#199. Even The Desert Has Beauty

Good times and bad times are part of living. It is difficult to fully appreciate joy until you have tasted sadness. Laughter is sweeter if you have experienced tears. There may be times when you feel like you're stuck in a dry and desolate place, but an encouraging call or a hug from a friend can be an oasis; beauty in the desert. Though it may not be easy, try to remember that the trials are going to help you fully experience the joy on the horizon.

#198. Isaiah 9:2-7

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:2-7)

#197. Don't Stagnate

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8

Don't stagnate as so many Christians do. Instead, apply 2 Peter 1:5-8 in your life.

#196. The Gift of Eternal Life

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:2-3

If you have received the gift of eternal life by genuinely putting your trust in Jesus Christ, then you've experienced His grace and peace. But don't stop there. Let...grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

#195. Accept Forgiveness

... Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10

Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.
Nehemiah 9:19

Do you weep when you hear God's word and think of how greatly you failed Him in the past? Weep for the sin of unbelief. Have a godly sorrow, but don't keep weeping, for that is unbelief. Salvation is a new beginning. It is a new power - the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who will never leave you but who will guide you into a life of righteousness.

#194. 2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

#193. God's Christmas Tree

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— (John 1:12)

God's Christmas tree is the cross. This is where God hung His gift - His only begotten Son - for you. Have you, my friend, received God's gift or is it still sitting there, unopened? Don't open man's gifts and miss the gift of eternal life. Today is the day of salvation.

#192. Prince of Peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Sin alienates us from God and puts us at enmity with Him. It makes us enemies of God. And until the issue of sin is dealth with and paid in full, there can be no reconciliation. Thus God sent the only One who can reconcile us to Himself - the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ - by paying for all our sins. This is what Christmas is all about, Beloved - peace with God through the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

#191. Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

#190. Mighty God

The government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God. Isaiah 9:6

Jesus is filtering every aspect of your life through His omnipotent fingers of love. All that comes into your life will eventually work together for your good and His glory. It will be used to make you like Him, and on that day when you see him face-to-face, you will have no regrets.

#189. There Is A Time And A Season For Everything

It may be a time of new beginnings, a time of growth, a time of reaping the harvest of hard work, or a time of rest. Trust this beautiful order. Everything in its time.

#188. The World Is An Abundant Place

So far, everyday of your life you have had enough to survive. Whether it was water, food or shelter, one way or another, you had enough. God has created an abundant world, live in appreciation of that.

#187. Sometimes It May Feel Too Hard To Do it Alone

Sometimes it may seem like you can't figure it out by yourself. Sometimes will and strength and courage are not enough. Sometimes in your life you will need to call out for help. Call on God. God will be there.

#186. Michael W. Smith - I Will Be Your Friend

#185. Thank God For You, My Very Special Friend

I am so grateful and thankful that I have come to accept the Lord in my life. When I think back of how God has been working in my life, I know for sure God is real.

“How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing”
(From the lyrics: How Can I Keep From Singing)

I have so many things to share on how great God is.

When I was in my kindergarten, God came into my life (but I never accepted him back then since I was so young). However, I saw how he worked in my life; I know He is the one for me.

(Let me fast forward the time)

When I was in my primary 3, someone really special came into my life. She was my primary school best friend and childhood friend.

My childhood memories are special because I knew a great friend like her. Our parents knew that we were the best sisters.

We would often go to each other house to play. She would teach me to play the piano. We will pretend to be “环珠格格”. We went to dance classes and we were the best dancers. Her mum would make French toast and Campbell soup. We will jumped on her bed to reach the stars on the ceiling. We did so many things together and created many beautiful childhood memories.

One of my birthdays, she gave me a book “More Bible Stories for Children” and the book is still kept in a very good condition with me now. That book means a lot me. It was because of that book, I came to know the gospel. It was her who brought me to officially know what Christianity is.

After we graduated from primary school, we lost contact. I searched high and low for her but to no avail. I looked for her via internet and through friends but I always failed to find her. I cried to sleep in the night too because I lost someone who was so important to me. It was extremely depressing but I never once had the thought of giving up in finding her.

I prayed for seven years. I know that God hears me and, He finally let us reunite last year. The way we finally got to reunite really caught us by surprise.

Today, it is her birthday and I would like to dedicate this special post to her.

Dear Lord,

I thank you for blessing me with a great friend like her. I thank you for working in our lives and open our hearts to accept you as our personal Lord and Savoir. I thank you for letting us reuniting together after so many years. I thank you for keeping her safe and sound. Thank you, Lord.

I pray that she will have a blessed birthday and many blessed years ahead of her. I pray that you will continue to keep her and her family safe and sound. I pray that you will shower her with the many blessing you have for her, Lord. I also pray that she will remain strong and faithful in you, Lord.

Lord, I commit all of these in your most precious Jesus name. Amen.

#184. Surrender To God

There are times when you absolutely see no solution. When you've thought and thought and prayed and prayed; when you've sat still in meditation listening for an answer and still no answer comes. It's ok to surrender to God.

#183. Go Forward In Faith

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

To be courageous is to face difficulty or danger in the confidence that God will bring His perfect will to pass. You are to believe and go forward in faith. You're not alone for He is with you. Listen to our Lord's promise to His disciples in John 16:33, and then memorise (Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”) Hebrews 13:5-6. It will be well worth it, my friend.

#182. Go Forward

Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:62

To be a courageous child of our loving Father, you must go forward in the path He has set before you.

#181. A New Day Is Just Around The Bend

With each new day we are given new hope, new possibilities, new opportunities. Each new day is a miracle.

#180. Matthew West - More

#179. Matthew West - You Are Everything

#178. Peace Is Yours

Storms may be raging around you, but you can still find peace in your own heart because the God of Peace reigns within you.

#177. Infinite Possibilities Are Born Of Faith

Do you think that's air you breathe; that's earth you walk on? All matter is God's creation. And the source is faith. When you have so much faith that you become one of faith, infinite possibilities open to you.

#176. everything will be alright

It may seem dark at the moment, but don't lose hope. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, keep moving and you'll get there. God won't abandon you; let God be your light. It may take some time, but in the end, everything will be alright.

#175. Psalm 86:5

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you." (Psalm 86:5)

#174. Proverbs 30:5

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." (Proverbs 30:5)

#173. Psalm 19:7

"The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple." (Psalm 19:7)

#172. Letting Go Makes You Wealthier

Wealth is never measured by what you have, but by what you can give away. You are rich with money when you can afford to donate. You are rich with love when you can give love freely. You are rich with God when you can behold your enemy with compassion.

#171. Galatians 6:2

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

Time and distance keep us from doing this, but if it were possible, I would love to knock on your front door and have you invite me in for a cup of coffee and a chat. If we could just get past the "Hi! How are you?" I would want to know, "How are you doing...really doing?" It helps to talk to a person who will hear your burdens and seek God's wisdom for you in your life.

#170. Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

#169. Through God's Eyes

There are times when no matter how hard you try, you just cannot accept yourself as you are. During such times, think of how you look to God's eyes. In God's eyes, God sees your light when all that you can see are your shadows. God loves you more than anyone could ever love you as you really are.

#168. Deuteronomy 32:4

"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4)

#167. Promotion Comes From God

"For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" (1 Corinthians 1:19-20)

Our thinking says: If our kids are going to make it in this world, they've got to be educated by the world. Yet promotion comes from God.

#166. Psalm 27:1

"The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

#165. Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

#164. A Close-Knit Family Or Divided?

"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three." (Luke 12:51-52)

Sometimes we think: A close-knit, happy family is evidence that I am blessed of God. But this is not always true. Listen to what Jesus said in Luke 12:51-52.

#163. Beware

"Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”" (Luke 12:15)

For the next few days, let me give you a sampling of where we are off truth's center if we embrace the world's philosophies. Sometimes we think: "Things will make me happy," but God' Word warns against this.

#162. The World's Mold

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2)

Beloved, have you noticed how many of the world's philosophies have been integrated into the church's worship, counsel, thinking, and teaching? If we have a steady diet of these things and neglect the Bible itself, is it any wonder that the world has squeezed us into its mold - and that we can barely recognise it?

#161. Psalm 37

"Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.

The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.

The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.

The blameless spend their days under the LORD’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

But the wicked will perish: Though the LORD’s enemies are like the flowers of the field, they will be consumed, they will go up in smoke.

The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously; those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, but those he curses will be destroyed.

The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.

Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever. For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones.

Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish. The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.

The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, intent on putting them to death; but the LORD will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

Hope in the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.

I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a luxuriant native tree, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; there will be no future for the wicked.

The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him." (Psalm 37)

#160. It Will Come

"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." (Job 9:10)

If you're convinced by God's Spirit that what you're asking for is in accord with God's Word, His Will, and His character, and you're not asking merely to satisfy your own desire (James 4:2-3), then persist. Though the answer to your prayer tarries - even for years - it will come.

#159. Seek and Melt All The Barriers Within Yourself That You Have Built Against It

God loves you with the very air you breathe, the very light that touches your skin, the very ground that supports you. Love is everywhere, - melt your barriers, and you will have love in abundance.

#158. You Are Blessed

You may think you have challenges, but you have so many blessings. Sometimes it takes only a moment of conscious effort to recognize those blessings. Once you focus on the gifts instead of the problems, your whole perspective will change and you will see blessings everywhere.

#157. Prayers Open Doors

"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains." (Colossians 4:3)

For 40 years Bill Bright prayed every single day, asking God to open Russia for the gospel. He never stopped. The discouraging news about Russia under Communist rule never hindered Bill's prayers. Then the Iron Curtian came down. After 40 years of prayer, Bill was given the awesome opportunity to preach to thousands in Moscow. He won it on his knees.

#156. Psalm 37:4

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37:4)

#155. Psalm 37:8

"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil." (Psalm 37:8)

#154. Don't Write God Off

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Luke 11:9)

Are you agonising in prayer for someone or something and God hasn't answered? Are you about to quit? O Beloved, don't write God off. Don't lose hope. In this verse, Jesus tells us to keep on keeping on. Ask, seek, and knock are all present tense verbs here in the original Greek. They speak of continuous or habitual action.

#153. Nothing Is Exciting If You Know What The Outcome Is Going To Be

You keep wanting to know how things will play out, keep asking to see the future. God doesn't give anyone the power to know the future, because life becomes maddeningly boring when you know everything upfront. So, instead of struggling, enjoy the uncertainty - to be alive means to not know.

#152. The Fullness of Redemption

"Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes...the first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:3-4)

Could you do with a little joy? Do you wish for the quiet and sure confidence of a future that is not the fruit of your yesterdays? Don't faint, precious child of God. Your day of jubilee is coming. The fullness of your redemption is yet to be experienced!

#151. God Is On His Throne

"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea...But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him." (Habakkuk 2:14, 20)

The world may worship idols, justice may be perverted, wickedness may surround us; strife, destruction, and violence may be the order of the day, but God is still on His throne.

#150. God Loves In You Even That Which You Dislike

God doesn't partition you into pieces and loves some and not loves others. That's what people do. That's what you do. God, who created you, accepts and loves every little part of you, even those you deny and hate in yourself. So next time you try to dislike a part of you, just pause, look and remember that God loves it.

#149. A God Centered Life

A God centered life is one who places confidence in God, depends on God and His ability and provision, focuses on God and His activity, is humble before God, denies self, seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, seeks God's persepctive in every circumstance, chooses holy and godly living. To know and do God's will, one must deny self and return to a God centered life.

#148. The Great Advantage Of Having Nothing Is That Everything Becomes A Gain

Losing everything is at the same time the scariest, as well as the most liberating experience you can have. When you have something - you protect it from disappearing and worry becomes a resident in your heart. When you've got nothing, your heart overflows with gratitude for every offering you receive.

#147. Joshua 1:8

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8)

#146. Faith Is Exactly What It Takes To Get Through Uncertainty

Faith is not necessary when you know how things are going to work out, - that's knowledge. It's in the time of unknowing that having faith is what sees you through to the other side. Faith is what gives you strength. Faith is that light in your heart that keeps on shining even when it's all darkness outside.

#145. Learn To Be A Servant Of God

To be God's servant, you must be moldable and remain in the hand of the Master.

#144. Jesus Is Your Model

Look to see what God says and how He works in the Scriptures. Make your decisions and evaluate your experiences based on biblical truths.

#143. 1 Samuel 16:7

"But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”" (1 Samuel 16:7)

#142. Difficult People Teach You Tolerance And Acceptance

If all was going your way all the time, you would become a spoiled child, wouldn't everyone? Difficult people are just one of the ways God teaches us to expand beyond our egos and accept other perspectives on life.

#141. Without God, I Can Do Nothing

Man alone can do nothing.

“So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"” (Hebrews 13:6)

“"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

#140. Waste Not

(click to enlarge the photo)

"Money is like Manure, put them all in a heap,
it stinks and smelled, but spread them out,
and it will give you green grasses and flowers
fruits and shades"

Hi Friends.
The following is self explanatory.
Let us be ever thankful & do not take God's bountiful provision around us for
granted.

Kevin Carter

This was found in his diary: "Dear God, I promise I will never waste my food
no matter how bad it can taste and how full I may be. I pray that You will
protect this little boy, guide and deliver him away from his misery. I pray that
we will be more sensitive towards the world around us and not be blinded by
our own selfish nature and interests. I hope this picture will always serve as a
reminder to us that how fortunate we are and that we must never ever take things for granted,"

#139. Romans 1:17

"For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."" (Romans 1:17)

#138. 1 John 3:1

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him." (1 John 3:1)

#137. Psalm 103:11-12

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:11-12)

#136. Surrender

There are times when you absolutely see no solution. When you've thought and thought and prayed and prayed; when you've sat still in meditation listening for an answer and still no answer comes. There are times when it's ok to just surrender.

#135. You Reap What You Sow

"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:7-8)

#134. 1 Peter 3:8

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble." (1 Peter 3:8)

#133. Psalm 145:8-9

"The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made." (Psalm 145:8-9)

#132. Deuteronomy 31:8

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 31:8)

#131. John 3:16

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

#130. Christian Conversation With Taxi Driver

God is amazing.

Every time I took a cab, I would always take a look at the inside to find traces of evidence to find out if the taxi driver is a Christian. From then, I would strike a topic with the driver and talked about Christianity.

Today after work, I took a cab home as I was carrying a number of potted plants. When I board the cab, I was looking around for traces of Christianity evidence. However, I didn’t saw any.

The taxi driver and I somehow started talking to each other. I was hoping for a chance to talk about Christianity with him. Suddenly,

Taxi Driver: “By the way, do you have any belief?”
Me: “Hmmm…?”
Taxi Driver: “Do you have any religion?”
Me: “(inside my heart, I was screaming Hallelujah and Amen! So nice to be able to share Christian stuffs.) Yes. Last time, I was a Buddhist but now, I am a Christian. So are you a Christian?”
Taxi Driver: “Yes, I am.”
Me: “Really!? That’s good! Actually when I board your taxi, I was looking around for Christian related stuffs in your car but I didn’t see any.”
Taxi Driver: “Here is my cross handphone strap.”
Me: “Ooo…”
Taxi Driver: “Aaahhh… Good that you’re a Christian. Your parents?”
Me: “Sigh. No, they are not.”
Taxi Driver: “Ah ha. I see. Do they know you are a Christian?”
Me: “No, they don’t. But I think my mum suspects. I will keep praying for them though.”
Taxi Driver: “Aaahhh… Why are they not Christian?”

(The conversation continues…)

Me: “Which church are you attending then?”
Taxi Driver: “Here is a card of my church. This is the Chinese Assembly one.”
Me: “Ok, thanks.”

(After collecting the cab money from me)

Taxi Driver: “Here. Let me give you my church book for you to read.”
Me: “Oh, thank you so much! Bless you and your family! Here, let me give you two potted plants that I have since your wife likes plant.”
Taxi Driver: “Ok thank you. Bye.”
Me: “Bye. Bless you.”

#129. Hear The Voice Of God Reaching Out To You

All too often loud events and daily busyness cloud your vision of God. Take some time to slow down; let there be silence, let there be peace. Calm your mind and let your inner voice re-emerge from the silence and you may hear the voice of God reaching out to you.

#128. Colossians 3:12-14

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:12-14)

#127. Your Pains Are God's Way To Rouse You From Slumber

Pain is your wake-up call to awaken, to look deeper into yourself, to adjust the course of your life. God tries to be as gentle as possible, and only if you ignore the call does the pain get stronger.

#126. Mark 9:23

"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." (Mark 9:23)

#125. You Can Help A Thousand People See God's Light

Feel God's light shining within you and take a step to inspire someone else to shine. As you share this vision today with just one soul, that reaches ten lives that touch a thousand.

#124. Matthew 18:15-16

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'" (Matthew 18:15-16)

#123. Let God Do The Rest

Yes, of course, you want to control so everything happens in just the way you want it. But at the end of the day, we control nothing, - it's all in God's hands, - has always been, and will always be. So, do what you can, and then let go, and let God handle the rest.

#122. It's Ok To Ask For Help

Sometimes we get overwhelmed with the details and complexities of our lives. Sometimes we need some help to get untangled, to gain a new perspective. Ask for help. Help may come in human or divine form. It may be seen or unseen. Ask, and ye shall receive.

#121. Ephesians 1:3

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)

#120. 1 Peter 3:15

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," (1 Peter 3:15)

#119. Your Kindness Makes A Difference

Even if it is a very tiny act of goodness and you think no one notices, God notices. Always remember that one little act of kindness can tilt the balance of an entire situation. One little act of kindness can ripple out in countless ways that you many never know about.

#118. Are You Faithful to God?

One of my best friends, Y, was a Christian since he was young. When I converted to a Christian, Y was always there encouraging me with bible verses, always there to listen to my difficulties even in the middle of the night, bringing me to his mum to talk to his mum to strengthen my faith by sharing her stories and giving me Christian books to read.

However, a few weeks later, I witness how Y back slide as a Christian ever since he got involved in an unequal yoke relationship with his girlfriend.

When I saw and knew what Y did to his life, I was extremely disappointed. (I will not reveal what he did.)

I prayed to God. Then, God revealed to me.
“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.” (James 4:17)
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

He is my brother in Christ. Brothers and sisters in Christ share the same faith should hold each accountable for. I know that as Y sister in Christ, I need to help Y to stay faithful to God.

Many times, I talked to Y about it but his heart was already hardened. Yes, I am upset about it but I will not stop doing my part as Y sister in Christ.

Therefore, it doesn’t mean that someone who is a Christian for a longer time means that he/she is a more fervent Christian than someone who is a Christian for a shorter time.
It doesn’t mean that if you start off right, you will always be walking right. The paths ahead of us are never straight. At every junction, you will have to make choices. Are you making a choice to follow God or the world?
Are you entering the narrow gate or the wide gate? “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” (Matthew 7:13)

So, how do you know if you are really in the right path?
1. Fruit of the Holy Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22)
2. Always compare yourself to the Bible and not the world!

Man is born a sinner. If someone you know makes a mistake no matter how big or small and repent, you must forgive him!
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

Let us all keep each other in prayer whether he/she is a believer or a non-believer.

#117. Sleep And Rest Are All Part Of The Divine Order

Don't make your waking life and responsibilities so important that you neglect the very real benefits of sleep, rest, and dreaming. The night is your time of restoration. It is essential. God made both day and night for a reason.

#116. Do Not Be Unequally Yoked

Some things in the world about us just don't mix. An example: oil and water. Their unique and individual molecular structures and properties are such that they simply do not meld naturally into one.

Yes, men can manipulate the various components of matter so as to impose a forced fusion but such is unnatural and unstable. In time, nature will inevitably correct itself. Kitten and the dog may look precious together but they were never intended to be mates. Indeed, nature will not allow such breeding. They just don't “mix”. Men were never intended to mate with other men, nor women with women. Man's “suitable companion”, by divine design, is woman. Some people seek to "fool Mother Nature" but their efforts are as contrary to God's will as a dog mating with a cat.

Some things were just never intended to be! This is also true for other vital relationships in life. The apostle Paul wrote “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

Obviously, religiously mixed marriages are not the ideal situation. In fact, there are serious problems involved with such unions and many are destined to fail. Nevertheless, they do exist, and Christians who find themselves in such circumstances should do their best to bring a positive influence to these relationships.

Believers should not marry unbelievers. I feel very strongly that such unions will present some difficult challenges to both spouses; it is simply asking for trouble! The ideal of marriage - husband and wife journey together towards their heavenly home. That ideal is not realised when husbands and wives are travelling separate paths spiritually. They are “unequally yoked”, they are pulling in different directions. The tragedy is that many believers are pulled down the path to destruction by the unbelievers. That is the very real danger of being “unequally yoked” with unbelievers. This is especially true in the marital relationship.

True Christian partnership is one which exists between genuine yokefellows and that can apply only to those who already are one in Christ Jesus.

#115. Every Moment Is An Opportunity For You To Be Happy

You know how sometimes it seems that life is just throwing you one curved ball after another? Well, guess what, - you have a great way to respond! - you can use every opportunity, every single one, to be happy because God is always working around you. Don't just take a shower - feel into and receive pleasure from the water on your skin. Don't just walk on the street - enjoy the fragrances of the trees and the flowers on your way.

#114. Matthew 14:25-32

#113. C.S. Lewis said

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

#112. Better Is One Day

#111. Slow Fade

#110. East To West

#109. 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

#108. God Wants Your Love

Children give love. You are a child of God.

#107. God Will Make It Right

If you can't make it happen and no one else can, there is only thing left to do - look up and trust in God to make it right.

#106. Happiness Has Nothing To Do With Pleasure

You feel pleasure when you want something and you get it or when you don't want something and you remove it. Pleasure is always relative. Happiness is absolute. Happiness is the understanding and acceptance of life as it is in this very moment as completely perfect because every creation of God is perfect. The degree to which you do not accept life in all of the Divine forms is the degree to which you suffer.

#105. Paul Washer - The Shocking Youth Message

Paul Washer preached this shocking youth message in 2002 at a conference. I would appreciate it if you spent 58:57 minutes now to watch this video.

#104. You Do Not See Things As They Are, You See Them As You Are.

When you look, you see reflections of your being. When you listen, you hear echoes of yourself. If you don't like something about what you see and hear, no point in smashing the mirror, change who you are becoming.

#103. Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

#102. Psalm 46:10

#101. Remember Who You Really Are

You are not your wallet, your job, your kids, your house. You are not your activities or your worries or the labels other people give you. Like an actor you play these roles, and like a good actor you sometimes forget who you really are. Time to wake up now, and remember that you are a being of immense power and breathtaking beauty created in the image of God.

#100. God Has An Important Purpose For You And Made Everything Possible For You To Succeed

That's not to say it's an easy purpose or a convenient one. It might very well seem hard or even impossible but it only looks that way. The truth is that one day you will look back and see how all the pieces fit together and how your life has been a complete and utter success.

#99. True Faith From And Through Doubt

If you never questioned your beliefs - you are just a puppet dancing to somebody’s strings. If God had wanted your mindless obedience, you would've been created without mind and without free will. But you have both so you can come to God of your own accord. Just look at the lives of saints, - most of them had gone through a dark night of the soul, and that's why their faith was so strong. The path to true faith always goes through doubt. So ask those questions you've always been afraid to ask, and find the answers, and then your faith will become unshakable.

#98. Every Day You Are Choosing Either To Be Grateful Or To Be Disappointed

You can worry to no end about what you don't have. Or you can marvel at God's breathtaking gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Could you create any of these? These miracles of life are always around you, ready to be celebrated, ready to be welcomed into your life.

#97. Relationships Are All About God - Part V

When we’re irritated with a roommate for not doing “their share”, our problem really is that we don’t see our roommate as better than ourselves. We don’t see a stack of dishes as an opportunity to serve.

We see ourselves as equal or better and we’re irritated our roommate doesn’t understand this dynamic.

When we’re irritated with our husbands because they don’t clean up after themselves, it’s really because we’ve forgotten that we need to consider other people’s needs over our own. We are here to serve not because we’re women but because we are believers.

In a beautiful, healthy, God-centred relationship between two people (roommates or spouses, etc.) it should be a wonderful competition between who can serve the other better. Who can show Christ to one another more? It is so great to see when a wife and husband both get this image from Christ. Relationships are gorgeous when both people in the relationship are constantly asking, “How can I serve you? How can I model Christ’s humility for you?”

Obeying God no matter what is going on is the key to unity with other believers.

Modelling humility and desiring to please the Lord, by following in His servant footsteps is the key to oneness with others.

Self-centeredness is what keeps us from showing the world that Jesus is through our unity.

If we’re upset about something that is not a sin issue, we may need to get over it. “For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.” (1 Peter 2:19)

We may need to turn the other cheek. “But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:39-42)

We may need to forgive since love keeps no record of wrong “It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:5)

And we can never ever retaliate.
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23)
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14)
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (Romans 12: 17-20)
Unity is a miracle. Apart from Christ, we cannot love people who are not just like us; we have a hard time loving people who are just a little different than us.

If we know that we are already truly loved and we are not entering a friendship or a marriage for what we can get out of it, but with only one goal - God’s glory, then we will choose to obey God in the area of relating to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

So, we know who we are in Christ.

We don’t expect people to do for us what only God can do in our lives. We stop thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. We stop letting other people dictate our behaviour. We’re also called to make sure our brothers and sisters are not living in sin as the Bible says, we're supposed to continue to pray for them and accept them in love.
“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5: 13 – 20)

#96. Relationships Are All About God - Part IV

Paul says that he learned how to be content with a lot or content with a little. While he was talking about material things, I can’t help but think it applies here as well. I believe that if we are content in our relationship with the Lord and truly believe we have worth because God says we do, then we would not get our feelings hurt or get angry, thinking “we don’t deserve this or we deserve better than this” when people don’t live up to our expectations in our various relationships.

Being constantly consumed with checking up on how everyone is treating me makes my relationships about me, not God.
Being selfish and being Christ-like is the battle between the Spirit and the Flesh. Being selfish and being loving are at war with each other. “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God-” (2 Timothy 3:1-4) sums this up beautifully.

When we choose to be unloving, we are saying, “I love myself and demanding my way. I love protecting myself and thinking about me. I love those things more than I love God.”

When we are angry at our husbands for not taking out the trash or being late or being insensitive, we are saying, “I love having a clean house. I love my husband doing his share. I love demanding my own way. I love throwing myself a pity party. I love rubbing it in. I love making him feel horrible because he knows something is wrong with me since I'm killing him softly with my silence. I love being a baby. I love throwing fits. I love having no self-control. I love being entitled to being upset. I love all of those sinful things more than I love God.” When we choose our sin over the Lord, we are saying that God is only worthy of obedience (obeying His Word to love our husbands no matter what, to treat them kindly and with respect) when my feelings are not at stake. If obeying God is actually going to affect me or my feelings in any way, then no, God, you are not worthy of obedience.

We cannot love like Jesus if we are consumed with disobedience and selfishness.

It reminds me of that book, The Five Love Languages. It’s a great book, don’t get me wrong.

Knowing our love languages as friends or as a couple is only important so we can let God use us in more effective ways to communicate His love to them, not so we can make sure they love us the way we want to be loved.

Because we already know and have settled who we are in Christ and His great love for us, our goal in relationships should be “How can I serve you? How can I be a blessing to you? How can I show you God’s love?” Most of what we’re so upset about not getting from other people, we already have in Christ. We’re spoiled, always wanting more, aren’t we? God uses words like “lavish” and “abundantly” when describing His provision for us. Yet we will want to slit our wrist when just one mere mortal in our life doesn’t give us even more of the things we think we need.

Now what about being annoyed or irritated with someone? What about that? What if they keep doing us wrong?
What if our roommate never does the dishes when she should? What if she leaves the lights on when she leaves even though she’s been asked not to do this? What if she eats my cereal?

Can you hate her? Can you avoid her? Can you leave her nasty notes on the kitchen counter using capital letters and lots of underlining?

What if my husband does nothing to initiate communication? What if he never goes out of his way to make me feel special? What if he never compliments me when he should?

Can I be bitter? Can I never talk to him back? Can I sing “Earl Had to Die” but use my husband’s name instead?

No. Why?

Because being a believer means we have thrown away the idea that life should be fair, that life is all about 50/50. Being a believer means our circumstances and the behaviour of others around us do not in any way dictate our response or our behaviour.

In other words, my behaviour as a believer is contingent upon nothing else besides the word of God.

There is no place for “If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” in a believer’s train of thought. That thought process was derailed when we were crucified in Christ.

As a believer, we must realise that we are called to keep scratching someone’s back even if they never turn around and scratch ours or say thank you.
We are to keep loving and behaving in God’s honouring ways, no matter how others around us are behaving because that is what Jesus did.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
We hated Him. We were rebellious. We were awful and what did He do in response to our nastiness?

He loved us.

Thank goodness our behaviour does not change His.

We are to love others with God's exact agape kind of love, the kind that never expects anything in return.
So, there cannot be an “if you/then me” mentality among believers.

If my husband never compliments me, that does not mean I’m not going to compliment him.
If your roommate doesn’t do her share of the chores, it does not mean you get to not do yours.
If your co-worker lies about you, you cannot retaliate.

In order to practice these things, we need to constantly remind ourselves of our position as believers.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbles himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8) Although He was God, He became an example of a servant to us, a picture of true humility. We should have the same attitude of humility and service that Christ had.

The true spirit of humility is “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3).

#95. Relationships Are All About God - Part III

In order for unity between believers to happen, we are going to have to eject some wrong thinking out of our minds about why relationships exist between brothers and sisters in Christ.

The reason why we are not united with other believers is because people hurt us or annoy us. But the problem is, God knew this would happen and He is very clear that not loving or liking people because they hurt us or annoy us is not ok.

God says we are not to show favouritism “But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” (James 2:9). Forgiveness “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13) is something that should define us as believers.

When people hurt our feelings, it’s usually because they are or are not doing something we think they need to do to make us “feel” a certain way.

When people irritate us, it’s usually because we think we do not deserve to be treated the way they are treating us right?

So, let’s unpack our suitcase of dysfunction called “hurt feelings.”

First, let’s remind ourselves that we do not need anyone to make us feel special or loved because we’ve already settled that God completely takes care of that.

Here’s an example:
It’s my birthday. One of my friends does not call me or send me a card in the mail. I’m mad at my friend. She should have called. Now I'm wiping down the counters in my kitchen and planning to go on vacation during her next birthday.
My husband does not write me a love letter when I have said, that is all I want for my birthday. Instead, he buys me a back massager. He says he wants my back to feel better. I secretly think he's sick of me asking him to massage my back.
I’m mad at my husband. He should have written me a love letter that says I'm the best wife ever instead of a back massager.

First, let’s step back and ask a few questions:
Have either of these people sinned here? No.
Believe it or not, it is not a sin to forget to call someone on their birthday. It is not a sin that my husband bought an electronic back massager instead of writing a love letter. Really! I’ve tried desperately to find it in the Bible.
It may hurt my feelings, but those things do not break the heart of the Father.

However, the fact that my feelings get hurt so easily may be sinful.

My feelings and demands that I have for other people to treat me a certain way in order for me to be “happy” may be selfish. If my feelings cause me to sin (be angry, feel depressed, doubt God’s love for me, want to run over my husband), then they are an idol in my heart. If I’m willing to sin to get what I want or because I do not get what I want, my feelings and expectations of others are an idol. By my behaviour, I have shown that my “right” to have my feelings hurt or being angry with my husband are more important than obeying the Lord.

#94. Relationships Are All About God - Part II

If women were really looking for a one-day marriage that brought God honour and glory, we would not be running after this illusion of romance and love that we are so bent on obtaining.

Running after a feeling, after the drama of a relationship means we are pursuing our own selfish fulfilment. If we were looking at a man the way Christ looks at him and that’s only at his heart,

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

God says He does not look at the things we look at, He looks at the heart. Many of you are passing up a church full of Godly men because they are not good looking enough or wooing you off your feet. They are not making you have goose bumps and hot flashes. They aren’t making you weak in the knees.

One day God is going to judge your husband according to the way He loved you. And do you know what God says husband-love is?

First, let me tell you what it is not.

It is not a love that brings you flowers or remembers your birthday. That’s nice and praise God, it happens but that’s not it.
It’s not a love that makes you feel silly and goofy. That’s nice and praise God, sometimes it happens, but that’s not it either.
It’s not a love that makes you “feel” anything. It’s a love that makes you “look” like something. Jesus.

God says that your husband is supposed to love you in one way with a sanctifying kind of love.
Let's break it down:
God is love. Lost people do not even know how to love if they don't know God. Hence, anything that lost people think about love is probably wrong and distorted.
If we are running after the “love” that we paid $6 - $10 to see on the big screen, we are running after a lie, an illusion.
If after seeing those movies, we find ourselves depressed and unsatisfied, it's because we have just fed our flesh a big plate of trash!

We may need to stop feeding the flesh something that makes us sin (feel sad, lonely, depressed).

Here is what God says about love:
In Ephesians 5, God says husband love is judged in one way.
Did our husband present us as a radiant bride, without spot or blemish? Did he hold you accountable to God’s word even when you were ugly and unteachable? Did he do it even when it made you mad?

This takes a real man. Some men are too wimpy to love like God demands.

Most of you are running after a love that amounts to nothing.
If you are looking for a man who will always make you feel good about yourself, you’re running after a pansy of a man!

Why do you think you need to be in a relationship?
Is it because you desperately want someone to hold you accountable to God’s Word so you can grow even more in your relationship with Christ? Or is it because you are lonely, you want a romance rush or you want someone to make you feel some way you aren’t feeling right now? Remember, we've already settled that those are God’s jobs and He is a pro at what He does.

Are your motives selfish or God-centred?

Marriage is about God taking two people who are busy bringing Him glory with their lives independently and making them one flesh for His glory. Your oneness with your spouse is not how much you giggle, not how good looking you are together, not what beautiful babies you will have, not how great your new last name sounds with your first name. Your oneness is what will bring God glory.

#93. Relationships Are All About God - Part I

We know that everything about us apart from God is selfish, wicked and worldly.

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

Anything we do “in the flesh” that comes natural to us will end up in ruin because our motives will always be self-serving. So, it is not terribly shocking that we have taken something that God created. Sometimes, relationships between people turned them away from being a God thing and turned them into a “me thing.”

What are the selfish reasons we enter relationships?

How can this make me happy?
How can this fulfil me, complete me?
How can this fill a need in me?
How can this keep me from being lonely?
How can this make me feel like I’m loved?

God says “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (Colossians 3:10). We are to do everything in life with God’s glory, not our glory in mind. God says that relationships are supposed to be all about Him, not us.

#92. How To Make Christian Dating Relationships Work

Recently, my Christian friends encountered some relationship problems. I went to do some reading and research and came across a few articles. Here is one of them:

1. Christian relationships depend on good communication. Keep lines of communication open. If you date somebody who you cannot see on a consistent basis, it is important to talk at least once a day, preferably via telephone. Only through regular communication can a relationship be sustained and blossom.

2. Voice your expectations on a consistent basis. When it comes to Christian dating, women and men alike should be sure that their partner knows what they are expecting out of a relationship. If, for example, you want a relationship that leads to marriage, that should be made clear as soon as feasible.

3. Maintain purity during visits. Christian dating relationships can be ruined if there is physical intimacy before matrimony, and premarital sexual relations are forbidden in Scripture. Have an accountability partner and never stay in the same room on visits.

4. Honesty is important in Christian dating relationships. Do not lead the other person on. Christians dating one another should break it off immediately if both know that the relationship will not end in marriage. There is no point to courtship if matrimony is not the intended end.

5. Seek counsel from Christian friends and family members. Talk regularly about your relationship with other mature believers and be honest. They can help you see if you are headed down the wrong track with another person.

6. Pray and study together. Christian dating relationships should be marked by the disciplines of prayer and study. Pray for each other and the relationship. Study the Bible with each other so that you might discern God's leading.

#91. Aiden Wilson Tozer said

“An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children. He does not distribute Himself that each may have a part, but to each one He gives all of Himself as fully as if there were no others.”

“In almost everything that touches our everyday life on earth; God is pleased when we're pleased. He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our maker's praise without anxiety.”

“Refuse to be average. Let your heart soar as high as it will.”

“The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian.”

“You can see God from anywhere if your mind is set to love and obey Him.”

“We can afford to follow Him to failure. Faith dares to fail. The resurrection and the judgment will demonstrate before all worlds who won and who lost. We can wait.”

“Sometimes I go to God and say, “God, if Thou dost never answer another prayer while I live on this earth, I will still worship Thee as long as I live and in the ages to come for what Thou hast done already. God’s already put me so far in de4bt that if I were to live one million millenniums I couldn’t pay Him for what He’s done for me.”

“When we try to focus our thought upon One who is pure uncreated being we may see nothing at all, for He dwelleth in light that no man can approach unto. Only by faith and love are we able to glimpse Him as He passes by our shelter in the cleft of the rock.”

“I am Thy servant to do Thy will, and that will is sweeter to me than position or riches or fame, and I choose it above all things on Earth or in Heaven.”

#90. Beyong Words To Speak With Your Heart

You can mouth the words of a prayer all day long and just waste your time, unless you also speak with your heart. And to speak with your heart means to embody first. If you pray for love, be loving. If you pray for wealth, be generous. If you pray for health, practice health yourself. What is your favorite prayer? How can you begin to embody it?

#89. Breakthrough Missions

Sometime back, four representatives from Breakthrough Missions (Drug Rehab Halfway House) came to my church to give a speech, sang worship songs and shared their testimonies.

Yesterday, unknowingly I came across a show called ‘不由自主Compulsions’. There were three guys sharing their stories on how they broke free of their bondage to drugs. They are from Breakthrough Mission.

If you know of anyone who is struggling to break free from drugs, I would recommend that you bring him/her to Breakthrough Missions. I have heard quite a number of powerful testimonies on how they changed for a better after entering Breakthrough Missions.
For further details, you may go to http://breakthroughmissions.org/.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

#88. Great Is The Lord

#87. The Stranger On The Road To Emmanus

The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus. Written in narrative form, The Stranger On The Road To Emmanus explains the Bible chronologically from Creation to Christ, beginning with simple truths and moving to the more complex. The book lays the foundation of the Gospel with major Old Testament stories, builds upon essential biblical truths in a logical manner, and culminates at the Cross and the Resurrection.
The book is fully illustrated with drawings, diagrams and maps to help communicate the message visually.

#86. Hallelujah

#85. The Servant Song

Yesterday, I was having dinner with Zhe Hao and Wen Shan and they shared a song with me which I would like to share it with you too.

#84. 1 Peter 2:20-24

"But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:20-24)

#83. While I'm Waiting

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

#82. Trust His Heart

#81. A Cause For Celebration

Today, you should celebrate what an unbelievable life you have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make you stronger. Just as a gem cannot be polished without friction, nor can a life be perfected without trials. Take a time to acknowledge your life and to praise yourself.

#80. Not Alone

Even when you feel physically alone, know that you are surrounded by divine love. Like God, love is not visible, but that does not mean it is not there. You are loved.

#79. Judgment

When someone dies, does he/she faces judgment immediately and goes either heaven/hell? Or he /she have to wait until the second coming of Jesus where everyone is judged on judgment day before going to heaven/hell?

When a person dies, his/her destiny is sealed. He/She can’t undo his/her decisions or make new ones.
“Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27)
When a person dies, his/her soul goes to Heaven or Hades. Those in Hades will await the final judgement. After judgement, they are cast into the lake of fire.
“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)

For those in heaven, will they be judged as well? Or their soul just goes to heaven for eternity? Why some day that everyone will be judged on judgment day?

Christians face the Bema Judgment; it is to determine the giving of rewards, not salvation. Non Christians will face the Great White Throne Judgment on Salvation.

#78. Have You Been Skipping Out On God's Most Important Gift To Man - Love?

Love is the blood of the soul. God wants all beings to have healthy and strong souls, so God created a simple law to nourish the soul: the more you give love, the more you receive love. Remember all the beings you love - people, animals - that you haven't thought of lately. Do not wait anymore, reconnect with them today and express your love.

#77. All Is Well

As you surrender to divine providence in your life, you will feel lifted and carried and held. All is well.

#76. A Higher Leap of Faith Within 7 Days

I am thankful that Lord has placed me numerous tribulations in my life since 24 April 2010 when I accepted Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Ever since then, my Christian life wasn’t easy. Even though it wasn’t easy, I accepted it as a blessing instead because through these tribulations, I managed to take a higher leap of faith. Thank God!

Some of the things I always pray are that God will help me to be a good salt and light to the earth, He will use me to bring glory to Him, to always have the mind and attitude of Christ, be a good testament to encourage everyone who comes across in my life. And yes, God answered my prayer. God always answer prayers.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks received; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:22)”
“… Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” (John 16:24)

Let me share with you what I have gone through recently.

Sometime back, I was hired to work in a well known company. Many friends were really happy for me.

Day 1

When I stepped into the company, I felt extremely uncomfortable. I know that the Holy Spirit in me is telling me that there is something wrong with this company. However, I just couldn’t figure out what it was at that point of time.

A few minutes later, my Associate Director and some of my colleagues were gossiping loudly at one of the colleagues who were about 3m away. I was quite shocked but I am more disappointed by my Associate Director behaviour. She wore a cross necklace (I assumed that she is a Christian). I know that I am no one to judge others. However, her behaviour showed a really bad example as a Christian.

Then, my Associate Director and some of my colleagues told me to always clarify my doubts. After which, my Associate Director gave me a task. I realised that I have some doubts so I went to clarify with her.

Guess what she did after that? She shouted and scolded me. She walked away and a few seconds later, she told me to clarify my doubts if I had any. I went to clarify with her again. And, she shouted and scolded me again. She even called the rest of the colleagues to come and they stood in a line, took turn to shout and scold at me when all I just wanted to do was to clarify my doubts and get the task done. They didn’t even want to teach me. This cycle kept happening for the entire day. I did not give up but plucked my courage to ask them.

I thought I could have lunch out of office and spent time talking to God. However, I had to packet my lunch and eat in the office.

I was in total distress and helpless in my heart. I knew that this is one of the tribulations that I have to face. Without hesitation, I knew I had to pray to God.
Every time, either I just started to talk to God or talking to God halfway, I will be interrupted by someone in the office. I was so desperate to find a chance to speak to God that I went to the toilet. However, even when I was in the toilet, my colleague will knock on my door saying that they want to use the toilet. No matter how many times I tried to find every means to talk to God, I just couldn’t for the entire day in the office. It was a lot worse than you could ever imagine. It may be some sort of spiritual warfare.

Finally, my work ended. I spent a really long time talking to God.

Day 2

I was fearful to go to work. However, God said “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Knowing that everything that happened is what God knows is the best for me, I went to work fearless.

Again, the same things happened to me as day 1.
1. They were gossiping.
2. They asked me to clarify my doubts if I had any. Then when I asked, they called everyone to come and scold me. But somehow with God’s wisdom, I was able to complete my task on time.
3. Someone will interrupt me whenever I want to or am talking to God.

While working, I overheard my Managing Director talking about bible with his client. In short, I know that he is a Christian. What I do not know is whether he is a fervent Christian or just a Christian by name.

My Associate Director would pile up my work and gave me a lot of stress.
She: “It is lunch time now. When are you going to eat? Oh wait. Please finish everything by *insert time*.”
(Indirectly, she wants to eat up my lunch time hour. How could I let her take advantage of me when I have a maximum 1 hour of lunch break right? I stopped my work and went for lunch instead. Then, she was extremely unhappy that I went for lunch. Oh goodness. I am a human like her who needs to eat and rest.)

It was extremely tiring for me from the start of work till the end of work being tortured like this. If I hadn’t accepted Christ, I would have been crying and quitted my job. However, I stood even stronger and firmer knowing that what I am going through now is actually a blessing that God has given me. It was not my own strength but God’s strength in me that I was able to pull it through the day. God has big plans for me, and my entire life has been leading me towards His plan for my life. I know that I need God every second and I lean onto Him completely.

After work, I was able to talk to God for as long as I want. I was uncertain about everything for these two days. I prayed to God on whether I should leave the company, what is His purpose for me to be in this company, to be the salt and light of the company, to give me wisdom to share something about Christianity to anyone and to find time and place to be able to talk to Him while working.

Continue reading and you will see God’s amazing work in me.

Day 3

At the start of the work, I was given a new task to do. I thought I would be able to work on my table.

However, I was asked to work at the staircase located at the end of the office. The staircase was dark, hot, stuffy and with a small window about 15 x 15cm at the top of the wall.

Every few hours, one of my colleagues will go there to smoke. I felt so suffocated. It was as if I am being 打入冷宫 (put in disfavour). I worked there for the entire day.

In my heart, I didn’t felt really good. I couldn’t understand why I am being treated so unfairly. However, it didn't took me long to realise that this is the only place in the office I could talk to God freely and singing songs to worship Him. He answered my prayer. Putting all my unhappiness, I thank God for bringing me here. So what if the working condition is not favourable? To me, it was a blessing.

Finally, the day ended. Thank God for bringing me through the tough times.

Day 4

I had to work at the staircase again. I was working alone there feeling suffocating with the very strong glue smell making me so giddy. However, I still worked happily because I am able to have all the quiet time alone talking to God. Having God in my life is extremely important to me. I definitely cannot live without Him.

The day finally ended. It was only because of God that I was able to end my work through difficult times.

Day 5

While working, I got a lot of scolding when I didn’t do anything wrong. One of my colleagues (let’s call her H) asked me to clean up a dirty area in order for her to work in a clean place which she made it so messy and dirty.

I swallowed my anger and humble myself to do the cleaning. God said: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19)

I heard a lot of gossiping and backstabbing. Somehow it seems to be true that well known company are extremely corrupted.

When I was working, I saw one of my colleagues (let’s call him T) wearing a very big cross necklace. When I saw that, the Holy Spirit in me told me that I need to say something to him about Christianity because I felt extremely uncomfortable when I saw that cross on him. I know that something is wrong and I need to do something about it. (Continue to read and you will know what happen next.)

In the late afternoon, my Associate Director and I have a chat. She was telling me that I might be trained to be one of the key leaders in the company. As we talked, she asked me about my daily personal schedule. I know that I have to remind her about being a good example as a Christian at work. Immediately, I prayed to God to give me wisdom to talk about Christianity to her. And yes, I talked to her about church, bible study, commitments in church and etc. She was shocked and asked me if I was a Christian. I said yes and she told me that she goes to church too.

After the talk, I continued to do my work.

Unknowingly, my day ended. Nonetheless, I thank God for strengthening me and showing His goodness through tribulations.

Day 6

H told me to do some editing for a model. I did everything correctly as to her request. (You must be wondering why I am talking about this. However, on day 7, something happened because of this.)

Let’s fast forward the time to late noon.

My Associate Director told me to have a talk with her at 5.15pm.

At 5.15pm, I went to have a chat with her.
She: “I am sorry but I have to let you go.”
I: “Huh?”
She: “Err…I am sorry to have to break the agreement that we had so early. Err… Hmmm… Ya, I think we have to let you go. Err… I think it is because you are slow. Err… since the agreement stated that there is a one week’s notice of termination from either party, a week later, it shall be your last day of work.” (When she was telling me, she was stammering, looking nervous, keep looking everywhere except my eyes, cross her finger and toying her fingers. On the other hand, I was praying to God to know what to say and I stayed very calm and peaceful. Saying that I was slow is such a lousy excuse to ask me to leave when I did everything on task.)
I: “Never mind, it is ok. I understand. I can forgo about the one week notice of termination. You can just make today my last day of work.”
She: “Oh… Wow… Err… Hmmm… let me check and get back to you later.”
I: “Ok, sure.”

A few minutes later, T told me to go to my Associate Director.
She: “Well… Err… Make tomorrow the last day of your work instead. Go back and typed out a letter saying that the one week notice is changed to a day notice of termination and give it to me tomorrow.”
I: “Ok, sure.”

When I went back to work, some of my colleagues suddenly came to me and asked me what she said. I knew this would happen. Every time I talked to my Associate Director, they didn’t ask about anything. This time, they asked. I just said that it was just some talk with my Associate Director and it’s nothing much. I suspected that they knew about it and wants me to say it out of my mouth. However, I chose not to.

Somehow, work ended. I called Sofia to meet her up because I was feeling quite terrible. For a few seconds, I could almost burst out into tears. Gladly, I held back. I know that it is not worthy to be upset and crying over a matter like this.

Thanks Sofia for being there for me. Thank you for your encouragement and support when I felt like I was at the lowest point in my life.

When I reached home, I told my parent about me resigning. They were angry. However, I was absolutely cool and calm because I know God has greater plans for me. Sadly, I couldn’t tell them this since they still do not know that I am a Christian yet.

Day 7

When I woke up, I wrote a letter to my mum assuring her not to worry for me because this is part and parcel of life and etc. I assured her with Christian encouragement without making it too obvious. I know God is working in me so that my family can see a good change in me after accepting Christ.

Before work, I told myself that I am going to impress everyone there at work and remind them about the faith of Christianity.

Upon reaching work, one of my colleagues was gossiping with my Associate Director about another colleague. This company is extremely political. Goodness grief!

After they finished gossiping, I passed my letter to my Associate Director. After she read, she told me that I should not write it as a resignation letter but a letter that I got terminated. Then, she told me that she will edit it for me.

After a few minutes later, she called me back.
She: “Err…while I was editing, I thought of something. Don’t write it as you were terminated. You write a letter to me that you want to resign instead. I am giving you a choice. It would reflect badly on you if I write it as you were being terminated. However, if you write it as resignation, it would not reflect badly on you. Well, I am giving you a chance to make your choice now. It is up to you to make the decision. See which one you want.”
I: *in my heart, I let you a *tsk** “Oh ok. Then, I shall rewrite you a resignation then."
She: “Ok. Err…Hmmm…If I had not asked you to leave, would you leave?”
I: “I don’t think so for now.”
She: “Ok. Err…”
I: “I want to clarify something. What do you mean that I am slow and asked me to leave? You used less than 6 days to judge me and say that I am slow and then asked me to leave? I don’t understand.” (I felt that it was unfair for me to leave giving such an excuse. I did everything they asked on task and faster than my colleagues. Hence, how on earth am I slow?)
She: (she started to look everywhere except my eyes, crossing her fingers and toying with her fingers) “Err…err…I think…err…*ahem* err…I think…err…it’s because…you are slow…err…it is impossible that you will succeed.
I: “What!? You used less than 6 days to judge me? Never mind. Forget it. I go and write my resignation letter now before you approved.” (In my heart, I felt that the answer given to me was ridiculous. I wanted to further question her. However, I let it go. It is pointless to continue the conversation with her. In my resignation, I still wished them success and prayed for them. In the Bible, it states that: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44))

A few minutes later, my Associate Director asked H to spread around the office saying that today is my last day of work. I was a tad angry. Why must she ask people to spread the message around the office? I swallowed down all my anger. It was really a test of my tolerance.

Yesterday, H told me to do some editing for the model. I followed exactly what she said. Today, she went to check and scolded me for doing the editing. She asked me why I did the editing. When I told her that it was her who asked me to do it, she scolded me even more for blaberring nonsense.

Later, I went to another end of the office to work. T came and we had a conversation.
T: *in an extremely sarcastic tone* Awww!!!!! Aren’t you sad?”
I: “No, I am not.”
T: “Oh are you happy?”
I: “No, I am not too.”
T: *in a pissed tone “What do you mean?”
I: (I know that it is the time to talk about my faith in Christianity since he is a Christian.) “Why should I be sad? Everything that happened is a blessing to me. God knows what is best for me. He knows that this is not the best place for me. I know that He has bigger and better plans for me.”
T: *in an annoyed tone* “Oh please! Don’t tell me that you know what God plans are ok. Do you really know what God plans are for you? Oh please. Since you said it until like this, tell me la. Tell me what is God plan for you now la.”
I: (after hearing what he said, I know that he is just a Christian by name.) “It’s faith. I have faith in Him that He is leading me to something where it is the best for me. I will go wherever He leads me to.”
T: “Whatever.” (T walked away after that. I am glad that I have shared at least something to T.)

After the conversation, I finished my work. I went to H and to get more work to do.
H: “Yes, I have work for you to do. I know that it’s a lowly job to ask of you to do. But please clean up all the dirty area so that it is easier for everyone to work.”
I: “Ok.” (After I said that, I felt so humiliated. There is a cleaner who cleans up the office every day. Why do I have to do it again? I didn’t want to disobey any orders given to me, I want to impress them and I still want to maintain a good relationship with them. Hence, I humbled myself down.)

After cleaning up, I told H. You know what H did next? She went around inspecting! Then, she asked me to re-clean certain areas. Again, I did what she said.

After I finished, another colleague, C shouted across the room to me.
C: “Can you please get a rag and clean up all the tables here now?”
K: “Oh ok.” (Once again, I felt humiliated. However, I know I have to humble myself down and do it. I know that this is the test from God.)

After I got the rag, I went to the tables and saw that the tables were all so clean. Then, C told me to clean them up immediately. I did what I was told to do again.

In the late noon, my Managing Director came in. He went to my Associate Director.
She: “Have you read it?”
He: “I have received it but I have not read it. I do not know.”
I know that earlier on, my Associate Director purposely told me to write a resignation letter and make it seemed like I resigned myself and sent my resignation letter to my Managing Director. I felt so maligned. I have not worked with my Managing Director before so how could he just blindly believe whatever the Associate Director said and did?

Before I left, I went around bidding goodbye. They were all so happy bidding goodbye to me. I know this is definitely the right thing to do – bidding goodbye. I have completed God’s purpose for me being here. I did nothing wrong that is against my conscious so I have no fear. I humbled myself and did everything I was told to do.

I left the office with a higher leap of faith. I trusted and have faith in God that He will bring me through the tough times I have worked there. I regarded everything that happened to me as a blessing. Every day I felt like giving up. However, I kept telling myself to press on because my biggest fear is my biggest reward. I have to fulfill God’s purpose working there before I leave.

I would never have survived through such difficult times without God. I survived through only because I strongly believe that God will never forsake me. I observed everything around me to find answers from God. I kept praying to God till He answered my prayers. I have overcome these tribulations. Thank God for bringing me through.

Sometimes, I just don’t understand why my Christian life is so harsh as compared to my friends. Theirs seems so peaceful and I envy. My friends envy me to be able to go through such tribulations. However, if I am given a life like theirs, I may not like it and vice versa. I must be contented in what God has given me and knowing this is the best for me. I don’t care about how man judges me; I care about how God judges me. I don’t care about worldly stuffs; I care about my rewards in heaven.