Light Of The World!

Hello there, world! I'm Yong Zhen Kheng a.k.a King! I'm a 24 young man who has given my life to God! I face plenty of challenges and mountains daily, but it is by the grace of God that I'm able to stand tall with His strength in such a world that we live in. "Light Of The World!" is the name of my blog. Because in such a dark world that we live in, everyone is looking for that something somewhere somehow to fill and satisfy their souls. And that is where the Word of God comes in, where love and hope are always present and living. God is the Light of the world, and my prayer is that we will go beyond the call of duty to show love to the people around us with the love that He has shown us - That they may know just how real and amazing our God is! This is what we're here for: To show the world how He love it. This is what we're made for: To lay it all down like He did :) Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven and earth, with wisdom, power and love, our God is an awesome God! And He has chosen us to be the Light of the world, so come let us share the Good News with the world together! (:
>> Sincerely, a man on many missions.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A Man Plans, But God Decides


Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, agents of change and ambassadors of Christ:-
Do you have plenty of needs and wants in your life? Do you commit them to the Creator of the universe? Are your motives right in the eyes of the Lord? Don't you know that a man plans his step, but God decides the step? I would like to write down here the entire book of Proverbs Chapter 16. May the Holy Spirit grant you understanding and wisdom as you read them.

Proverbs 16 says,
To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue.
All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and He will establish your plans.
The LORD works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
The LORD detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
He causes their enemies to make peace with them.
Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the LORD establishes their steps.
The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.
Honest scales and balances belong to the LORD;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.
Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.
A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
but the wise will appease it.
When a king’s face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight rather than silver!
The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD.
The wise in heart are called discerning,
and gracious words promote instruction.
Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,
but folly brings punishment to fools.
The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
and their lips promote instruction.
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
The appetite of laborers works for them;
their hunger drives them on.
A scoundrel plots evil,
and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.
A violent person entices their neighbor
and leads them down a path that is not good.
Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity;
whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained in the way of righteousness.
Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.

Remember, none of us can be certain of the future. Only God knows what's coming your way, so the best thing to do is to stick close with Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 20:24 says, “A person’s steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand their own way?”

Sometimes, you just gotta have faith in the Lord's decisions. When you pray for something with right motives and even though you don't get it, God's timing is perfect and He knows what He's doing. We are looking at one picture of the puzzle, whereas God is looking at the entire puzzle fitting everything into its place. The Creator of the universe created you and knows you by name, how much more does He loves you? If the birds in the air and the flowers on the grass are taken care of, how much more will He care for you? That's why we should commit everything to the Lord through prayer. Talk with him, listen, and obey - and He will direct you.

Only God knows the future. The best way to prepare for whatever lies ahead is to stick close with Him. (Read the Bible, pray and love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind.) Remember to commit every decision you make: Things you do and words you say to the Lord.

- We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall -

Friday, August 19, 2011

The Cards In Our Hands


A few nights ago while I was talking with God, in the middle of our conversation He showed me an analogy of cards - which then made me realize I needed to give him my steering wheel and let Him lead me to the right destination - without constantly complaining and questioning from the backseat.

Now,
Life is like playing a card game. We have so many cards on our hands, and always pick the best card to counter our opponent's cards. When we want a nice car, we play the "car" card from our hand. When we want a big house, we play the "house" card from our hand. And when we're going after this special someone, we play the "I want to get this person" card from our hands. The thing is, we only see what's visible and in front of us - and place our cards according to what we see only. And when we don't get what we want, we blame God for bringing us through all the pain and so-called suffering.

On the other hand, God's cards are all that matters. He sees the cards that you play, sometimes he likes the card you play - and sometimes He doesn't like the card that you played but instead places His own card to teach and discipline us. The thing is, God doesn't only see what's currently visible and in front of us. He sees the future and what's ahead of us down the long road. He knows what's in store for us and what will happen if we took certain path according to the cards we play.

Every time we play a certain card from our hands, we always want it to work. But how many times do we ever commit it to God and let Him decide? We're always on the edge of telling Him what we want, but do we ever listen? And when He does speak, do we obey what He says to us?

Perhaps it's time to trust God, to plunge into the unknown with confidence that He will guide us, to commit everything in our lives to Him for He knows what's best for us. The catch is: It's not easy trusting God in the unknown for our future. It's going to be scary, but exciting at the same time. And the cool thing about your journey is that you have no map. You can't say with certainty what God has in store for you tomorrow, let alone where He will lead you next year. That's where the adventure of faith comes in. God knows exactly where you should be and what you should do every day of your life. If you can learn to trust Him - and look for ways to make the most of every day (including every free time you have) along the journey - you're in for the ride of your life.

- Time to trust the cards in the Hands of the Creator of the universe -

Monday, August 15, 2011

Smile


You know, there's a million things I've prayed to God for. And some of my prayers are answered, whereas some of my other prayers He did not answer. But one thing I know for sure, is that when I obey Him - stick close to Him - listen to Him - talk with Him - hang out with Him in my own room, the feeling is just so amazing. I'm so excited about my future even though I'm travelling into the unknown, but I know I won't walk alone! God never fails to make me happy.

This post is dedicated to God, and only God. And I just want to boast to the world about Him, that He makes me smile =)

So! Hey you! I just want you to know that when you stay faithful and obedient to God, He is very happy about it. You may stumble here and there, but when you stick close to Him, somehow His strength just resonates in you and though you stumble you will not fall!

Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.”

Psalm 94:19 says, “When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.”

- Smile, because God is carrying you on His shoulders -

A Mountain Of Verses Just For You


Hey there, these are many verses that I have noted down while reading the Bible. And I believe through one way or another, it will speak to you just as it has spoken to me. May you delight in reading His Word =)

Ephesians 4:2 says, "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Ephesians 5:3-10 says, "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure; No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a man is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."

Ephesians 5:15-17 says, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

Ephesians 5:21 says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

Ephesians 6:11-18 says, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For ou struggle if not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

Colossians 3:1-4 says, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

1 Timothy 3:5 says, "If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?"

1 Timothy 4:7-8 says, "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."

1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

1 Timothy 4:16 says, "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."

1 Timothy 6:11-12 says, "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

2 Timothy 1:7 says, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."

2 Timothy 2:3-6 says, "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops."

2 Timothy 2:16 says, "Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly."

2 Timothy 2:22-26 says, "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and they the will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

2 Timothy 3:12 says, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Titus 2:11-14 says, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and wordly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."

Hebrews 3:12-14 says, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first."

Hebrews 4:12-13 says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Hebrews 4:16 says, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Hebrews 6:7-8 says, "Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned."

Hebrews 6:10 says, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."

Hebrews 10:22-27 says, "...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgement and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God."

Hebrews 10:35-39 says, "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, 'He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.' But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved."

Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Hebrews 11:6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Hebrews 12:1-3 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:5-10 says, "...'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.' Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers discplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness."

Hebrews 12:11-13 says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and week knees. 'Make level paths for your feet,' so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. "

Hebrews 12:14 says, "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could not bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears."

Hebrews 13:1-2 says, "Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Hebrews 13:4-6 says, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?' "

Hebrews 13:7-8 says, "Remember you leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

Hebrews 13:9 says, "Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by ceremonial foods, which are of no value to those who eat them."

Hebrews 13:17 says, "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you."

James 1:1-8 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

James 1:9-11 says, "The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business."

James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

James 1:13-15 says, "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

James 1:19-21 says, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all mora filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."

James 1:22-25 says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does."

James 1:26-27 says, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

James 2:8-11 says, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, 'Do not commit adultery,' also said, 'Do not murder.' If you do not commit adultery but to commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker."

James 2:14-18 says, "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his phyiscal needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

James 3:13-18 says, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness."

James 4:1-4 says, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but you don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."

James 4:7-8 says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

James 4:10 says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

James 4:13-17 says, "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."

James 5:13-16 says, "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

James 5:19-20 says, "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins."

1 Peter 2:1-4 says, "Therefore, rid yourselves if all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

1 Peter 2:9-10 says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

1 Peter 2:11-12 says, "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

1 Peter 2:13-17 says, "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to command those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king."

1 Peter 3:8-12 says, "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, 'Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.' "

1 Peter 3:13-17 says, "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear, do not be frightened.' But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."

1 Peter 4:1-2 says, "Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God."

1 Peter 4: 7-11 says, "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. In anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 4:19 says, "So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."

1 Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."

1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

2 Peter 1:5-9 says, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins."

2 Peter 1:16 says, "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

2 Peter 1:20-21 says, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 2:3-6 says, "We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says. 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."

1 John 2:15-17 says, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."

1 John 3:16 says, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."

1 John 4:19 says, "We love because he first loved us."

1 John 5:14-15 says, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him."

Revelation 3:21-22 says, "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

-Pray, Listen and Obey-

Sunday, August 14, 2011

I Will Rise On Eagle's Wings


Isaiah 40:28-31 says,
"Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."

My loving brothers and sisters in Christ, trust in the Lord at all times and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. It is when we are weak, there we are strong. It is when we are poor, there we are rich. Remember, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Let Him be your security, your strength, your hope and your heart's desire.

P.S: Matthew 7:24-27 says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Do Right, And Trust Him In Stormy Seasons


Exodus 1:15-17 says, "The king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, whose names were Shiphrah and Puah, “When you are helping the Hebrew women during childbirth on the delivery stool, if you see that the baby is a boy, kill him; but if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live."

The midwives did what was right because they feared God and was not intimidated by the world. Think of the last time you had such a clear-cut choice between doing what's right and doing what's wrong. Maybe it was a good-night kiss that started to go too far. Maybe it was a fool-proof cheating plan that could have saved your grade. Maybe it was a perfect opportunity to stick it to someone you can't stand. Whatever the circumstances, you probably discovered that doing the right thing usually comes with a price, whether's it's postponing sexual pleasure, getting a low test grade or being labeled a wimp. Keep in mind, though, that doing what's right also comes with a benefit. God sees - and rewards - every good decision you make.

You might have lots of struggles with certain stuffs in your life. But hey, sometimes you just got to commit it to God and admit to Him how weak you are without Him. Just as God heard the Israelites groaning in Egypt, He hears your "groaning" today. He knows the things you're struggling with at home, at work, at school. He knows the doubts you have about your faith. He knows the worries that run through your head when you lie in bed at night. He didn't forget about the Israelites. He won't forget about you either. No matter how often you work out in the gym, or how much you push-ups you can do, the fact is, you're not that strong. But don't get discouraged; He's strong enough for you - strong enough to deliver you from any obstacle you might ever face.

Now, you might be praying for a long time, asking Him for certain things in your life. The thing is, once He's answered you, how long does your humility last once He's answered your prayer? Many times, God doesn't answer our prayers not because He doesn't want to bless us - but because He wants to build us up, make us strong in His Word, mold us into the character of His liking, only then He will give us the desires of our hearts. But why are some things taking so long?

Exodus 13:17-18 says, "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle."

Hint: God may not always take you on the quickest route, but He'll always get you to where you need to be, when you need to be there. He knows what He's doing, remember - He's the same God that created you. (He's the same God that has been the God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob and God of Joseph. Today, He is our God too!)

Now, when things don't proceed the way we want them to, what do we do? Do we fall away from Him? Do we blame Him for not providing, guiding, leading, and protecting us? Do we start to find our security somewhere else other than God?

Exodus 14:13-14 says, "Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”"

The fact is, there's nothing remarkable about trusting God and praising Him when everything's going your way. But if you can keep that attitude of trust and praise when things go seriously wrong, you're going to open a lot of people's eyes to what a relationship with God is really like!

Joshua 1:7-9 says, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law (Bible) always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

It's okay to worry, and it's okay to be afraid. We are humans after all, we all have a million things running through our mind everyday. But when you're worried about what's going to happen tomorrow, when you're afraid about the future, repeat this: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." - Psalm 56:3

- WHEN YOU ARE AFRAID, PUT YOUR TRUST IN GOD -

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Joseph V.S. His Ten Older Brothers


Have you heard of the story about Joseph and his ten older brothers? It can be found in Genesis 37-50. You'll have to read the entire story of Joseph to appreciate the intrigue and savor the rich details! I'll summarize it here:

[Joseph]
- The eleventh and favorite son of Jacob.
- Sold into slavery by his brothers.
- Became the second most powerful man in Egypt.

[His ten older brothers]
- The sons of Jacob from his first wife (Leah) and his two mistresses.
- Bitter, scheming and jealous.
- Ended up owing their lives to Joseph.

Basically, this was what happened:
Maybe Joseph had never heard the old saying, "Some things are better left unsaid." Whether he was naive or cocky, Joseph made the mistake of telling his brothers about an odd dream he had in which he ruled over them.

That was the final straw as far as Joseph's brothers were concerned. They already had to deal with the fact that Joseph was their father's favorite son - something their father, Jacob, made no effort to hide.

Their payback turned out to be brutal. The first chance the brothers got, they beat the stuffing out of their kid brother and threw him into an underground water tank. A little while later, they yanked him out and sold him to some traders who were passing by. Then when they returned to their father, they pretended Joseph was dead.

Things seemed to go from bad to worse for Joseph. He ended up a common slave in faraway Egypt. Over the next few years, he was falsely accused and convicted of attempted rape and thrown into prison.

Yet through it all, Joseph didn't give up his faith or compromise his character. Years passed, and through a remarkable series of God-ordained events, Joseph became like the "vice president" of Egypt as he was put as the second in charge right under Pharaoh.

When a terrible famine hit the region, everyone was forced to travel to Egypt to buy grain, including Joseph's long-lost family. When God orchestrated a reunion between Joseph and his brothers, it was literally a dream come true. There was Joseph, ruling over his brothers!

What sticks out more than anything else is God's sovereignty and Joseph's amazing response. Joseph wasn't bitter or angry or vengeful. Though his brothers fully expected retaliation for their evil actions years earlier, Joseph chose instead to forgive and bless them. In fact, he showered them with gifts and moved the entire family to Egypt, where they could enjoy ample food and the protection of Pharaoh.

This "Joseph V.S. His Brothers" match-up is a helpful reminder for us that God is always in control, and he can bring good out of any situation. How can you follow Joseph's example today in the relationships you have and the decisions you make?

In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Isn't it amazing how God can turn bad situations into good? Joseph's brothers could only think of the spur of that moment, while Joseph sees the bigger picture as he looks back at how the Lord has led him.

The thing is, no problem is too hard for Him to solve. No situation is too helpless for Him to change. He can bring good from even the worst circumstances. In fact, it's His specialty. When you can't see any way out, look to Him. Trust Him to lead you and take care of you the rest of your life.

P.S: In Christ alone, I place my trust, And find my glory in the power of the cross, In every victory, Let it be said of me, My source of strength, My source of hope, Is Christ alone.

Shepherd Of My Soul


In Genesis 48, Jacob (Also known as Israel) gave his blessings to Joseph (It is a custom for fathers to give blessings to their son). One word that from one verse that speaks out a lot was verse 15.

Genesis 48:15 says, ""May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my Shepherd all my life to this day..."

Notice the word Shepherd?
The thing about sheep is they're totally dependent on their shepherd and completely vulnerable apart from him. We'll find ourselves bleating helplessly like sheep if we try living apart from God.

Isaiah 50:10 says, “Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon his God.”
Isaiah 50:11 says, “But instead, some of you want to light your own fires and make your own light. So , go, walk in the light of your fires, and trust your own light to guide you. But this is what you will receive from me: You will lie down in a place of pain.”

It's time to trust the Shepherd, because our Shepherd knows us inside out and will always be there to protect and provide for us. Remember not to follow your own understanding, but always commit everything to His hands.

P.S: Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

When I Am Afraid, I Put My Trust In You


If you've read Genesis 40-41, it tells of a God-fearing man named Joseph who revealed the meaning of dreams to Pharaoh's Chief Cupbearer, Pharaoh's Chief Baker and Pharaoh himself. Joseph told them that it is God who interprets the meaning of the dreams, not him. And astonishingly, the dreams that Pharaoh's Chief Cupbearer, Pharaoh's Chief Baker and Pharaoh himself told Joseph, everything that Joseph interpreted came true.

Here's the catch: Only God knows the future. The best way to prepare for whatever lies ahead is to stick close to Him.

Preparation:
- Treat every experience, good or bad, as a learning opportunity - because it just may be one! You may have no idea what God has in store for you in the future, but you can be sure that He is preparing you for it. Sometimes that preparation will be obvious. Other times, though, you may not even know you're being prepared until you look back on your life and see where God has led you. Then you may begin to understand why.

What parts of your life are you holding back from God? More importantly, why are you holding them back? And what might happen if you gave everything you have to God?

Psalm 9:10 says, "Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You."

Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

Psalm 28:7 says, "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."

Psalm 37:23-24 says, "The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand."

It's time to stick close to God and trust Him.

P.S: Psalm 56:3 says, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near


Revelations 20:11-13
says, "Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done."

If you are still in the middle of sinful acts, (you know what you're struggling with), you better stop now.
What if today was your last day, and for all you know your life will pass away without warning.
You will then stand before the King when the time comes, and He will judge you based on what you have done on this planet, be it every good or bad deed.
Are you ready? Are you prepared?

In the end, everyone gets exactly what's coming to them. The Lord keeps track of every ungodly decision, every greedy choice, every sexual sin, every betrayal and every lie. Remember: Your actions - good or bad - reveal where your loyalties truly lie.

Acts 3:19 says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
Luke 13:3 says, "I tell you... But unless you repent, you too will all perish."

It's time to STOP your sinful acts, and get back on track with God.
Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near!

Life

As crumpled, broken, messed up or teared up our lives may be, life still goes on.
There's really so much more to life when you step back and look at it.
It's not just about living, and dying.
It's about the experience, people and journey in life that makes it all interesting.

Most of the times when painful experiences hit us, we avoid and ignore everyone around us.
We think that bad experiences are bad!
We start doubting that there is anyone in our lives left to be trusted.
And yet we keep forgetting one thing, the Lord is our Shepherd and that is all we need.
1 Corinthians 1:9 says, "God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."

The thing is, God can be trusted through every seconds/hours/days and moments of your life!
Yes, sometimes we wonder why some things have to happen the way they are.
Or, why can't God just let me have a better life!
The fact is, God knows what He's doing.
He's bringing you through the stormy seas, darkest hours and toughest situations in your life so that when you're through them all, you'll become stronger!
Romans 5:3-5 says, "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

We always see the one puzzle in front of us, but God is looking at the bigger picture here.
He's asking you to trust Him, through the hardest part of your life.
When times are good, you say you trust Him.
What about when times are bad? You still have to trust Him no matter what.
James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

It's time to trust God, and let Him guide us! All the way our Saviour leads us :)

Ecclesiastes 12:1 says, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them”"

P.S: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says, "Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."