Repentance

True repentance means that we give up our sinful ways and turn toward God.  We die to our sins and choose to live for God above all else.  (2 Peter 2:20-22)

It is necessary in order for us to continue in our sanctification.  A lack of true repentence brings us back to our old ways.

Two ways of repentance : 1) at the horizontal level - that is confessing our sins to one another as James 5:16a (NIV) "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."
If you sin against another, the Bible is pretty clear that you should not first go to the altar, but first go and get it right with your brother before you go to the altar (Matthew 5:23-24)

2) at the vertical level - once the air with others is cleared, we will enjoy the fresh fellowship and forgiveness with Jesus Christ.  Jesus  forgave of our sins and healed of our bodies.

Psalm 103:2-3

A repentant person can find mercy in the forgiveness of God.  Without the assurance of forgiveness, life can end in despair.

True repentance does not end with words of confession - that would be mere lip service.

True repentance must  lead to changed attitudes and behavior.

Son and Daughter

God's presents or God presence?

Psalm 16:11  You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

We want health, wealth, knowledge, a better job, a better place to live.

As David said, "In Your presence is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11).  Presents or gifts may make us happy temporarily, but fullness of joy comes only when we remain in a right relationship with God.

If God gives you a rose without giving Himself, He is giving you a thorn.  If God gives you a garden, without giving Himself, He is giving you a garden with a serpent.  If He gives you wine without the knowledge of God Himself, He is giving you that with which you may destroy yourself. - A.W.Tozer

God wants us to know that when we have Him, we have everything - we have all the rest.

Matthews 6:33

His mercy endures forever

A few days ago my son had a nasty fall in front of a hotel lobby in Kuala Lumpur.  The fall was so bad that it caused a crack in his skull and there was bleeding internally.

We received the news at six on a Sunday morning.  We were shocked and too trouble to speak but deep in our hearts we just believe Gods Sovereignty and control in the situation.

The journey from Penang to Kuala Lumpur was truly a testing time for both of us.  Through the discipline of waiting, we learn to submit and humble ourselves before God and trusting Him 

Praise and all glory be given back to Jesus, John was discharged from the hospital on the sixth days after a head surgery and is now recurperating at home.

Sometimes it takes something like an injury or a sickness to remind us of the masterful design that we carry around in our bodies.

Grace is getting what we do not deserve.  Mercy is not receiving what we do deserve.

The Providence or The Provider ?

Many of us find our joy and satisfaction in the things that we possess.  These can be things like money, material possessions, position, or influence.  However, if we do not learn to use these things according to God's will, they can hinder us instead of helping us.

Do I love and trust Him just because of what He does for me?  What about when the blessings disappear?

Job 2:10 [NIV]  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.

Job had to answer these questions when catastrophes claimed his children and demolished his entire estate.  His wife advised him: "Curse God and die!" [Job 2:9](NIV).  Instead, Job asked, "Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" [Job 2:10](NASB).  Yes, Job struggled after his tragedy - he became angry with his friends and questioned the Almighty.  Still, he vowed, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" [Job 13:15](KJV).

Job's affection for his heavenly Father didn't depend on a tidy solution to his problems.  Rather, he loved and trusted God because of all that He is.   Job said, "God is wise in heart and mighty in strength" [Job 9:4](NASB).

The reasons why God blesses our lives with physical prosperity is so that we might be generous and give away what we have to others who are in needs. 

Our love for God must not be based solely on His blessing but because of who He is.

[Our Daily Bread : Jennifer B Schuldt 24/06/2011]

FOCUSING ON THE CHARACTER OF GOD HELPS US TO TAKE OUR EYES OFF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES

Cool Mind, Fiery Heart

When we only emphasize Scripture, it often does not lead to heart  change.  And if there is no change in the heart, it becomes nothing more than head knowledge.  In fact, this head knowledge often leads to wrong doctrine, and we end up with our own misguided ideas of faith.  It then causes us to be unable to discern right from the wrong or show grace to the people around us.  Believers like these are filled with Bible knowledge but have hearts of stone, and eventually will lose their sense of humanity.  They will eventually become a stumbling block to their neighbors.

What happens, then, if we only emphasize the Holy Spirit?  The Holy Spirit sets the believer's heart on fire and enables us to pray passionately.  This passion is a driving force.  However, a driving force without direction is futile.  There is a danger in overemphasizing spiritual gifts as evidence of faith.  Even if we have spiritual gifts, if we do not learn to interpret the purpose of those gifts through the lens of Scripture, they will only cause us to become prideful.  Such believers become slaves to mysticism and slowly lose sense of reality.

Therefore, disciples need to have level-headed intellect and a fiery and passionate heart.  It is only then that we will be able to worship in Spirit and in Truth.

[Extracted from LIVING Life July 2013 Page 139] 

Perseverance

Perseverance is tough, but if we do not persevere today, we will not be prepare to be used tomorrow.  As we persevere through times of suffering, we will be refined to be used by Him.  The victories in life are the fruits of persistence and perseverance.  As we persevere, we will be equipped to be used by God.

What better way to start off a new year than to persevere and continue our daily walk in Christ and trusting Him.  Let the Word of God be a lamp to our feet and the light to our path daily.

(Psalm 119:105)

Power of giving

The year-end holidays are here again.  It's the time of the year when malls are lighted up and trees decorated.  Yes, Christmas is around the corner and with it, comes the tradition of gift-giving.

How many of us believe that the more you give, the more you will get in return? Or it is more blessed to give than to receive? (Acts 20:35b)

I was reminded of an incident many years back (in the year 2006).  My wife was touched to bless a person a sum of money, and asked me to pass the love gift to that person.  At that time, our bank balance was running low, but with obedience faith we submit to this prompting.

A few days later, we happen to meet up with my cousin from out-station and she pass me an envelope, saying that the Lord wanted her to bless me with this gift.  The gift was ten times the amount we blessed that person.  God is good and gracious.

Helping others is not only good for them and a good thing to do, it also makes us happier and healthier too.  Giving also connects us to others, creating stronger communities and helping to build a happier society for everyone.  And it is not all about money - we can also give out time, ideas, talents and energy.  So if you want to feel good, do good!

The glory of life is to love, not to be loved; to give, not to get; to serve, not to be served.

Giving offers us a way to express our confidence that God will care for us just as He cares for the sparrow and lily (Matthews 6:25-34)

Xmas gift

1st Xmas Gift-2Dec13
Potato Chip/SpringRoll/FlourCake/LoveLetter

It's Christmas again!  For some it's a time of celebration, for others, it's a time of holidays.

But as for me, I believe it's a time of thanksgiving and gratefulness.

Christmas is the celebration of the coming of Christ and His redemption.

Xmas Gift from Australia
8Dec13

Xmas Gift on 15Dec13

Xmas Gift from Australia
15Dec13

Special Dinner on Bird'Day

Birthday's are normally celebrated by a party with numerous gifts, but this year, it is something different and unique.  It is special because it was well spent with some closed friends over a simple meal of 'ang chow' noodle and XL ham sandwich.  It was a simple, quiet, and meaningful affair. 

'Ang Chow' Noodle

Ham Sandwich

Birthdays are a good reminder of what God has given us and a time to count the blessing God showered upon one's life.  

Jack fruits and rock melons were our desserts for the night.

Jack fruits

Rock Melon

Rice Crunch