Over Argument & Hostility

Isaac's servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water. But then the shepherds from Gerar came and up and claimed the spring. "This is our water," they said, and they argued over it with Isaac's herdsmen. So Isaac named the well Esek (which means "argument"). Isaac's men the dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means "hostility"). - Gen 26 : 19 -21

The story happened as Isaac grew more and more powerful that the Philistines have to send to him away, despite their promises with his father, Abraham. So Isaac takes on a journey, settled in Gerar Valley, thus he asked his servant to dug a well. Twice he was confronted; people living there begin to argue with him over what he had found.

Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means "open space"), for he said, "At last the LORD has created enough space for us to prosper in this land." - Gen 26 : 22

Sometimes, maybe most of the times in our lives, aren't we confronted with argument and hostility? What can we learn from Isaac? Walk away, keep on trying, and keep on believing God for a greater blessing.

As a result, he found true blessings. Next time, someone try to argue with you over something, don't you think it is better to just walk away?

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

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!

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.

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.

How God Uses Computer

Another great and inspiring short reading from a friend:

When God created you, He never uses COPY-PASTE.

He makes the SETTING of your life beautiful.

He Chooses to MINIMIZE your weaknesses and MAXIMIZE your strength.

Everything good, He INSERT in your life.

DELETE all your mistakes and SAVE your future.

He always brings you to the NEXT, and not BACK to your past.

Even SKIP when accidents almost hit you.

When you need Him, He provided HELP,

so that you may QUIT from your problems.

He always wait for your heart to OPEN and ready for Him to EDIT.

*My notes:
He created everyone differently, unique in its own. It's just amazing how He plans everything for everybody on this world. Well, sometimes we might ask; "If God plans everything good in my life, why am I having problems?" There's only 2 answers for that. It's either us go with our own plans or God wanted us to trust in Him and His power to brings us through. For our God is a faithful God.

It continuously reminds me of how God has shown His mercy in my life for the last 24 years. Even though I may not remember half of it, but if it isn't God, where would I be today? When I flash back on the things that God has done for me, I'm always grateful that He never ever did give up on me.

Shouldn't I repay God faithfulness with my faithfulness? And shouldn't you too?

Majority Vs Minority

"Don't be afraid!" Elisha told him. "For there are more on our side than on theirs!" - 2 Kings 6 : 16

What would you do when you wake up and find you are surrounded by a vast army, with all their troops, horses and chariots everywhere?

Well, of course it won't really happen, surrounded by chariots and thousand of troops.

But imagine you're surrounded by problems. The moment you wake up, your phone rang non-stop, problems just pop-up everywhere. In whatever you do, you encounter difficulties.

At this moment, would you still say "I'm not afraid"? Elisha did, and he also said "there are more on our sides". I believed his servant at that time must have been scared out of his wits, thinking Elisha has gone berserk. But immediately his eyes are open, and he saw more chariots than those of the Arameans, and those are chariots of fire. Why? Because Elisha believed & trusted in God that he won against the vast army of Arameans

There is a song that goes like this:
When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you, above the storm
Father You are King over the flood
I will be still and know You are God
("Still" by: Hillsong)

If only we be still and believed in Him, nothing is impossible with God no matter what problems we are facing. We'll get through the problems, and that's God's promises for us. Someone once told me this; you might be the minority now, but when God is on your side you are the majority.

~ God + me = Majority ~

Palm Tree & Cedar of Lebanon

"But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The Lord is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!”" - Psalm 92 : 12 - 15

After I read these verse, I realize there must be some features from palm trees and cedars of Lebanon that we can learn.

 Let's look at PALM TREE:
1. Flourish at desert
A palm tree can survive in a desert, because its root goes deep into the ground searching for water.
As a Christian, we should also be rooted deep in the Word of God, also in our relationship with God. So that when we are in a "desert-like" / harsh environment, we will still be able to survive. But not just surviving, we must flourish. It means we shine in the darkness.
2. Withstood the storm
In a desert, sandstorms will be inevitable. A palm tree will be bend down, but every time the storm is over, it gets back up again.
A Christian should be strong to withstood any problems. And stand back up every time. Be encouraged!
3. Fruits' sweeter over age
As a palm tree gets older, the fruits its produced gets sweeter and sweeter.
As our walk with God gets longer, we should produce a sweeter fruit. So that through us, people will be rejoiced and recharged.

Let's look at CEDAR OF LEBANON:
1. Tall and Magnificent
Cedar of Lebanon can grows up to 40 Meters, and it grows wider as well.
A Christians should grow, upwards in our spiritual life and sidewards in our mentality. So that we would not fall down when a problem strikes.
2. Long living
A cedar of Lebanon could live up to a 1,000 years.
Of course I'm going to tell you to live up to 1,000 years. But let our legacy be remembered for a thousand years. Let us contribute to the society, and shows that we really care.
3. Useful
A cedar of Lebanon can used differently, in a building, in a furniture.
A Christian should also be multipurposed. Let us do our work with great attitude, and give our best shot everyday of our life.

Both these trees are actually evergreen. Which means their leaves will always be green. We must not lose the fire burning in us, because the Passion that keeps us going never died.

A Sailing Ship

Going through life is like traveling on the vast ocean, with many directions to take. Sometimes it is so calm, but some time storm will come.

Ain't that the same with life, when sometimes our life is so smooth, with no problem at all.

But, there will always come a time with all the difficulties to face, all the trouble around us.

But why must we be like a sailing ship, and not any other type of ship? Let us look at it one by one.

What makes a sailing ship?

The most common things can be found in a sailing ship are these:
1. Hull
This is the part where the ship meets the ocean. This part is the most important part of any ship. There is so many consideration in building the hull. The builder will need to consider the balance of cost, the load, the speed.
This is the basic on which we build our life, how we go through life. We need to consider the load / burden we are carrying through life, and how fast we are going in life. In other words, our character and attitude.

2. Rigging
Rigging is the essential part of the ship that determine where the ship move. It includes cordage to manipulate spars and sails position and shape, sails to catch the wind, and spars on which sails attached to. It is such a complicated feature that must be moved by the captain and the sailors of the ship. No one is allowed to even looked away for a second, especially during a storm.
There are 3 type of people in a sailing ship:
a. Captain (Yourself)
b. Sailors (People who helped us)
c. Passengers (People that know us)
In life, we are the captain, we determine where our life must go. And the sailors are the people around us who helped us to go the direction we wanted. These are the people that shape and mold us. Going through life isn't easy, it required hard work and determination. That's what you need to go through difficulties in life. But some people are just passengers. They come and go. We must remember that!

3. Mast
A mast is the arrangement of spars that held up the sails. A strong mast is required to hold the sails when a strong wind blow.
A mast is like our faith in God, and God is like the wind. Will we be able to hang on to our faith, when God isn't moving, when God moves in His own way, or when God Moves mightily. A sail ship can't fight the wind, because it will only find itself in the same spot, or it will have a hard time trying to get to the destination. Don't that happen us quite often? Trying to fight against God's will, even when it's so obvious. If you want to be success, follow God's will!
Easier said than done? A captain will always know where the wind is blowing because he has experienced it before. Same for us, we need to experience God more.

A sailing ship has a certain character. It went on a voyage bringing just enough supplies to get the other town / destination. Due to the weight that they need to maintain. Of course, the more load it has, the slower it moves. Since it is moved by wind.
In life, we bring far too much burden, so much that it slowed us down. We need to learn to choose our load. Prioritize our needs!

Lastly, if the ship wants to move fast, it will need a strong wind. But expect storm! If it is not strong enough, it will only end up ship-wrecked.
So, if we want to move fast in life, we'll need God's strong push. But are we ready to face the trial in front? That's why we need to have a strong foundation (good character and right attitude), have the right person in our life, and be wise in choosing our path.

~ Now, sail through the ocean of life ~

Facing Goliath!

Lessons to learn from 1 Samuel 17
 As usual, every morning I'll read my Bible according to my Bible reading plan. As I read, there is this chapter that I red, truly challenged my mind. It's the story about David, in his youth defeated the giant Goliath that no one in Israel even dare to face. It's a story that almost everyone of us have heard, but how many of us have really learned the meaning behind this story. How many of us really believe we could slay the giant? How can a young man like David, who never had any experience in war dare to face the giant? The answer is simple. Follow me!

V 1-3 Israel and Philistine are gathering, ready to battle each other out.

V 4-7 Goliath showed himself to Israel, with his armor and weapon, to show how big & tough he is.

V 8-11 Goliath comes out and taunt Israel, to make them scared.

V 16 For forty days, Goliath has been coming out to taunt Israel, yet there's none that dare to step out and fight.

V 24 And whenever he comes out, everyone will fled in great fear and despair.

V 25 Saul even willing to give out such reward to anyone who can kills Goliath, yet still none of them dare.

V 26 So one day, David saw how Goliath taunt Israel, he got angry and asked, 
“What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”

V 28 David's own brother discouraged his heart for God.

V 32-34 But David still believes in his heart, even though Saul try to talk him out of it.

³² David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.” ³³ Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” ³⁴ But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, ³⁵ I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. ³⁶ Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. ³⁷ The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.”

V 38-40 Saul tried to give David his armor, his sword. But it was all to heavy for him and he took them off. He ends up taking his own staff, a slingshot and 5 smooth stones "from the stream".

V 41-44 Goliath walks closer to David and despised him, looking at his weapon.

V 45-47 But David kept his faith, and stand still. It is not important what weapon that he brings to the battle "... I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel ... , for the battle is the Lord's ..."
V 48 David ran towards the giant! Even I can't believe it.
"As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him."

V 49-51 When David successfully bring down Goliath, he didn't just wait. He ran towards Goliath, used Goliath own sword to kill him.

What are the lessons? What is the secret?
1. Problems / Obstacles will always be there waiting for us. Unless we  make a move and go through it, we are stuck! Problem will always seems tough, but we must always stand firm and be tougher. Don't we all believe that God is bigger than anything in the world.
2. When nobody is willing, doesn't mean we should also be unwilling. Every obstacles are chances for us to grow, for promotion.
3. When we are doing thing for God's cause, God will see us through. That's Yes and Amen! And that's why David is called a man after God's own heart. This story show us how true that is. He can't stand Goliath humiliation on Israel, as it would be the same as  humiliating God.
4. We need to choose what other tells us wisely. Every once in a while, we will face discouragement from people around us. And it doesn't matter how close they are, how senior they are. That's why we need to always keep a clear and positive mind.
5. Remind ourselves of the past, when God saves us. Always remember how God saves us, not how we become successful because of our own power. Don't let it become a stumbling blocks for us, don't let it make us prideful. Remember this: Our past experiences are training for the next obstacles!
6. Prepare well, prepare the best. Notice that David choose five smooth stones from the stream. Why must he go all the way down to the stream to collect the 5 smooth stones, while at that area, stones are said to be everywhere. David choose the smooth stones because it flies faster. Those are the best to use with a sling. But why 5, when with God even 1 is enough? Because we will never know God's plan. That's why we need to prepare only the best!
7. Give our best shot. See how David run towards Goliath. When we have prepared well, all we need to do is go forward and face the obstacle.
8. Don't leave room for complacency. When David bring down Goliath, he didn't just stand there. He run forward, take Goliath sword and kill him. Don't be too smug because we have conquered half of the problems. Keep on pushing forward!
9. Trusts in God fully. None of this would happen if David didn't trusts in God. If we trusts God, do it with all our heart, our soul and our mind. Even though sometimes God's way can be uncomprehending, but remember that it always bring the best result.

~ Problems Defy, People Discourage, but God Saves ~

Light At The End of The Tunnel

Have ever been in a tunnel? Now we believed that, no matter how long that tunnel is, we ought to see the light at the end of it inevitably.

But in our life, when we are in those long tunnel, we became scared. We constantly asked ourselves, "When is it going to end?", "Is there no end to it?", "When will I see the light?"

Thus we became discouraged, afraid, unsure. Then we will go back the way we came from. This is pathetic. At this rate, we will never make it through that tunnel, never go pass it. We'll just end up in front of the tunnel, looking at it yet doing nothing.

So, I found this verse encouraging for those of you going through a series of tough time, that God doesn't seems to be there for you. Which in fact, He's still there for you.

Proverbs 3: 5 - 6 "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."

Note that we should trust in God with our heart. Our own understanding can be misleading most of the time. If we consider everything based on our logic and our timing, then we will be greatly distressed. We'll only end up disappointed.

It seems that trusting God is not all to it. We must also submit to Him. How is it done? Be obedient! Yes, that conclude all. Not sure how that goes? If something is causing you to feel guilty, stop it! If something is pulling you away from God, stop it! If something is taking away your time with God, stop it! Read the Word of God, pray more, love Him, be genuine to people around you, and love them.

And God will make your paths straight. That's the two keys, follow it and you will soon see the lights at the end of the tunnel.

Remember this:
~ The end of the tunnel will always be there. ~