Hospitality

Hospitality, the friendly reception and treatment of guest and strangers (Dictionary.com). This is one of the many spiritual gifts God may have granted you with. Do you have this gift? I think that whether or not we have this character or not, we as Christ-followers need to learn to have and practice this trait. Following God's footsteps. He welcomed all sinners, tax payers, prostitutes, strangers, he never excluded anyone. He demonstrated hospitality to the point he gave up his life on the cross, not only for his disciples, his family, his friends, but for those who were against him, those who didnt know him, those who followed him, but even more importantly, those in generations to come.

Are you able to show hospitality to others? When a newcomer walks in, do you make them feel welcomed and accepted? Or do you tend to stay in your comfort zone without your bubble of friends/life? Is this an act of selfishness? "Selfishness will kill what God is trying to do within you." Maybe this newcomer will do something greater in your life for you.

Think about it from their perspective as well. Im sure you've been in their shoes, in a new environment, not knowing anyone. Just wanting to feel accepted, loved, and welcomed. If you know exactly how they feel, why cant you be that person for them?

I challenge you to practice hospitality. Think of others before yourself.

Transformed.

God has given you a glory that will never fade or go away. You are being transformed into Christ's likeness with ever-increasing glory. God swells in you through Christ- the hope of glory. It's nothing you have done, but something incredible that God has done for you and in you. It's getting caught up in the constant and ongoing thrill of knowing Christ. It's about becoming more like him. There is nothing more glorious than that. God is entrusting you to glorify Christ on earth. To shine with his glory.

Christ's glory can shine through you as you let it, transforming you into his likeness, drawing others to him.

We often are blind to transformations that are happening to ourselves. God works in so many different ways. He's there when we need him the most. I didn't realize that God was transforming until i took a step back and looked at what he has made. He makes life simply amazing. I don't know how he does it but he just does. His works are incredible. I always find that when i stray away he somehow finds a way for me to come back. He's just amazing. His forgiving heart helps us to know that we are transformed.

Friends.

We all have friends whom we trust. They're there for us when our toughest times strike. We turn to them when we need help.

Do we consider God as our friend? He should be our #1 friend. Our best of best friends. God is your friend. The best friend you'll ever have., He's the only one that knows everything about you. He knows the number of hairs on your head. He knows your every attitude. Though. Feeling. Care. Trouble. and everything that's cool that happens in your life. He loves you perfectly and unconditionally.

I often take God for granted. I don't thank him enough. He's always stuck by me through the toughest times. I really do regret those times where i wasn't happy with Him. He is God Almighty and he made each and every one of us. We are to call him friend because we need to treat him like one and he has all the amazing and incredible characteristics of one.

Running Mindlessly

Found this in my devotional today, which reading at school and i thought it was really interesting. Take a quick read!

In Buddhism, a thangka painting typically portrays the wheel of life—the historic representation of the nature of human existence. Central to the painting is the circle of life, which has no beginning or end. Life with its endless reincarnations is a spinning wheel that never stops. Perhaps most ominous about the thangka is that the hands and feet of the devil grip the wheel from behind. It’s obvious who is in control of such a spinning history of futility.

In my office I have a painting by a Christian from Tibet who created a very different thangka. In this thangka, the wheel of life has been invaded by Christ’s incarnation and transcended by Christ’s resurrection. And the hands and feet of the devil are broken free from the wheel. As our text states, Christ disarmed “the powers and authorities” and “made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

Billions of people in our world think that life has no real purpose—that we’re like hamsters on a spinning wheel, running forever in meaningless circles. But history is under God’s control; it had a beginning and will have an end. The devil’s defeat means a world in which all things are made new—even the likes of you and me.

~ Today's Devotionals (iPhone App)

"The hands and feet of the devil are broken free from the wheel." This wheel represented life, the constant battle between world, sin, temptations, struggles and difficulties, we constantly want to give in, and its just too much effort and work to fight it through, but will you fight the good fight? Before, the devil was holding your "wheel of life". After accepting Christ, he's come into your life, broken off the devil's grasp on you and have set you free.

"The devil's defeat means a world in which all things are made new..." All things are made new, your life, your actions, your mind, your heart and your soul. You've been forgiven, given another chance, another shot. A clean slate, no record of any wrongs. God has already conquered the devil, and so can you with his aid and guidance.

Are we like "a hamster on a spinning wheel, running forever in meaningless circles"? Indulging in things we should not be? Or have you stepped off that wheel and have realized your purpose in life?

Prove It!

Sunday School this week was a challenge. I think as Christians, there are many things we tend to avoid, but are yet so essential to our faith. Evangelism, standing up for our faith. As Christians, can we explain why we believe? This is what our teacher challenged us with. If you came across this question/statement, how would you answer it?

Prove That God Exists.

I remember when he asked us that question, as well as "is there a God", i cringed, i really didnt want to answer it. I felt so inable to answer it, i didnt feel equipped enough to answer it, to figure out all the facts, to disprove the big bang theory, or whatever other scientific facts, but the truth is we have to face this question. The world has this mindset that things arent true unless proven, thats what science is all about! But how do we prove something we cant see? How are we to answer this if it comes along our way one day? Think about it.

We went around the room sharing our ideas, and a university student was the person we were trying to convince, and many people gave interesting things that i was most interested to hear.

SCIENCE FACTS:

- If it was tilted an angle too much to the left or to the right, we would either burn or freeze.

- Scientists talk about how life was formed from amoebas to sea creatures to land creature, but how do you go from absolutely NOTHING to something without a greater and stronger force?

- Big bang theory, that planets are red shifted, that they are moving away, therefore at one point in time, they must have been close together, but what gave it that umph of energy to create that bang?

OTHER FACTS:

- there has to be a greater purpose in life, why are we living, without God, there is no true purpose on earth

- the bible has been sustained for so long, its almost impossible. If someone didnt believe then they could have destroyed and burned it, and yet it has been passed on and is still living and breathing for thousands of years

These were all things people shared and we discussed, are they strong, are they convincing, that's up to you.

Afterwards, the university student pointed out two answers she liked.

First, she said the answer that "if we could prove that God existed, then we wouldn't have a choice to believe or not". That is very true, if God was proven, everyone would realize the truth and turn to him right? That was very thought provoking for me.

Second, which i think i've talked about previously somewhere, is the comparison between other religions. That if you look at many other religions, they are all self-oriented, doing deeds to gain something, may it be self-fulfilment, or happiness. But if you look at Christianity, its the other way around, we have all be presented with the gift of the gospel and eternal life, its up to us to accept that gift or not. And also, you see that Christianity is the only faith that is inviting and welcoming. You dont see Buddhism holding events inviting people to be Buddhist as well. We are Christians are sharing and want others to hear the good news as well.

After all the talk, we came to a final conclusion, that i think is pretty solid. The best proof for this answer is you. The Christians. The Christ-followers. Are your deeds and your words proclaiming and glorifying Christ? If you are, others will see God working in you and through and that is the greatest proof that he lives, he reigns, and that he is the way, the truth and the life.

Are YOU the living proof to answer this question?

It's Perfect.

God has a plan for you. A plan beyond your wildest dreams. Did you know that the desires deep within you, the passions that move you deeply, the stuff you care about the most, the things in the world you most want to see changed, the stuff that can most quickly bring a tear to your eye or a smile, what most deeply satisfies you are all things that can lead you to God's purpose for you and your life.

We may not think that something bad that happens is part of God's plan but, it actually is. He planned it so perfectly that you need to take the fact that it is. We may struggle with many different things but everyone struggles. We all have these highs and lows in our lives. We may not like it but, it's a plan that was made perfectly and just for you.

I've struggled with many things last year. From dislocating my knee to a fire before show time. It was a really hard year and i didn't understand why God did that to me but now, i realize that he did it for a purpose. He planned it so that i can conquer each of these challenges and it'll lead to making my faith stronger.

Not My Kind

Galatians 3:19-29
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I visited Hong Kong last summer for two months, and well...being Hong Kong, I saw Chinese people everywhere. After coming back to Canada, you really do realize how multicultural Canada is. I talked with one of my cousins a few years ago, and when I mentioned I was Christian, he asked, "Really? But you're Chinese! You're supposed to be Buddhist!" 


There are many instances where someone might say, "How can you be a Christian? You aren't even my kind." Since when did ethnicity or country of origin determine one's relationship with Christ? It shouldn't. 


"You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." [Galatians 3:26-29]


God tells us directly that if we are Christian, we are all one family; there are no "You aren't my kind!" comments, nor should there be any distinction. We're all in Christ. So whether there are differences between you and another brother or sister, whether race, political stance, attitude, class or anything else, it shouldn't make any difference. 

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Love you're neighbour - even if they aren't your kind!

Salt.

Matthew 5:13

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

We are the salt of the earth. God made YOU the salt of the earth. Are you just sitting on the table in the container? Or are you being sprinkled everywhere.

Salt is necessary in life. It helps foods from going bad, it heals wounds, and it protects us from slipping. We can be like that too. We must go out into the world instead of just sitting there.

I sometimes feel like i don't want to go out and help people why? because they may not deserve it. They've treated me so badly yet I'm still nice to them?

Christ was nice to everyone. He didn't judge on anyone or anything. He loves everyone. We must be the same to show who he really is to others.

Conquer

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:31-38

We can conquer all that life brings. With God, we can overcome everything and anything. I think today's sermon at church was an extraordinary reminder to Christians. Life seems like a long time, averaging at about 80 years, 80 years of constant failure, trails, struggles, deaths, celebrations, obstacles, and pains, it seems like a long time. And I know for myself personally, its frustrating when you're struggling with pain and sin for so long, and you cannot win. Its difficult, and like they said in the sermon, giving up, and giving in are so extremely easy. To give in, do what you want, when you want, and how you want. Falling into the world's standards are simple and quick, but thats what Christianity is about, fighting the good fight. Can you fight against giving in, taking the hard but better road? Thats the real test.

In the passage, it says that IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US. God has conquered over all already, and like in v 38-39, he's conquered Satan, death, everything in heaven, on earth and under the earth (Phil 2:9-11). Its always something that goes un-noticed is that in that passage, it says "under the earth". That just goes to show that God is powerful and victorious over everything in Hell, including the devil himself.

As human beings, it is very common and natural to have pride, to feel and want to be the best, and i know i myself has thought so many times "im better than him", "i dont do this, so she's clearly worse than me", but no, who am i to judge? IT IS GOD WHO JUSTIFIES. We are all equal in God's eyes, we have all fallen short of God's glory, no one has fallen MORE or LESS short His glory. We are all sinners equally and equally need God's saving.

NOR THINGS PRESENT, NOR THINGS TO COME. God has already taken care of our future as well. Nothing that is happening to us NOW or LATER will separate us. As people, we love having control, of our lives, of our future. There are many things we want our way, it can be simple things like having the title of each note we take underlined, to bigger things like who we want to marry, what our family is to look like, but there are things that are out of our control. From the people you meet, to what university you get into. But trust in God. Do you have confidence in God that he will bring great things for you?

Verses 38-39, also talks about our identity. That at the bottom, within us, what truly defines us, is the love of God. As Christ followers we often "label" ourselves incorrectly. Yes, we are students, employees, husbands, wives, teachers, doctors, fathers, mothers, but before all of that, we are Christians, we are children of God. "I am a Child of God that is a brother, and student", not "im a brother, student, and also a Child of God." It is God's love that defines us.

We are continuously frustrated with the struggles we face daily, great or small, but God loves usand he has conquered way more than we have experienced. There are times that we want to give up, and just say game over, but remind yourself that nothing will separate you from God, no matter the challenges, and the difficulties, you can overcome it, and that God has greater things planned for you.

The Devil in Court

Zechariah 3:1-5
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I'll be totally honest. I've never ever read Zechariah before, so imagine my surprise when I saw this passage and went, "There's a chapter called Zechariah in here?" At the end of the day, like the actually, legit day, we'll be standing before the Lord of Lords, the Great Judge himself...and we have to give an account of our lives. I don't know about you, but sometimes thinking about that is scary. 


Here, Joshua, the high priest is standing before the judge, with Satan accusing him. He's dressed in filthy rags in a physical way to represent his sin. As Satan is accusing him, the angel of the Lord states:


"See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you." [Zechariah 3:4]


One thing that caught my eye was the fact they said rich and not clean. It makes me wonder what kind of garment is God talking about? Rich, as in soft, expensive, spotless clothes that will show we belong to God! Rich things can also be pure, and innocent. God is saying that despite all we did, the fact that we believe in his son, Christ Jesus, whom came down and died for our sins, we're able to wear these rich clothing and be in heaven with him! Obviously it'll be a hard walk, but who ever said life was easy? People make up quotes like, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." In the same way, when God throws trials at you, draw closer to him!


In this vision, an angel of the Lord was with him. But when our day comes to an end, Christ Jesus will be with us! So rejoice! 

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Justification means our guilt gone, Christ's righteousness given. 

He Sees It.

God sees everything. There's nothing you can hide from him. The widest, most complex view. He sees it all at once. nothing escapes his warm smile. His loving gaze. His watchful care. His limitless love is just for you.

I feel that sometimes when I'm struggling i think that God can't see it. But I'm wrong. He CAN see it. I try hiding things from my friends and sometimes it works but at other times you need to come up front to them and tell them what's up. With God, he sees everything and he waits for you to confess because once you do, it'll bring a warm smile to his face.

When you're at school, he sees you. When you're at home, he sees you. His eyes are everywhere. There's no way you can hide from it.

You are the apple of God's eye.

Let Down Your Hair

John 12:1-8
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Everyone has heard of the story of Mary pouring perfume on Jesus' feet and wiping it with her hair. Yet this devotion taught me a lot about sacrifice too, the topic of MOBS yesterday. It was stated that the perfume was worth a year's wages. Think about it. You worked for a year, 365 days, to buy this perfume. This little bottle that costed so much. And you're not even using it for yourself! It's like buying a car, but giving it away! Obviously a car is a bigger, but you get the picture. Thinking about it, it's like....WOAH!


But taking a deeper look, did you know back then, respectable women never put down their hair in public? Yet she took it out of whatever hairdo she had it in, and cleaned his feet. His dirty feet which walked miles and miles and probably has a bazillion germs on it! With her hair! Not only is she sacrificing this yearly-wages of perfume, but also her reputation.


Now that, is true worship. To be able to ignore everything in the world, and only think about what God feels for you. People will look down on you, snicker and insult you for your faith, as did Mary had happen to her due to her act. But she didn't care. She wanted to worship. She didn't care if she was going against what society said, or what people might say about her. How strong is that faith? Is that like ours? 'cause I know for sure that's something I have to work on. To be able to just worship wholeheartedly, giving up everything no matter what the people around me might say or do. God, will you take over.

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Our worship is right only when we are right with God and with others. 

break my heart for what breaks yours.

Today was Today's Teens Conference for the AGAPE/BASIC leaders, and during our first breakout session, we went to Running With Fire: Passion for the Broken. Although it wasnt a session I wanted to attend, and reading the blurb about it, it didnt really appeal to me, but crazy things happen. I truly believe that if you willingly open your heart/mind/eyes to receive God's word, and whatever he wants to say to you, you'll get something out of it.

So during this session, our speaker talked about the broken. He talked about the brokenness, personal brokenness, the things we deal with, from cutting, to drugs, to sexual immorality, loneliness, depression, and pain. We are all broken, and im sure there are broken people around us. Its really important to really try to see that and be of support. One of the videos they showed today talked about seeing how God sees the world. At first, everyone seemed normal, playing games, socializing, but then when we were "given God's eyes", it revealed the baggage that everyone was going through, from teen pregnancies, to being self absorbed. God truly knows what everyone is going through, but we should be sensitive and see that in others as well.

He also talked about brokenness outside, internationally, in the world, from the poverty, famine and hunger, and how we can help. From sponsoring a child, to working with World Vision or doing the 30 hr famine and raising awareness. There were some crazy statistics they gave,

- The US Defense Bill for ONE DAY could eliminate world hunger

- The average amount spent on ice cream by Canadians could eliminate world hunger

But the end, he challenged us with this. He dared us pray this prayer, and mean it. "Break my heart for what breaks yours." I dont think i fully took it in, but its really a prayer to see with God's eyes, to build that passion for the broken. And if we can see the world from God's perspective, we can truly follow in his footsteps, and be his representatives and help those in need. If you can read this, it means you've been blessed to live in such a wealthy environment/country. God placed you in this position to be the leaders to help the broken, those who do not have that luxury. Challenge yourself, to pray that prayer, and take the first step forward.

Truth.

Interesting how the previous post was also on truth, but today, i've decided to take on a different aspect of truth.

Throughout my life, it has only been recently that i've met people (like 2-3) that have truly been a friend to me and have stuck by me, and i've come to realize one important thing that i look for in a friend, or for that friend to be someone i can trust, share and be transparent with. This trait is being non-judgemental, and understanding. That no matter what i may say, no matter who i may be, what struggles i go through, they will not judge, and they will learn to understand and accept who i am, and what baggage i come with. There are certain friends that may joke around, and give you attitude, faces, or reactions when something may be revealed, and whether or not it is intended as a joke or not, it hurts.

I've also learnt that something extremely hard in any relationship is "speaking in truth and speaking in love". When you confront someone about something their doing, it is EXTREMELY difficult to do that without risking the break in a relationship. How exactly do you do that? How can you tell someone their doing some wrong without hurting their feelings or without discouraging them, or making it feel like you've gone against their back? I've learnt that the first step is the relationship itself. You have to build that friendship first, to gain trust, to get to know each other better, and then when you don confront your friend, they will know that you're doing it out of love. With this, i still find it really hard to confront others, without sounding like im against them.

Sometimes people come to me and speak the truth to me, and to be honest, lately, it hurts, a LOT. Although i know its to be constructive, and as a confrontation, but i've learnt that the truth really hurts sometimes. I think we all do take it personally sometimes, but we have to constantly be reminding ourselves that its them speaking out of love for us. The past week i've learnt that truth hurts, but i need to be constantly reminding myself that its for the good, and i truly appreciate the honesty. It means a LOT for someone to be able to say something like that, and it means a lot, but it just hurts.

Im not sure where im going with this post, but i will refer to this one verse, Proverbs 27:17,

Iron sharpens iron,

and one man sharpens another.

Although the truth might hurt, but friends are there to SHARPEN YOU. Sharpening isnt a nice smooth easy process, it hurts, but it makes you sharper, and stronger.

verse of the day: Ephesians 4:15

¹⁵ Rather,speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who isthe head, into Christ,

Sacrifice.

Have you ever thought of sacrificing something that you love so much just for God?
To be honest i feel like i wouldnt do it. (i know it's pretty bad) So now is the time of lent. Lent is when you give up something for 40 days so that you can get closer to God. So i decided to lent twitter (since im on it or im tweeting like every other second :$ )
I was very hesitant about it when i was thinking of what to lent and today we had a Bible study with our small group at church and someone said if Christ can give up his life for us then why cant we just sacrifice something as small as twitter.

That's when it hit me hard. I struggle to spend time with God while he gave up his ONE and ONLY son for ME? Unbelievable. I wasn't even born yet and he thought of me. I just couldn't believe it.

After this Bible study now know that Christ died for us and he sacrificed his most prized possession and if he can do it, then we can give up something small (such as time or social media) just to spend a little time with him.

Help Needed

Hebrews 4:9-16
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During the second world war, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill told the world, "Give us the tools, and we will finish the job." He was referring to a time where the Nazis were sweeping Europe, and their last resort was near being finished, he called out to the world for help. Without calling out for help, they couldn't have defeated the Nazis and ended one of the most brutal inhumane acts in the world. 


Our Christian lives should model that; when our lives are being crushed by the troubles of the world, we must turn to those in our lives that could help us. Not only is our Christian walk saturated with brothers and sisters whom can help us, uphold us and keep us accountable, they are placed specifically by the hands of God. But specifically, we should also seek help from our heavenly Father, who is the ultimate comforter. 


“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” [Hebrews 4:16]


In all times of need, we are able to turn to God even if we feel that no one is listening, or that no one can help us. Despite the fact not everyone may know your situation, God knows. And he will always be there for us, no matter what.

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Don't let prayer be your last resource in times of need; make it your first. 

Truth?

14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.² In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. ⁴ And you know the way to where I am going.” ⁵ Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. ⁷ If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him andhave seen him.”

⁸ Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”⁹Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. ¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

¹² “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

John 14:1-14

I was able to read through this passage several times throughout the day, and i think thats extremely necessary when we are trying to understand scripture, to fully break it down and understand each word and phrase. I also think that if one has a open heart and mind to receiving the word, it will speak and be understood different each time.

When I read verses 5-6, it immediately brought me back to a discussion we had at retreat, when someone brought up the question, "how do we know Christianity is the true faith?" I confess and admit that i've had my doubts, and im sure we all have. We may question, what if this isnt the "right" way, what if after we pass, there was no heaven, it was all a trick, what if the pastors knew about something and were just tricking us all along? How can i be sure that Christianity is what i should believe in? And as we were discussing, these are a few points that came up. Firstly, i've learnt that out of all the different religions, from Buddhism to Hinduism, that Christianity seems to be the only INVITING others to come see what this "relationship" is about. We also brought up a second point, that was that Christianity is not self-oriented. Many other religions are based on doing deeds/goods to gain blessings or goodness. Whereas in Christianity, Christ has already died for you, and he presents each and every one of us with the gift of eternal life, and it is only if we accept and take the gift, is then that we become saved. And therefore like in verse 12, we do these good works not to gain salvation or approval, but out of thanksgiving, out of commitment, as we follow Christ's footsteps.

side note: I myself am a Christian and believe that through Christ, believing that he died on the cross, and has forgiven me of my sins has saved me from the consequences of sins, and has granted me eternal life. Although i may say that Christianity is the "right" (lack of better word) way, it does not mean that all other religions are wrong, there are definitely things about other religions we can learn from and follow.

Verse 8 also stood out to me. Many many of us are like Philip, we are constantly looking for more. Again back to the retreat discussion, we talked about proof and facts. The world is all about facts, especially the science realm of things, we need proof we need evidence to believe that something is true, but this is faith, not science. There are so many crazy questions that we are curious about, for instance, how the dinosaurs fit into the whole seven days of creation, but over the years of being a Christian i've learnt that sometimes, its just not humanly possible for one to fully understand all this. We can go ask the father when we see him one day! Its hard to believe like that, blindly, but that is faith! Believing without seeing. Its impossible to have all the questions answered. I think this also goes for a test, that with these curiosities, these things that dont fully make sense, its another type of test of our faith. If we can continue to follow him, knowing that he is greater and has plans for us, even though many of our questions are not answered.

People are constantly afraid of change, of the unknown, but are you willing to dig deeper and follow Christ and let him take the reigns of your life?

verse of the day: Ephesians 2:8-10

⁸ Forby grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing;it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast.¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

United.

Colossians 3:12-14

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

When you wear your clothes you have a cover on. Do you have a favourite outfit?
When people look at you, the first think they see is your clothes (or face) but, that's what defines you. The way you walk, talk, and act is how you're shaped.

How is God a part of your life? Do you 'wear' him on every day or just occasionally when you feel like it. Making God the biggest part in our life is hard. I gotta admit that i have my doubts sometimes. I'm not perfect but i try to strive for the best.

I think that without forgiveness, this world would probably be a ginormous mess. We need to forgive each other because Christ forgave you first. When God looks down on us he wants to see unity and wants us to love one another and work as a team.

Go Here.

Psalm 25:4-10

⁴ Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
⁵ Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
⁶ Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
⁷ Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, LORD, are good.

⁸ Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
⁹ He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
¹⁰ All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

God never fails to lead you in the path of righteousness. He's the way, the truth, and the light. We often stray away from God and no realize until afterwards. I, personally, have gone astray and i regret it. I didn't realize that i've gone so far and i was ashamed afterwards. Once i finished talking to my counselors i realized that God is a forgiving God and he loves us very much. He is our comforter and our shield. Our way to Heaven. He's always there no matter where you go.

Holy To The Lord

8 And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they toldEzra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. ² So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. ³ And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.⁴ And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. ⁵ And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. ⁶ And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. ⁷ Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. ⁸ They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

⁹ And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lordyour God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. ¹⁰ Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” ¹¹ So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” ¹² And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

Nehemiah 8:1-12

This was the devotional scripture reading for today, and the overall lesson was about rejoicing in understanding the word. Verse 9 really spoke to me. Just recently, someone who I've known from years ago in choir had suddenly passed, and i was taught by her daughter as well. Because it was so sudden, it got me thinking. First, once again, that life is fragile and short, each day should be lived to the fullest, not for yourself, but for God. But more importantly, i thought about the families, how they must feel right now with what they're going through. I cant imagine how their world was the past few days. It must have been full of tears, overwhelming emotions and confusion. Im keeping them in my prayers. But this verse, "this day is holy to the Lord, do not mourn or weep."

Each day is holy to the Lord, his will is done. Think about the greater things, that she's now in a happier, eternal, place without pain, suffering or tears. She's with the father now, happier than ever. It is difficult to lose a close loved one, but it is when you acknowledge that she is in a better place that you can move on. I hope they are taking it okay. May God bless their family and provide comfort and reassurance.

An Ordinary Guy

John 10:31-42
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There are always people serving God that are in the background; they aren't seen, but without them, nothing would happen. If you think of it as a show, there is the main character, but there are also people who do their make-up, prep their costume, help pull the curtains; the show would not emphasis the main character without all these background workers.


"John performed no signs, but all the things that John spoke about [Jesus] were true." [John 10:41]


In our show, Jesus is the main character, and we are the background workers. We're just ordinary people, but God is the extraordinary person. John didn't perform miracles or anything, he came to bear witness to Christ Jesus. Compared to the main star, although our actions are small and deeds are quiet, we must be able to point to the star.

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Christians are ordinary people who are committed to extraordinary person of Christ. 

greater things are yet to come.

Glee is my inspiration for this post. Today's episode talked a lot about life, death, and suicide. For many people, young, old, tall, small, no matter what sexual orientation, what lifestyle, gender or race, everyone goes through life, and its tough, its rough and it frustrating. It will have its ups and downs, and there may be days where you think to yourself, life sucks. But that is no reason to even think about taking your life. Things WILL get better, but what's even greater is that there's hope, and greater things are yet to come, beyond this earth.

¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. ²³ And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly aswe wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

romans 8:18-25

I've learnt that life is like a circle, there will be its ups, and its downs, but even though you may be at the lowest point, it will pick up and get better. Learn to have faith and trust in the Lord, he has greater plans for you.

In heaven, God has a place ready for you, but you have to pass his test on earth. If you can sustain and pull through all the challenges and storms he may send your way. Will you be able to hold on and stand firm in your faith, knowing God is almighty and good and will pull you through any depressing, frustrating or painful time in your life? There are MANY greater things yet to come that you have no idea of, if you give up on yourself and on life, you'll never get the opportunity to experience the blessings God has instore for you. Dont lose faith.

Slacker?

Proverbs 6:6-11
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Sometimes when we read the bible, we don't retain the message or feel what God's telling us. During times like these, people suggest changing a word to see the point the passage is trying to make. A famous one is the love verses in Corinthians. Change the word "love" to your name, and BAM! You instantly see what love needs to be. You need to be patient. You need to be kind. You need to keep no records of wrong. 


In this passage, there is a same need. Change the word "sluggard" to "slacker." Aren't we all slackers? God is even comparing us to an ant and telling us we aren't even close to an ant! They work hard, are able to carry more than their entire body weight and don't need someone commanding them to work! Yet most of us spend hours on our gadgets and technology, procrastinate on everything and barely read our bible. I know I'm most certainly guilty of procrastinating on everything. We need to look at God's creation and see how we are sometimes. Still think you're not a slacker? This devotion gave a few examples of slackers. 


- Prayer slacker (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
- Bible-reader slacker (Psalm 119:103, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- Non-exercising-of-our-spiritual-gifts slacker (Romans 12:4-8)
- Non-witnessing slacker (Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8)


Still don't think it's a big deal? James put it in the simplest way possible.


"It is a sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it!" [James 4:17 NLT]

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We may make excuses for not obeying God, but He still calls it disobedience.