2012: NOT End of The World

The title above doesn't imply that I know for sure that 2012 is not the end of the world. Since no one knows exactly when it's going to happen. What I'm talking about is our lives. Have we been living 2011 in despair, turmoil, fear for everything, uncertainty? And unsure of whether 2012 is going to be the same or worse?

Fear not, I got a good news!

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Jesus Christ. - Philippians 4 : 19

The promise given to us, that God will take care of us and supply all our needs. Things are definitely going to get better. Because when God says so, He will do so.

Sometimes, we didn't realize how blessed we are, that we still got a shelter over our head or clothes to keep us warm or food that kept us from hunger. Those every little things in life are God's way of caring for us. It didn't have to be a mansion, designer clothes or food that are costly.

In the new year, learn to be thankful for every single things in our lives; no matter how small they are or how insignificant in our eyes. The truth is; if those insignificance in our eyes add up together, imagine what you have right now. Never lacking in every single things. Just got to keep praying!

A Week Left To The Year of Dreams

(Source: www.blog.smartypig.com)

Have you gotten your new year resolution? If not, you better start writing it down now.

How can we start a new year with no target in mind?

This is the question I struggled with as well. But I came across something that is helpful.

An image showing this:

DREAM more COMPLAIN less
LISTEN more TALK less
LOVE more ARGUE less
HOPE more FEAR less
RELAX more WORRY less
BELIEVE more DOUBT less
PLAY more WORK less

I believe it is a year to start chasing after our own dream. It has always been. Just that we care so much about what other people say about us, what they expect of us; that we began to forget about our own dream. We put it aside, on top on the shelf and dust begin to pile up on it. It is time! To take that dream out and live it.

Hope more, believe more. We can surely do it! Nothing will be gained if no risk is taken.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner. Wishing all the readers a blessed and joyful Christmas.

Ever Since The Last Prophet ...

Ever since the last prophet Malachi appear in front of Israel, they have been broken since. Like sheep lost without shepherd. They were always looking forward for a saviour, someone to save them, free them from the Romans.

Then God sent His one and only Son as a saviour for them, a hope in midst of anguish.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not sent His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. - John 3 : 16 - 17

(Source: www.just-for-mum.slides.kaboose.com)

Jesus did not come only for the Israelites, but for everyone of us. God sent us:
1. Love
2. Hope
3. Peace with Him

In this Christmas, let us celebrate Love, Hope and Peace with God!

Humble Beginning

She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. - Luke 2 : 7

(Source: www.themasterstable.wordpress.com)

This is the part of the story that have caused countless of arguments among Believer and even scholars.

It has always been portrayed in every drama within Christmas season, in every Christmas celebration by the Church.

Born in a manger, not very fitting for the King. Yet there's a purpose for everything done under the Heaven.

It is meant to show us that God has a plan for everyone of us, that He sacrificed His Son, humbled Him. Jesus was and is here for everyone. The very first lesson that was taught to us is Humility. Being humble; if you want to succeed in life, stay humble; if you want to make it big, stay humble. A person who keep on boasting how good he / she is; how good do you think he / she will be?

But if we stay humble and complete every single task given to us, no matter how small they are; our chances will come. And by that time, you will be on top, but remember stay humble!

Christmas

"All right then, the Lord Himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us'). - Isaiah 7 : 14

(Source: www.decor-medley.com)

Christmas is around the corner, and everybody is excited. It has become a global event, where people celebrate LOVE.

Christian knew the meaning of Christmas but somehow we are being engrossed with this world's practices. Nothing's wrong with this world's practices of Christmas, as long as we still remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Isaiah told us that Christ will be born, and be called Immanuel, which means God is with us. Yes, on this Christmas especially, we are being told to strengthen our faith.

Take everything that have left us hopeless, despair in this year; let us use this Christmas to remember that God is always with us. Forget all those unpleasant things and start to connect to God, to His blessing. Instead of grumbling about all our misfortunes.

Let us always keep in mind the purpose of Christmas, the birth of Christ and His works. Let us be able to start the new year with Christ in mind, with His purpose in mind, with His blessings in our life and others as well.

10 Reasons To Never Give Up

1. As long as you are alive, anything is possible
The only valid excuse you have to give up is if you are dead. As long as you are alive (and healthy and free) you have the choice yo keep trying until you finally succeed.

2. Be realistic
The chance of mastering something the first time you do it is almost non-existent. Everything takes time to learn and you will make mistakes. Learn from them.

3. You are strong
You are stronger than you think. One little setback is not enough to stop you from achieving your goal. Neither are 10 or 100 or 1000 setbacks.

4. Prove yourself
You don't want to be known as someone weak and gives up. Go out there and prove yourself to the world and to yourself. You CAN and WILL achieve what you set out to do. The only time you fail is when you give up.

5. Believe in your dreams
Don't sell yourself short. In life there are going to be many people who will try to bring you down and tell you what you want to achieve is not possible.

6. Your family and friends
Let the people you love and who mean the world to you be your inspiration to persist and persevere. Maybe you need to try a different angle, study more or practice more but don't give up!

7. There are people worse-off
Right now there are many people who are in a worse situation and environment than you are. Are you thinking about giving up running 5 miles a week? Think about the people who are unable to even walk and how much they would give to be able to run 5 miles every day.

8. You deserve to be happy
Don't ever let anybody tell you otherwise. You deserve to be happy and you deserve to have success. Keep that mindset and never give up until you reach your destination!

9. Inspire others
Be an inspiration to others by refusing to give up. Who knows that someone else can achieve because you never gave up and in turn inspired them no to give up.

10. You are so close
Often when you feel like you want to give up you are so close to making a huge breakthrough. You are just a heartbeat away from success.

As taken from: www.makeadreamreal.tumblr.com

Swimming Upstream

(Source: www.art.com)

Why do Salmon swim upstream? I tried to find the answer, and it's pretty clear that they need to reproduce upstream, where it is a good environment for the new infant salmon.

But that's not what we need to learn from them, it's their perseverance and tenacity.

Never give up, even though dangers (the bears) are waiting there. Never give up, even when it seems impossible to reach.

Yet, this is how life should be, accepting our challenges and move forward. Nothing will be done if nothing is done.

Now, let's go back to our problems and challenge them back. But this time, persevere to the very end!

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. - Philippians 4 : 13

Beautiful In Its Own Time

I asked for a fresh flower, yet God gives me a cactus full of spike.
I asked for a beautiful flower, yet God gives me a caterpillar.
I am saddened, protested and disappointed. How unfair!
But then, the cactus bloomed beautifully and the caterpillar turned into a beautiful butterfly.


That's God's way, beautiful in its own time.
God never gives us what we wished for. He gives us what we needed.
While we are sad, disappointed and hurt...
God is preparing the best for us.

Author: Anonymous

Indeed that's how God works, beautiful in its own time.

Give Thanks, Always!

Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. - Psalm 100 : 4

(Source: www.taintedcanvas.com)

King David taught us to keep giving thanks to God, regardless of the situation we are in. Especially, during Sunday, when we went into church. All the more we should bring thanksgiving, praise to God. Instead of going to church, and praise God with a troubled heart.

But it didn't mean "Only on Sunday, we praise God." When we pray, when we start our day, when we are doing our activities, when we end our day; in all those we should remember to always give thanks.

Even though, we might be troubled. Always give thanks! It's not an easy task to do, but I believe that God would not leave us in lurch.

For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and His faithfulness continues to each generation. - Psalm 100 : 5

I believe because He promised us. Hang on to His unfailing love and faithfulness.

Reason To Be Thankful For

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts He has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. - 1 Corinthians 1 : 4

(Source: www.cathykennedystories.blogspot.com)

As we go through life, we start to lose our visions, our dreams, and gradually we forget how to be thankful or what to be thankful for. And as we start to face problems, we blame God, and never did once mention or remember His grace and mercy.

I was back at hometown for the weekend, after a long week of working. Of course there are so much things in mind, as my working environment get stressful and the job is demanding more and more.

But when I met up with my relatives, I know for sure that God has been good to me, always is. This kind of place, home, is always a source of strength.

Now, back to work, and I know things are going to get rough again, but I'm thankful for families.

If we learn to be thankful over small things, those small things will be the source of strength when we are in trouble. When we remember what God has done in our lives, we will believes in what He is going to do with our lives.


Be thankful for ...

Strong Root

(Source: www.igadgetszone.com)

A gardener tried to do an experiment, a simple one. He planted two similar plants at the same soil. What differentiate them is how he takes care of the plants.


He would water the first plant every afternoon, but the second plant are watered once every two days.


Now, he wanted too see how strong their roots are. So he pull out the plants and the results are clear. He managed to pull out the first plant easily, but the second plant takes longer.


Why would it happen?


Simply because the first plant is spoiled from all the water that it gets daily, and didn't bother to look for other source of waters with its root.


While the second plant didn't get all the waters it needed, therefore it have to search for the water source. The only way is to go deep into the ground with its root. That's why its root are stronger.


How God nurture us is the same as the illustration above. Imagine if God spoiled us by granting all our request and never allowed pains in our lives. Then our root will be weak, and the moment problem comes, we are uprooted.


But God definitely wouldn't do something like that, He loves to train our spiritual root. By allowing pains, problems, pressures of life or every unhappy things that happened. He hoped that we would always search for the true source and grow strong.


When problems come, stand strong!

The Honorable

It is God's will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. For you are free, yet you are God's slaves, so don't use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. - 1 Pet 2 : 15 - 16

(Source: www.tsmu.edu)

We are always given freedom to chase after what we want in live, free to do whatever we wanted to do. But remember what the author said, don't use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.

There are just some people that think, "It's okay, I will do whatever I want, be it sins or not. When the time come, I'll just repent." Imagine one day, you are suddenly gone, never repented. Where would you ended up? Ironic isn't it, while God has given us a freedom to do what we want, there a lot of things better left untouched.

Thus, it is better to live a honorable life, with integrity. Others might tell you, "If you live like that, you can't reach success." Especially in the business world, where everyone only care for their own success. But, God wants us to live a honorable life to silence those ignorant people. Those are the people who don't know what our God is capable of.

When we live a honorable life, God's blessing upon us will be so unimaginable, not even one person alive can understand. And that's when the world goes silence.

Love Your Money NOT

Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." - Hebrews 13 : 5

For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil... - 1 Timothy 6 : 10

(Source: www.ironicoflife.blogspot.com)

"What is your motivation in life, is it money?" When you asked someone that question, the answer you probably got is a big "NO". And they would probably say "To live a good life" or to achieve their dreams. The irony is that to achieve those dreams, people work for money, keep earning and earning, yet unsatisfied.

It's true that a lot of things need money, even the basic needs of human, needs money. We have been warned severely, don't love money! Now, nothing wrong with money, the problem lies within the priority that we set in life.

Can we be satisfied with what we have? Are we pursuing the so called "vanities" in life? I can be sure of one thing, that God wants every one of us having success in our lives, having to achieve our dreams.

What's wrong is that we are so caught up with what we are doing; we started to forget about God, less prayer time, less 'showing up' on church. And that's definitely wrong! What's even wrong is that when our focus switch from God to the 'god' of this world, money.

We all have to learn to trust God more on His providence. Because He said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you."

Genuine Love

Don't just pretend to love other. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. - Romans 12 : 9 -10

(Source: www.stephenbmw320i.blogspot.com)

Paul told us clearly in this verse, no pretending when you love someone. Genuine affection is how he put it. Sometimes we are just so caught up with being good to this person, to that person. Somehow, it has become a 'must do', and actually, we are just doing it out of familiarity.

And love can be shown merely through words. But true love requires action. An action that is powered by genuine affection. What is a genuine affection?

It's more than a simple "How are you?", "I like you", "I love you". While no action is shown, no genuine love is felt. It's more than helping each other; without a sincere heart, no genuine love is shown. Therefore, it is an action with sincerity, giving all that you have.

Start from people around you, began showing them a genuine affection, cares for them, honors them.

Nothing's Wrong With Getting Rich

Wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap. - Proverbs 21 : 6

(Source: www.rinesinthepines.com)

Who doesn't want to get rich? Living a wealthy life, with no financial problems?

The question is, how to be rich / wealthy in a Christian's way?

It is not a post about being rich in our spiritual life, but in our finances. Being too over-spiritual is not a good thing.

Wealth is so much more attractive than any other things in this world, and as surely as God lives, He wants everyone of us to live a wealthy life. Yet, wealth can be used against us. Yes, this is also one of the devil greatest weapon. Imagine how he tempted Jesus, with physical need, divine protection, authority and wealth.

King Solomon also warns us about it in Proverbs, that wealth created by a lying tongue is a vanishing mist and a deadly trap.

Business world is a cruel world, the survival of the fittest. Yet, can Christian keeps their integrity? Getting rich without taking any shortcuts? Yes, of course there is a way. When we keep our way right, God will pour out His blessings over our businesses, family, health and every single aspects of our lives.

Since shortcuts are like traps, and everything we earned are like a vanishing mist; why must we take shortcut? For a moment of wealth, we could lose so much more. Why not keep our integrity and be sure to know that God will never shortchanged us.

By His Stripes

Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed. - 1 Pet 2 : 24

Sicknesses are scary for a lot of us. As for some diagnosed with so called "terminal disease", what could they hope for? Except for a miracle. But yet, miracles are available for everybody. As long as we believe.

Could we keep our faith when we are down with sicknesses, or are we just simply turning away from God?

The stripes that healed us, sounds impossible? But this is the best miracle that had happen to us, that had been promised to us. By Christ died on the cross, we are being enabled, having the ability to grab those miracles for the price of His blood.

As long as you kept believing and believing, nothing is impossible for God. Not even one disease that can't be healed. Isn't God the Creator of everything in this whole world? Therefore, there are answers for every questions that we can't solved. It is just that we haven't found it yet.

Don't be afraid, face life as it is and believed that God is there for you!

The Last Row

I've noticed that some church, don't encourage their members to come and fill out the front row. Or is it because some people are just too self-willed after being encouraged to come and fill out the front row.

Leaving it empty, doesn't look good at all. Besides, it looks like as if, they are keeping their distance from the presence of God.

It's like watching a concert, where everyone else would of course get as close as possible to their idol. Would there be anyone saying, "I love him/her, but well, I guess just seeing it from here is good enough."?

What makes the difference? L-O-V-E

Let us learn to love the presence of God. Isn't the purpose for going to church is seeking the presence of God, and not just fulfilling a religious duty?

Find The Right Person. Be The Right Person.

(Source: www.lryouth.org)

We are constantly told that we could find that right person, so we keep on choosing on our own. Or we were told that we could wait for that right person to come in our lives. So we just keep waiting and waiting, while doing nothing.

But truth is, it isn't the right thinking. We are just too blinded when it comes to love / like / admire. Aren't we constantly seeking what we desire. Think about it: What defines "right person"? What you like? I don't think so!

Now since it doesn't work out, it's best to start off with what God desires for us. And for that we have to trust God and build on our own character. Instead of being a sitting duck. Start to build your character as the foundation of your love.

What are those characters? We could find them in 1 Corinthians 13 : 4 - 7
1. Patient
2. Kind
3. NOT jealous / boastful / proud / rude
4. DOES NOT demand its own way
5. Keeps no record of being wronged
6. DOES NOT rejoice about injustice, BUT rejoices whenever the truth wins out
7. Never gives up
8. Never loses faith
9. Always hopeful
10. Endures through every circumstances

Build your character right and then find be the right person. Let God do the finding.

My Mouth & My Heart

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. - Psalm 19 : 14

A very meaningful verse from King David. A lot of times, we might be saying all the great things about God, but  in our heart? Are we keeping all the negative stuffs? Or the words that we speak, are they bringing negative impacts on others?

The tongue can bring death or life ... - Proverbs 18 : 21

Yes, you can either build others up or you bring them down with our words. Encouragement often plays a very important role in every successful person out there. Start sending out positive words to others and ourselves  encouragement and praise.

King David was said to be "A man after God's own heart" and now imagine the meditation of his heart. It seemingly impossible for him to sin against God, but it happened. Yet he repented, truly repented. Not as a lot of us, including me myself find it as a struggle, a battle need to be won everyday.

That's why King David said that The Lord is his Rock and Redeemer. We could also say that God is our Rock and Redeemer. The One who would be there for us to hold on to at every battle, every struggles in life. And the easiest way to do it, is to keep praying and reading the Words of God.

It's More Than Enough

The story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (John 6 : 1 - 14) is a must told story in a almost every Sunday Schools. Of how a young boy gave up his lunch, knowing that no matter how small it was, it could make a difference. Of how the 5,000 ate and there were 12 basket full of leftovers. It's just amazing hearing this story over and over again.

As we grow older, when we are face with problems; we suddenly forgot that if Jesus can feed the 5,000 and had leftover, what can't He gives us then? Or are we like the 5,000 that wait for Jesus and do nothing but wait?

Remember, there must be an initial offering. Imagine the young boy said the himself: "I only have 5 loaves and 2 fishes, it can't do nothing. I'm not giving it to Jesus." OR "This is just enough for me, how could I share with them. I will starve!". Then the 5,000 would have starved to dead right there. How would the Bible turned out? God is cruel perhaps?

But hang on, that didn't happen! That young boy gave his lunch to Jesus, Jesus performed miracle, 5,000 were feed and there are leftovers. A happy ending!

When we give our best to God, no matter how small it is; we will receive more than enough. God will never shortchanged, He is a giver and when He gives, it is always more than enough.

Breaking The Walls

It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down. - Hebrews 11 : 30

(Source: www.juztimage.com)

This story (Joshua 6) of course is of no stranger to many Christians. But still, a lot of us still think, why don't God just bring down the wall with just a wind blow? How hard can it be?

The key is on the verse above; It was by faith. Imagine you are getting whatever you asked for, now God become more like a vending machine. This kind of attitude isn't going to get us far when temptation comes. And God knows it all too well.

When they marched around the walls, it is as if they were being challenged by the walls. Their faith are being challenged: Is God really going to crumble the walls? It was a test of faith, patient and perseverance. And the walls finally crumble, and it was by faith.

A lot of times, we can't seem to reach our target. Let me assure you that God always wanted to help you achieve in life. It is just a matters of timing. God's timing can't never be wrong can He? Have patient, persevere through the end, and most importantly have faith. Because it was by faith that great things achieved.

Legacy: A Tribute to Steve Jobs

Today the world shocked at the news of Steve Jobs passed away. The man behind the success of Apple & Pixar, that's what everybody say and that's so true.

Here are few lessons from this great man, and how he created his legacy:

1. Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower

We are created to be creative. If you have any idea, why don't you pursue it!

2. Be a yard stick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellent is expected.

To make excellent your priority is the same as having success knocking at your front door. It just requires patient and perseverance.

3. The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.

When you love what you do, you will do it with passion, and undoubtedly, you will be successful in what you do.

4. You know, we don't grow most of the food we eat. We wear clothes other people make. We speak a language that other people developed. We use a mathematics that other people evolved... I mean, we're constantly taking things. It's a wonderful, ecstatic feeling to create something that puts it back in the pool of human experience and knowledge.

Be someone with contribution, instead of complaining.

5. It's wonderful to have a beginner's mind.

Humility is a trait of every successful person. When you are humble, you learn more!

6. I'm the only person I know that lost a quarter of a billion dollars in one year ...  It's very character building.

Successful person do fail, it's their ability to bounce back that makes them successful.

7. We're here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?

Remember, for dent to appear, there must be smaller and continuous impact. Don't expect to become successful overnight. It requires hard work and unyielding sacrifice.

8. Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by the dogma - which is living with the result of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinion drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.

Why live a life that people want us to? Be what we want, go and catch our own dreams!

A tribute to Steve Jobs.

Who Do You Fear?

Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety. - Proverbs 29 : 25

(Source: www.gospelgadgets.org)

Fear of man is so dangerous, that it is called a trap. When we cares about how people look at us or what people value us, aren't we letting ourselves to be judged? We should live our lives to please God and not man.

But why? What kind of trap is it? Compromise! When we start compromising, what happens next is that we start to lose our own selves. We tend to follow what others want.

Fear leads to obedience. When you fear man more than you fear God, guess who you obey more. We have to set our priority right.

Fear of man often leads us into dishonesty and hypocrisy. Sometimes, it's just not easy being the one that stands with integrity, but that's what matters the most.

Fear of God will leads us into living a life with integrity; because when you fear God, you will obey His Words and hates what He dislikes.

Who do you fear? It's your choice!

Behind The Shield

"You are my refuge and my shield; Your Word is my source of hope." - Psalm 119 : 114

(Source: www.latex-weaponry.com)

A shield is a defensive equipment used to protect our body from any attack. Yet, even the best shield might not be able to take on every attack.

But today, I have a good news, this Shield that I'm talking about, it protects our spiritual body. And believe me, none of the attacks would have ever work.

A lot of times in life, we are being attacked by what is in the world; hatred, anger, disloyalty, betrayal, and many more. Don't we just wished that someone would stand in front of us and blocked all those attacks. That person would be our God. At times like these, I know there is only One I could count on.

But then again, keep on hiding behind the shield would not do any good. King David knew it, and so he said that God's Word is his source of hope. This Words that had been with King David are with us now. We can always fight back knowing that God is there for us. God is good to us. God would never lift the shield in front of us, for He will keep us safe.

For truly with God, nothing is impossible!

Into The Lions' Den

(Source: www.art-prints-on-demand.com)

The story of Daniel being thrown into the lions' den is of no stranger to many Christian. In Daniel 4, we could clearly see that how the administrators and officers are jealous of Daniel's promotion and how they devise to harm him. Finally resulting in him being thrown into the lions' den.

A group of lion are very dangerous. They could even take on any animal much larger than their size. Yet, they didn't even put a scratch on Daniel. All those because of God's grace, and of course Daniel is said to be a man of integrity and faith.

In our lives, aren't we always faced with adversities, problems, dangers. But be grateful that it wasn't because somebody else plot against us. Be grateful that we have friends who will and could help us. Unlike Daniel, put in a situation that not even his friends, the king or anybody else could save. But he chose to believe.

Moreover us, could we stay believed in the midst of danger?

Life is full of danger, and that's what worth living for!

Fruitful

"I am the true grapevine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have give you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in Me. "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. - John 15 : 1 - 5

(Source: www.it.wikipedia.org)

What exactly is the fruit being spoken here? Growing as a Christian, I sure heard a lot about being fruitful, go and bear fruit. It's everywhere in the New Testament, and in sermons once a while. But somehow, there seems to be a lot of explanation to it.

Fruit in a Christian's life should be the changes in his / her characters. Changed in his / her life, living a Christ-centered life. The passage above says that "you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." Yes, God wants our obedience.

When we are living a Christ-centered life, surely our character  won't be the same. We will produce fruits as a result. The fruits of the Spirit is what we called it. What are those? Love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5 : 22 -23).

We as Christians, we need to show others that we are changed through Christ. Our lives, our actions need to have the essence of love, and all those characters of Christ.

If we are not fruitful, we will be cut off. What good is an unfruitful branch? Therefore, let us live a life that will be a blessing for others through our characters.

Faith Over Doubt

Faith and Doubt will always exist together. Believing is choosing faith over doubt! - Dr. Yonggi Cho

Faith or Doubt? They will always exist together. How much of trust are we putting in God? How willing are we to stretch our faith?

(Source: www.fingerpainrelief.com)

Even though we can stretch our faith, it is nothing like a rubber band. Once you stretch a rubber band, it will get back to its original state. And once you over-stretched it, snap! It breaks.

But faith, once stretch it will not go back to its original state, and there will be no limits of how much you can stretch it.

But doubt is like a faith crusher. The more faith you got, the more doubt the devil will try to put in you. That's why they exist together. Can you stand firm and continue to believe?

There will be a time when your faith are being tested, putting doubt in front of you as a choice, as a mean of escape. Let me urge everyone reading this, stand firm! Don't ever let any of us choose to doubt, over the faith that we have. Instead, let us always choose faith over doubt.

(Source: www.lovingthebike.com)

Diamond in the Making

When people found the so-called diamond, it was merely a rough stone with the quality of becoming a diamond. But they need to process the diamond, which is very difficult. It requires specialized knowledge, skill and equipment.

(Source: www.diedikz.blogspot.com)

Well, Christians are like diamonds. We are merely a rough stone when God found us. Let's just leave the "diamond cutting" to God.

Basically a diamond cutting process consists of planning, sawing, girdling, polishing and final inspection.

In the planning process, the manufacturer will need to analyze the final shape the diamond will take, taking into account the weight, the color and its value.
Same goes with us, imagine God when He first found you and say, "This is where I am going to put you. This is how I am going to used you."

In the sawing process, the diamond are being separated into pieces to be completed as separate gems.
As a Christian, growing in spiritual life is absolutely a must. That's when God began to take away pieces of us that aren't good.

In the girdling process, two diamonds are being set to grind each other to shape each of the diamond into a round shape.
Growing in Christ can't be done solo. We need to have fellowship with other Christian. This is so much needed because it's the way we could keep our spiritual life strong. Aren't man created not to be alone?

In the polishing process, facets are being cut onto the diamond and final polishing is performed.
As we go through difficulties in life, and we will, we must get stronger and stronger. It's a definite process that determines your worth.

Then there is a final inspection, where the diamonds are being cleaned and inspected for one last time.
Don't you want God to say, "Well done" when He inspected you?

You are the diamond in the making. Believe!

The Wedding Bell

Just got back to my normal life after helping friends on their wedding day. Now that reminds me of how beautiful a wedding can be.

(Source: www.kpupointer.com)

It's about love and commitment. It's when those two hands met on the aisle. When they walk down the aisle together. When oath being spoken. When rings are being put on each of their finger. And when their hearts joined together.

Only love and commitment to one another are being shown there.

Whenever a couple get married because of their love for one another, it's always a great achievement, worth celebrating about. As friends or relatives, we could always give support they needed.

For this relationship to go through much more in life, it must be build on a simple "trust". It's always easier to fall in love than to trust others. But if there is trust, the love won't fade. Staying committed is another thing. Even in our workplace; our boss, supervisor, colleagues require us to be committed. Moreover in a marriage, it will requires more commitment than any other.

To any couple getting married soon, may your love grows stronger.
To any married couple, may your love continues to be a blessing to others.

Do Everything With Love

(Source: vi.sualize.us)

And do everything with love. - 1 Corinthians 16 : 14

A short and simple message, yet this is the one that has been ignored. Sometimes when we think "I did it because I loved", might not be true after all. It might just be what we really wanted.

When you wanted to do everything with love, you must start by giving your best while thinking about others.

It's about selflessness. It talks about sacrifice. When you do things with love, surely there will be a willingness. Willingness to sacrifice your time, your strength, your money, etc.

This love, also talked about our love for God. When we do all things to glorify His Name, that's love. When we obey His command, that's love. When we care for whom God loves (basically everyone), that's love.

To be a successful person, you got to put love in everything you do. Because by doing so, you won't get tired even after doing it for don't know how many times. Love will fuel Passion, and Passion will keep you going!

Never Changing Love

(Source: www.indonesiawallapaper.blogspot.com)

For the mountain may move and the hills disappear, but even then My faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken," ... - Isaiah 54 : 10

Indeed, when we look around us, things are changing. Only God's love for us is never changing. Did God just said His covenant of blessing? Yes, He did. That's a "WOW" for us, because what has been promised by God, He won't deny. Some people might think, if so why aren't we always blessed? Let's take a deeper look into this covenant of blessing.

Covenant : a solemn agreement, an agreement held to be the basis of a relationship of commitment with God (Concise Oxford Dictionary).

First of all, we got to have a relationship of commitment. Let's put it simple: read the Word, do it. A covenant is an agreement, it requires both parties to keep their end of the agreement. Keep ours and God will definitely keep His, for sure.

Covenant of blessing is sometimes called Abrahamic Covenant. God promises so much for Abraham, because of one thing, that is his faith. So, number two requirement, have faith. Blessings do not fall from the skies! Sometimes we are just so engrossed in the blessing that we forget all about the Giver. God does not want that, Nah Nah.

So next time, if you want God to bless you, remember that He will but you need to keep your end of the agreement. BE COMMITTED & HAVE FAITH.

Small Gesture Big Impact

(Source: www.nasyidmadany.wordpress.com)

Sometimes even a slightest smile, a helpful hand and a good ear brings big impact to others lives. You don't necessarily need to have the ability to do great things, ability to speak and thousand get saved, ability to perform miracles or anything.

Trusts me in this, you are the great thing God created, testimonial for thousand to see, and a miracle itself.

Therefore, live your life well. Make a big impact to your society, through every small gestures you make. You will never know how much that would mean to somebody in need.

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. - Proverbs 11 : 24

This verse is somehow reversed from what we were taught. Don't give! Don't give! Don't give! But the Bible says give freely! Now that's just how wonderful God's promises are. Give and receive!

But it isn't only limited to just monetary giving, it goes all the way to how you treat others. How willing you are in helping others. When someone need help moving stuffs, are you the "lend a hand" or "I don't care" type of person?

Okay, let's start from the easiest, A SMILE. A smile to someone might change their entire day. Imagine someone is feeling down and rugged, but when he / she saw you smiling to them, imagine the impact you could have, they will go through the day with a bit of encouragement. Better than none, and that's a person powerful smile. Imagine a bunch!

Open up a door for someone, lift somebody luggage for them. These are the small gestures I'm talking about. You could have save someone who have a terrible back pain, well you never know.

When people start sharing to you, most of the time, they don't need solution. They just need a listening ear. So, listen!

So now, are you ready to make a big impact with your small gesture?

Going Through Life in 2 Minutes

(Source: www.rrdasgupta.files.wordpress.com)

If an egg is broken by outside forces, then the life inside the egg will ends.

But... If an egg is broken by forces from within, then new life was born.

Great things always start from the inside.

God never promises that the sky will always be blue, flowers will always bloom or sun will always shines.

(Source: www.wral.com)

But know that He always gives a rainbow in every storm, a smile on every tear, a blessing in each trial and the answer in every prayer.

Don't ever give up friend, continue to strive.

"Life is so beautiful."

Life is not a destination but a journey, therefore enjoy it.

Life is a challenge, face it.

Life is grace, receive it.

Life is a match, win it.

Life is a task, finish it.

Life is a goal, attain it.

Life is a mystery, uncover it.

Life is an opportunity, take it.

Life is a song, sing it.

Life is a promise, fulfill it.

Life is beautiful, be grateful.

Life is a puzzle, solve it.

1 thing that makes us happy is LOVE

1 thing that makes us mature is PROBLEM

1 thing that makes us broken is HOPELESSNESS

1 thing that moves us forward is EFFORT

1 thing that makes us stronger is PRAYER

By: Anonymous

God's Way or No Way

(Source: www.hefamily.org)

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. "And My way are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts are higher than your thoughts. - Isaiah 55 : 8 -9

A lot of times in our lives, I believe we would all feel that we are going the right way, doing the right things and everything that we did are what God wanted us to do. But when things go wrong, we blamed God that He isn't doing His job.

Stop for a moment, and rewind our lives. Are we really going the right way that God wants us to? Or is it just what I wants in life?

At this point, I believe we all thinking the same thing: "How am I supposed to know if it's God's way or my way?"

It's simple, my question for you is: "Can you take some hardship?" When we are doing exactly what /  how we want, things will normally run smoothly. Or it seems so. Until the end, you found out that this is not good at all. But when we go with how God wants, almost every time, you need to take some falls. At the end, you will find that it is all worth it.

Of course God wants us to succeed in life. That's why He gave us problems to face, so that we could learn and grow stronger. The key to this success is trust. It always come to a point where we are faced with a situation, trust God or trust myself?

Once you walk the way God prepared, I urge you to have faith. I myself also learning how to trust God more. It's not as easy as it seems. But aren't we made able by God? Therefore we can do it, have faith.

Freedom & Citizenship

2 more days to Indonesia's Independence Day. This reminds me of how our ancestors struggle to win their FREEDOM. Yes, freedom from COLONIALISM. So that now I could claimed myself to be the Citizen of Indonesia. Now, this also reminds me about our citizenship in heaven.

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. - Philippians 3 : 20

This world, or even in our hearts, aren't we always fighting the battle against the colonialism? Against all our evil desires, what we idolize?

Paul said that we are the citizen of heaven, which means we have the right to be there. When we left this world of course. But then again, we gotta win our places.

Only a few countries in this world that gain their independence without struggle. Because there was no foreign power of whatsoever.

But how can we live in this world with no foreign power getting inside our mind. First of all, our hearts are wicked by nature:
The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? - Jeremiah 17 : 9
And secondly, the devil will always find a way to tempt us. Since Jesus was even tempted, all the more us considering how our heart is.

Don't worry though. Because by God's grace we are given freedom, and that's when God sacrifices His Son upon that Cross.
He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. - Ephesians 1 : 7

But our struggles are not ended yet, we have to keep fighting until Jesus came the second time like what has told us.
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve on another in live. - Galatians 5 : 13

~ You are free, and expected to be responsible with it. ~

What The World Tells Us

How often is it that you are told how good you are and what a great job you have done?
How often is it that you are told that you can't do it, you're useless?

(Source: haileyburiana.blogspot.com)

Considering the two questions above, I believe you already figured out what the world always tell us. Yes, Negativity.

The world that we live in, this society tends to bring us down a lot more than to help us grow. Even if it's a close friend, how often is it will he / she tells you something positive, compared to all those negative stuffs told? It always get back to us, whether we take it silently or we rebuke it with positive stuffs.

The world will always set a high expectation on us. Yet some people in our lives, will at some point in time trying to bring us down, speak those negative words to us.

We on the other hand, supposed to give our best in everything we do, strive to be the best. Yet we cannot do it, because we are so bound by words from others.

Where do we find Encouragement? The Bible, The Word of God. We can always find the solutions there.

Next time when somebody tells you that you can't do it, remember God said that "Nothing is impossible." Just as easy as that. But first, we gotta know more about The Word of God. Start to read your Bible, meditate on it and pray more.
1. Stop putting your Bible on the shelf and take it out only on Sunday
2. Don't just try to remember what The Bible says only when you are troubled
3. Don't stop praying, especially when times are good

From now on, lives a life that's worthy to be told, leave a legacy start from now. If you don't challenge your mindset, you will never be who or what you want to be.

It is in our lives, and not from our words, that our religion must be judged. - Thomas Jefferson

Small Life For Big Purpose

(Source: www.theta-dna-healing.net)

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart ..." - Jeremiah 1 : 5

God not only knew Jeremiah, He knew everyone of us before we were born, even before we were formed in the womb. Now that's a big statement for all of us.

Believe me my dear friend, God always have a special plan laid out just for you. And there's no such thing such as you being an accident. Whichever family you are in, wherever you are right now, whoever your siblings and friends are; they are part of God's plan, a purpose for your life. You just need to find that purpose and follows it.

Our differences make us special, and our similarities make us stronger. When you look at the people around you, you will see a lot of differences rather than similarities. But, remember that they are special just like how you are special in God's eye. No one in this world would ever wanted to be treated badly. Well, and if you don't want, perhaps you should start treating people better. The world works in a "I treat you how you treat me" way. Christians, be different! Be nice to people who are nice to you, be nicer to those who don't.

By then, hopefully we will realize our purpose in life. It's a tricky set of questions that always pop up for most people:
What is my purpose? Why am I here? Who am I?
Now, stop for a moment. Delete all those questions from your mind and ask yourself a brand new question:
What is God's purpose in my life?

Rethink and reshape our mindset. Mold our character. Keep our integrity. Then you will find the purpose in life.

Praise, The Language of Faith

(Source: http://kunbibalogun.com)

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord! - Psalm 150 : 6

Praising God when we are blessed is easy. How about when we are down in life?

Well, life isn't a smooth road. It's more like a roller coaster ride. Up and down, small and big curves. When the cart goes down from the very top, that will be the scariest / most thrilling moment of all.

But we were never worried, because we believe that it will went back up again. It continues until it reaches the stopping point.

This is a good way to describe life, there will be ups and downs. But when you goes down, don't worry too much because you are going up.

I heard this quite a few times, "When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." Now this is something to be happy about. So next time, whenever you are being brought down in life, just remember that God has a plan for you. Then you'll realize that you are still able to praise God during the tough time.

Praise is probably the best way to show that you have faith in God's power and mercy. When you're praising God, you have to give your 100%. And the only way to do it is to focus solely on God, surrendering all your problems to Him.

The key is also to have patient. Have Patient, Have Faith, Keep Praising.

Footprints

Miracle in Chinese is called 神蹟 which literally means "Trace of God" / "Footprint of God". 神 = God, 蹟 = Trace.

Now that I think about it, there are bound to be miracles in our lives if we believe. And those miracles are not only signs that we are being blessed. They are also meant for us to trace back everything to God.

(Source: www.adrianakems8.edublogs.org)

Look at a sandy beach. When there are visitors, there are bound to be footprints almost everywhere. Even if there is just this one person walked around there.

Now, when God walked in your life, God's footprints would be everywhere. And believe me, when God does that, there must be miracles happening in your life.

At the very end, it is up to us; whether we are tracing it back and be thankful or we just look at it and turned around the next moment forgetting it was there.


This is a very common mistake everyone would have made. When we are in need of God, we pray and pray. Even went on fasting. The moment God blesses us, we turned away and continue with our lives as if nothing happened, and stop praying. That's definitely NOT how things supposed to work.

 A reminder, never take God as a 'wishing well'. "Hey, let me just toss a coin in and make a wish, it will comes true." Well, there is no such thing. Whenever you're blessed or you experienced miracle in your life, be thankful. Learn to be grateful, for it truly comes from the Mighty One.

~ Always trace back to the Giver, not the gifts ~

The Potter & His Clay

What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator.
Does a clay pot argue with its maker?
Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, 'Stop, you're doing it wrong!'
Does the pot exclaim, 'How clumsy can you be?'
~ Isaiah 45 : 9

A beautiful pot / vase or an elegant tea cup, all these come from a clay which go through tough and long processes.

What are those processes?
* The potter picked up a lump of clay from a giant pile of clay from the floor. By this time, he would already has an end design in mind.
Just like how God picked us up, chose us and prepare us. Even before we were born, He already had a design for our lives.

* The clay is then being patted and rolled. The potter will start pouring some water to soften the clay.
At first, we must receive the Word of God in our lives. It's about rebuke and learning. Don't harden your heart, but soften it just like the clay.

* The potter would put the clay on the center of spinning wheel, and keep it spinning while shaping it, taking out any rubble.
The clay on the centre represent our lives to be centered with Christ, so that God can start to shape our lives. While doing so, He will also picked out any mistakes or bad stuffs in our lives.

* The potter will then put the  shaped-clay into the oven and burnt it.
This is the process of sanctification. As our old-selves died with Christ, we are being purified. And believe me, this process is not as easy as it seems.

* After the process, the shaped-clay is then put on the shelf waiting for it to cool down. Then the potter would continue to brush and paint it.
God always wanted to test our patience. Could you wait? In the midst of waiting, remember that God would always put colors in your life. You would never be forgotten by Him.

* Then the potter would once again put the shaped-clay back into the oven. But this time, twice as hot as the first one.
God will only put us into the world when we are ready. The world is like a fiery furnace, keep on burning us, but make us stronger.

* The potter would take out the vase out from the oven and put it on shelf, for it to cool down. Then he will look at the vase and say, "You're beautiful."
At the end of the day, surely we would want God to say "well done".

Note from The Potter:
I want you to remember. I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you'd dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked.
I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted all over you, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have any color in your life. And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long, because hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you.

The journey of Christianity was never easy, but once you are in, strive to the end, for the result is always good.

The Salty Salt

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost it's flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." - Matthew 5 : 13

I believe this verse is of no stranger to a lot of Christians. What does it truly means? Let's learn together today.

Few characteristics of salt:
1. Adds flavor
Without salt in the food, the food will taste bland. Even I wouldn't want to eat food that have no tastes at all. I would just get myself any sauce, seasoning to make the food tasty. And salt will be the most useful of all.
Surely, a Christian's presence must be yearned by others. Without him / her, people will just feel there's something lacking around them. Don't be a Christian that doesn't impact others, by living a "tasteless" life.

2. Acts as preservatives
Salt can be used to preserve meats, preventing it to rots or go bad.
A Christian must be the one who preserves everything that is good. Such as value of this society.

3. Causes thirst
A salty food will always cause people to have a sense of thirst. Remember how I always wanted to grab a drink whenever I ate foods that are too salty.
Likewise, a Christian must always causes people around them to thirst in their soul. Always looking for the Source of Life, that's God and His Words.

Remember what happened to the salt that loses its flavor, "thrown out & trampled". Don't let it happens to us.

How salt works? Keep on giving, without getting any rewards! People will always take from you whatever they can take. Until there's no more left, and you will be thrown away.

But, can we keep on giving? That there will be no end of us, no matter how much they take, it won't run out.