Live with a Purpose.

God is at work in you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Even when you don't fee like much is going on, God's Spirit is moving, bubbling, welling up from the very depths of your life. 


John 5:2-9 

Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

 Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

   The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,

After 38  years of waiting. Waiting to experience this miraculous moment. The moment to submerge himself in the stirred up pool. A man's life was dramatically changed. He experienced the love of Christ bubbling up in his life. 

God wants our lives to be like the water that is stirred up. He wants us to provide hope for the lost, rest for the weary. He wants to full us with the miraculous.

With Christ you can. Bubble with joy. Shake with excitement. Move with power. Live with a purpose. 

more than just pain,

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And,

   “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
   what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

 ¹⁹ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Suffering. We constantly have obstacles we face, whether we like it or not. This past week was definitely not one of my best weeks. Im so glad that i pulled through. I don't know how this upcoming week will be like, but my head is up high and I'm ready to start it off right.

Everyone is always questioning suffering. Why God allows it. Why we have to go through it. As Christians, i've learnt that its a trial for good. God has a greater plan and a lesson to teach us through it. I guess for myself, this week taught me a few things.

First to cry out to God. We talked about this in sunday school today too. When Jonah was in the belly of the fish, it was only when he finally submitted himself to Christ and cried out was when God answered. We often, too often go to friends and others first before God. We should always be going to God first. Last weekend, i was ready to give up, but crying out to God reassured me. Through his Word, through music and worship, and through friends. God hears you. But its when you fully give yourself to him, finally realizing that you cannot do anything more, you're helpless and are in need of a greater power. I think thats a general lesson from suffering. Knowing you can't do it alone and you need the help of Christ.

Also i've learnt about reminders. Watching that video, "I Am God's Original Masterpiece". I've constantly been repeating that to myself, constantly telling myself that I'm not junk. God doesn't make junk. I think in times of tribulation, you need to really listen for God. That video was exactly what i needed to hear to get through the rough patch, it may not necessarily be the same message for you, but there's something out there if you're willing to seek it.

God grants us these pains ultimately for growth and for character. Rejoice in your suffering. (v.13) This is still difficult for many people to understand. How can I be happy that I'm in pain? You're happy because you know that God will nurture you with these trials to strengthen you. Sometimes, i don't know what I'm saying, but i pray to Christ saying "thank you for giving these struggles, i don't know why and what you're trying to teach me but I'm willing to learn."

Don't be ashamed that you're going through these things. (v.16) I've learnt that you are never alone in your struggle. Everyone has their own package of pains and worries, we're just in a world that has adapted to hiding these flaws well because its looked down upon. I can confidently say that I'm going through many trials. I hope that i can use these trials to help others, to inspire others, and inform others that I'm fighting through it, and you shouldn't give up.

Yes, i completely agree. Suffering is hard, its tough, i don't like it, no one does, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. God has reasoning for this. Whether you see it or you don't, learn to put your trust in him knowing that he will give you whats best for you. Let us continue to push forth, committing our lives to Christ, continue to reflect his love and life and doing good. (v.19)

came across this article. take a look!

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 

Teen's Conference 2012.

9 months of planning finally paid off. Teen's Conference is finally over. It was such an amazing experience to see all these attendees come to Christ and/or rededicate their lives. I learned that God can work through those who don't speak and through those who yell their heads off. The loud and the quiet.

Some of the team members had such amazing testimonies and this taught me not to underestimate anyone because behind that smile could be pain and suffering.
Throughout these past 4 days of constant worshiping and cheering we had a prayer meeting for captains the morning of the last day.

It all started with one person praying then a burst of voices praying aloud. Then one of the mentor coaches began to play his guitar while we were praying and before you knew it, everyone was praying and singing as tears were running down their cheeks. As i heard the sniffles of my co-captain i just bursted out crying. I realized that God is just so magnificent that we don't understand. His love for us is so powerful and amazing that some people are just so blind to it. As we had our arms around each other for a good 30 min of prayer and praise we took a moment of silence to just reflect on how God has worked through our lives throughout the past few days.

He taught me to be patient and understandable. After Junior TC they had an alter call and seeing my whole team stand and walk to the aisles just amazed me. All except one guy. He remained in his seat so i sat beside him and prayed for him. After we all went home he did something that just melted my heart. He told me that he was moved by my testimony that i had shared and he can relate to it because he's going through the same thing. He said that i was such a big impact on him that he's not afraid of his struggles anymore because he knows that they're thrown at him for a reason. Reading his message to me just made me smile. I never realized that i made such a big impact on someone's life (especially cuz he was a really quiet guy).

After hearing this it made me more encouraged to share to others about how God has worked in my life and so, i did during the Sr. TC. I realized that you don't know how much you've impacted someone's life until they tell you about it. I felt like my team didn't bond very well and me and my co-captain were trying so hard to encourage them to be louder and more excited but it didn't work until the second day. On the first day of Sr. i started to burst out crying after worship and one of the attendees came up to me and prayed and she said, "i know that beth and joey are trying so hard God, please just open the eyes and hearts of the ppl of team flush." This line was stuck in my head for the whole night. She knew that we were trying hard.

God works through everyone. Loud or quiet. Tall or short. Happy or sad. Through this amazing experience i realized that one thing. He can do anything.

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.

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.

God of Comfort

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. ⁵ For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. ⁶ If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. ⁷ Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.

⁸ For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. ⁹ Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselvesbut on God who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again.¹¹ You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

2 corinthians 1:3-11

Do you ever get that feeling when you feel disgusting, like a monster? When you've indulged in sin, you turned away from God and you've been engulfed by guilt? That feeling, that you're retched, scarred, and just unworthy? That feeling comes up a lot. When we sin, we've failed against God, and like Adam and Eve, we tend to run away after realizing how filthy we are, we try to hide from God.

I felt like that today.

But then when i started to read the devo, this was the scripture reading for the day, and it calmed my heart. God will comfort us in everything, in times of trial, suffering, and pain. And it is for us to be able to spread and spill that comfort into others. I've felt that this week. I've recently made a new friend, or i guess you could say gotten closer to a friend, and i've also felt that i could be more transparent and vulnerable with others lately. Of course i have deeper struggles with whom i share with others, but i've been able to just talk to people about my struggles more. It feels good sometimes, because we're able to help each other out. Sometimes if you take the risk (if you're comfortable) and share with others, you'll never know the response you'll get. For instance, i shared with this friend about university, about a friend who's possibly wasted 7 years of my life (as bad as that sounds), and i was surprised to hear what he had to say, but it was most definitely comforting.

But also reading all this, and reflecting on all this, i was constantly reminded of God's love. Its deeper than the sea, wider than the universe, and its never failing, and everlasting. No matter what you've done to him, run away, stabbed him in the back, fall short of his glory, he still loves you unconditionally. Its amazing to really take that in, and you really will not find anyone else on this earth that can satisfy that, and be that person for you, because its humanly impossible.

God comforts you, share that comfort with others.

7 The Lord is good,
a stronghold in the day of trouble;

nahum 1:7

Hope Does Not Disappoint.

Romans 5:3-5

³ Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; ⁴ perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Have you ever wondered how diamonds are made? Diamonds are precious materials made of carbon. Deep within the earth's crust, these minerals work their way up toward the earth's surface when gases and heat combine. Through phenomenal heat and pressure, diamonds are born. It's only after they are tested by fire that they become so beautiful.

God always puts us in tough situations. It's his way of testing is. We are his diamonds. God polishes us with his love, grace, and mercy. Hard times can make you grow. When you are tested by fire, your faith becomes stronger.

Whenever he puts us into hard situations it’s when he knows that we can get through it. We should be thankful for all these tests of faith because with each of them, we are made stronger. God doesn’t do it to see you suffer; he does it because he wants to see what you’ll do. We should always rely on him because he is our one true source.

When God looks at you he says, "You are rare. strong. valuable. loved. beautiful."
What is God making of you?

The Coming of The Kingdom

The Coming of The Kingdom of God

²⁰ Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, ²¹ nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

²² Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. ²³ People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. ²⁴ For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.²⁵ But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

luke 17:20-24

God works in mysterious ways. I think thats what this passage is going to say. It explicitly says in verses 20 and 21, that people wont be able to observe it, pick it out and determine when it comes, it can come within the next hour, or within the next century. No one will ever know when Christ decides to return again.

Something that caught my eye was the end of verse 21 "because the Kingdom of God is in your midst". That means that its right here with us. Im not fully sure what its talking about, does it mean the church, the fellowship, the Christian environment around us?

The scripture goes on in verse 23 to talk about those who deceive i believe. He says not to follow those who bluntly say "there is it". I guess this goes towards those saying that 2012 is the end of the world. There is no one that knows when the second coming is.

Verse 24 gives a bit of a hint i guess you can say. Flashes of lightning. Lightning is always unexpected, unpredictable, like our Father. "But first he must suffer and be rejected by this generation." Interesting eh? He MUST suffer and he MUST be rejected. I guess from this you can predict the times to come. Like it says in Matthew 10:22,

²² You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

It'll also work the other way. People will reject Christ, and they will reject you also. The fact that the Christian walk is not easy is always coming up. Be ready for a time of turmoil, or pain, or rejection, loneliness. But again it says in the verse, "the one who stands firm to the end will be saved". Dont give up, dont give in, stand strong and fight against the world and the devil.

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.

Fire.

It was just another Friday that passed by. Waking up, eating breakfast, then off to school.
Period 1: Math. all we did was review. i sat there not knowing what to do (cuz i fnished it the night before) and then i realized BIO QUIZ NEXT PERIOD! so i studied long and hard then BEEEEPPPP

Period 2: Bio. Started off like a regular quiz day. desks separated. bags on the floor and notes are out of sight. after we finished the quiz the teacher left the class to get something from another room. then all of a sudden BEEEEEEEPPPPP!

FIRE ALARM IS OFF! It was no drill. Why would they set a drill at THIS temperature it must have been - 10 AT LEAST. Some people were in SHORTS and a T-SHIRT (for gym) and some in T-SHIRT and skinnnies. and a few lucky ones managed to go to their locker and grab their jackets.
No one knew what was going on, all we saw was a bunch of tlea-ers walking towards the field. we stood outside for a good 45 min, clueless. none of the teachers knew what was going on. After 45 min of standing outside in the cold we had to move and go to an elementary school nearby. We totally bombarded their school and we chilled in the gym and library. Once we got back inside the school (after a good hour and a bit) we had to stay in our classrooms and wait for announcements. After they announced the period schedules it was already onto fourth period. No one was at school and so i decided to skip.
AND SO that was my school day (: what an amazing and unforgettable way to end of this stressful week.

THANKFULLY no one got hurt. I realized that although we had to suffer through the coldness outside and the horrible stench of the fire (caused by a cigar) it's NOTHING compared to what Jesus had to go through. HE sacrificed himself for YOU and I. He went through pain and suffering just for YOU. His pain is NOTHING compared to standing outside for 45 min in the cold. I know it was a horrible situation but i learned to thank God for keeping us safe and sacrificing himself.
Who knows what could have happened. The fire could have hit a gas pipe which will lead to the school EXPLODING!

Through these tough times we should thank God for them. We may not like how they work out but God's got your path set and ready for you.