My encouragement today is simple! Merry Christmas to all souls who believes that Jesus lives! For Christmas day is the day that Christ was born, where mankind has received HOPE!
Merry Christmas =)
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
When Trouble Comes, Refuse To Lose Your Temper, Use Bad Language Or Complain
Dear faithful readers, I would like to talk about "When Trouble Comes, refuse to lose your temper, use bad language or complain"!
From the book of Romans 12:12, it says "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."
Yes we do know being joyful in hope and faithful in prayer. How about patient in affliction?
Before I begin, I would like to share with you. I'm sure many of you played computer games before, and hearing other people swearing isn't rare. But when you play a game and lose the round, ever noticed what comes out from your mouth? Are there words that sparkles a flame in the forest?
For many people, when trouble comes their way, the only words that comes out from their mouth are swearing words! And most of the time they don't even realize that! That's how bad it can be! For some cases, when they are going through a rough time in their life, they lose their temper and strike down whoever they see with deadly words! The most common of all is complaining! Everybody has complained at least once in our lives! Yes we are humans and we do complain during a hard day, but the Bible teaches us that we should be patient in affliction and cast all our disappointments, complains and difficulties to Him!
Here's an extra reminder for you, from the book of Philippians 4:6-7, it says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition , with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Well, I encourage you that when trouble comes, refuse to lose your temper, use bad language or complain! =)
Being A Trendsetter In Living For Jesus - Instead Of A Follower Who Lives Like The World
Dear faithful readers, today I would like to talk about "Being a Trendsetter in Living For Jesus - Instead Of a Follower Who Lives Like the World"!
From the book of Romans 12:2, it says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
If you are trapped in your old habits, all your dirty things you've been doing, it's never too late to get back on track with the Lord! It's time to step up for your Creator of Life!
Since it is easier for me to relate to guys, here's an example of a conversation between 2 friends whom we can learn alot from!
Daniel: "Finish this sentence, 'it's springtime, and that means...' "
Joseph: "Cute girls wearing short skirts."
Daniel: "Wow, that was quick. I thought you might say 'baseball' or 'allergies' or 'warm weather.'"
Joseph: "I figured you wanted me to be honest."
Daniel: "Well, OK... So, the girls, huh? That's it? That's what you think of?"
Joseph: "Oh, don't act like you haven't noticed! How could a guy not think of girls this time of year? Almost all of them have been going to tanning booths. Dieting. Exercising. Getting ready for bikini season. Now, here it is - the first bit of warm weather and boom! They're everywhere. Short shorts. Tube tops. Everywhere I look there's a cute girl showing skin!"
Daniel: "Yeah, it is kind of hard to look away. And the clothes seem to get skimpier every year."
Joseph: "Tell me about it!"
Daniel: "Which is why, in my book, it's a good idea to try taming the old imagination, if you get my drift."
Joseph: "Yeah, well, that't easier said than done. At least for me."
Daniel: "Are you struggling?"
Joseph: "(Embarassed) Well... yeah! Doesn't every guy?"
Daniel: "I would say it affects all guys some of the time, and some guys all of the time."
Joseph: "Yeah, well. I'm in the second category."
Now, what we can learn from here is that Joseph has fallen into lust and is trapped in it. You can say that he has X-Ray Vision which is lust!
However, here is a new view that we all should keep in mind! It's flat-out wrong the way some women dress! And it doesn't help when some Christian girls follow suit! But the fashion industry probably isn't about to change for the better anytime soon! All we can do is try, with God's help, to control our thoughts!
Here are some reminders to help you:
(a) Appreciating a beautiful girl isn't wrong. God made us to respond to beauty.
(b) Lust is the problem - undressing women with your mind, viewing them as sexual objects instead of priceless creatures made in the image of God.
(c) Your mind can be disciplined (Romans 12:2 already states it). Tempting thoughts can be turned away, certain mental habits can be changed, and certain positive images can be summoned to replace negative ones.
(d) Remember, behind that gorgeous female body is a person with fears, dreams, hopes and goals! She's somebody's daughter, somebody's sister and somebody's future bride! That's why it's important to treat her the way you want other men to treat the woman you'll eventually marry! (That gives you a whole new perspective, doesn't it?)
Let me share with you about dedicating your body to God!
Remember back in the Old Testament when people offered sacrifices regularly to the Lord? Sometimes they sacrificed bulls and sometimes they sacrificed sheep: whatever the sacrifice was, it had to be a pure and spotless animal - the very best a person had to offer! Nothing less than perfect was acceptable to God! So, if you're going to make yourself a "living sacrifice" to God, you need to make sure that your offering is as pure and spotless as you can make it! That means allowing yourself to be transformed by God's mercy and avoiding the things that pollute your body and mind and damage your devotion to God!
If you know people who are caught in the trap of living to please themselves, make it a goal to pray for them regularly. Ask God to help them recognize how empty their lives are without Jesus, and ask Him to use you in demonstrating to your friends exactly what God has to offer!
Well, I encourage you to be a trendsetter in living for Jesus instead of a follower who lives like the world! Don't follow the crowd =)
From the book of Romans 12:2, it says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
If you are trapped in your old habits, all your dirty things you've been doing, it's never too late to get back on track with the Lord! It's time to step up for your Creator of Life!
Since it is easier for me to relate to guys, here's an example of a conversation between 2 friends whom we can learn alot from!
Daniel: "Finish this sentence, 'it's springtime, and that means...' "
Joseph: "Cute girls wearing short skirts."
Daniel: "Wow, that was quick. I thought you might say 'baseball' or 'allergies' or 'warm weather.'"
Joseph: "I figured you wanted me to be honest."
Daniel: "Well, OK... So, the girls, huh? That's it? That's what you think of?"
Joseph: "Oh, don't act like you haven't noticed! How could a guy not think of girls this time of year? Almost all of them have been going to tanning booths. Dieting. Exercising. Getting ready for bikini season. Now, here it is - the first bit of warm weather and boom! They're everywhere. Short shorts. Tube tops. Everywhere I look there's a cute girl showing skin!"
Daniel: "Yeah, it is kind of hard to look away. And the clothes seem to get skimpier every year."
Joseph: "Tell me about it!"
Daniel: "Which is why, in my book, it's a good idea to try taming the old imagination, if you get my drift."
Joseph: "Yeah, well, that't easier said than done. At least for me."
Daniel: "Are you struggling?"
Joseph: "(Embarassed) Well... yeah! Doesn't every guy?"
Daniel: "I would say it affects all guys some of the time, and some guys all of the time."
Joseph: "Yeah, well. I'm in the second category."
Now, what we can learn from here is that Joseph has fallen into lust and is trapped in it. You can say that he has X-Ray Vision which is lust!
However, here is a new view that we all should keep in mind! It's flat-out wrong the way some women dress! And it doesn't help when some Christian girls follow suit! But the fashion industry probably isn't about to change for the better anytime soon! All we can do is try, with God's help, to control our thoughts!
Here are some reminders to help you:
(a) Appreciating a beautiful girl isn't wrong. God made us to respond to beauty.
(b) Lust is the problem - undressing women with your mind, viewing them as sexual objects instead of priceless creatures made in the image of God.
(c) Your mind can be disciplined (Romans 12:2 already states it). Tempting thoughts can be turned away, certain mental habits can be changed, and certain positive images can be summoned to replace negative ones.
(d) Remember, behind that gorgeous female body is a person with fears, dreams, hopes and goals! She's somebody's daughter, somebody's sister and somebody's future bride! That's why it's important to treat her the way you want other men to treat the woman you'll eventually marry! (That gives you a whole new perspective, doesn't it?)
Let me share with you about dedicating your body to God!
Remember back in the Old Testament when people offered sacrifices regularly to the Lord? Sometimes they sacrificed bulls and sometimes they sacrificed sheep: whatever the sacrifice was, it had to be a pure and spotless animal - the very best a person had to offer! Nothing less than perfect was acceptable to God! So, if you're going to make yourself a "living sacrifice" to God, you need to make sure that your offering is as pure and spotless as you can make it! That means allowing yourself to be transformed by God's mercy and avoiding the things that pollute your body and mind and damage your devotion to God!
If you know people who are caught in the trap of living to please themselves, make it a goal to pray for them regularly. Ask God to help them recognize how empty their lives are without Jesus, and ask Him to use you in demonstrating to your friends exactly what God has to offer!
Well, I encourage you to be a trendsetter in living for Jesus instead of a follower who lives like the world! Don't follow the crowd =)
Instead Of Being Ashamed, Defend The Honor Of The Gospel The Same Way That You Would Defend Yourself
Dear faithful readers, today I would like to talk about "Instead of Being Ashamed, Defend the Honor of the Gospel the Same Way That You Would Defend Yourself"!
This is a very powerful verse, from the book of Romans 1:16-17, it says, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.' "
Have you ever tried talking about the Gospel in front of your friends who aren't Christians? How did you felt? Were you nervous? Were you afraid? Were you trying to play safe as much as you can as long as your friendship doesn't hit anything sensitive? Well, I'd have to let you know that there is nothing to worry about! You see, there are many people who aren't Christians willing to listen and learn more about who Jesus Christ is! Instead of being afraid to lose a friendship, we should strive towards saving them from going to the fiery depths of hell! How would your friends see the Maker of Heaven and Earth if we only care about keeping our friendships? Yes, there will always be some sense of fear, but don't let the devil talk you down, instead stand up with God's strength and tell the world about Jesus! That's what we're here for!
Let's say you overheard some of your friends talking about God, they are scrutinizing and discriminating God's Name as well as using His Name in vain, what would you do? Allow me to share my experience, I was with 2 of my friends, one was a Christian and one wasn't. They were talking about God, and how it would be funny if they reversed His Name into dog. The went on saying that God is dog! Furthermore, they were making fun of the Creator of Life! I couldn't help but went up to them and told them how wrong they were to do that! Obviously I was disappointed that they didn't care about my comment, but went on making fun of Him. I then isolated myself and prayed to God, asking Him for strength to defend His Name. Finally, I went back to them and started telling them that I've had enough of their intentions using God's name in vain, amazingly they said sorry and stopped! I was really glad that I never backed down in defending His Name!
Obviously, it won't work everytime when you try defending the Lord's Name, but don't give up as God will give you the strength you need!
I encourage you that instead of being ashamed, defend the honor of the Gospel the same way that you would defend yourself! =)
This is a very powerful verse, from the book of Romans 1:16-17, it says, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith.' "
Have you ever tried talking about the Gospel in front of your friends who aren't Christians? How did you felt? Were you nervous? Were you afraid? Were you trying to play safe as much as you can as long as your friendship doesn't hit anything sensitive? Well, I'd have to let you know that there is nothing to worry about! You see, there are many people who aren't Christians willing to listen and learn more about who Jesus Christ is! Instead of being afraid to lose a friendship, we should strive towards saving them from going to the fiery depths of hell! How would your friends see the Maker of Heaven and Earth if we only care about keeping our friendships? Yes, there will always be some sense of fear, but don't let the devil talk you down, instead stand up with God's strength and tell the world about Jesus! That's what we're here for!
Let's say you overheard some of your friends talking about God, they are scrutinizing and discriminating God's Name as well as using His Name in vain, what would you do? Allow me to share my experience, I was with 2 of my friends, one was a Christian and one wasn't. They were talking about God, and how it would be funny if they reversed His Name into dog. The went on saying that God is dog! Furthermore, they were making fun of the Creator of Life! I couldn't help but went up to them and told them how wrong they were to do that! Obviously I was disappointed that they didn't care about my comment, but went on making fun of Him. I then isolated myself and prayed to God, asking Him for strength to defend His Name. Finally, I went back to them and started telling them that I've had enough of their intentions using God's name in vain, amazingly they said sorry and stopped! I was really glad that I never backed down in defending His Name!
Obviously, it won't work everytime when you try defending the Lord's Name, but don't give up as God will give you the strength you need!
I encourage you that instead of being ashamed, defend the honor of the Gospel the same way that you would defend yourself! =)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Bring Glory To God In Everything
Dear faithful readers, I would like to talk about "Bringing Glory to God in Everything"!
From the book of 1 Corinthians 10:31, it says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
What is the Bible talking about? The Bible is talking about bringing glory to God in everything regardless of the situation and circumstances! Phew! How on planet earth are we going to do that!?
Here's some example of what you can do to glorify God's Name! If you hear some of your friends gossiping about someone else, don't be afraid to tell them that gossiping is bad! If you're hanging our with your friends and you hear them using unwanted swearing words, don't be afraid to tell them that swearing and cursing is bad! When you see somebody in need, be it a friend or a stranger, do offer your help! Well, there are so many more things you can glorify His Name with, you'll find out soon enough!
Hence, I encourage you to bring glory to God in the way you play or compete, the way you relate to men and women, and even in your social life! Remember, God deserves it! =)
Tap God's Strength When You're Tempted So That You Can Endure - And Escape
Dear faithful readers, I would like to talk about "Tapping God's Strength When You're Tempted So That You Can Endure and Escape"!
This verse really means alot, in fact it has made its point that tells us we always have a choice to flee from sin! From the book of 1 Corinthians 10:13, it says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
How cool is that? God makes sure that every temptation comes with its own escape plan! That means if you really want to get away from a tempting situation you'll be able to! In fact, in most cases, all you'll have to do is RUN!
Remember, it's what you do when temptation comes! Your decision is what counts! If you plan to stay and try to resist it, I'd have you know that even the wisest man will fall if he tried to resist temptation!
In conclusion, I encourage you to tap God's strength when you're tempted so that you can endure and escape! =)
This verse really means alot, in fact it has made its point that tells us we always have a choice to flee from sin! From the book of 1 Corinthians 10:13, it says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
How cool is that? God makes sure that every temptation comes with its own escape plan! That means if you really want to get away from a tempting situation you'll be able to! In fact, in most cases, all you'll have to do is RUN!
Remember, it's what you do when temptation comes! Your decision is what counts! If you plan to stay and try to resist it, I'd have you know that even the wisest man will fall if he tried to resist temptation!
In conclusion, I encourage you to tap God's strength when you're tempted so that you can endure and escape! =)
Put To Death Your Old Desires; Allow Jesus To Live In And Through You
Dear faithful readers, I would like to talk about "Putting to Death Our Old Desires and Allowing Jesus to Live In and Through Us"!
From the book of Galatians 2:20, it says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
I'm sure many of us have old habits and old desires that prevents us from living righteously for God. I used to have plenty of old desires, such as wasting my time playing computer games, surfing the web to restricted areas, allowing my pride to stand in front of me, cheating during a test, and even lying to the people around me. Honestly, I was happy doing all those, but then I realized that these were all wrong! These things that I was doing were making me sway and furthering my relationship with God! I soon decided to take a step of faith and plunge into living righteously!
Today, I'm a much better person, in fact it was God who changed me step by step! I kept telling myself, that if I love somebody, I would obey that person. How about God? If I love God, I should obey God too! It isn't easy to change in one night, it takes time and obedience and faithfulness and strength to change through the seasons!
If you're caught in any areas of your life that is devastating your relationship with God, I strongly urge you to pray about it, talk to a much mature Christian, and believe that God can heal you through! Since He did it for mine, I'm sure He can change your life too! It's time to turn over a new leaf!
In conclusion, I encourage you to put to death your old desires and allow Jesus to live in and through you! =)
From the book of Galatians 2:20, it says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
I'm sure many of us have old habits and old desires that prevents us from living righteously for God. I used to have plenty of old desires, such as wasting my time playing computer games, surfing the web to restricted areas, allowing my pride to stand in front of me, cheating during a test, and even lying to the people around me. Honestly, I was happy doing all those, but then I realized that these were all wrong! These things that I was doing were making me sway and furthering my relationship with God! I soon decided to take a step of faith and plunge into living righteously!
Today, I'm a much better person, in fact it was God who changed me step by step! I kept telling myself, that if I love somebody, I would obey that person. How about God? If I love God, I should obey God too! It isn't easy to change in one night, it takes time and obedience and faithfulness and strength to change through the seasons!
If you're caught in any areas of your life that is devastating your relationship with God, I strongly urge you to pray about it, talk to a much mature Christian, and believe that God can heal you through! Since He did it for mine, I'm sure He can change your life too! It's time to turn over a new leaf!
In conclusion, I encourage you to put to death your old desires and allow Jesus to live in and through you! =)
Monday, December 21, 2009
My Life Story
Dear faithful readers, I apologize for my absence for a little while. I have been through plenty of things in my life, and I am going to share it with you right now.
I have been struggling with many stuffs in my life, and going through them isn't easy. It's like learning how to ride a bicycle for the first time and not knowing how to!
There's this word that I want to share with you, it's called "B E L I E V E". It is indeed a very B I G word and whoever who uses it sure does have alot of faith in that word! The Bible did talk about faith, that if you have faith of a mustard seed, you will be able to say to this mountain, "Move!" and it will move! Believing involves faith, and faith is not easy to have when you're going through a hard problem or moment in your life! You see, when I say believe, it doesn't mean that whatever you are believing in would happen right away! Sometimes it takes correcting and time for you to actually see it happening as you continually believe! Now, some of you might ask me why am I talking about believing when I said I was going to share with you about my life. Well, my life comes with believing! In fact, my whole life I put my trust, hope, strength and believe in the LORD!
I believe that He will use me as His instrument to glorify His Name and live for Him for the rest of my days! And yes He is certainly using me with all the gifts that He has given me to glorify His Name and bless His Holy Name!
For the past few weeks, I involved myself in caroling, worshipping, praying and even true obedience! God wants true obedience from us if we want Him to use us! True obedience counts, look at Noah and David and Paul and Jesus! They were all truly obedient to God! I'm not saying that you will always be free from temptations, but it's what you do when it comes that counts! You should stand up and get back on track with Him whenever you fall down! It don't matter if you fell hard, just get back up and turn away from your old habits!
Back to my life story, God showed me many wonderful and creative things! He showed me the smile on people's faces, the laughter and joys of people, the wonderful creation of His world, the blessings of His promises, the strength He gave me to continue living in my life, and encouraged me alot! When I am caroling with my church members and the youths, I was simply amazed and happy that God could use my gift in singing to sing for Him! The crowd not only were entertained, but they were shared with the Good News that Jesus lives! That Christmas is all about Jesus! And yes, it was great! I had a sore throat and knew that if I caroled onwards I would lose my voice, but He gave me strength to sing and I never lost any of my voice! Praise God!
As for Youth Sunday, I was the backup singer. I was overwhelmed by God that He could use me to lead the church in worship and praises! It was great serving Him! Honestly, I could keep on singing for Him!
Yesterday, I went to a shopping mall "Midvalley Megamall" to celebrate the birthday of one of my friend named Krystie with my other friends. She was delighted and happy that we gave her a surprise birthday cake at her father's electrical shop right before she left! And we sang the birthday song with her family too! In addition, we also caroled for the family and the shop's staffs. They were all entertained, and we managed to glorify His Name even on Krystie's birthday! Amen to that!
I can say that God is one of a kind and will never forsake us! He do things perfect in His time! Hallelujah! Glorify His Name!
ALL CREDITS AND GLORY AND HONOR GOES TO GOD!!!
The song of this year for me would be this Christian song "Blessed Be Your Name"! Why? That's because the lyrics is great! here it is:
Blessed be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be Your Name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your Name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in LORD
Still I will say
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name
Blessed be Your Name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be Your Name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your Name (Yes LORD!)
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in LORD
Still I will say
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name (Oh...)
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name (Na....me!)
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
LORD blessed be Your Name
God You give and take away
Oh You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
LORD blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name (Na....me!)
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name (I choose to say.)
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name (Blessed be Your Name!)
You give and take away
God You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
LORD blessed be Your Name
God You give and take away
You give and You take away
But my heart will choose to say
LORD blessed be Your Name
Oh You give and take away
You give and take away (For you oh God!)
My heart will choose to say
LORD blessed be your name (Na....me!)
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name (Na....me!) (Blessed be Your Name!)
Did you noticed that? The lyrics says that God gives and takes away, and yes He does! However, He won't take away everything, He will take away the things He knows isn't good for you and gives you exactly what you need to glorify His Name! Although we are humans, He gives us the strength to live for Him! In addition, the lyrics also says that blessed be His Name on the road marked with suffering, though there's pain in the offering, blessed be His Name!! Isn't that great?? We could still bless His Name even in troubled times! God wants our obedience and faith when we are going through good times, and He also wants our obedience and faith when we are going through our bad times! When the darkness closes in, still we should say BLESSED BE HIS NAME!!
Dear faithful readers, I encourage you to stand up for Him! For our PROVIDER, SAVIOUR, LORD OF ALL, FATHER IN HEAVEN, SHEPERD, PROTECTOR, CREATOR, CLOSEST FRIEND, OUR EVERYTHING!!! He's the One that we should put all our hopes, trust, goals, dreams, fears, care to!! The Bible has said, "Cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you!" Yes He does! From the book of Luke 10:27, it says, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart!" And from the book of Psalm 139:1, it says, "O LORD you have examined my heart and know everything about me!" So don't give up in trying times! Earnestly seek Him and you'll see a change in your life! It's time to live a revolutionary life for Him! =)
I have been struggling with many stuffs in my life, and going through them isn't easy. It's like learning how to ride a bicycle for the first time and not knowing how to!
There's this word that I want to share with you, it's called "B E L I E V E". It is indeed a very B I G word and whoever who uses it sure does have alot of faith in that word! The Bible did talk about faith, that if you have faith of a mustard seed, you will be able to say to this mountain, "Move!" and it will move! Believing involves faith, and faith is not easy to have when you're going through a hard problem or moment in your life! You see, when I say believe, it doesn't mean that whatever you are believing in would happen right away! Sometimes it takes correcting and time for you to actually see it happening as you continually believe! Now, some of you might ask me why am I talking about believing when I said I was going to share with you about my life. Well, my life comes with believing! In fact, my whole life I put my trust, hope, strength and believe in the LORD!
I believe that He will use me as His instrument to glorify His Name and live for Him for the rest of my days! And yes He is certainly using me with all the gifts that He has given me to glorify His Name and bless His Holy Name!
For the past few weeks, I involved myself in caroling, worshipping, praying and even true obedience! God wants true obedience from us if we want Him to use us! True obedience counts, look at Noah and David and Paul and Jesus! They were all truly obedient to God! I'm not saying that you will always be free from temptations, but it's what you do when it comes that counts! You should stand up and get back on track with Him whenever you fall down! It don't matter if you fell hard, just get back up and turn away from your old habits!
Back to my life story, God showed me many wonderful and creative things! He showed me the smile on people's faces, the laughter and joys of people, the wonderful creation of His world, the blessings of His promises, the strength He gave me to continue living in my life, and encouraged me alot! When I am caroling with my church members and the youths, I was simply amazed and happy that God could use my gift in singing to sing for Him! The crowd not only were entertained, but they were shared with the Good News that Jesus lives! That Christmas is all about Jesus! And yes, it was great! I had a sore throat and knew that if I caroled onwards I would lose my voice, but He gave me strength to sing and I never lost any of my voice! Praise God!
As for Youth Sunday, I was the backup singer. I was overwhelmed by God that He could use me to lead the church in worship and praises! It was great serving Him! Honestly, I could keep on singing for Him!
Yesterday, I went to a shopping mall "Midvalley Megamall" to celebrate the birthday of one of my friend named Krystie with my other friends. She was delighted and happy that we gave her a surprise birthday cake at her father's electrical shop right before she left! And we sang the birthday song with her family too! In addition, we also caroled for the family and the shop's staffs. They were all entertained, and we managed to glorify His Name even on Krystie's birthday! Amen to that!
I can say that God is one of a kind and will never forsake us! He do things perfect in His time! Hallelujah! Glorify His Name!
ALL CREDITS AND GLORY AND HONOR GOES TO GOD!!!
The song of this year for me would be this Christian song "Blessed Be Your Name"! Why? That's because the lyrics is great! here it is:
Blessed be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be Your Name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your Name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in LORD
Still I will say
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name
Blessed be Your Name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be Your Name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your Name (Yes LORD!)
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in LORD
Still I will say
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name (Oh...)
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name (Na....me!)
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
LORD blessed be Your Name
God You give and take away
Oh You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
LORD blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name (Na....me!)
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name (I choose to say.)
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name (Blessed be Your Name!)
You give and take away
God You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
LORD blessed be Your Name
God You give and take away
You give and You take away
But my heart will choose to say
LORD blessed be Your Name
Oh You give and take away
You give and take away (For you oh God!)
My heart will choose to say
LORD blessed be your name (Na....me!)
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your Name
Blessed be the Name of the LORD
Blessed be Your glorious Name (Na....me!) (Blessed be Your Name!)
Did you noticed that? The lyrics says that God gives and takes away, and yes He does! However, He won't take away everything, He will take away the things He knows isn't good for you and gives you exactly what you need to glorify His Name! Although we are humans, He gives us the strength to live for Him! In addition, the lyrics also says that blessed be His Name on the road marked with suffering, though there's pain in the offering, blessed be His Name!! Isn't that great?? We could still bless His Name even in troubled times! God wants our obedience and faith when we are going through good times, and He also wants our obedience and faith when we are going through our bad times! When the darkness closes in, still we should say BLESSED BE HIS NAME!!
Dear faithful readers, I encourage you to stand up for Him! For our PROVIDER, SAVIOUR, LORD OF ALL, FATHER IN HEAVEN, SHEPERD, PROTECTOR, CREATOR, CLOSEST FRIEND, OUR EVERYTHING!!! He's the One that we should put all our hopes, trust, goals, dreams, fears, care to!! The Bible has said, "Cast all your care upon Him, for He careth for you!" Yes He does! From the book of Luke 10:27, it says, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart!" And from the book of Psalm 139:1, it says, "O LORD you have examined my heart and know everything about me!" So don't give up in trying times! Earnestly seek Him and you'll see a change in your life! It's time to live a revolutionary life for Him! =)
Resolve To Be Content Even During Hard Circumstances
Dear faithful readers, I would like to talk about "Being Content Even During Hard Circumstances"!
This verse is really powerful! From the book of Philippians 4:11-12, it says, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Now, if you're going through a hard time in any areas of your life right now, it might be hard for you to believe that it is possible to be content in the situation you're going through right now. However, it is possible to be content even during hard circumstances!
Allow me to share my experience, I had a multitude of struggles in my life back then. All my struggles, obstacles in life and problems that surfaced on my heart almost made me fall of the bridge in life! Yes I stumbled alot and my faith was shaken plenty of times, but I always reminded myself that whenever a problem arises right in front of me, I'd have to face it as it it a test that God is giving me! Life is a test, there will be the good times where we have so much strength and faith to praise God, and there will be the tough times where God wants to see how faithful we are to Him! Look at Job from the Bible, God took away almost everything in his life, and yet He never left God! God never left him nor forsake him too! Whenever you feel like giving up, know that God is still here with you! His promises are ever true always!
Back to my life story, I went through an operation when I was 16 years old, the doctors were forced to cut open my flesh and repair my lungs! The bad news is, I have to be awake while they cut my flesh and repair my lungs with all the knives and needles and scissors! The good news is, God gave me the strength to endure the pain as I cried out and shouted out at the top of my lungs for help! GOD GAVE ME A SECOND CHANCE TO LIVE! And I made a commitment to live rightfully for this second chance He has given me in life!
Up to this day, I can say that through all my tough times and good times, I too have learned to be content in all the situations! Yes, sometimes temptations do come, and most of the times Satan will try to influence me and lie to me telling me that I don't have enough, that I should have more! And I would tell myself, God's my Provider! The LORD is my sheperd, I shall not be in want! This doesn't mean that I don't ask anything from the LORD at all, but by prayer and petition I give Him through my prayers and let Him decide for me! This is where faith comes in and plays an important role! If we've got the faith of a mustard seed, we can do great and mighty things for our God!
In addition, guess what? The next verse, Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me!"
Hence, I encourage you to be content even during hard circumstances! Don't let the devil bring you down! He can say all he want, but in the end, God's the Only One who gives us hope in all we do! Let you life song sing to Him! =)
This verse is really powerful! From the book of Philippians 4:11-12, it says, "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Now, if you're going through a hard time in any areas of your life right now, it might be hard for you to believe that it is possible to be content in the situation you're going through right now. However, it is possible to be content even during hard circumstances!
Allow me to share my experience, I had a multitude of struggles in my life back then. All my struggles, obstacles in life and problems that surfaced on my heart almost made me fall of the bridge in life! Yes I stumbled alot and my faith was shaken plenty of times, but I always reminded myself that whenever a problem arises right in front of me, I'd have to face it as it it a test that God is giving me! Life is a test, there will be the good times where we have so much strength and faith to praise God, and there will be the tough times where God wants to see how faithful we are to Him! Look at Job from the Bible, God took away almost everything in his life, and yet He never left God! God never left him nor forsake him too! Whenever you feel like giving up, know that God is still here with you! His promises are ever true always!
Back to my life story, I went through an operation when I was 16 years old, the doctors were forced to cut open my flesh and repair my lungs! The bad news is, I have to be awake while they cut my flesh and repair my lungs with all the knives and needles and scissors! The good news is, God gave me the strength to endure the pain as I cried out and shouted out at the top of my lungs for help! GOD GAVE ME A SECOND CHANCE TO LIVE! And I made a commitment to live rightfully for this second chance He has given me in life!
Up to this day, I can say that through all my tough times and good times, I too have learned to be content in all the situations! Yes, sometimes temptations do come, and most of the times Satan will try to influence me and lie to me telling me that I don't have enough, that I should have more! And I would tell myself, God's my Provider! The LORD is my sheperd, I shall not be in want! This doesn't mean that I don't ask anything from the LORD at all, but by prayer and petition I give Him through my prayers and let Him decide for me! This is where faith comes in and plays an important role! If we've got the faith of a mustard seed, we can do great and mighty things for our God!
In addition, guess what? The next verse, Philippians 4:13 says, "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me!"
Hence, I encourage you to be content even during hard circumstances! Don't let the devil bring you down! He can say all he want, but in the end, God's the Only One who gives us hope in all we do! Let you life song sing to Him! =)
Fill Your Mind With Good And God-honoring Thoughts
Dear faithful readers, I would like to talk about "Filling our mind with good and God-honoring thoughts"!
This verse is a common verse which many Christians know, but how much do we actually live by the verse? Hence, this is a really important verse for all of us on this planet earth! From the book of Philippians 4:8, it says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
Isn't this verse powerful? It tells us how to manage our thoughts properly! Therefore, we should learn how to manage our thoughts at every moment and second of our lives!
You see, bad thoughts (whether they involve lust, violence, jealousy or something else) are like an infection in your mind! Unless you do something about them, they begin to spread! The best way to keep bad thoughts from spreading is to fill your mind with good thoughts! If you can't stop thinking about, say, a dirty joke you heard on the radio while driving to school or even a dirty joke from your friends, try thinking about the lyrics to a song with a solid message or your favorite Bible verse!
Remember: It's difficult to remove evil from your life without replacing it with something good!
In conclusion, I encourage you all to fill your mind with good and God-honoring thoughts! =)
This verse is a common verse which many Christians know, but how much do we actually live by the verse? Hence, this is a really important verse for all of us on this planet earth! From the book of Philippians 4:8, it says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."
Isn't this verse powerful? It tells us how to manage our thoughts properly! Therefore, we should learn how to manage our thoughts at every moment and second of our lives!
You see, bad thoughts (whether they involve lust, violence, jealousy or something else) are like an infection in your mind! Unless you do something about them, they begin to spread! The best way to keep bad thoughts from spreading is to fill your mind with good thoughts! If you can't stop thinking about, say, a dirty joke you heard on the radio while driving to school or even a dirty joke from your friends, try thinking about the lyrics to a song with a solid message or your favorite Bible verse!
Remember: It's difficult to remove evil from your life without replacing it with something good!
In conclusion, I encourage you all to fill your mind with good and God-honoring thoughts! =)
Being Gentle To All
Dear faithful readers, today I would like to talk about "Being Gentle to All"!
From the book of Philippians 4:5, it says, "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."
Now, why did the Bible told us to be gentle to all? Because sometimes some people might tick us off and do things that makes us want to unleash our fury towards them! And that is why producing the fruit of gentleness is really important! That no matter how people treat us, be it harsh or even sarcastic, we should treat them with gentleness! Once we continue do be gentle to people, God will use us for His greater works!
I encourage you to be gentle even when people around you are being harsh and sarcastic! =)
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