same verse begins, "My God." God is personal. When He is real to you, when you truly love Him, God is your friend. In times of adversity, trial, temptation, fear, and frustration, we can know that God is there. He is already around that comer.

Psalm 59:10 also gives us the good news that even around the corner of death, God will be there.As a parent, you already know it's impossible to go everywhere with your child and to watch everything he or she is doing. But with the words of the Scriptures, you can post signs over their lives. God's Word can leave a calling card in the memory of your children that will stay with them forever-providing information, calling them to obey, and pointing to the future.

LITTLE SAVAGES

Keep in mind that good teaching is not enough. All of us know that every child needs discipline. Every child has a warp and a bent toward evil. If you understand that, you are already a better parent. But it's not only true of your child, it is true of you. Evil is built into all of us. And I believe the secular world has finally come to agree.

Recently, the Minnesota Crime Commission grew concerned about the increase in the rate of crime among teenagers. With secular psychiatrists and psychologists, they conducted a secular study of children. Here is the result:

Every baby starts life as a little savage. He is completely selfish and self-centered. He wants what he wants, when he wants. His bottle. His mother's attention. His playmate's toy. His uncle's watch. Deny him these wants and he seethes with rage and aggressiveness, which would be murderous were he not so helpless. He is dirty. He has no morals, no knowledge, no skills. This means that all children, not just certain children, are born delinquent. If permitted to continue in the self-centered world of infancy, given free rein to his impulsive actions to satisfy his wants, every child would grow up to be a criminal. A thief, a killer, a rapist.

After reading that, you cannot deny that we all need discipline! Proverbs 22:15 says, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of discipline will remove it far from him."
So as a God-fearing parent, you need to understand and to live by God's words on the subject of discipline. Treat your children as God has created them to be treated in discipline, and you cannot go wrong.

GROUND RULES FOR DISCIPLINE

And you have forgotten the exhortation that is addressed to you as sons, My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; For those whom the LORD loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives. It is for discipline that you endure: God deals with you as with sons: for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.

Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. (Hebrews 12:5-11)

Learning to discipline children is so difficult. How hard and trying it is. You may even think how impossible it is. But don't be discouraged. Many people just like you are wondering how to discipline correctly.

How should you act toward your children when doubt enters your mind about how to deal with them? The Scriptures provide the best examples in the world. Consider the way your heavenly Father deals with you. The way God deals with you is the exact pattern you should follow in dealing and living with your children.

Some people are not so sure this is true. Before you decide, first ask yourself this question: How does God deal with me? His discipline involves a balance between law and grace, and a foundation of love and limits.

What is the purpose of law? The law tells us what God is like. The Ten Commandments tell us of the morality, the expectations, the nature, and the character of God. Later, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus elaborates upon the law. The law draws a line around us, showing us how good God really is. It is the external manifestation of goodness.

What is grace? To know grace, combine patience, help, endurance, forgiveness, and sympathy. Grace is the internal working of goodness. Grace grows on the inside.

In God, we see a picture of both law and grace. He always obeys the external restraints of the law, but he moves toward us with His wonderful grace. So as we discipline, God asks us to abide by the law while practicing grace.

Here, discipline becomes difficult. How do you mold the will without breaking the spirit of a child? Once you break a child's spirit, you can spend your life trying to put it back together.
But you have a problem. The will of a child is made out of solid steel. From the very start, they demand attention, they demand food, they demand to be held. They will wear out an army of people. How do you mold solid steel without causing it to snap? It is difficult.

Each of us has damaged emotions. Everyone does. We have feelings of inferiority. We have feelings of inadequacy we carry because somewhere at home, in school, or in the neighborhood, our spirit was broken or harmed.

People who seem to have it all together are most to be pitied. Many boastful, out-going, swashbuckling people have a spirit that's been shattered in a very serious way.
Others respond by becoming introverted and timid; this is a sad response as well. But somehow, somewhere, each of us has been scarred emotionally. And many times, the damage occurs in the realm of discipline.

Here are four principles that will help you know how to discipline your children fairly:

1. Never discipline a child in anger. This is the first and foremost of these guidelines. Continue reading in this booklet, and I will tell you why anger can be so ineffective and so destructive in discipline.

2. Never discipline a child for revenge. Never take your pound of flesh from a child. You may have warned and threatened him dozens of times, but when correction is necessary, never do it only because he deserves it. Discipline your child because he needs correction, not because you need the satisfaction of getting back at him.

3. Never discipline a child in a way that belittles, shames, or embarrasses him.

4. Never discipline on a whim. Be consistent, be very consistent. Poor discipline is unpredictable. Sometimes a child makes one mistake and judgment falls down upon him-he finds himself grounded for six months. Next time, he may do something really wrong, four times as bad, and you say, "Oh, that's the funniest thing I've ever seen. You know, I did the same thing when I was growing up." The mind of the child begins to believe that the little mistakes are really wrong, but the big mistakes are terribly funny.

"MSN" - update

2005-08-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

"msn" is one of my favourite site where I can usually do check my "sports update", and where I can go for my "sports chat".

On their front page there is this article I found entitled " 7 Crucial Parenting Mitakes to avoid", sounds very interesting so I went over and read the whole article --- quite true that being a parents is not an easy task or responsibility (though I am not a parent yet) but since I grew up in a Christian family, I am so blessed to have a parent who's been there very supportive and very loving parent --- very disciplinarian that I can say, "It's worth it."

In my next post, I have this article written about " Shaping Your Child with Positive discipline".

But for now here is the article from "msn" as I've mentioned.

7 Crucial Parenting Mistakes to Avoid

Top parenting pros share some of their worst goofs -- and show how moms and dads can turn their mistakes into the best lessons of all.

Guess what, parents? You're not perfect. Even the most dedicated and insightful moms and dads make mistakes when it comes to raising kids.

The good news is that kids, and families in general, are resilient. You can't erase your worst parenting moments, but with a little bit of insight and introspection, you can keep from repeating them and can use those experiences to the benefit of everyone in the family.
Even parenting pros admit that they have moments when they wish they could have hit rewind on their parental performances.

"Experts are not perfect, and we're certainly not perfect parents," says Dr. Donald Shifrin, a Bellevue, Washington, pediatrician. The examples those parenting pros share openly here can help you handle mom-and-dad mistakes better. And they illustrate an important element in fixing a mistake: Own up to it. You won't be diminished in your kids' eyes. In fact, they will respect you for learning from your errors.

Find Your Temper -- Before You Lose It

When Shifrin's son Max refused to obey his dad, preferring to concentrate on his handheld GameBoy, the chairman of the public education committee of the American Academy of Pediatrics lost his cool.

"I yelled, 'If you're not going to do any of the things I asked, you're not going to have this thing," and with an Olympic toss hurled the GameBoy out a second-story window. It landed in the bushes, and took me about 20 minutes to find it," he says.

That day, Shifrin learned the hard way how counterproductive it can be to go ballistic on your kids, even if they sometimes seem to deserve it.

"Max had this horrified look on his face and lost track of everything I was trying to explain. Instead, there was wailing, moaning, and teeth-gnashing, and the focus was on what Dad had done," Shifrin recalls. "It's not good for children to see us solve problems that way. Now I'll say, 'I'm thinking of swearing. Things are bad now,' and Max knows I'm at the end of my rope."

Learn to Talk "The Talk"

Sooner or later, it happens. Out of the blue, your child asks, "Where do babies come from?" And though it's the same question you asked as a kid, you'll likely be as unprepared for it as your parents probably were.

"When my 8-year-old daughter, Sarah, asked the question at the dinner table one night, I launched into a pretty detailed discussion about reproduction and sexuality," recalls Daniel Hoover, PhD, child clinical psychologist at The Menninger Clinic, Houston, and associate professor in the department of psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine. "Sarah started to get more and more troubled-looking as I continued talking. Then she began crying and yelled out, 'That's not true,' and ran from the room."

The take away message: On sensitive topics like sex, you probably don't have to go into nearly as much detail as you think you do. Try to edit your response to fit the age of your child. And remember that no matter how prepared you are, you're probably not going to get the Sex Talk right, says Hoover. Half the battle, though, is admitting that this is an awkward topic, and apologizing in advance if you mess up.

"I doubt my daughter's scarred for life because of our talk, though when she has her own children, she'll probably take the exact opposite approach when it comes to talking about sex -- and probably get it wrong somehow too," says Hoover.

Plan Around Her Personality -- Not Yours

"I threw my introverted 10-year-old daughter a surprise birthday party and she was mortified when faced with a roomful of people," says Sally Beisser, associate professor of education at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Calling herself "a classic extrovert," Beisser threw the kind of party she would have loved when she was 10.

"But you need to consider your child's personality, not your own. She would've been much happier if she'd planned the party. That was a mistake I never made again. As I like to say, parenting is the only profession that, by the time you're really good at it, you retire," Beisser says.

Avoid Becoming a Daddy Doormat.

Setting limits is a critical job for any parent. Remembering to enforce those limits isn't easy, but don't worry: Your kids will remind you.

"After I told my daughter we'd only buy the things we needed at the store, I let her add this and that to our bill. When we got to the car she said, 'You were really easy. I expected you to say no.' It dawned on me that I had become an easy mark for her," says Gary Hill, a family therapist and clinical services director at The Family Institute at Northwestern University in Chicago.
"After that, every store we went to, she'd ask for things. Finally, I had to sit her down and apologize, telling her from then on, I'd be more consistent. She got the message and was fine with it. You've got to be ever vigilant. If you set a limit with your kids, you simply have to follow through. Otherwise, you end up reinforcing the very behavior you're trying to get rid of," Hill says.

Focus on Security -- Not Scare Tactics

Instilling respect for Mom's rules is important, but sometimes, in moments of haste, parents accidentally instill fear instead.

"I was really frustrated because my 4-year-old son, David, was dawdling and wouldn't get with my schedule for getting in the car. Before I could stop myself, I asked him, 'Are you sure you want to stay inside this house by yourself, with all those bogeys under your bed?'" says Geri Pearson, assistant psychiatry professor at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington.

Of course, the scare tactic backfired, leaving Pearson with a first-class case of guilt and a fair bit of damage control to do. "I felt awful for implying the things he imagined were actually real. Then we 'swept' the bogeys away. Of course, I also had to reassure him again and again that he was safe. I realized it was more important that he feel secure than we get out the door on time," Pearson says.

Get All the Facts First

It's only natural to defend your child if he's been accused of wrongdoing. But like you, your child makes mistakes too, and it's important to get the whole story before you decide how to respond.

"I self-righteously chewed out the school nurse when she called me to say my 10-year-old son had sent her daughter an inappropriate e-mail. When he told me at first he hadn't, I believed him. It turned out he had," says Roni Cohen-Sandler, clinical psychologist in Weston, Connecticut, and author of Trust Me Mom, Everyone Else is Going. "You shouldn't be so sure that your kids would never do anything wrong. Sometimes they act out of character, so you shouldn't automatically defend them."

Even though her son hadn't known what the word he'd written meant, Cohen-Sandler took away his Internet privileges for lying. "Today computers are his life. He learned to be very careful about what he writes," she says. "And to be honest from the start."

Watch Your Mouth

Kids hear everything you say, and nothing makes an impact like a parent's slip of the tongue.

Tired

2005-08-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am a little bit tired today. I am at work right now - and the weather here in Vancouver is so gorgeous, I wish I could take a day off and enjoy the outside sunny weather and go for grouse grind (hiking) or do some running or maybe do some golf ha?

Even I'm tired and feel overwhelmed. Thinking about the spiritual battles I will face each day. With all His grace I am blessed as I know that God always giving me the strength that I need in order to reach my goal today--- able to accomplish all the works as I walk a mile with pleasure.

Thank you Lord for the wonderful day as I can enjoy the pleasure today and walk with you.

Praise be to God!!!

Obeying God

2005-08-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

On this long trip of journey as Christian, I sometimes started wondering if I going to the right way. Or Am I following the Lord'swill? Though God may reveal His plan to me, and the steps on achieving it aren't always obvious. I only have this small knowledge to understand everything that God wants to reveal for me.

As a Christian, I travel along a path of obedience, though, most likely experience conflict. It challenge me this, sometimes what I think or what I want is contrary to God's plan, or I could say, there is a conflict between God's values and in my own little world.To learn this obedience requires moving ahead of God's signal, even when every detail is not clear.

Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. Forthere is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

I asked this again to myself, "How can I obey God?" how would I know about obedience? Should I keep on silence and let Him speak? And will see what happen?

I believe that a life of obedience requires learning total submission to God, and His way is perfect. We are to surrender our desires to His, even when we do not understand or when the cost seems high to achieve. Also requires willingness to accept divine chastisement. Though, no one here lives a perfect life---and we go off course daily but I do believe that God will discipline us in order to turn us back toward Him.

Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourge the very son whom he receiveth.

Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

Obeying God is not required of doing sort of exorcism, fasting or any kind of practices that not pleases God. But obeying God is tied closely to living obedient lives in meditating upon the Word of God.

Meditating means reading the Scriptures and asking ourselves this:

"What do these verses teach me about God or myself? Is there any example to follow or to avoid? Is this a command, a promise, or a warning that I need to understand it and to apply? What action do I need take to align my life with this Truth?"

Psalms 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

2005-08-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows you
As a man of honor
I am glad to know you
Simply as a friend

You've always taken
Time to be my brother
And I'll be standing by you in the end

But I will never put you on a pedestal
I thank the Lord for everything you do
I'll be there to pray for you and for the ones you love
I believe that He will finish all He's started in you

I will be an open
Door that you can count on
Anywhere you are
Anywhere you've been
I will be an honest

Heart you can depend on
I will be your faithful friend.

I am one of many
Whose path has been made clearer
By the light you've carried faithfully
As a warrior and a child God has used you greatly
To encourage and inspire
You've remained a true friend all the while

So I will never put you on a pedestal
Cause we both know all the glory is the Lord's
And I'll be there to pray that He will keep you by His grace
And I always will remind you to be seeking His face

I will be an open
Door that you can count on
Anywhere you are
Anywhere you've been
I will be an honest Heart you can depend on
I will be a faithful friend

Should it ever come your time to mourn
I will weep with you
And every single time you win I'm celebrating, too

Oh, I will celebrate with you

I will be an open
Door that you can count on
Anywhere you are
Anywhere you've been

I will be an honest
Heart you can depend on

I will be a faithful friend
I will be faithful
I will be a faithful friend.

~~~

So that he is more than a friend, even a brother that helps in time of adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

The truth beyond Love

2005-08-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was in University; I really do love to read books not Christian's books ha! but books that will make me "kilig" (excite) ---books about romance, about dating. These books I read from my young age, it gave me a real good impression about love which I thought that's the real meaning of the term "love". But to be honest, I didn't even know what the true meaning of love is?

During that time, all I know when you say love---for me it is something that you could give it away and let it go without knowing the meaning of it. Love that can be something to be selfish sometimes---something that you could give it up with your entire life so people can make them happy and make them satisfy. Love can be material or immaterial ---and thats all about it.

For sure many of you have their own different meaning of love too.

Now, as a Christian, one of the journeys - this commandment always telling me that `Give your love as much you could without any condition and without measuring it and without any doubt.

I asked myself this "what is the truth about love then?

As other's definition, "love", it has been said, is the universal language. It is extolled everywhere, by everyone, as the pinnacle of virtue---but what the world needs now? You may hear all these different singers who sang about love---the Beatles claimed from one of their song "All you need is love." – Michael Bolton contended from his song title, "Love is a wonderful thing". These titles of songs are so beautiful to hear it, of course, a wonderful thing.

But why? Why love is a virtue?

If I remember, in the Bible, a Rabbi once posed a question to Jesus that many rabbis him had debated. "Teacher," he said, "which is the greatest commandment in the Law?""Love the Lord your God," Jesus answered, "with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment --- and the second is "Love your neighbour as yourself" --- you'll find this in Matthew chapter 22 I believed.

The greatest precept of law, according to Jesus, is the command oflove. He even went so far as to say, "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may sons of your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:44-45.

The whole book of New Testament is telling us all about "love" and the percept is very clear ---for God, for families, for our neighbours, even for our enemies --- is commanded. This is the true message we have ever heard from the beginning.

These commands point to a principle too--- love for God and love for others. Regardless of whether a specific precept addresses a certain decision or behaviour, the principle of love for God and others dictates whether our actions are right or wrong, coz love is a principle God values. Ultimately, of course, love is a true virtue not simply it is commanded, nor even coz it is a principle God values, but coz God is like that --- and God is love. Other people may not understand the true meaning of this, but this meaning directed to the person of God himself. I do believe that this is the area that I need to look upeveryday "to love" --- doesn't matter who I deal with everyday.

1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath tous. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, andGod in him.

He loves us so much "with an everlasting love"Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

He loves us so much that He gave His son to die for us.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

He loves us so much, while we were still sinners --- while we still committing sin --- displaying enmity towards God and Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while wewere yet sinners, Christ died for us.

He is the kind of God who continues to love us even those who curse Him, who mock Him, coz love is one of His nature --- It is not something He does, but it is something He is. There can be no way of disputing the fact that love is a virtue, coz the test of Truth grounds love in the nature and character of God --- and we can always then say that "love of God and others is right – for all people, for all times, and for all places.

I can say that the more we love, the more we see the true meaning of love not just we want to be loved or we loved coz we are attracted to that person --- we love coz we see the true meaning of this through Jesus Christ. He is the beginning of love.

John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

_______

Note: this message is also posted in our e-group "The Equipping Christians Group"

Camp Stories

2005-08-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Summer Camp 2005 "Teens" (20th Anniversary)

Our church here in Vancouver, British Columbia just had the teens summer camp week from July 18 to 22. It was a blessing for me to hear their testimony. They really had a good time with the Lord. Here are some stories...

Camper: We are going home tomorrow. Guess I'd better rumple up my panjamas and squeeze out of halp of my toothpaste."

A New York youngster, who was more accustomed to man-made wonders than the marvels of nature, went off to summer camp for the first time. There he saw his first rainbow. The attitude of the child, as he gazed upon the gorgeous display of the colours in the sky, was one of wonder and perflexity. He finally exclaimed to this counselor, "it's very beautiful, but what is it supposed to advertise?"

By what do we gauge a successful camp program? that the camper goes home to enthusiastically report on the really great counselor, the good food, or the number of badges he has own? or by a quietly spoken statement: "Mom, I met Jesus Christ while I was camp".

The great evangelist D. L. Moody was once asked, "How many converts did you have last night?" one teen answered, "Two and one half." --- You mean two adults and a child? "No", he replied. "Two children and one adult."

A child converted is a whole life converted to Jesus.

What a blessing!

Pride

2005-07-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

God does not denigrate pride in its positive sense. The Bible has a hundred ways to illustrate the quiet feeling of competence that lies behind one's ability to do what he knows he has to do and can do.

The apostle Paul's ministry was grounded on the assurance that Christ would help him finish what he had started. If that is what is meant by "pride", we should certainly cultivate it and thank God for it.

Pride in the dictionary sense of conceited and overbearing behaviour, it brings our the worst in antisocial relationships. Such pride is not the answer to the human problem; it is the human problem...all of the major transgressions to inflict woe upon the human race---fear, greed, cruelty, lust, unbelief--- can be traced to run away pride.

As to whether or not our pride is sin, the answer ultimately rests with each of us. Christian knows the condition of his own heart. He measures it by the Word of God.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.

1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

2005-07-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name,
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, His blood, support me in the whelming flood;
When all around is all my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.

In Jesus' Arms

2005-07-13T22:05:00.000-07:00

Safe in the arms of Jesus,
Safe on His gentle breast,
There, by His love o'ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest.

Hark! tis the voice of angels,
Borne in a song to me,
Over the fields of glory,
Over the jasper sea.

Safe in the arms of Jesus
Safe on His gentle breast,
There, by His love o'ershaded,
Sweetly my soul shall rest...

Psalms 108:7 God hath spoken in his holiness; I will rejoice, I will divide Shechem, and mete out the valley of Succoth.

Serving God brings Joy

2005-06-28T00:39:00.000-07:00

Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalms 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Psalms 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

Psalms 51:13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.

There is no joy like love. There is no joy but love. Christ had just spoken of the Father's love and His own abiding in it, and of His having loved us with that same love.

His Joy is nothing but the joy of love, of being loved and of loving. It was the joy of receiving His Father's love and abiding in it, and then the joy of passing on that love and pouring it out on sinners.

It is this joy He wants us to share - the joy of being loved of the Father and of Him, the joy of it our turn loving and living for those around us.

Good Nite Lord

2005-06-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

Lord,

Thank you for another 2 hours online. I had the precious time here to update my blogs, and I even got a chance to talk to my partner, and my other friends here online. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to use this web to give glory to your name.

How blessed I am that you care about every details of my life and the lives of my family. Thank you for your faithfulness to us. Forgive my times of doubt and unbelief sometimes. Help me to trust you even as I wait for some long ago breathed prayers to still be answered.

I also pray for my friends here that each one of them will experience your direction, your provision, protection and your extra ordinary love.

I sincerely pray for my beloved, always give him the strength and the wisdom he needs and help him to be Your hands extended.

I know, this is not the only time for me to go online, but I need to rest myself now. I leave it to Your care tonite as I will sleep tonite in your loving arms.

I love you Lord, not so much for what You do for me but who You are ---a faithful Father.

Psalms 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

Amen.

Goodnite!

logging off...

God Requires Holy Living

2005-06-24T23:06:00.000-07:00

Our daily expression of holiness is a reflection of our faith in Christ. If we have no desire to be holy, we should seriously question the genuiness of our faith in the Lord Jesus.

Christ not only died to save us from the punishment for our sins, but also from slavery to sin in this worldly culture. To continue to live in sin as a Christian is contradictory to the most basic meaning of Christianity. Chirst died to save us from our sins, not to let us remain in our sins.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

1 John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Holiness, then, is not an option for the believer.

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Though holiness is not a condition for salvation, it is the natural consequence of salvation. We do not become holy in order to be saved, but because we are get to heaven, but because heaven has already come into our hearts.

To trust Jesus Christ for salvation is to trust him for holiness. If there is no desire for holiness within, then it is doubtful that the Holy Spirit has come to dwell within. The Holy Spirit does not save us without giving us the desire to live a holy life.

Have you been faithful in the Lord Jesus?

When God Changes Our Hearts, Our Actions Change, Too

2005-06-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

True repentance occurs when we begin to see sin from God's point of view - when we see the way our sin has broken his heart. Perhaps the idea that God's heart can be broken by our sin is new to you.

In Genesis6:5-6 we are told, "

Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

Genesis 6:6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

God was so disappointed with what He saw that there was a grief or sorrow in his heart.

Jesus also was brokenhearted as He wept over Jerusalem.

Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

God's heart aches over our sin. It alienates us from him and from our fellow believers.

If we want to have victory over sin and turn our lives wholeheartedly over to God, then we must see our sin from God's perspective. There is no preaching on hell can ever change a person's heart like seeing the grief sin has brought to the heart of the One who created us. We must ask God to show us what our sin does to him. As we do this and begin to understand his great love of us, despite how much we have hurt and grieved His heart, turning away from that sin is the natural thing to do. This is the test of our sincerity and of the level of our desperation to be right with God.

Luke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

DAD

2005-06-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,

The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,

The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,

Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! to all Dad.

F - faithful.
A - always there.
T - trustworthy.
H - Honoring.
E - Ever-loving.
R - Righteous.
S - Supportive

A father, a provider of all, a loving father...

I miss you Dad! You will always here in my heart...always be your little girl.

"H" is for Heart

2005-06-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

The psalmist's joy in praising the Lord is contangious as he determines to praise the Lord with his whole heart. In essence, the psalmist makes a vow to praise God whether anyone else does or not. Neither will he consider his feelings nor his emotions in the matter, but he will put forth the strenth of his will in this high calling of praise.

Psalms 9:1 <> I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

With enthusiasm, the psalmist also declares that by his will he should be enabled to give whole hearted praise the Lord, no halfhearted measures are sufficient. If an athlete running a race wants to win, he must run with his whole being set on the goal. Otherwise, any halfhearted effort guarantees failure. Moreover, whatever occupation a person has, he must pursue it wholeheartedly, or he will not be successful. Would we desire to have a surgeon operate on us if he would not do his best? Or would we have an attorney represent us if he possessed an indifferent attitude? No, whatever our task, we need to do it with quiet determination, yet with confidence and joy knowing that we have done our best.

So with the psalmist, there is no proper way to praise the Lord except with a "whole heart." Having made this declaration, the psalmist adds that the will then show forth all of God's marvelous works.

What are these marvelous works? They're simply God's dealing with each of us, beginning with the work of Christ's salvation. But daily we see the Lord's provision for us in many things - a good night's rest, strength for the day, His watch-care over us in keeping us from harm, our daily bread, family and friends, and overall, His peace and joy.

May the Lord grant us grace to praise Him with our whole heart - and thus to show forth His marvelous works.

"T" is for Thanksgiving

2005-06-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

The blessedness of giving thanks to the Lord cannot be overemphasized. Whatever the situation, whether it be filled with joy, or filled with sadness and even despair, we are told to give thanks to God.

The Bible tells us to do such simple yet often difficult task. To give God thanks, first of all, is an act of worship and obedience - we are commanded to do so. But giving thanks also implies trust in God; trust that He will do what His Word promises; trust that He will answer that seemingly impossible prayer request; and trust that "all things work together for good."

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms, we are told repeatedly to give thanks and praise to God. A good example of this instruction appears in Psalm 50:14-15 - where the psalmist reminds us to " offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify me." Here we see a direct link between giving thanks to God, calling upon Him in trouble, and then, witnessing His mighty deliverance in and through a difficult place.

If you remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down and woship an earthly king, they were thrown into the fiery furnace. But they trusted God to deliver them - and He did! In fact, they came out of the intense fire and heat without their bodies or clothing being burned, without their hair being singed or even the smell of smoke clinging to them.

As we give thanks to God, something mysterious happens. It is as though we place our hand in His and provide an open door for Him to work.

Reconcile Daily Life and Faith

2005-06-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

I believe once you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and willing to walk with God - expect that there will be a conviction and an obvious changes in the life of anyone who believes in Jesus wholeheartedly.

In this journey of Christian life, I would like to share these three major characteristics mark the new way of life. I hope that will help you to reconcile your daily life and your faith in God.

First, "Break with sin" - Conversion includes the forgiveness of our sins. We now live differently since sin no longer has any hold on us. As a born again Christians we are not without sin, but what previously normal and everyday, now assumes the proportions of a train disaster. Observing the commandments, which where not given as prohibitions but as guidelines for a successful life, will change the course of our lives.

This major change shows God that we love Him.

1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Second, "Faith in our Daily Lives" - Everyone who believes in Christ and hence diligently reads the Bible, will find a wealth of helpful scriptures for all areas of life. Meditating the word of God daily will make our lives healthy, and will help us to grow spiritually.

I've got some of Scriptures that will help you and deals almost exclusively with the practical aspects of faith. This concern most of "YOU" "own person", and the "interaction with others."

From my list here, I have selected at least "ten" aspect of our faith with supporting verses that you can meditate.

Our (You) person:

- Work as a principle of life - (Eccl. 2:3-11)
- Worries - (Ps. 55:22; Prov. 12:25; Phil. 4:6; Eccl. 5:19)
- Temptation - (Pet. 1:6-7; James 1:2,12)
- Wordly desire, worldly values - (Eccl. 2:2-11)
- Attitude - (Phil. 2:5)
- Happiness and joy - (Ps. 118:24; Prov. 15:13; Prov. 17:22)
- Depression - (Ps.42:5; Ps.119:25)
- Fear of men - (Ps. 56:1-2; Ps. 118:6,8; Prov. 29:25)
- false teachings - (Col.2:8; 2Pet. 3:17; 1John4:6)
- Disaster - (Isa. 45:7; Lament 3:31-37; Amos 3:6)

Interaction with others:

- Parents - (Ex. 5:22-28; Prov. 6:20; Prov. 30:17; Eph. 6:1-3)
- Friends - (Micah 7:5)
- Enemies - (Prov.25:21-22; Matt. 5:22,44; Rom. 12:14)
- Evil men - (Prov. 1:10; Prov. 24:1-2; 1Pet.3:9)
- Believers - (Rom. 12:10; Gal. 6:2,10b; Eph. 4:32; Phil. 2:4; 1Pet.3:8-9)
- Unbelievers - (Matt. 22:32-33; Acts 1:8; Col. 4:5; 1Pet. 2:12,15)
- The sick - (Matt.25:36; James 5:14-16)
- Strangers and guests - (Matt. 25:35; Rom. 12:13; Hebr.13:2)
- False prophets - (1John 4;1-3; Jude 18-19)
- Doubters - (Jude 22-23)

Third, "In the world, not of the world" - The Lord Jesus condensed the framework of His disciples' actions as follows "You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. The is why the world hate you.

John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Whoever believes in Jesus, still lives in this world like everybody else but in addition and the connection to what we have in second aspect of life and faith, your attitude to life has an eternal dimension. And this eternal dimension affects the Christians' relationship with God, the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ.

To maintain that relationship with God, we are to "love God" (Deut. 6:5; Ps 31:24; Matt. 22:37), we are to get to know Him (Ps. 46;10), we are to keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:13;Micah 6;8), we are to draw close to Him (James 4:8). We are to believe in Him and to accept Him (Hebr. 11:6; Mark 16:16; John 11:25-26; Acts 16;31). We are also to have communion with Him (John.15:2; 1Cor. 1:9; 1Cor.11:23-29; 1John1:3).

We live in a world where Satan can have the opportunity to deceive us, to confuse us, to destroy our faith in Christ - and thats what he does all the time, but if we continually keep our relationship to God healthy, and live closely to God and able to reconcile the daily life and faith - Satan won't be able to access it to our door and not able to destroy our heart.

Because as He promised, "You are not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world."

"Be reconciled with God".

Ways to share the love of Christ

2005-06-10T21:07:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of ways to share the love of Christ. And here are some.

Personal Activities

1. Invite a friend to a concert, revival or special worship service at your church. Following the service, go out for dessert and talk with him or her about the message presented in the service.

2. Send a birthday card to a friend. Enclose a personal note sharing about your own spiritual birthday.

3. Clip a special "article" from a daily devotional guide or newspaper religion column and mail it to a friend who needs to know Jesus. Include a personal note conveying love and compassion.

4. Subscribe to a favorite devotional guide or Christian periodical for a friend.

5. Write a letter of encouragement to a college student. Point them to the One who encourages you daily.

6. Write a letter or note of thanks to one who serves in the military services in our country. Include a scripture reference of 1 Corinthians 2:9.

7. Design your own business card to introduce yourself. Include a gospel presentation on the back of the card.

8. Take contemporary Christian tapes and CDs to a juvenile detention center, youth receiving home or shelter. Attach a note to each item sharing John 3:16.

9. Take copies of Home Life and leave them in laundromats. Write the name of your church on each copy and a note saying you hope an article in the magazine will be particularly helpful to the reader.

10. Leave a sealed candy bar or snack near the electric meter attached to your home. Attach a tract or note of "Good News" to the candy bar and state that you would like to share both.

11. Leave a refreshing drink of cold water for the person who picks up your garbage. Attach a note including John 4:14.

12. Leave a "Here's an Extra Tip" tract with your gratuity at restaurants, etc.

13. Ask your pastor to make a 10-15 minute video presenting the plan of salvation and explaining Believer's baptism. Share the video with a lost friend.

14. Go down to the local "hang out" where young boys shoot basketball. Ask to join the game. Ask if you can share a Bible verse with them before you leave.

15. Use the tract "Thank You" to express appreciation to one who has served you (hairdresser, waiter, clerk, etc.).

16. Visit a lonely senior adult living at home, in a retirement center, or in a nursing facility. Share John 14:1-6 and present the gospel. Before leaving pray - thanking God for His love and the gift of eternal life for those who trust in Him.

17. When someone greets you with "have a good day," respond with "thank you, that makes me feel good. Now let me give you some good news. Has anyone told you today that Jesus loves you? I can prove it: The Bible says …"(John 3:16)

18. Wear a T-shirt with a Christian message. Use the printed message as an opportunity to share Christ with someone.

19. Write out your personal testimony. Practice giving it by sharing it with a friend. Ask if they have ever had a similar experience.

20. Write a note of congratulations when a friend, neighbor, or family member is recognized for success. Share how every good and perfect gift is from above.

21. Look for a person at work who is not happy. Seek to develop a friendship with him/her. Share your source of happiness.

22. Develop a personal tutoring ministry for children of single parents or students who need to learn English as a second language. Use the ministry for opportunities to share Christ.

23. Get the Jesus Video and invite a group of internationals to view the film with you. Explain to them how they can receive Christ as Savior.

24. Make a personal phone call to one who has received discouraging news recently. Share that God loves them and is sufficient for all their needs. Include your personal testimony of how God sustained you in your hour of need.

25. When you notice a stranger reading a newspaper, offer him/her a gospel booklet and say "Excuse me, would you like to read some good news that you might not find in there?"

26. Cross-stitch attractive book marks with a gospel message. Share them with friends who enjoy reading.

27. Share a Christian book with a friend. Tell them after they read it you would like to hear their opinion of it.

28. Share a tape of one of your pastor's special sermons with a friend or neighbor. Use this as an opportunity to share the plan of salvation.

29. Include a gospel tract and note of appreciation along with a brief personal testimony when you mail your monthly utility payments.

30. Make a visit to new parents. Take a copy of Parent Life to share with the new mom and dad. Leave a note sharing your joy with them and Psalm 127:3.

31. Wear a "Power Band." Share the meaning of each colored bead with a lost friend.

32. Do something special for someone you work with. Tell them you enjoy helping others because this is one way you can share Christ's love.

33. Send a Valentine card with a gospel tract sharing about God's love.
Family Activities

34. During family devotional times, help family members to pray for the salvation of their lost friends. Encourage family members to tell their friends about Christ.

35. Take a walk with your grandchild and tell him or her about when you came to trust in Christ.

36. When your children invite friends for a sleep-over, use your family devotional time to share John 3:16.

37. Take a plate of home-baked cookies or a pie to a new neighbor. Include a note of welcome to the neighborhood and a favorite Bible verse.

38. Host a birthday party for a family member, inviting friends and neighbors. Share with the group a brief word about your spiritual birthday.

39. Write a letter or note to a lost relative. Share with them what Christ means to you.

40. Host a dinner party or picnic for neighbors. Include conversation about relationships and conclude with an account of your most important relationship in life.

41. Write a letter to your personal physician thanking him for his care. Include an acknowledgement of the Great Physician.

42. Invite an unsaved family member, friend or neighbor to view a Billy Graham Crusade program with you in your home when being shown in your local viewing area.

43. Host a Christmas, Easter, or other Christian holiday celebration in your home, and invite neighbors and community public servants. Share a brief devotional and tell how Christ has made this holiday season special to you and your family.

44. Write a letter of thanks to your local elected officials. Tell them that you will pray for them as they seek to be of service to the community. Include a reference to your faith.

45. Demonstrate the love of Christ with the giving of a gift. Share fresh produce or fruit from your garden. Tell the receiver you enjoy sharing the love of Christ with others.

Group Activities

46. Offer your yard for a backyard Vacation Bible School or Backyard Bible Club.

47. Plan a wild game dinner inviting hunters in your community to bring a "dish."
Ask a popular Christian sportsman to tell stories of interest, share his personal testimony and present the gospel.

48. Conduct a small-scale Health Fair in a low-income housing area. Use Christian professionals to screen cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Conclude the screening with a Christian doctor or nurse sharing a gospel presentation.

49. Host a financial planning seminar. Advertise in the community. During a refreshment time ask a Christian in the financial community to share a brief testimony including the parable of the "rich young ruler."

50. Sponsor a Marriage and Family class or seminar for engaged couples in your community. Enlist a qualified Christian Counselor to teach and also share a Christian witness.

51. Host a seminar on "Writing Your Will," led by a Christian lawyer. Ask him to conclude with his personal testimony on spiritual preparation for death.

52. Sponsor a golf tournament. Ask participants to invite a friend who needs to know Christ. Before awards are given, have a Christian layman share his testimony.

53. Offer a "Teen's Basic Car Care and Simple Mechanics" course to the teenagers in your community. Ask a respected layman to give a brief devotional, sharing how he came to accept Christ.(Ecclesiastes 12:1)

54. Host a pizza party for a local high school ball team and guests. Show a Christian video that relates to youth.

55. Challenge your local high school athletic team (any sport) to play your deacons, church staff, or other ministry group. After the game, provide a pizza dinner. Give a devotional or other Christian book of interest to the team. Thank them for participating.

56. As a church group, set up a booth at community festivals or fairs. Give away cold water, drinks and small gifts. Offer free copies of scripture and gospel materials.

57. When a church group does a fund-raiser, barbeque, or fish dinners, etc., include a gospel presentation and information on your church with each order.
58. As a church group, conduct a Block Party. Have several trained witnesses to do personal witnessing.

59. Encourage your church or Sunday School department to host an appreciation banquet for local law enforcement officers or other community servants. Use a layman to share a personal testimony.

60. Sponsor a Sports Clinic for young boys and girls in your community. Before or after the session, ask a Christian coach to share the importance of both physical and spiritual development.

God's Purpose - God is a spiritual being who is both holy and loving. He loves everyone and desires a personal, spiritual relationship with each individual. John 3:16

Our Problem - We are born into this world without a personal relationship with God because we are sinners. Our sin carries the penalty of spiritual separation from God, both in this life and throughout eternity, unless we are rescued. Romans 3:23; 6:23

God's Provision - Because God loves us, He provides a way to forgive our sin and bring us into a personal relationship with Him. Jesus died for us and was later resurrected from the dead. Romans 5:8; 4:25

Our Response - We must individually accept His forgiveness and establish a covenant relationship with Him through faith in what God has done through Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9, 13

Our Prayer to God - The following words can be presented to God as a sincere expression of one's desire to establish a relationship with Him:

Dear God,

I believe that your son, Jesus, died on the cross and was raised from death. Because I am a sinner, I need your forgiveness. Please forgive me of all my sin and come into life. Right now, I turn away from my sinful life and acknowledge Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for forgiving me and giving to me the gift of eternal life. Thank you for the abiding presence of your Holy Spirit in my life.

Amen.

Make a list of individuals who need to accept Christ as savior. Pray daily for them. Be sensitive and responsive to divine opportunities for sharing the gospel with these people.

Pride to Humility

2005-06-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 16:19 Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Where once "PRIDE" was recognized as a fatal flaw, in our day it come close to being celebrated. A lot of players have this line "I am the greatest" among all the players, I beat them, no one can beat me coz I am the greatest player of all time. A promoter was qouted, "I never cease to amaze my own self" - and then added, "I say that humbly." This statament, how could that come out if he were to say it with pride?

Matthew 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

This is another area that I need to practice everyday in my spiritual life - but coz of pride I have the hard time to do and to show it. I always say, "what does it mean to "humble myself" in my everyday life? If I want to see myself "be proud" in front of people, I want to show people how smart I am - I want to show how great I am. Also, how can I humble myself if I am not willing to give up something that I know I don't have to but I have to.

Is this kind of attitude will please God? what would I do if not?

I do believe, in place of pride, Jesus invites us to a life of "humility" - "all who humble themselves will be exalted." But sometimes, we have become badly confused the word "humility". We know that we ought to become humble, but we're not sure if it is all for desirable. We're not even sure what a humble person is like?

"Humble yourself" in everyday life, if we take this seriously. Someone compliments us on the way we look. We are trying to live in God's kingdom and respond as Jesus would if he were in our place. What do we do?

Here are some points that we can do:

- Look down at the ground, shuffle our feet, and say, "I'm not really attractive. It's just that the light in here is pretty dim."

- Boldly speak the truth by saying, "I'm terribly interested in what you say. Tell me more, and let us celebrate this good news together.

- In Proverbs 11:22 As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion. --- this will pretty much remove any problem of receiving too many compliments.

- Be direct and to the point: " You are giving me a swelled head. Get behind me, satan."

- Smile, say "thank you", then be quiet.

Humility is not about convincing ourselves - or others, what we are unattractive or incompetent. It is not about "beating ourselves up", or trying to make ourselves nothing. If God wanted to make us nothing, he could have done it.

Humility has to do with total submission. It involves a healthy sefl-forgetfulness. We will know we have begun to make progress in humility when we find that we get so enabled by the Holy Spirit to live in the moment that we cease to be preoccupied with ourselves, one way or the other. When we are with others, we are truly with them, not wondering how they can be of benefit to us.

2 Chronicles 34:27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD.

I also believe that humility, if ever we could grow into it, would not be burden. It would be an immense gift. Humility is the freedom to stop trying to be what we're not, or pretending to be what we're not, and accepting our "appropriate smallness".

But how on earth can we pursue humility? We know that if we have so much pride, a possibility, pride is a persistent problem for us who strive for spiritual growth.

Sometimes, part of my weakness is "pride". When I am in a place that I notice certain things. Like, noticing people or watching people how they act unpleasant, or I see them often how they look like in a physical appearance "beauty or ugly" - from that moments, I find certain thoughts involuntarily running through my mind - by thinking, "How can people act like so unpolite or how people dress up like that if they don't look good on that dress? or How can people eat junk food, or eat that amount of food? Have they no discipline, no self-restraint? How they can treat their bodies this way? ---those kind of thoughts...that way, I thought it is not very pleasant to watch them. By comparing myself with them, and trying to see myself, trying to say, "I am good than her/him. Isn't it true?

Whether we admit it or not - we always get these thoughts even though - or perhaps more precisely, coz these people are doing the same thing we do, that we are not aware of it - or maybe we are aware of it, we just don't want to admit it that we are doing the same thing. Isn't it true again? (Yes, for me it is true)

Here is the problem: when we try to see good things in us to look ourselves good, we knew that we are intensely aware of it. And we tend to be aware of other people who aren't putting forth the same effort with their sloth - the result of all these is "pride", "comparison", "judgementalism", and I agree to this next one "lack of love".

Practicing "humility" is not easy to do. I do admit to myself sometimes that I can't just humble myself if I know I don't have to. But if we think about it, the example of humility is Jesus Christ - Jesus humbled Himself by taking the cross that He wasn't supposed to have it. A cross that meant for us, but instead He took it and He sacrificed Himself just to show how much He loves His people. Even though, He knew, how much sinned we had - but He never looked at that way - but He loved us instead.

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Why Quit?

2005-06-02T23:09:00.000-07:00

In our lives, we've all had negative things happen to us. Maybe you just had a broken relationship with someone, or a member of the family suffering from sickness and needing for some cure. We all have these unfair and unjust things happen to us; that's part of life. When we hurt, we can choose to hold on that pain and become bitter, or we can choose to let go and trust God to make it up to us.

But most of the time, we always say "I quit" when the trial or trouble comes. Don't! Instead, take what God has given you and make the most of it. You may have suffered much, endured great hardships, or been through a lot of pain and have lot of negative things happened. You may have deep scars in there in your heart from emotional wounds, but don't let that trouble turn you down, and let you quit. And if you have pain from the past - don't let that past determine your future. You can't do anything about what happened to you, but instead you can choose how you will face what's in front of you. Don't hold on to feelings of bitterness and resentment and let them poison your future.

If you want to live and see the light that only God can reveal that, you must be guick to get up, let go of those hurts and pains. If you have done something wrong from the past - forget the past and face the future - a new future waiting for you that full of blessings! - God created you in His image. He wants you to be happy, and whole. God wants to see you to enjoy life to the full, not to live with bitterness and resentment.

You can't just live all the time with all these sufferings and be a prisoner, but instead, with an attitude to say, "Yes! I can do it, I can live and move on and I am ready to take all the blessings from God that He prepared for me. I will start putting my trust in Him as I know He will not leave me, and His promise will never fade away".

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Time Reveal

2005-06-01T00:16:00.000-07:00

They ultimately reveal what we are trusting in. Often times when we get into trouble, we depend primarily on friends or we lean on the connections we have with people "in high places".

Psalms 118:8-9 It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

You may be facing a trial or you may be into trouble and wondering how the Lord will deliver you. Just go ahead and give thanks in faith that God has a bigger plan than we can see and He will bless your faith.

Forgiving Hurts

2005-05-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a hard time to forgive someone who hurt you badly?

I guess, this is the area that many individual have to deal with at some point. I consider it to be the major root of many physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual problems as I can see today - including myself.

I (we) always have the attitude - "I don't think I could ever forgive that person who hurt me", How can I forgive him, I feel that I have been dealt with in such an unjust, unfair, harmful way that I (we) can't let go of that pain.

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" (Eph. 4:31-32)

Somehow, as a Christian, we have to face the fact that we are all going to be hurt no matter how, no matter when - we have been hurt, are hurting now, or we are going to be hurt by somebody in some point. We may be facing this challenge in our spiritual lives right now, how are we going to dealt this pain to forgive someone?

The only way we can insulate ourselves against being hurt is removing ourselves completely from the possibility of love.

"to risk love is to risk hurt". It is hard to face it, isn't it? hurt is unavoidable, but we can deal with hurt, no pain is too deep or to widespread to be beyond the power of God's forgiveness working in and through us.

God have commanded us always for our good, and this one is no exception - Jesus plainly taught in Matthew - Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Even though we facing the position to forgive - I believe, by the power of the Holy Spirit we can still be gentle and will give us the right conviction and the gentleness to forgive coz God can forgive us every time we ask for forgiveness.

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

How often and earnestly long-suffering and forbearance are enjoined! Nor have we ground for expecting that God will forgive us unless we also forgive.

To forgive is a choice that we make and it is an act of our will, and it is a will of God that He wants us to do. "love to one another".

Living In Jesus Name

2005-05-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

Whenever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

In the Bible, names often reflect a person's character - so to do something in Jesus name means to do it in way consistent with his character - to do it the way Jesus Himself would.

Every moment is an opportunity to live Jesus' name, in all the everyday stuff of life can be filled with His presence - if you are.

Start by thinking about what it would mean to do each of these activities in Jesus' name. It is a wonderful feeling to begin our day with giving thanks our Lord Jesus in every blessings He bestowed upon us.

Waking up in the morning to begin opening the Bible and reflect the Word of God.
Greeting those you see first thing in the morning and by giving them a loving smile.
Eating, driving and even working outside the home which will bring glory to God.

Focus on Jesus' presence with you as you go through all these seemingly inconsequential moments of the day. Keep directing your thoughts back to Him, and let Him to guide your thoughts - and share your heart with Him and to others.

Psalms 113:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

Psalms 113:2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

Lord,

I know you have loved me first before I loved you. You are always there for me who guided me in every step of the way. You have touched my heart and you gave me this life to enjoy every single moment with You. Thank you for the precious moment, and for the chance that you have given me to see the light again and be your child.

I have met you once but let me love you more than anything in this world, and serve you as my Saviour oh Lord!

I love you Lord Jesus!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a forestate of glory divine!
Heir of Salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His spirit, washed in His blood.

Jesus: Example or Sacrifice?

2005-05-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

Some people believe that Jesus came to be our example of how to live a good life. To be sure, Jesus is our example of righteousness. We are to grow up into His nature and become like Him. But that isn't the reason Jesus came - Jesus came to die for us, to redeem us. His purpose was to be the sacrificial, substitutionary, all sufficient atonement. If Jesus didn't come for this reason, why did Jesus die? what purpose would His death have if not forgiveness?

Jesus could have spared His own life. His power to calm raging sea, to heal and deliver, is evidence of His ability to summon the forces of heaven on His behalf. His quick thinking and speaking in outwitting the scribes and Pharisees are evidence that He could have argued His case favorably before Pilate.

If Jesus had insisted on His natural human will in the matter, He could have walked away from Gethsemane, walked away from Jerusalem, and walked away from the cross long before His arrest in the garden - but instead He submitted His will to that of His heavenly Father, saying, "Not as I will, but as you will" (Matt. 26:39)

Again, in the New Testament we are confronted with the message. Christ died for us. Jesus Christ came so that you and I might transfer our guilt to Him, and accept, by faith, that He is the quiltless One who has received our sin and taken it to Himself.

If you are looking for an answer and asking for forgiveness on the basis of your pleas, promises, and performance, you will remain in sin and guilt. But once you have received the life of Christ, it is no longer natural for you to sin. Your nature now is to walk in close relationship with God. Thats part of what it means to be a "new creation" in Christ Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Spiritual Disciplines

2005-05-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

Spiritual disciplines are not a barometer of spirituality.

Many people become burdened coz they think God measures their spiritual performance on the basis of certain disciplines.

The truth is both challenging and liberating:

With this paradox from the book of "The freedom of the Christian".

"A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none"
"A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all"

Nowhere is this more true than with spiritual disciplines. As we have seen, the true indicator of spiritual well-being is growth in the ability to love God and people. If we can do this without the practice of any particular spiritual disciplines, then we should by all means skip them. We are free of having to impress God or anyone else with our spiritual commitment.

"Spiritual disciplines are to life what calisthenics are to a game --- like in basketball game, once the game starts - basketball players get no bonus points based on how many free throws they shot in practice. The only reason to practice them is to be able to make them in a game.

It is possible to spend every waking moment "practicing spiritual disciplines" but doing them in such a way as to make us less rather than more loving. In that case, of course, we would be better if we did none at all.

Spiritual disciplines are not necessarily unpleasant.

What make something a discipline depends on what we are training for. If we are training for a triathalon, we will pursue one set of practices but if we are training for a pie-eating contest, our preparation will look like something else - mostly, consuming vast amounts of pie. If we keep at it long enough, we will be amazed at how much pie we can eventually put away compared with what we can now.

What counts as "training" can only be determined when we know what it is we are training for.

Many of us got the impression somewhere that for an activity to count as a spiritual discipline, it must be something we could rather not do. However, if we are in training for a life characterized by joy, peace, and affection, we should assume that some of the practices are going to be downright enjoyable. Many of us need to discover "disciplines" such as celebration that will regularly produce in us rivers of wonder and gratitude.

Spiritual disciplines are not a way to earn favor with God.

Spiritual disciplines are not about trying to be good enough to merit God's forgiveness and goodwill. They are not ways to get extra credit, or to demonstrate to God how deeply we are committed to him. They exist for our sake, not God's. They have value only insofar as they help us morph.

In particular, spiritual disciplines don't oppose or exist in tension with grace. People who live under the bondage of legalism and then hear the message of grace are sometimes leery that talk of disciplines might lead to another form of religious oppression.

But spiritual disciplines are simply means of appropriating or growing toward the life that God graciously offers. This is why they are sometimes called a "means of grace".

Quote:

We must therefore attempt to recover a true understanding of the mutual relation between grace and discipleship...Happy are they who know that discipleship simply means the life which springs from grace, and that grace simply means discipleship.

Happy are they who have become Christians in this sense of the word, for them the word of grace has proved a fount of mercy.

Buddy "kolokoy"

2005-05-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

I am going to miss you buddy!!!

Spiritual Life Defined by Its Centre

2005-05-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

With Jesus it was not so. We know that Jesus have brought a message that spoke to our deepest longings of the human heart to become not simply conformed to a religious subculture but transformed into "new creatures." Many of us focusing on the boundaries, but Jesus focused on the centre, the centre of our heart - the heart of spiritual life.

When asked to identify what the law is about, Jesus response simply "Love God, love people." He named a fundametally different way of identifying who are the children of God. Do they love God, and do they love the people who mean so much to Him?

Jesus early followers understood this cleary. The apostle Paul wrote to the church at the Corith about the significance of having many spiritual "markers" but lacking the centre.

"If I speak in the tongues of mortals and angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy like a clanging cymbal. And if I have the prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."

Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 Corinthians 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

Flashback

2005-05-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hello Matthias,

I went to visit your blog during my lunch break and have read your message titled “genesis”. From that post there was this flashback in my head from the past - reminded (me) my old nature an “unsaved soul”.

There were these years in my life that I struggled a lot, felt that I was in prison of pain and sufferings - thought that I can’t get out of it, and be a prisoner forever.

Now, I would say life is beautiful living with Christ and letting Him to manage my own life and do His will.

I want to share this pattern to you, which I always have in my journal.

For all the negative things we have to say to ourselves, God has a positive answer for it. In everything we do, and we say, everything is possible to God – let have God to handle everything and we just need is to trust Him.

Remember, God is always with us - He's on our side. He sent His Word to us, His Holy Spirit to comfort us. He knows our weaknesses but if we are going to surrender every thing and start trusting God - all things will transform to a beautiful and a glorious life.

A conversation...

ms elove: "It's impossible"

God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

ms elove: "I'm too tired"

God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

ms elove: "Nobody really loves me"

God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34)

ms elove: "I can't go on"

God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

ms elove: "I can't figure things out"

God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

ms elove: "I can't do it"

God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

ms elove: "I'm not able"

God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

ms elove: "It's not worth it"

God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28)

ms elove: "I can't forgive myself"

God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

ms elove: "I can't manage"

God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

ms elove: "I'm afraid"

God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

ms elove: "I'm always worried and frustrated"

God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

ms elove: "I don't have enough faith"

God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3)

ms elove: "I'm not smart enough"

God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

ms elove: "I feel all alone"

God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

- God has all these answers with all our questions, just ask and He'll answer you through His word the "Bible".

By Faith

2005-05-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Eph. 2: 8-10.""For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not have works of righteousness, lest any man should boast. “For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

"Salvation is what we receive and not what we achieve."

Opening the Window of Hope

2005-05-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

God has one desire for us - to see us happy, living with joy. God doesn't want us to live with all these pain and sufferings. If we trapped in a downward swirl of our personal pain and sufferings, to see anything else but our own hurt is difficult. We can't be trappedwith all these difficulties in life all the time.

What we need is to open a new window of "Hope", coz "HOPE" begins the progress of opening windows, and HOPE gives us the knowledge that our lives can be enriched, regardless of the severity of our difficulties in life. Many of us, we give up far too easily when things don't go right - we feel discouraged, especially when we've struggled with a problem orweakness for a long time - but we should not lose HOPE.

If we struggle some kind of a problems - like "financial", a "broken vows", "sickness" or struggling to a relationship with someone. All these are challenges for us to face, but no matter what we're going through or how difficult it may seem, we can stay standing up strong, and take that courage and it will definitely take determination - but we can only do that if we decide to do so. We must act on our own will, not simply for our emotions.

We have all these trials that comes against us at once, but the key to living with all these difficulties in victory is to learn how to get up, and start opening the "WINDOW OF HOPE", and start trusting God.

1 John 3:3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

ms elove

Courage

2005-05-16T21:59:00.000-07:00

What do I need?

I need is courage and faith that will guide me along my way. Understanding and Wisdom and Grace to accept what life gives me to do.

Quote: I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something, I will not refuse to do the "something"that I can do.

As a Christian, there are things that we can do to make difference in this world. Share the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ to them and be an encouragement and be a blessing to everyone. Show the goodness, and the meaning of your heart with others, like what Jesus did to us.

Psalm 111:4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: theLORD is gracious and full of compassion.

ms elove

Words of the heart

2005-05-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

God have designed our heart to feel, to love and to give passion. Heart is the mirror of our whole being that gives life and to present Christ through us.

The beauty of the heart can exist at the edge precisely because it has nothing to lose, and everything to give away and to share.

Words can be a song in individual's heart; can hear the sounding joy from it. The beauty of the words that comes from our heart, it makes everything worthwhile.

The heart is where the nature, feeling and intimacy of a life dwell and without heart the "world" grows suddenly cold. In its desire for beauty, it reaches towards the beyond.

Share the good word of heart - like Jesus Heart.

Proverbs 16:1 The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

LORD.Psalms 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

God Bless!

ms elove