To The Greatest Person We Called "Mother"

How great is a mother's love for her children? There got to be no limit to the greatness of her love. And it's definitely not exaggerated. I must say there is a verse that just fits perfectly for the role of a mother.

(Source: www.coconino.az.gov)

1 Corinthians 13 : 4 - 7

Love is patient and kind. Remember how she always patiently answer all our stupid questions and never did she get angry, despite our annoyance?

Love is not jealous. Never did she complain when we spend less time with her, and spending more time with our brand new video game. What she really worries about is that we never do our homework and didn't prepare for the test tomorrow.

Love is not boastful or proud. Have she ever tell you about how she work so hard to bring you up? Well, think again, that's not boasting. Parenting isn't as easy as it seems. Perhaps, we all should wait until we've become parent before we make that statement.

Love is not rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable. Constantly being nagged at doing things that you don't like? It happens to everyone of us. We all should try to just accommodate. There got to be a good reason for all those "It's for your own good" nagging. Don't ever feel resentful! Just do it, and you might just find what you are looking for. If not, at least you tried and you have honored her (most importantly).

Love keeps no record of being wronged. How many times have we blamed her for all the thing that went wrong in our lives? Shame on us! Because she never keeps all those wronging. She feels sad of course, but she will never bring up the matters ever.

Love does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Fairness is her middle name. Since small, she taught us about rewards & punishments. For whatever we do, there will be consequences. We've been taught about equality among our brothers & sisters. So that we could be a person with integrity, who could easily decide what's right or wrong.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful. She loses faith in her children? Never. No matter how people tell us, we are hopeless; she will never loses her faith in us. For us, she had never give up. She was always hopeful, believing that we could do so much more. And that empowered us to do more.

Love endures through every circumstances. No matter what situation we are in, how hard it is; she will be the one that taught us how to endure. Our endurance are being molded daily, until one day we are ready.

What more can I say; the greatest love, the greatest person, a mother.

Man & Woman: Admiration & Family Commitment

This series is for married couple, and if you are going to get married at some point in your life.

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you life together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. - 1 Peter 3 : 7

We have come to the end of our series. And last, but not least ...

* Man needs admiration from the woman. Woman wants family commitment from the man. *

(Source: www.wishbonix.com)

So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. - Ephesians 5 : 33

A lot of people said that behind every successful man, there is a woman. But better yet; behind every man, there should be an admiring wife. Man basically loves praises. No man likes to hear his own shortcomings. We somehow realizes it without even being told, just that we don't want to hear about it.

Next time ladies, learn to always offer a trade-off when you negotiate with man.

A family commitment is kind of easy-hard thing. It may sounds easy, look easy, but it definitely requires a bit of work. As a husband, man must take a leadership role in the family. Learn to spend more time with the family. It meant a lot to a woman. What does spending more time really means?
1. Quality time in the family
2. Proper parenting skill
3. Wise discipline (Ephesians 6 : 4)
4. Explain the rules
5. Learn to handle anger

Know we have learned all those stuffs, let us learn to apply it (for those married couple) and build a better marriage life.

Finished.

Man & Woman: The Support They Need

This series is for married couple, and if you are going to get married at some point in your life.

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you life together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. - 1 Peter 3 : 7

To build a long-lasting marriage, husband and wife must learn how to support their each other. By that means, they need to know what their spouse need. The kind of support that he / she need.

* Man needs domestic support. Woman needs financial support *

(Source: www.ehowcdn.com)

What does it means by domestic support?

Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting - and conflict. - Proverbs 17 : 1

Man loves peace and quite at home. They hate trouble in the house.

What can a wife do? Learn from Titus 2 : 4 - 5. Love their husband and children, live wisely and be pure, work in their homes, do good, and last but not the least, be submissive to their husbands.

We are now living in a modern society, where woman also steps into workplace, and work at home all the time tends to be an old-fashioned way of thinking. Therefore, it's also important that there will be division of labor. Let every member in the family know what they need to do. What they can do for the family. That's how husband and wife can keep the family strong and supportive.

Financial support, I bet all the women would say Amen to this.

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. - 1 Timothy 5 : 8

A man must provide for his family. Most wives, or should I say all wives expect their husband to earn enough for the family. Therefore it's necessary to have a budget placed at home.

Easiest way to do budget is to do it together, and knowing the right priorities. Budget can be divided in 3 levels:
1. Needs - The most important! Basically what you need to live; foods, clothing and house.
2. Want - These are the basic pleasure, once in a while.
3. Affordable - These are the type of luxury goods, which you don't even need it to live.

Learning how to manage home and finances require two people. Don't be afraid to let your spouse know your needs.

To be continued ...

Man & Woman: Attractiveness & Honesty

This series is for married couple, and if you are going to get married at some point in your life.

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you life together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. - 1 Peter 3 : 7

As we continue to learn, I do hope we are getting a hang of it. About the importance of fulfilling each other needs in a marriage life or living with your spouse. Sit tight! This is going to get better.

* Man loves attractive spouse. Woman looks for a honest man and openness in a relationship *

(Source: www.theytoldmetofindrichhusband.com)

As we learn in 1 Samuel 16 : 7; People judge by outward appearance. And so thus men. The first thing that come to a man's mind when he looks at a woman, is the attractiveness.

Love at first sight, can't be because of inner beauty. For man to discover your inner beauty, it takes time, a lot of time together.

It's true that inner beauty is important, but men also appreciate outward appearance. Remember this, attractiveness is what you do with what you have. Just because you are married or you are attached, doesn't mean you have the excuses to gain weight and wear badly.

Man must learn to tell the truth. Honesty is the best marriage insurance policy. But before you get married, it is as important to tell the truth. People might tell you white lies are alright. But NO! They are destructive.

Man and woman are created to shoulder the same problem and the family together. Learn to be honest!

To be continued ...

Man & Woman: Companionship & Conversation

This series is for married couple, and if you are going to get married at some point in your life.

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you life together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. - 1 Peter 3 : 7

Now we know that to keep a marriage strong, fulfilling needs is an integral part. Therefore, to continues with our series, we will look into the second need.

* Man needs recreation and companionship. While woman needs to have conversation. *

(Source: www.onceuponamisadventure.blogspot.com)

When God created Adam, He said that "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him." (Genesis 2 : 18). Well, it is biblical, that man needed a woman, and not a dog or any other pet. Alright, most man wouldn't agree with this point. But read on! (Haha)

Deep inside a man, he needs to have a companion. A man just can't settle in the house without doing anything. They love to have fun, do something they love. And even better, with someone they love. So lady, spend more time with your spouse, doing things together. It might not be fun for you, but it's good to build your relationship.

A woman needs to have conversations. Based on a research, a woman needs to speak 20,000 words per day compared to man who only needs to speak about 7,000 words a day. So man, please don't get annoyed at your spouse keep on repeating the same thing over and over again. They just need someone to listen.

And a word of advice, woman doesn't need the man to give her solution. Just listen!

Conversation / communication is the key to a successful marriage. A real conversation required an undivided attention. You can become interested in each other's life by communicating. Merge the interest!

Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. - Philippians 2 : 4

As of today, be more interested in each other's life!

To be continued ...

Man & Woman: Sex & Affection

This series is for married couple, and if you are going to get married at some point in your life.

(Source: www.lovespeaks.net)

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you life together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. - 1 Peter 3 : 7

The verse above have taught us 3 important things as a husband and wife:
1. Share your life together, as a companion
2. Be understanding / thoughtful / considerate
3. Honor / appreciate

Meeting needs is nonetheless one of the most important aspect of all. (1 Corinthians 7 : 3)

This is most needed in keeping frustration, conflict and tension from rising in a marriage.

You might have thought that fulfilling your duty is enough; by making sure that there is foods on the table, by making sure that the house is clean. But NO! Meeting needs of your spouse is your duty as well.

Therefore, there is an urgency to know their needs, and generally, man and woman are different.

* Man placed Sexual Fulfillment above all else, while woman needed Affection the most. *

Read 1 Corinthians 7 : 3 - 5 (NKJV)

Basically men are visual-based and women are emotional-based. In other words, men like what they see and women like what they feel.

I shall not elaborate on the sex part, but affection; woman needs to be cared for. Because it symbolize security, protection, comfort and approval. There are many ways to show affection, which most men don't feel like doing after years of marriage or even at the latter stage of a courtship.

Some of those are hugging, hold hands, carry things for her, write cards, give flowers or even express affectionate words. Somehow, those acts disappear after we got too comfortable with each other.

Got no idea of writing love poem? Read Song of Solomon 4 : 1 - 9

Being affectionate is paying attention.

To be continued ...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Two Is Better Than One

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. - Ecclesiastes 4 : 9 - 10

Obviously, human cannot live alone for we are created as social beings. That's why God created Eve to accompany and help Adam.

Then the LORD God said,  "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him." - Genesis 2 : 18

Notice the verse above, "Who is just right". Hmm, now how does that fare? Who is right for you, who is right for me, who is right for someone out there?

It's quite simple, the rule is easy. It's not up to us to decide who's the right person for us. And we absolutely will not have any idea who is the right person that God has prepared for us.

But we can always be the right person for somebody. A real lover is someone who is willing to help the one he/she loves no matter what the cost is.

If you already have a boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife, be a lover today.
If not, the time will come; and by that time, you better be ready.

In Need of Favor

Yes! A lot of us are constantly looking for approval, for favor. Be it our bosses, colleagues, friends and families or even God Himself. But how do we do it anyway?

Take a look at Proverbs 3 : 3 - 4
"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation."

Very simple isn't it? We just need to have loyalty and kindness, or as other translation would say love and faithfulness.
There is an old saying that goes like this: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Let us learn to treat others with love and kindness.
1. If someone asks for our help, do it with a willing heart
2. Be kind to give a hand when someone need it
3. Show love in our action

Be loyal and faithful:
1. In every task given to us
2. In everything entrusted to us
3. In our relationship (any kind)

As simple as that, and *puff* people will begin to show you favor, which automatically generate a good reputation.

As to God, be faithful in our prayer, giving, ministry and our own life. Love Him with all our heart, soul and strength (As Quoted from Deuteronomy 6 : 5).

~ Show love & kindness, be loyal & faithful ~

Quiet Life

Yesterday, when I was doing my daily devotion, I saw this verse that attracts me.

"Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others." - 1 Thessalonians 4 : 11 - 12

Let me share a story that also happen on that day. As I walk, I accidentally hit a lady. I apologize, but she scolded me, asking me to look where I am going. In fact I know that she's also looking somewhere else. But, I still apologize twice. Because I remembered this verse, telling me to live a quiet live.

This is not about who's right or wrong. It's about how we look at things in live. Would you rather blow up a small matter? Or just let it go?

Besides that, the verse continues telling us to mind our own business. Why didn't we have time for our own problems, but have way too much for other people problems? Think about it, and start solving your own problems. Gossip can also be a downfall! Look at how many times it is mentioned in Proverbs. Let us learn to hold back words that hurt others.
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret" - Proverbs 11 - 13

Work with your own hands. Surely I don't need to explain much about it. Just remember this verse:
"Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich." - Proverbs 10 : 4

~ Changes Start Today ~