Endure! - Part 1

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, ²¹and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ²²let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. ²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

²⁶ If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, ²⁷ but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

Hebrews 10:19-27

Lately, you can see that my posts have been more topic based instead of passage based, and i can feel the gap between his Word and my life, and its weak. Im starting to really realize the power of his Word, how it is the bread of life. Indulging in it is a must, if you stop, you start to stray away.

I came across this passage while flipping through my bible, and its under "A Call to Persevere". There's more to it and i'll make it the next post, like a MINI MINI series. At this moment in time, there's been a lot i've been trying to push through, and there's been little glimmers of hope that are pushing me through. God will last and not leave my side, so putting my hope in Him is the best choice.

How sure are you of your salvation? (v.22) I remember at my baptism interview, i was asked "if you were to die right now, would you go to heaven or hell?" I remember answering hell. Because of all the things and sins i've committed, there was no way i was near that "perfect" Christian that deserves heaven. Oh boy was i wrong. God hands this gift out to each and every one of us, we take it when we repent and believe in Him. It still took me many many years after to fully understand the assurance of my salvation. Only until recently, I came to realize that my name is already up in heaven in the book of life, that i can say that i AM going to heaven. Christ is my God and my Saviour, and i've dedicated my life to him, no matter how hard the road may be. His life and his sacrifice has cleansed our hearts. We now have the help of the holy spirit, we can be stronger in becoming righteous in a holy manner. May we live our lives each month, each week and each day glorifying God in ALL we do.

Hope. (v.23) we're always looking for hope. It times of trouble especially. We must hold onto Christ because his will keep his promises. That he will one day descend from heaven and will end all sin, all pain, when judgement day will arrive. I await that day. I think i tend to forget this promise and thus lose hope easily.

While on earth, with these challenges and hardships, we cannot do it alone (v. 24-25). I remember struggling through things, and i remember focusing on Philippians 4:13 "i can do all things through Christ" that was my motivator. And as true as that was, i was strong enough, and i had to have other people. Thats why God made people. So we can work and help each other get through trials and troubles. Its always nice to know there's someone there for you, someone you can talk to. Find accountability. Find community. Find support. Find unity. You'll find a good group of people you can talk to, share with, be transparent with and can open up to. Its so important.

If you say that you are a follower of Christ, you are his child and his representative. If you know that God does not like sin, yet you continue to do so, it isn't right. (v.26-27) But God is a good God. He gives us free will. You can do whatever you want. He won't stop you and wont force you. If you continue to indulge in the world, then he'll just wait, hoping for the day you turn back to him. Judgement day is coming for all of us. God will go through all of us, one by one, looking through what we've done, if we were true followers and servants of Christ.

We have continue to fight and push forward.

Salvation is assured for us.

There is hope in God's love and promises.

He's given us people that will support and encourage us.

We cannot go back to our usual desires and sinful habits.

¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Road to Calvary (V)

Today is Good Friday. It was today, many many years ago that our Saviour was put on a cross, shed his blood for our sins. He gave up his life for us. A sinless, guiltless perfect man died for you and me.

So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. ¹⁷ Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). ¹⁸ There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

¹⁹ Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. ²⁰Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. ²¹ The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”

²² Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

²³ When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.

²⁴ “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,

“They divided my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.”

So this is what the soldiers did.

²⁵ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

John 19:17-27

Christ was crucified for us. If you looked into it, you were see exactly how extreme and how painful it really was, from the whipping, to carrying the cross, to being nailed, hung, and pierced. He went though a lot of pain for us.

We get to see a last glimpse of Pilate's character here, and like the speaker described in the sermon today, that some people respond to the cross by just touching it, not embracing it. Pilate recognized that God was guiltless, but he still gave into peer pressure in the previous post. Pilate wrote "The King of The Jews" as a statement, whereas the others wanted it to say that "he CLAIMED to be the King of The Jews". But Pilate stayed true and kept it how he wrote it, hinting at the truth and what he believed and saw. A sinless, guiltless person, taking the blame and the consequence for something he didn't deserve.

The next part, with the casting lots, it said that it was done to fulfill scripture as it was said in Psalm 22:18. I personally do not see and understand the significance yet besides fulfilling scripture. For instance, why did they cast lots for it? What was the point of that?

The last few verses, i feel like it shows the detail of God's plan. That when Mary saw her son up there on the cross, he had already planned for her to be taken care of, by his disciple. It shows how detailed our God thinks, how exact and precise, and to the tee. That all things are perfect in his hands.

²⁸ Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. ³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

³¹ Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. ³² The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.³⁴ Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. ³⁵ The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. ³⁶ These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” ³⁷ and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”

John 19:28-37

"It is finished". Jesus' final words before he died on the cross. You can really see his true dedication to his Father and to the plan. He carried out every single bit of God's plan from beginning to end, not wavering or straying away.

Again, like the garment and the lots, scripture was to be fulfilled when Jesus was pierced. That no bones will be broken, only pierced, as referred to in Exodus 12:46, Numbers 9:12, as well as Psalm 34:20. Its amazing to see that even after Jesus' death that scripture is being fulfilled and God's plan is always in motion.

Jesus' body was then buried in a tomb, and he lay there the next three days, and while the world mourned, God above knew that something greater was coming.

Resurrection Sunday.

¹⁹ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

John 2:19

My World vs The World

"a very personal reflection"

Over the break, rotting away, i've gotten to chance to really think about what im going through. I feel like my life is a mess. Not in an obvious way though, but on the inside, a tornado has torn through and everything is everywhere. Doubt has flooded in and negativity radiates in my mind. Things still feel like they're up in the air, im not sure what to make of it, how much of it is true and how much of it is my mind playing tricks on me. Everything's just a big mess.

Thinking more each day, today i came to this conclusion. My World vs The World.

The World. By saying this, i mean the standards of this world. I guess more towards the academic/future world. Im not trying to boast or anything, just be clear of that. Personally, i havent felt stressed about the entire university thing. I feel very calm, prepared, and im ready for God to guide me wherever he desires. I've always wanted to follow him, but sometimes i can never tell where he wants me to be. The university dilemma, i've always thought, if you make it, you make it. If you dont make it, you dont. I feel like my marks are fine, and will get me where i want to go and i already have gotten offers. I think this is THE WORLD. The things "The World" worries about and cares about. And i feel like i've got that down.

My World. This is in reference to inside, my inner self. From social/physical/emotional side of things. You may or may not have noticed, but loneliness is one of the biggest things i struggle with i think one can say. There are so many things that im dealing with that i want to get rid of, and i want to discover the roots and really destroy it from there instead of the surface pains. From loneliness sprouted the missing sense of feeling good about myself, and about life, from that grew the urge to feel good, which blossomed into temporary satisfaction and sins. The chain continues, as doubt/guilt/anxiety fill in the gaping holes and to be honest im a bit scared of where this may/can lead to. Depression? Suicidal thoughts (but i dont think i have to guts to even attempt that)?

Solution? I honestly dont know. Thinking about all this stuff, from simple things, seeing people together and seeing myself alone, I've been thinking, what is worth living for? If the things of this world is going to fade and deteriorate, why are we still living? Whats the point of all this. Being able to vent out to someone is the best, and im happy i have a PINCH of these people. Talking to him reminded me of so many things. Living for God. He should be enough to live for. And although, yes that is the answer, but sadly i feel like my faith isnt strong enough to say that yet. I feel like many people see me as the mature spiritual one, but when i reflect on it, i dont think im anywhere near spiritual maturity.

So what is the answer? First off, another reminder from the same friend. We're in the midst of Teens Conference at the moment, and he talked to me about their bible study on Hosea. It talked about Hosea and Gomer (who was a prostitute). Throughout the entire passage, Gomer was constantly being unfaithful to Hosea, and long story short, Gomer represents us as Christians and Hosea represents Christ. We are CONSTANTLY going against Christ yet he is still committed to us, continues to love and forgive us. No matter who we are, what we do, God forever loves us. This boggles my mind that God is so willing to care for us and i've even thought, "why is he so stupid for not leaving me. i've done so many things to hurt him and he's just standing there just readying himself to get hurt again". But God is good. All the time.

So we got that down. God forever loves and forgives us when we are unfaithful. But now what? How will this rid of my loneliness, doubt, guilt, and pain? Again, we always point towards the Word. Are you indulging in it everyday? Are you truly spending time with our Saviour? And i confess and admit. No. Im not. And i need to be and should be. But I honestly can say, i dont have the motivation. Why? Im not sure. Why do i allow other things, tv shows, homework, scholarships, overpower and allow devotions and scripture reading to be pushed aside? I need a push. Still a weak Christian, i have lots to learn. I need to fully realize this and i need to put it into action.

Lastly (for now), accountability. I have this with a few people, my pastor who is also my mentor, a close friend or two are there to support me and get me through these rough times. I think i got this down. But if you're reading this and you're going through something, tell someone. A brother and sister in Christ who is spiritually mature and whom you can trust. Accountability is so important. I remember when i first started, i kept telling myself, i can do this with God. All things are possible with Christ right? That is true, but i MYSELF cannot overcome it and be victorious. That's why we are a church and are a family. We are there to support each other. That's why there is fellowship, that's why there is accountability and support, that's why God made other people, for support, love and encouragement. Find that person for you!

More solutions? Im unsure of at the moment. I'll stop here. My process is still going, im still thinking, still reflecting. But at this moment, i can say im at a lower point in life. Feeling lost, sad, alone, and in a blur.

verse of the day: Proverbs 3:5-8

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
⁸ It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.

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?

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.

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.

seeing what we cannot.

I was totally under the category of what we talked about at church today. A person who lacks confidence, has little faith in Christ and is weak, not realizing His strength and His greater, different, mysterious and perfect ways.

¹³ Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
¹⁴ You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
¹⁵ You with your arm redeemed your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

¹⁶ When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
indeed, the deep trembled.
¹⁷ The clouds poured out water;
the skies gave forth thunder;
your arrows flashed on every side.
¹⁸ The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lighted up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
¹⁹ Your way was through the sea,
your path through the great waters;
yet your footprints were unseen.

psalm 77:13-19

1. God is HOLY and his ways are higher/better/different than ours.

We're constantly wanting our way. We fail to give up power, and control of our own lives. We as humans are so scared of the unknown. We dont want to change, we dont want to surrender and let someone take the wheel of our lives. We also have pride in ourselves, we think we're better, we're stronger, we know whats best for us, but the truth is, we really dont. If you have time, reflect on the past few months, years, and see how God has pieced your life together in the most magical, mysterious ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

2. God's work in the past tells of his work in THE PRESENT and THE FUTURE.

The big pointer here is KNOWING God's work in the past, and the only way to know that is be reading and indulging in the Word. It is the truth. Today our pastor said that should be reading off the word, in PHYSICAL, PRINT form, and im guilty of that. After getting my iphone i've been reading it electronically, and i think i need to change that and start getting back into the habit of reading his word in print. I think its better in many ways, electronically, there are distractions everywhere. But it is by reading his word that one will fully understand just a hint of how God works and see how great he is, for one to put faith into an almighty God.

3. God's work in our lives is MYSTERIOUS but PERFECT.

Our Pastor mentioned today in the passage (Psalms 77) that it talks about nature a lot, and he linked it with God's mysterious ways. Nature is very unpredictable, yet it always works out. If you study science, you start to learn about how crazy and amazing creation is. Although it extremely hard to let go and let God. Remember that his ways are always better. He's overlooking our lives, he's planning it, and he knows whats best and whats better than what you have in mind.

Luke 17:1-4

¹ And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! ²It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. ³ Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, ⁴ and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

luke 17:1-4

The past few days, i've really come to realize that when reading his Word you need to be extremely focus. Its never a one-time read kinda thing. You have to read it once, read it again, and read it again. There are lines that you may not get at first, second, or third glance, but you really have to break it down.

Here are the main points I got out of the passage.

being the one that causes others to sin is worse that "drowning yourself in the ocean" (as used in the passage). As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should be working together and supporting each other in spirit and in love. Not pulling each other down. After reading this, i immediately thought of Kelly's talk about dress code at semi formal events. Girls should not be wearing short dresses, or low cut dresses that can easily be temptations for guys. Thinking about it, i really hope im not doing anything that causes others to sin, and if i am i hope im notified about it and i'll do my best to change it.

forgive. Christ forgave and loved us first and we must also learn to do so. Like the passage says, if they confess and repent, we must forgive. Dont hold a grudge towards others, like it says in Ephesians 4:26. One may turn on you, and backstab you over and over again, but if they truly confess, learn to forgive. Even though you forgive, i dont think you still have to be their friend and place your trust in them, but ensure you are both on good terms.

The Means of Grace

Going through the book "You Can Change" by Tim Chester that my pastor gave me, i came across this, "The Means of Grace" and i just wanted to share my thoughts.

This is basically another way of saying spiritual disciplines, how reinforce your faith. The author prefers "The Means of Grace" and here are the seven.

1. The Bible

- the bible reveals our hearts and Christ's glory

- through the bible we can see what Christ has done, his greatness and his power, his miracle and control.

- the bible is able to cut through you and expose your heart, uprooting the source of our sinful desires and thoughts.

- Psalm 119:11 talks about storing God's word in your heart, and with this power, this truth, we can fight against sin and not fall into Satan's traps.

- "Dont read Scripture everyday as a duty to tick off, but savour the truth of God that it reveals. Read it not to be INFORMED, but to be TRANSFORMED and CONFORMED to the likeness of Jesus."

The Bible is the TRUE TRUTH. I think i've said before, a quote there reading Christian books arent a replacement for the bible. With the Word, we know that each word is truth and is right and is God's voice. Indulge and really KNOW IT and it'll change you from the inside out.

2. Prayer

- we have to realize that God is the only one that can truly change us, and when we do, prayer will become more and more important and powerful in our lives

- "prayer will consume sin, or sin will choke prayer" - J.C. Ryle

- we need to learn to immediately look towards the Father in prayer when we are tempted

I think we're all lacking prayer, but that second point really hit me. Its one or the other. There is no inbetween. Dont fall away from God. Prayer is the only telephone line we have with him. Pray to Him, not only in times of need and suffering, but just anytime. May it be a prayer of thanksgiving, cry, or celebration. Pray with others, pray together. Prayer doesnt have to be get down on your knees and pray, it can be a simple thought and a word.

3. Community

- the church is to be a community of change, where there is support, love, and accountability. no judgement or put downs.

- remind each other, watch over each other, walk with each other, pray for each other, serve together, and learn from each other

Accountability is SO important, and that is what the church should be. We must all individually work hard to be good representatives of our Saviour, of Christ, reflecting his love, his mercy, his grace and his life. Support one another in all things and walk through life holding each other.

4. Worship

- "when we worship God, we're minding ourselves that God is bigger and better than anything sin offers."

- "we sing the truth so that it moves, inspires, stirs, encourages, and so transforms us."

- let God "retune" our hearts through worship

Remember that worship isnt only about singing during that sunday service, you can worship him through anything, and we should worship him through everything. Through speech, through actions, and through thoughts. Continue to keep Christ in mind and you will learn to embody and remember his glory, his greatness and his love.

5. Service

- Sin is fundamentally an orientation towards ourselves, therefore when we serve we learn to think of others' needs first.

Service is extremely important. It reminds us that its not about us, its about God and others. It also is a great opportunity to try new things and see what our gift is. There are many ways to service God. It doesn't have to be the forefront and in the spotlight, it can be simple, small, and hidden as well.

6. Suffering

- "often the events of our lives appear to be meaningless and irrelevant. But all the time God is training us in grace and godliness."

Suffering is always questioned, but know that its for a better good, and through it we learn to rely and trust in our Father who knows all, cares for all, and controls all. There is a greater, bigger and better plan ahead, push through it and dont lose faith!

7. Hope

- meditate on the future, eternal life

- remind yourselves that there is better yet to come, greater things that will happen and eternity of happiness that awaits

- "thinking of Christ's return loosens the hold that the world has on us and inspires us to change."

Salvation is a past, present and future thing. Focus on what is eternal, do not dwell on the earthly things, things that dont last and will fail, but think about whats to come, and the end, where a eternity of happiness, without tears, without pain, awaits us.

Filler Up!

"Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts." (Colossians 3:16 NLT)

Let the message FILL YOUR LIVES. I found this so important. I've tried to many years and have made it my resolution to memorize Bible verses, to be constantly drowning in his love, his word, his promises, and his life.

I've struggled with doing this for a while now, i've tried to read the bible, doing devos and i think this year, it really kicked in. Doing devos here is definitely a challenge sometimes, but its worth it. We need to continuously be reminded to look and focus on the cross. Doing a devo blog with other friends for sure keeps you more accountable. And i love the end result as well, reading what i've written and what i've learnt.

Memorizing bible verses, recently i got an iPhone, and i downloaded this app, Phonto! Basically its an app filled with different fonts (i love fonts) and it allows you to add text to a photo. I took a photo of just black, so it could be my background, and lately i've been making text images, that i use as wallpapers, and i think the process really helped grind it into my mind. And sometimes on the walk to school, i try to recall all i have done, and it works! A lot better than other things.

Reading his word is so important. A heard a quote once that said "Christian books are not a replacement for the Word of God" and thats so true. Im reading "You Can Change" by Tim Chester, and its a great book, but its not the scripture. We need to focus on just that because it is assured that THE WORD is true, and is God's words, speaking to you.

Learn to indulge into his Word, keep thinking about it, and you will embody it.

Remain.

This image is my iphone wallpaper at the moment.

I think this has really stuck with me the past few days, especially on Sunday when Pastor Ming was talking about it. I remember writing in Jacky's bookmark to forever remain in Him. Ha just going to side track. Im so happy and proud of him. He's shared his story with me and im honestly amazed at how much he's grown and how much he's changed, he's a true inspiration to me and hope i can experience some kind of change like that someday, or at least somehow find the willpower to make such a change. But writing that in his bookmark, and hearing Pastor Ming speak about it, i remember thinking, "i wonder what he's thinking right now" (that is if he saw the connection).

But i think this is a great reminder we need to constantly remind ourselves of. To remain in Him. This verse comes from "The Vine". The gist of it talks about how we are branches that are attach to the vine, the vine being God. The vine provides us with the nutrients, the minerals to grow and to thrive. We need to remain in Him. Its a scary thought when you read on and learn that the ones that fail to produce good fruit are withered, cut off, and then burned. We have to be constantly producing good fruit, that is the fruit of the spirit. And this only happens when we remain in Him. Whether if that is indulging in His Word, spending time in prayer with Him, or glorifying in Him.

Last night was a whirlwind. But after the wind blew, the things flew, and everything was messed around, i've come to somewhat of a weird... odd conclusion. I dont really know where i am in my walk with Christ at the moment. Pastor HM is my mentor, and he says that im on the right track, but many times, i think, and i dont know what im doing. Where i am. Doubt floods my mind. I feel like my faith has plateaued, and i havent progressed for a while now. I always say i need to step it up, but i never really do. Last night, I let Satan get the best of me. I was told that I meant nothing, that no one cares, that life is just too difficult to manage. I didnt feel worthy of anything. His love, his grace, his sacrifice, why he hasnt given up on me, and why he's still here. All that piling on top of school stress and friendships, i just felt really lost. I have to learn to remain in him. I have to learn to get right with God and i just have to have Him reassure me. No worries, last night, i just tripped and fell, but im slowly getting back up on my feet and trying to walk this out again. Who said the Christian Life was going to be a breeze? no one.

Remain in Him and He will Remain in You.

God's Voice?

Afraid of Making The Wrong Decision?

Rick Warren

“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3b NIV)

Sometimes we’re afraid of making the wrong decision. And that creates stress.

But God says there is an antidote to our indecision. Psalm 23:3 tells us, “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” We handle the stress of decision-making by letting God guide us.

You may be thinking, “But I’ve tried this!” You asked God to guide you, but then you became more confused than before. You still couldn’t figure it out. You wonder, “Why is knowing God’s will so difficult?”

Is God playing games with us? Of course not! God wants to guide us. He wants us to know his will more than we want to know it. Our problem is we often look for the wrong thing when we’re trying to find God’s will.

Some of us look for a feeling. Some of us want a methodical approach to God’s will, a recipe, or a formula to apply. Some of us take a magical approach and look for God to do some fantastic sign.

All of these ways lead to frustration and cause us to miss God’s will.

God does not want you confused, and he does not want you stressed over making any decision. He is there, guiding you every step of the way.

This is his promise, so you can believe it to be true: “He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

SPEAK TO ME. :) This has to be a sign right? I totally struggle with this EVERY day with ALL the decisions i cant make. For instance, that missions one (refer to posts below). Its good to know that God doesnt want me stressed or confused, but could he be more clear then? Unfortunately, after reading the devo it didnt answer any of my questions... so it wasnt the most helpful.

Everyone has different ways of interpreting God's voice. It may be through dreams, through other people (thats a reliable one), through reading scripture (which is also reliable because.. he wrote the bible), through signs, like if things come up often, there are just so many things that CAN be God's voice, but how are we to know if they are or arent?

BUT something that i can talk about is what i learnt at a devo at my Quebec's missions. It was based on waiting and watching. Here it is:

Throughout the missions at Ouje-bougoumou this summer, different people got to lead night devotionals each day regarding anything. They just had to share something with us. The following regards prayer and it just really really really stuck with me. I hope to be able to work it out more in my life, apply it more and watch it grow through me. It's based on one word in this passage;

⁴¹ “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” - Matthew 26:41

This was said by Christ Jesus during his last moments with his disciples in Gethsemane as he went to pray. At first when i read this passage, what stuck out to me is "pray so that you will not fall into temptation". But that day, what our leader pointed out blew my mind. WATCH.

There's a reason why God put WATCH and PRAY instead of just PRAY or WAIT and PRAY. The disciples stayed behind as Jesus went to pray. Why didnt he say WAIT and PRAY? Here's why. There's a distinct difference between WATCHING and WAITING. Let's look at 2 different scenarios that'll maybe help us understand.

"Today we went to the park for summer camp, but there was only one bus that had to take two trips to pick up the group in two different sections. During this hot hot hot day, (like 39 degrees), the group that is picked up second frolicks in the grass, looking at animals, and plays hand games while the bus returns for its second pick up."

"At the park, the sun shone brightly and strongly on all the kids. As groups C&D, the remain groups stayed behind as group A&B were returning to church, they continue to complain constantly about the heat, fatigue, hunger, and thirst. Although they were complaining, they stared at the park entrance and got excited whenever they saw something yellow pass by."

There is one scenario above that describes WAITING and another that describes WATCHING. Can you guess which one it is? Scenario one described waiting, and scenario two described watching. The dictionary provides a deeper understand with another perspective.

Waiting: to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens.

Watching: to be alertly on the lookout, look attentively, or observe, as to see what comes, is done, or happens.

(definitions from dictionary.com)

I love the one word in the waiting definition. INACTIVE. Waiting is INACTIVE, where as Watching is ACTIVE. Like the scenario, the kids were FOCUSED. EXPECTING for the bus to arrive, where as the other, the kids were just minding their own thing. The bus could have passed by, they could received a phone call saying a blue bus was coming instead, but they would have missed it.

Jumping back to the passage. Jesus said to the disciples, WATCH and PRAY. This gives us a CLEAR outlook and guide line on how we should pray. We have to pray and whenever we call out to God, God listens to you. He will always provide an answer. 3 main answers, YES. NO. and WAIT. But, we have to WATCH. We always say things like "if its according to your plan" but, not we have to EXPECT an answer because he WILL reply. When we expect an answer, it doesnt mean, do whatever you want and the next day you'll see a YES/NO/WAIT word made of clouds in the sky, but it means to be FOCUSED. Watch for the answer. Watch for his signs. If we just WAIT for an answer, its really easy to miss God's opportunities he gives us, the gifts and blessings we get, and what we want too. In fact, waiting causes distractions and maybe you wont even see the giant cloud providing your answer either.

We have to learn to WATCH instead of WAIT when we pray. Its something i need to improve one, and actually WATCH. EXPECT IT. FOCUS ON YOUR SURROUNDINGS THAT GOD WILL ANSWER. Watch and Pray.