Come, follow Me.
Matthew 4:19
The word "disciple" means being an apprentice to someone.
And it was easy to tell if someone had done that. Peter, James and John made a decision to spend every day with Jesus in order to learn how to be like Him. Now, they did the same kinds of things you do. They ate, slept, worked, played, and learned. They just did all of these things with Jesus.
And now it's your turn.
What happened to those three fishermen 2000 years ago can happen for you. And your season of life, your temperament, your job - these are no obstacles. Throughout history when people came to understand what Jesus was really offering they would sacrifice anything - money, comfort, home, security - to get the chance to be an apprentice to Him. And this is your chance to follow Him too.
Read these words from a young pastor in Zimbabwe, Africa, who was later martyred for his faith: "The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made - I'm a disciple of His. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognised, praised, regarded, or rewarded.
I now live by faith, depend on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labour with power." That's what it means to be a disciple of Jesus!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Drawing What We need From Christ
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you.
John 15:7
When a mother nurses her baby it's an experience of intimacy. The baby's not only getting milk, but drawing close to its mother in the warmth of a loving relationship.
We could say that the baby is feeding relationally as well as nutritionally.
This is what Jesus meant when He said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you."
Too many of us view the Bible as a library of information to be studied. And Bible study is important. But when you feed on God's Word with the desire of getting to know the person behind the page, it changes everything.
You can read the big words in a medical book, but when you're sick you want a doctor there to tell you what those words mean and what it will take to make you well.
When you're hungry it's nice to have a menu to choose from. But what you want is a waiter standing there to tell you what's in the various meals and what he has tasted and found to be good from the menu.
In other words, you want to relate to someone who embodies the information you are receiving. That's because the goal of medical treatment is health, not being able to pronounce the big words of your illness. And the goal of going to a restaurant is a meal, not the menu.
When your goal in Bible reading moves from information to personal intimacy ("Lord, what are You saying specifically to me?"), especially during times of Spiritual need, you are on the road to maturity.
John 15:7
When a mother nurses her baby it's an experience of intimacy. The baby's not only getting milk, but drawing close to its mother in the warmth of a loving relationship.
We could say that the baby is feeding relationally as well as nutritionally.
This is what Jesus meant when He said, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you."
Too many of us view the Bible as a library of information to be studied. And Bible study is important. But when you feed on God's Word with the desire of getting to know the person behind the page, it changes everything.
You can read the big words in a medical book, but when you're sick you want a doctor there to tell you what those words mean and what it will take to make you well.
When you're hungry it's nice to have a menu to choose from. But what you want is a waiter standing there to tell you what's in the various meals and what he has tasted and found to be good from the menu.
In other words, you want to relate to someone who embodies the information you are receiving. That's because the goal of medical treatment is health, not being able to pronounce the big words of your illness. And the goal of going to a restaurant is a meal, not the menu.
When your goal in Bible reading moves from information to personal intimacy ("Lord, what are You saying specifically to me?"), especially during times of Spiritual need, you are on the road to maturity.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
My papa 8
Papa went for chemo today, while waiting for the nurse to get ready, we were sitting outside the treatment area, I saw him yawning, he told me boring, because we have to wait for about one hour. So I start asking him about the trips he has been , which one is the most memorable and which one he likes the best... he likes south africa, Capes town...
He and my mom have been to Australia, New Zealand, U S A, South Africa, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand..the places that they have been are more then me... For China, they have been to Quang Zhou, Hainan Island, have not been to Beijing and shanghai.. so I thought to myself, after all his treatment.. I will take him and mom there...
Lord...thank you for your protection and care, let your will be done on us...
Amen!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
New family member at Easter
There are two more members in my God family this easter, Eunice and Celestine, they were baptised on easter vigil on 14/4/07 9.30pm mass.Welcome to the family!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Live In God's Presence
I have set the Lord always before me.
Psalm 16:8
The words "I have set the Lord always before me," are the simplest description of Spiritual life. When certain thoughts are present, there's a good chance they're the result of God walking alongside of us.
The first thought involves feelings of reassurance. Whether it's Joshua taking over from Moses, or Paul going through his worst storm, the message is: "Be not afraid. I am with you."
The second thought you'll have when God is present is that you'll get guidance. Maybe you're stumped with some issue and then an idea comes to you. It might be a big one or a small one, but it will help. Or you're about to say something that will inflict damage, and suddenly a little voice inside your head says "be quiet."
A third indicator of God's presence is conviction of sin. You're going down the wrong road and a little stab of pain says, "no, turn around." Heed that voice or you'll violate your values, diminish your influence, and end up guilt-ridden.
The fourth kind of thought that will tell you God is present, is joy! "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence" (Psalm 16:11 ).
It works like this: you put in an extra effort, something gets accomplished and you feel a surge of satisfaction - that's what happened when God created the world, then said, "That's good!"
God can use any of those things to convey His presence.
If you "Set the Lord always before [you]" you'll begin to sense Him in your everyday life.
Psalm 16:8
The words "I have set the Lord always before me," are the simplest description of Spiritual life. When certain thoughts are present, there's a good chance they're the result of God walking alongside of us.
The first thought involves feelings of reassurance. Whether it's Joshua taking over from Moses, or Paul going through his worst storm, the message is: "Be not afraid. I am with you."
The second thought you'll have when God is present is that you'll get guidance. Maybe you're stumped with some issue and then an idea comes to you. It might be a big one or a small one, but it will help. Or you're about to say something that will inflict damage, and suddenly a little voice inside your head says "be quiet."
A third indicator of God's presence is conviction of sin. You're going down the wrong road and a little stab of pain says, "no, turn around." Heed that voice or you'll violate your values, diminish your influence, and end up guilt-ridden.
The fourth kind of thought that will tell you God is present, is joy! "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence" (Psalm 16:11 ).
It works like this: you put in an extra effort, something gets accomplished and you feel a surge of satisfaction - that's what happened when God created the world, then said, "That's good!"
God can use any of those things to convey His presence.
If you "Set the Lord always before [you]" you'll begin to sense Him in your everyday life.
Find Your Place
Our goal is to measure up to God's plan for us.
2 Corinthians 10:13
Da Vinci only painted one Mona Lisa.
Beethoven only composed one Fifth Symphony.
And God only made one version of you.
He custom-designed you for a one-of-a-kind assignment. "How can I discover mine?" you ask. Your ability reveals your destiny! "If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies" (1 Peter 4:11 ).
When God gives you an assignment, He also gives you the skill-set.
To discover your assignment - study your skill-set!
Your ease with numbers. Your love of computers. Your gift for interior design. Others stare at blueprints and yawn; you read them and say "I was made for this." Heed the music within, then dance to it! No one else hears it the way you do. Look back. What have you consistently done well? What have you loved to do? Stand at the intersection of your desires and your successes, and you'll find your uniqueness. "The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others" (1 Corinthians 12:7 ).
Away with this depreciating "I can't do anything," and its arrogant opposite, "I have to do everything." No, you don't!
Paul said, "Our goal is to measure up to God's plan for us." Don't worry about skills you don't have and don't covet strengths others do have. Just maximise your God-given gifts! "Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you."
If you're not sure what God has called you to do, get down on your knees and ask Him to reveal it to you. And when He does, pour yourself into it!
2 Corinthians 10:13
Da Vinci only painted one Mona Lisa.
Beethoven only composed one Fifth Symphony.
And God only made one version of you.
He custom-designed you for a one-of-a-kind assignment. "How can I discover mine?" you ask. Your ability reveals your destiny! "If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies" (1 Peter 4:11 ).
When God gives you an assignment, He also gives you the skill-set.
To discover your assignment - study your skill-set!
Your ease with numbers. Your love of computers. Your gift for interior design. Others stare at blueprints and yawn; you read them and say "I was made for this." Heed the music within, then dance to it! No one else hears it the way you do. Look back. What have you consistently done well? What have you loved to do? Stand at the intersection of your desires and your successes, and you'll find your uniqueness. "The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others" (1 Corinthians 12:7 ).
Away with this depreciating "I can't do anything," and its arrogant opposite, "I have to do everything." No, you don't!
Paul said, "Our goal is to measure up to God's plan for us." Don't worry about skills you don't have and don't covet strengths others do have. Just maximise your God-given gifts! "Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you."
If you're not sure what God has called you to do, get down on your knees and ask Him to reveal it to you. And when He does, pour yourself into it!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Divine Mercy Sunday
God of mercy, You wash away our sins in water,
You give us new birth in the Spirit,
and redeem us in the blood of Christ.
As we celebrate Christ's resurrection
increase our awareness of these blessings,
and renew Your gift of life within us.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Second sunday after Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday
confession
I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' - and You forgave the guilt of my sin.
Psalm 32:5
Confession does for our soul what working the ground does for the soil. Before the farmer sows his seed he works the land, removing the rocks and pulling the stumps. Why? Because seed grows better in prepared soil.
Confession invites God to walk the acreage of our hearts. "There's a rock of greed over here, Father. I can't budge it. And that tree of lust near the fence? Its roots are long and deep. And here's some dry soil, too crusty for seed!" Confession seeks pardon from God, not amnesty. Pardon accepts guilt; amnesty, derived from the same Greek word as amnesia, "forgets" the offence without acknowledging guilt.
Remember Peter who denied his Master when he should have defended Him? How did the New Testament writers know the details of Peter's failure? How did Matthew know Peter's accent made him a suspect? How did Luke learn of the glance of Jesus that melted Peter's heart? Who told all four Gospel writers about the crowing rooster and flowing tears? Most likely, Peter himself! "Fellows, I've got to get something off my chest." He describes that terrible morning, the fire, the girl, and the look on the face of Jesus. How can we be sure of this? Because Peter couldn't stay away from Christ! Who was the first man to run to the empty tomb? Who was the first to jump out of the boat and swim to Jesus who stood on the shore? Peter! Those who keep secrets from God keep their distance from God. But those who are honest with God, draw near to God.
Psalm 32:5
Confession does for our soul what working the ground does for the soil. Before the farmer sows his seed he works the land, removing the rocks and pulling the stumps. Why? Because seed grows better in prepared soil.
Confession invites God to walk the acreage of our hearts. "There's a rock of greed over here, Father. I can't budge it. And that tree of lust near the fence? Its roots are long and deep. And here's some dry soil, too crusty for seed!" Confession seeks pardon from God, not amnesty. Pardon accepts guilt; amnesty, derived from the same Greek word as amnesia, "forgets" the offence without acknowledging guilt.
Remember Peter who denied his Master when he should have defended Him? How did the New Testament writers know the details of Peter's failure? How did Matthew know Peter's accent made him a suspect? How did Luke learn of the glance of Jesus that melted Peter's heart? Who told all four Gospel writers about the crowing rooster and flowing tears? Most likely, Peter himself! "Fellows, I've got to get something off my chest." He describes that terrible morning, the fire, the girl, and the look on the face of Jesus. How can we be sure of this? Because Peter couldn't stay away from Christ! Who was the first man to run to the empty tomb? Who was the first to jump out of the boat and swim to Jesus who stood on the shore? Peter! Those who keep secrets from God keep their distance from God. But those who are honest with God, draw near to God.
Why Keep The Ten Commandments
God has come to test you.
Exodus 20:20
We don't hear much about the Ten Commandments these days. They've become more like "the ten suggestions" for some.
Why is this?
Because like children, we want to do what we want to do.
Ever watch a child learning to walk? She totters this way, then the other way, weaving like a miniature adult who's had too much to drink. But consider for a moment where that little girl would be with no adults around; if no doors, gates or fences contained her wobbly steps. She might stagger into the neighbour's yard where the rottweiler has just broken loose, or fall into a drainage ditch and be swept away by the current washing down the gutter. It's vital that she have boundaries. In fact, most children, as well as adults, feel more secure in knowing their boundaries than in having unrestricted freedom. The Ten Commandments serve this purpose. God knows our tendencies like a protective parent knows how to keep a toddler from wandering into dangerous places.
Although delivered to the ancient Israelites for their guidance, these commandments remain valid life instructions for us as His modern day children. Instead of seeing them as a list of "Thou shalt nots" we should see them in terms of protection, guidance, and relationship with Him. After Moses had delivered the Ten Commandments to the people he added "God has come to test you… to keep you from sinning." God desires to make us happy - and holy. And the two go together. Contentment and fulfillment can only be achieved when we walk straight along the path the Lord has set before us.
Exodus 20:20
We don't hear much about the Ten Commandments these days. They've become more like "the ten suggestions" for some.
Why is this?
Because like children, we want to do what we want to do.
Ever watch a child learning to walk? She totters this way, then the other way, weaving like a miniature adult who's had too much to drink. But consider for a moment where that little girl would be with no adults around; if no doors, gates or fences contained her wobbly steps. She might stagger into the neighbour's yard where the rottweiler has just broken loose, or fall into a drainage ditch and be swept away by the current washing down the gutter. It's vital that she have boundaries. In fact, most children, as well as adults, feel more secure in knowing their boundaries than in having unrestricted freedom. The Ten Commandments serve this purpose. God knows our tendencies like a protective parent knows how to keep a toddler from wandering into dangerous places.
Although delivered to the ancient Israelites for their guidance, these commandments remain valid life instructions for us as His modern day children. Instead of seeing them as a list of "Thou shalt nots" we should see them in terms of protection, guidance, and relationship with Him. After Moses had delivered the Ten Commandments to the people he added "God has come to test you… to keep you from sinning." God desires to make us happy - and holy. And the two go together. Contentment and fulfillment can only be achieved when we walk straight along the path the Lord has set before us.
Pepper Outing Day
Saturday is the day for Pepper, went out to Jurong Lake Park...
not so crowded , lovely flowers and trees..
Friday, April 13, 2007
My Papa 7
Papa is improving...went for check up on 9/4/07, C T scan shown that the tumor is shrinking, doctor order 3rd cycle of chemo from 18/4/07 to 20/4/07....
Lord, be with us, help us to support papa spiritually, give us strength to look after him, and let papa lives happily everyday..Amen!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Friday, April 06, 2007
Quote for the Day
God knows our situation;
He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome.
What matters is the sincerity and perseverance
of our will to overcome them.
- C.S. Lewis
He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome.
What matters is the sincerity and perseverance
of our will to overcome them.
- C.S. Lewis
Thursday, April 05, 2007
My Papa 6
Papa has been very cheerful and active.
When we are doing work, he will put his hand in it, as long as he does not carry heavy thing, it is alright.
The only side effect he has after chemo is constipation, I try everything to let him clear his bowels, like give him celery and carrot juice, guava juice, cooling herbal tea, but all cannot work for him...
Let see how...
When we are doing work, he will put his hand in it, as long as he does not carry heavy thing, it is alright.
The only side effect he has after chemo is constipation, I try everything to let him clear his bowels, like give him celery and carrot juice, guava juice, cooling herbal tea, but all cannot work for him...
Let see how...
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Palm Sunday
And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their garments on the colt they set Jesus upon it. And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road. As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"
Luke 19:35-38
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