Job's Principle

Job 2:10 He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

The life of Job's is a constant communion with God. Even after God allow Satan to take away his material things [Job 1:13-17], his loved ones [Job 1:18-19], and his health [Job 2:7] he still worship God [Job 1:20] and praised Him. Job 1:21 "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." The tragedies reduces him economically, physically and emotionally but Job still fear the Lord and has faith in God. [Job 5:8 & Job 13:15]

Satan argues that divine blessing elicit human obedience while Job's friend contend that obedience earns God's blessing and disobedience merits punishment. However, Job teaches that some suffers are saints, that God is always worthy of the love and worship of His creation, whether or not He bestows blessing upon them, and that God always has a purpose in permitting suffering, though one may never fully comprehend it.

The principle is not "Why do the righteous suffer if God is loving and all-powerful? Suffering itself is not the central theme; rather the focus is on what ones learns from his suffering - the sovereignty of God over all creation.

Philippians 4 : 10-13 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Bare your love

Female students in higher learning institutes here are being persuaded not to wear panties on Valentine's Day as an expression of true love for their boyfriends. The "no panties promotion"to being held for the first time, has apparently being gaining interest among the students, who are passing the news by word-of-mouth. [The Star dated 29-01-10]

In loving relationships, people warn one another of the inevitable consequences of foolish behaviour. The fact is, when we love, we take risks. People could very well hurt us, disappoint us, or even leave us. We must ask ourselves, why do we do what we do? and, are our actions affecting other people life?

What a demeaning way to show ones love? Are women suppose to sell their reputation to show their love?

Sometimes conservatism has a higher value than liberalism, especially when it protects ones values and ensures ones reputation are unscathed.

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The best place to find love is not in another person but in a book, the Bible. The Bible tells of God's great love for us.

Smack of success

Young children smacked by their parents may grow up to be happier and more successful than those who have never been hit, a study has found.
According to the research, children smacked up to the age of six were likely, as teenagers, to perform better at school and were more likely to carry out volunteer work and to want to go to university than their peers who had never been physically disciplined.
Only children who continued to be smacked into adolescene showed clear behavioural problems, said Marjorie Gunnoe, professor of psychology at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
[Extracted from Sunday Times dated 10-10-10 reported by Georgia Warren]

The Bible recorded that a home cannot be happy without children but at the same time parents are to bring their children to the Lord at an early age. Matthew 19:13-14. Parents are also to train and discipline their children for the Lord as Proverbs 22:6 recorded Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Proverbs 13:24 said He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

Psalm 127:3-5 reminded us that Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enermies in the gate.

Even as we love our children we should also teach them to obey God and the laws of the country.

Life and Lifestyles of Godly Man

Matthew 5 : 3-12 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

As Christians, we are to honour God with our righteous character and morally correct conduct, which include adhering to the principles of love, peace and good neighbourliness, even to peoples whose faiths are different from ours. We should never resort to violent actions to promote, propagate or protect our faith as we believe that we are created in the image of God who is holy, loving, kind, compassionate, merciful and forgiving.
We also believe the governing authorities are appointed by God as part of his sovereign design to ensure the proper operation and functioning of the civil society.

We have been taught to submit ourselves to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established (Romans 13:1). Hence, we expect the authorities, to whom we pay tax (Matthew 22:21), to be just, fair, transparent, accountable, and be held responsible for our well-being.

In times of calamities, Christians need only to pray and trust God because He control everythings, as Matthew 8:25-27 recorded.

Metro Tabernacle's senior pastor Rev. Ong Sek Leang said the church did not condone such acts[arson attack] but would forgive those responsible. [The Star dated 09-10-2010]
Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

WE CAN STOP FORGIVING OTHERS WHEN CHRIST STOPS FORGIVING US.

Don't worry, Be Healthy

Matthew 6:28-29 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these".

See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not worry. They do not toil (which means to perform hard labour). They do not spin. The Lord uses the word 'spin' to refer to clothes. We do not need to toil or spin and God will still give us healthy bodies...

Do not worry. God knows what we need. The people in the world seek health and wealth but our heavenly Father knows our needs and we are not to get them as the world gets them as His Word says in Matthew 6 : 31-33 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Is it hard to seek His kingdom ? No. Luke 12:32 says, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. So, how can we miss it when our Father gives it to us?

If we want things added to our life, then we need to seek His kingdom. What is God's kingdom ? Paul said that the kingdom of God ".... is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).

Once we have Jesus in our life, we will have righteousness. Peace and joy of God will then follows. When we are at peace, worry will not dwell within us.

THE SECRET OF PEACE IS TO GIVE EVERY ANXIOUS CARE TO GOD.

What are you seeking for ?

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

What are you seeking for as the new year starts? Gold or Glory? Health or Wealth?

People sometimes became so obsessed with making money that they did not form healthy relationships. This made them go through life without purpose or meaning, never satisfied with all they had worked for [Ecclesiastes 4:8]

To counter our natural tendency toward covetousness, Christ urged us to be rich toward God and to trust Him for all our needs. He commands us to "seek first His kingdom", and He promises that "all these things"(life's necessities) will be added to us [Luke 12:31]

Contentment must come from a source other than wealth and fame.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.

It is not material prosperity but "godliness with contentment" that the apostle Paul called "great pain" (1 Timothy 6:6)

God give us life to enjoy things But the world give us things to enjoy life.
CONTENTMENT COMES NOT FROM GREAT WEALTH BUT FROM FEW WANTS.

New Wine in New Wineskin

Luke 5 : 36-38 "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. [Matthew 9 : 16-18 & Mark 2:21-23]

Praise God - The theme "New Wine in New Wineskin" is going to be a good start for the year 2010.

New Wine because God is going to pour down new anointing so that we can have the courage and strength to continue His Great Commission. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." [Matthew 28 : 18-20]

New Wineskin as in 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Old thoughts, routine ways, normal standard are now God's thought, God's way and God's standard.

So let us trust God for the next 365 days of 2010. Let His Holy Spirit guide us and His Word lead us as Psalm 119:105 said "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

God is Faithful

His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

At the end of every year, I try to set aside some time to review the previous 12 months and record God's faithfulness to me and my family. My list will certainly include instances of God's grace and provision, and not forgetting God's mercy and protection.

I thank God that I can have more quiet time with HIM in prayer and reading of His Word.
I praise Him that his provision is ever sufficient to meet my needs.
I glorified Him that there are always friends who care in time of need.

Praise the almighty God, our Heavenly Father who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Amen !

ADDING UP YOUR BLESSINGS WILL MULTIPLY YOUR JOY.

FAITH IS NOT A LEAP INTO THE DARK BUT A STEP INTO THE LIGHT.
MAY THE LIGHT OF JESUS LEAD US THROUGH THE YEAR 2010.
BLESSED NEW YEAR.

Marriage

A study of nearly 34,500 people in 15 countries found married people are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and substance abuse, clinical psychologist Kate Scott of New Zealand's University of Otago said.

Marital relationship offers a lot of mental health benefits for both men and women, and that the distress and disruption associated with ending marriage can make people vulnerable to developing mental disorders.

Marriage is the product of a divine plan. Human being did not think it up or invent it - God created it. It is the union of a man and a woman that legally and morally binds the two together for life.

However, each partner need to know their role and respect each other for the happiness of a marriage. There is never any excuse for infidelity. We are all equal in that all of us have self-control. The men as the heads of the households, sow the seeds of discord ourselves when we fail in any way to ensure that our wives feel loved and secure with us. If we want to be treated like kings, we must first treat our wives like queens.
Happy and fulfilled marriages are built on solid foundations of companionship and giving. Not selfish desires from any one party.

Matthew 19 :4-6 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

Marriage is like a pepper bottle and salt bottle coming together - if you separate them - one of them will break or both will break. [FIREPROOF]

Giving Thanks

An attitude of thanks can do wonders for your health.
Academics have long theorised that expressions of thanks promote health and happiness and give optimism and energy to the downtrodden. Now, the study of gratitude has become a surprising burgeoning field, and research indicates being thankful might help people actually feel better. There's a catch, however : You have to say thanks more than just once a year. "If you don't do it regularly you're not going to get the benefits," said Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychology professor at the University of California, Riverside.
"Gratitude leads people to act in virtuous or more selfless ways," said David DeSteno, psychologist at Northeastern University. Those who offer gratitude are less envious and resentful. They sleep longer, exercise more and report a drop in blood pressure, report Robert Emmons, a psychology professor.
"It makes a person physically, mentally, in every way healthier."

Psalm 92:1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.

THANKFULNESS IS THE SOIL IN WHICH JOY THRIVES