title: nothing is impossible for God
Date: Friday, December 25, 2009
16Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."17"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
18"Bring them here to me," he said. 19And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Remember this familiar story about the feeding of the five thousand? ;)
So well, I don't always read the book of Matthew because I've read it quite a number of times already. But well, recently I've started turning back to the 4 gospels because I realized that there are many things that God wants to speak to me about through them. :)
So yeah, here, Jesus fed five thousand men just with 5 loaves and 2 fish. Using this small amount of food, Jesus managed to satisfy a large number of people. Similar to this, sometimes, like the disciples that didn't think they could feed all these people with the 5 loaves and 2 fish, we may think that we are not good enough or do not have the ability to do something. Let's say, lead a cell. You may think that 'oh, I cannot do this, it really seems impossible.' But sometimes God just wants to tell you that you don't have to feel inferior. With God as Lord, He can turn something small into something big. As long as you are willing to commit whatever you have into His hands, whether it is much or little, it doesn't matter. :)
Also, notice that Jesus took the bread and gave thanks to God even before He witnessed the feeding of the five thousand. The fact that He gave thanks to God even before He witnessed the feeding of the five thousand shows that He had faith in God. He trusted God that the miracle would happen. Sometimes even before we pray about our situation to God, and maybe even after we pray, we already have this mindset that it's not going to work out. The problem may seem too big for us, but God is bigger than that. We must have faith in God. Jesus said that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we can tell this mountain to move from here to there and it will move.
So, you don't need to feel like you don't have enough to give. God doesn't see how much you have, God sees the heart. :) And God will empower you to do the great things He has in plan for you. :)
title: will you REALLY lay down your life?
Date: Wednesday, December 23, 2009
36Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?"
Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later."37Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."
38Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!
This is the simple famous story about Peter's denial, but it really spoke to me.
You know, salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you something. Sometimes we proclaim to the world that oh yes, we want to follow God and we want to be His disciples. But do we really live up to it? When the time comes for us to stand up for what we believe in, will we really do that? Maybe you may think, of course I will! But that's only when no one really minds. What about the times that you may suffer discrimination? Will you really do it?
Some may think, I don't mind being a fool for Christ. But Jesus requires us to 'lay down our life' for Him. This 'life' may be our life outside church and so. There are some that are really godly and all in church, but when they return to school, they become the devil's servants. Everything is just so different. Sometimes in order to follow Jesus we need to give up this 'life' of ours. It may also be something we really love that is stopping us from growing closer to God. Maybe it may be some friends that influence you instead of you influencing them. God may tell you to leave them, but you may not want to. Or maybe it can be a hobby that robs you of your time spent in church. Are you willing to give this all up for Jesus?
title: Busy.
Date: Friday, October 9, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1Szilex-KQ
Hello. Indeed, this season is a time full of exams and stuff, but we must still remain faithful to God.
At times, we are really so busy. Even when God calls and wants to talk to us, we turn his offer down. Work just engulfs us like that, leaving us no time. However, just like this video, God is always there for us. His first priority is to talk to us, to spend time with us. If even such a powerful God is willing to put aside all other important matters just for us, why can't we do the same for Him?
Remember this post (<< clickable) about being so busy that you are Being Under Satan's Yoke?
So, what are you going to do about it?
Hello. Indeed, this season is a time full of exams and stuff, but we must still remain faithful to God.
At times, we are really so busy. Even when God calls and wants to talk to us, we turn his offer down. Work just engulfs us like that, leaving us no time. However, just like this video, God is always there for us. His first priority is to talk to us, to spend time with us. If even such a powerful God is willing to put aside all other important matters just for us, why can't we do the same for Him?
Remember this post (<< clickable) about being so busy that you are Being Under Satan's Yoke?
So, what are you going to do about it?
title: Press On!
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2009
People say that time will heal
But you know, they just don't feel what you feel
Times are hard but God is so good
He's never failed you, and He said He never would
He see's your tears
He fights your fears
Hold on, help is on the way
He said he'd never leave you or forsake you
Stay strong
Help is on the way
He'd said he'd help you
Just reach out and take his hand
This song's by Michael W smith. Click here to listen.
Anyway, I heard this song in the car in January. And God suddenly prompted me to listen to the lyrics. Concentratedly. So I did.
This song speaks about asking God for help in our circumstances. You know, sometimes we are really stressed about something and feel that there is no way out. But God is just a prayer away. God is always like, you know, there for us? We try to seek solace in others, but most of the time they can only comfort you because they don't feel that way! They are not going through what you are. However God understands. God is the God that constructed this earth.
God has promised us that He'd help us when we are down. Psalm 23 : 6 says 'Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' God WILL help us. Believe that He will. Continue to believe in God, for help is on the way.
Press on!
But you know, they just don't feel what you feel
Times are hard but God is so good
He's never failed you, and He said He never would
He see's your tears
He fights your fears
Hold on, help is on the way
He said he'd never leave you or forsake you
Stay strong
Help is on the way
He'd said he'd help you
Just reach out and take his hand
This song's by Michael W smith. Click here to listen.
Anyway, I heard this song in the car in January. And God suddenly prompted me to listen to the lyrics. Concentratedly. So I did.
This song speaks about asking God for help in our circumstances. You know, sometimes we are really stressed about something and feel that there is no way out. But God is just a prayer away. God is always like, you know, there for us? We try to seek solace in others, but most of the time they can only comfort you because they don't feel that way! They are not going through what you are. However God understands. God is the God that constructed this earth.
God has promised us that He'd help us when we are down. Psalm 23 : 6 says 'Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' God WILL help us. Believe that He will. Continue to believe in God, for help is on the way.
Press on!
title: Stand up for God.
Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2009
http://talkback.stomp.com.sg/forums/showthread.php?t=81235&page=1
I strongly advice you to read that. But pray before reading. Pray that you don't get influenced by them and instead strengthen your faith.
I was rather sad when i read this. About how easily christians lose their faith in God because of a setback. Okay, something similar had happened to me before (as in the person's situation). I was also kind of in doubt about God, and why He did such things. A few weeks later, the FUEL topic was about why bad things happen to good people. They studied the book of Job. And after a while God began to reveal things to me. Like about how things are done to test us, and whatever. Sometimes how a cancer patient fights on with that will to live is really inspiring. Like how they fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. God sends these people to encourage and inspire us. Whatever setbacks we are facing, it's definitely much smaller than what these people with terminal diseases are facing. Yet we choose to wallow in self-pity, and complain to God. I think we should really learn from them. Seriously.
I strongly advice you to read that. But pray before reading. Pray that you don't get influenced by them and instead strengthen your faith.
I was rather sad when i read this. About how easily christians lose their faith in God because of a setback. Okay, something similar had happened to me before (as in the person's situation). I was also kind of in doubt about God, and why He did such things. A few weeks later, the FUEL topic was about why bad things happen to good people. They studied the book of Job. And after a while God began to reveal things to me. Like about how things are done to test us, and whatever. Sometimes how a cancer patient fights on with that will to live is really inspiring. Like how they fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith. God sends these people to encourage and inspire us. Whatever setbacks we are facing, it's definitely much smaller than what these people with terminal diseases are facing. Yet we choose to wallow in self-pity, and complain to God. I think we should really learn from them. Seriously.
title: Hated?
Date: Monday, August 24, 2009
John 15:18-19
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that they hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."
I think this verse will speak to many. You know, at times when we feel depressed because we are being rejected or ostracised by our friends? We can always look back to this verse for comfort.
It's because God has chosen us. He has set us apart from the rest, to be His hands and feet to do what He wants for the world, to be His mouth and correct others from their wrong behaviors.
It's like, okay. Let's use this illustration. A used to be very popular with her friends. Then one day, she is suddenly 'kicked out' of the gang. So she feels really depressed. Maybe the reason for that is that her friends does things that A doesn't approve of, or that A doesn't join her friends in certain things. Well, probably because of her principles. So in this instance, A is rejected by her friends because of her principles, with probably are Christian-related. A should remember that she is doing it for God. If she is part of 'them', which is the group, the group would like her and her life would seem better. However, she would be letting God down in the process, and the guilt and shame in her would overpower the welcome she receives from her friends.
Let me say something : Never, ever, do something for the sake of making your life better when it means compromising your Christianity. I once did it, and I felt so guilty for a very long period of time. I could feel myself drifting away from God and I kept praying about it. One day, while I was watching a movie I was unsure if I should be watching, God suddenly dropped the song 'The Heart of Worship' into my mind. Halfway through the show, I cried. My friends thought I cried because of the show, but it was actually because I felt God's presence once again. His presence made me yield and surrender to Him, and I asked for His forgiveness. From then on, I have been telling myself not to give in.
Press on, even though the world hates you and everything seems to be going wrong. Just remember that you already have the victory - God! And whatever is happening is for your own good (refer to previous post). :) <------ The one about plans.
Anyway, I was quite happy yesterday. Firstly, I cried. That is a thing to rejoice about because I cried because I felt God's presence. I didn't even go for altar call, but God still answered me. Very often when they sing 'I'll go through the fire', I will cry. Because that is a song that really speaks to me. Despite listening it to so many times, I haven't gotten sick of it. :)
Secondly, I met a choir senior. I think she is called Jingyi. At first i saw a familiar person, and I was wondering who it was. Then i concluded she was from SN. Then after a while, i decided to ask. And, haha! It was! :)
Okay. talking to Sharlene. Bye!
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that they hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."
I think this verse will speak to many. You know, at times when we feel depressed because we are being rejected or ostracised by our friends? We can always look back to this verse for comfort.
It's because God has chosen us. He has set us apart from the rest, to be His hands and feet to do what He wants for the world, to be His mouth and correct others from their wrong behaviors.
It's like, okay. Let's use this illustration. A used to be very popular with her friends. Then one day, she is suddenly 'kicked out' of the gang. So she feels really depressed. Maybe the reason for that is that her friends does things that A doesn't approve of, or that A doesn't join her friends in certain things. Well, probably because of her principles. So in this instance, A is rejected by her friends because of her principles, with probably are Christian-related. A should remember that she is doing it for God. If she is part of 'them', which is the group, the group would like her and her life would seem better. However, she would be letting God down in the process, and the guilt and shame in her would overpower the welcome she receives from her friends.
Let me say something : Never, ever, do something for the sake of making your life better when it means compromising your Christianity. I once did it, and I felt so guilty for a very long period of time. I could feel myself drifting away from God and I kept praying about it. One day, while I was watching a movie I was unsure if I should be watching, God suddenly dropped the song 'The Heart of Worship' into my mind. Halfway through the show, I cried. My friends thought I cried because of the show, but it was actually because I felt God's presence once again. His presence made me yield and surrender to Him, and I asked for His forgiveness. From then on, I have been telling myself not to give in.
Press on, even though the world hates you and everything seems to be going wrong. Just remember that you already have the victory - God! And whatever is happening is for your own good (refer to previous post). :) <------ The one about plans.
Anyway, I was quite happy yesterday. Firstly, I cried. That is a thing to rejoice about because I cried because I felt God's presence. I didn't even go for altar call, but God still answered me. Very often when they sing 'I'll go through the fire', I will cry. Because that is a song that really speaks to me. Despite listening it to so many times, I haven't gotten sick of it. :)
Secondly, I met a choir senior. I think she is called Jingyi. At first i saw a familiar person, and I was wondering who it was. Then i concluded she was from SN. Then after a while, i decided to ask. And, haha! It was! :)
Okay. talking to Sharlene. Bye!
title: Story.
Date:
Satan's Meeting!
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said,
'We can't keep Christians from going to church.'
'We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth.'
'We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their saviour.'
'Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.'
'So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ..'
'This is what I want you to do,' said the devil:
'Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!'
'How shall we do this?' his demons shouted.
'Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds,' he answered.
'Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.'
'Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles.'
'Keep them from spending time with their children.'
'As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!'
'Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice.'
'Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive.' To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly.'
'This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.'
'Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers.'
'Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day.'
'Invade their driving moments with billboards.'
'Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes..'
'Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. '
'Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night.'
'Give them headaches too! '
'If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere.'
'That will fragment their families quickly!'
'Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas.'
'Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death.'
'Even in their recreation, let them be excessive.'
'Have them return from their recreation exhausted.'
'Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead.'
'Keep them busy, busy, busy!'
'And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences. '
'Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus.'
'Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause.'
'It will work!'
'It will work!'
It was quite a plan!
The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.
Having little time for their God or their families.
Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?
You be the judge!!!!!
Does 'BUSY' mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?
Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said,
'We can't keep Christians from going to church.'
'We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth.'
'We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their saviour.'
'Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken.'
'So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ..'
'This is what I want you to do,' said the devil:
'Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!'
'How shall we do this?' his demons shouted.
'Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds,' he answered.
'Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.'
'Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles.'
'Keep them from spending time with their children.'
'As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!'
'Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice.'
'Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive.' To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly.'
'This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ.'
'Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers.'
'Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day.'
'Invade their driving moments with billboards.'
'Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes..'
'Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. '
'Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night.'
'Give them headaches too! '
'If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere.'
'That will fragment their families quickly!'
'Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas.'
'Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death.'
'Even in their recreation, let them be excessive.'
'Have them return from their recreation exhausted.'
'Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead.'
'Keep them busy, busy, busy!'
'And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences. '
'Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus.'
'Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause.'
'It will work!'
'It will work!'
It was quite a plan!
The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there.
Having little time for their God or their families.
Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.
I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?
You be the judge!!!!!
Does 'BUSY' mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?