JESUS IS THE ANSWER

Dear Readers,

It's irony...what are we fighting for....FREEDOM!!!!
Now, let me ask you FREEDOM; FREEDOM from WHAT????
Don't ever mix religion with politics....and yet so many politickings...
in government, in work, in school , you can say ;well everywhere.
Freedom to do what we think is right , freedom only for our right....
freedom to be under the captive of the " evil ones ", ( WHAT!!!! - DO YOU REALLY THINK OR CALL THAT FREEDOM?? -THINK!, MY FRIEND, THINK!),who is always the cause of confusion and conflicts, disillusions and all the likes.
What do you understand to be your " Religion?"
In general, we know all know, religions teaches us to be " Good."
Now, what do you understand by " GOOD?." There is NONE that is Good, saves GOD, HIMSELF.
If you said that you have no sin, then you make God a liar.
For in Roms 3:23 ...God said all of us are sinners. " For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." And again in
Roms 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
If we claimed our religion is true, then why do you have conflicts with your brothers and sisters in this world?
True religion is undefiled, it is pure , peaceable, and caring for the poor, the weak , the lame , the blind.
If your religion is great, proof it by your good works.
As long as you do harm to anyone, you are already guilty.
We must be above board, do not succumb to the wickedness of this world,
do that which is right, without partiality.
For not many who claimed that they have done nothing wrong, can enter into the kingdom of God.
Neither, many who claimed to know Jesus, and said, " Lord, Lord , is fit for the kingdom of God. Who are you? I do not know you. If you know me you would not have shown partiality and mistreat the fatherless, the widow, the sick, the lame and the weak. For you serve me only with your lips, but your " Hearts " is far away from me.
If, you said you love me, then show your love to all the " Little " ones,
the fatherless, the widows, the weak, the lame , the blind etc.
As long as you did it to these, you DID IT FOR ME.
WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD. AMEN.
May the Lord indeed OPEN our EYES and EARS, and our HEARTS to the understanding of HIS WORDS.
Give GOD the GLORY!!!! Amen.

JOHN 3:16- FOR GOD SO LOVE THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHALL NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.

Dear Readers,

I am prompted to write on our " Hearts ", as this was the topic of my discussion with one badminton " Ka -kee " ( buddy ).
He was commenting that whatever a person belief, is good or true, if his 'heart" is good. However, there is a person whom he believe is good, except for his " mouth." - ( which I take it to mean that, he expresses himself badly ). Perhaps, he is referring to the lack of tactfulness or words that this person used, causes hurts in others' feelings.
As, he was speaking in dialect, I had quite a difficulty to comprehend fully what he is driving at. In addition, I find it difficult to convey to him as well, as I couldn't interprete or translate it to his " lingo."
Nevertheless, I must said, he carried his own perception of things, and feels that the "heart" is the main differenciation of ones goodness.
But, I couldn't quite agree with him, with regards to the fact that he claims that, he knows of a person who is good and yet, speaks " badly."
Whatever comes out of the mouth is what that defile the person, and this is what the Lord had spoken.
But, this doesn't mean that the person is " bad", as it could be a misunderstanding or wrong perception construed by the fact of a lack of knowledge or understanding.
However, if a persons heart is " Good ", then, logically, whatever he says should be " good." - ( Looking towards the welfare of others.)
But, in reality this is not so. At times, whatever we said or do, may not complement each other; that is, we tends to said the right thing, but we may not actually do it, or we may do the opposite.
Hence, most of the time we tends to not " Walk the talk."
This is our human weakness - hence, the usual phrase:- " To err is human."
The important point to note is that we need not take it to heart on a particular person inability to fulfil what he said or do at times, unless, it's detrimental to the society or community.
Let us learn to be more gracious and forgiving, and encourage the person on the right path. Instruct and give good advice and even admonishment if necessary, but be humble and cherish each other in the bond of love.
Let us have a HEART that is TRUE, seeking for the GOODNESS of others, always forgiving and loving one another.
ASK THE LORD TO CREATE IN US A PURE HEART , A HEART THAT SEEKS AFTER GOD.
AMEN.

JOHN 13:34,35 - A NEW COMMANDMENT I GIVE TO YOU, THAT YOU LOVE ONE ANOTHER; AS I HAVE LOVE YOU, THAT YOU ALSO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
BY THIS SHALL ALL KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, IF YOU HAVE LOVE ONE FOR ANOTHER.

Dear Readers,

I'm glad that God has been faithful and gracious to me, despite the fact that I may have been a disappointment to Him at times, through my "Poor"
behavior and failure to shine for Him.
To many of us, we may have different devotions, like; some to their family, friends and jobs,husband to wife and vice-versa, etc.
However,what then, do you think is the most important aspect of life that one must be devoted to?
Well, there is no right or wrong answer to this question, for the most important aspect of one, may differ from each individuals.*
As it depends on a person preference, a person belief or conviction,
or ones objective in life.
As for myself, being a christian, the most important aspect of my devotion is to God, to family and then, to friends.
God must be the center of our lives, ( well, it is often easier said, than done ), for most of us, including myself.
Well, it doesn't have to be this way, but for our human nature is weak, we tends to be like that.
However, claiming on the word of God in 2 Cor. 5:17 - " Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new."
In Roms. 12: 1,2 - We are told :- " I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that you present bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service".
The key words is first - PRESENT YOUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE; BE NOT CONFORMED, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND.
If we can apply these basic principles of the Word of God in our lives,
I am sure we can SET OUR HEART, OUR MIND AND SOUL to our God, we are on our way to a VICTORIOUS Christian life.
May the Lord indeed, soften our heart, and quicken our souls and and mind, open our eyes and ears to His words.

*Isn't it better to choose a more nobler FOCUS , and DEVOTE ourselves to it.

Dear Readers,

It's my pleasure to share with you my experiences of the recent answered prayer that we( Shaun, Badriah, and myself) can testified.
Last Tuesday, at about 6 pm, while Shaun and I was preparing to make a short trip to the Lower Pierce Reservoir for our regular jog.
However, the dark outcast in the sky looks rather impossible for us to go for the jog. I told my son, let's do a short jog, and I'm sure we would be able to get back before the rain starts.
Our neighbour, on seeing us preparing to go for the jog despite the dark outcast in the sky, told us don't be strike by lightning.
Well, I replied as children of God, we are blessed and protected.
God wouldn't allowed that to happen to us.
We proceeded to go ahead with the jog. We started jogging, and we managed to complete our run. While at the reservoir, we could see the rain had already started to pour about 300 meters away. I told my son, let hurry up, before the rain reaches us. We were at least 1.5 km away from our house.
My son, suddenly told me to move slower, as he felt a stitch in his stomach region.
Then, we felt a few rain drops, and it was beginning to drizzle.
My son was turning abit panicky, and said Pa, it's already raining.
I told him I will protect him, and the rain came. However, the path where we were walking wasn't as heavy , it's as if, the rain wasn't getting to us,although on our left hand side, it was pouring.
I took hold of Shaun's hand, and we began to move a little faster.
While we were 50 m away from home, the rain was a little bit more heavy, but we were not getting that wet.
However, the moment we reached our house, it started to rain " Cats and Dogs." On hearing our testimony, Badriah ( our maid )came out to look and was amazed that it really was really a very heavy downpour, after we had reached home. PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Then, on Friday night, I brought him to Marina Square.
After getting him his ( Shaun's) school's shoes, we went for dinner.
But, unfortunately, after our dinner, we couldn't find our vehicle.
We searched the area over and over again, for at least an hour, but without any success. we were both getting very despaired and fearful as it is about 10.05 pm., and we were worried that we might not be able to locate my vehicle.
Finally, I told my son, let's pray and asked God to help us.
We begin to search one more time, also without success, and I told my son; let's retraced back to where we came from and trust God.
Both of us went up again, and without any fear, we went to release ourselves. After that, we didn't even have to search at all, it suddenly daunt on us, that we went down the escalators twice, that is we went down an extra floor. Both of us almost instantaneously said, the car park is behind us. We went up one level, and the moment we step out of the exit, there it was, our vehicle, only 15m away.
OUR GOD IS GREAT!!!! FOR WHERE TWO OR THREE ARE GATHERED TOGETHER HE HEARS US. PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

MANY OF US MAY HAVE DIFFERENT RELIGION, BUT OUR GOD IS MORE THAN A RELIGION. HE IS THE ONE WAY , THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE....NO MAN COMETH TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM.
HE IS NOT A ' RELIGION'. HE IS A PERSON--- OUR PERSONAL GOD WHOM WE CAN RELATE TO AS ANY HUMAN RELATIONSHIP.
HE LOVES, HE CARES AND HE CAME TO SAVE ALL OF US.
MAY GOD HELP YOU TO FIND HIM TO BE TRUE, AS WE DID.
GOD BLESS.

DEAR READERS,

YESTERDAY, MY DAUGHTER AND HER FRIENDS WERE HAVING A SWIMMING COMPETITION, AND SHE WAS RELATING TO ME ABOUT A SWIMMING RELAY.
SHE SAID, SHE WAS SO DISAPPOINTED AT FIRSt, AS THEY WERE LOSING THE EVENT,ALMOST THE LAST TEAM. HOWEVER,AS THE LAST SWIMMER, SHE MANAGES TO OVERCOME THE REST AND FINISHED FIRST.
UNFORTUNATELY, SHE SAID, HER TEAM WERE DISQUALIFIED AS THE WINNER, BECAUSE ONE TEACHER CLAIMED THAT SHE JUMPED AHEAD , BEFORE THE THIRD SWIMMER TOUCHES THE WALL. SHE PROTESTED, BUT WHEN THE PRINCIPAL TOLD HER TO CALM DOWN AND TO TAKE HER LOST GRACIOUSLY, SHE SUBMITTED.
I WAS RATHER SURPRISED AT HER RESPONSE, AND I ENCOURAGED HER, AND TOLD HER THAT SHE ALREADY DID HER BEST, AND PERHAPS DID EAGERLY JUMPED INTO THE POOL IN ADVANCE, BY A MERE HAND TOUCH DOWN. BUT, I AM MOST IMPRESSED IS THAT SHE TOOK IT GRACIOUSLY.
WINNING AND LOOSING IN CERTAIN COMPETITION IS IMPORTANT, BUT THE ATTITUDE OF BEING A GRACIOUS WINNER OR LOOSER IS MORE IMPORTANT.BY SUBMITTING TO HER PRINCIPAL IS COMMENDABLE.
THESE SECULAR RACES ARE IMPORTANT, BUT THERE IS THE "SPIRITUAL RACE" WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THESE.

PAUL IN HIS WRITING TO TIMOTHY EXHORTED HIM TO BE DILIGENT TO PRESENT HIMSELF APPROVED TO GOD, A WORKER WHO DOES NOT NEED TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH. BUT SHUN PROFANE AND IDLE BABBLINGS, FOR THEY WILL INCREASE TO MORE UNGODLINESS. AND THEIR MESSAGE WILL SPREAD LIKE CANCER. 2 TIM. 2:15-17a.

DO NOT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES, TREASURES O EARTH WHERE , WHERE MOTH AND RUST DESTROY AND WHERE THIEVES BREAK IN AND STEAL. BUT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES TREAURES IN HEAVEN, WHERE NEITHER MOTH NOR RUST DESTROYS AND WHERE THIEVES DO NOT BREAK IN AND STEAL. FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO. MATT. 6:19-21

FOR WHAT PROFIT IS IT TO A MAN IF HE GAINS THE WHOLE WORLD, AND LOSES HIS OWN SOUL? OR WHAT WILL A MAN GIVE IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS SOUL?
MATT. 16:26

AND FINALLY, WHEN THE RACE IS ENDED....... MAY YOU BE ABLE TO PROCLAIM

I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH. 2 TIM. 4: 7

MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU IN THE READING AND MEDITATION OF HIS WORDS.

DEAR READERS,

I FEEL INADEQUATE TO WRITE ABOUT THIS TOPIC.
HOWEVER, I FIND THAT THE PERVASIVENESS AND PERMISSIVENESS OF THE CURRENT SITUATION MAKES IT IMPERATIVE FOR ME TO WRITE IT.
IT IS INDEED AN IMPORTANT ISSUE FOR PARENTS AS WELL AS FOR CHILDREN TO CONSIDER , HOW WE MAY ACCOMODATE AND UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER BETTER IN DEVELOPING A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER.
RECENTLY, THERE WERE A FEW COMMENTS ABOUT WHETHER WE SHOULD USE CANING AS A WAY OF DISCIPLINING OUR CHILDREN.
SOME COMMENTED THAT THEY STILL WOULD USE CANE TO DISCIPLINE THEIR CHILDREN.
WHILE OTHERS WOULDN'T AGREE TO IT, AND SAID THAT WE SHOULDN'T CANE OUR CHILDREN AS THEY ARE NOT TO BE TREATED AS " ANIMALS." BASICALLY, THERE IS NO RIGHT OR WRONG ANSWER IN DETERMINING WHAT KIND OF METHODS THAT WE SHOULD FOLLOW OR USE IN DISCIPLINING OUR CHILDREN. WHILE SOME CHILDREN ARE EASIER TO DISCIPLINE, AND OTHERS MAY NOT. IT'S ALL DEPENDS ON THE SITUATION AND THE TYPE OF TEMPREMENT OUR CHILDREN HAS. MORE IMPORTANT IS THAT THE METHOD WE USE MAY INDUCE A WELL BALANCE DEVELOPMENT IN THE GROWTH OF THE CHILDREN.

LET'S LOOK AT THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS, WRITTEN BY THE APOSTLE PAUL FOR SOME OF THE PRINCIPLES THAT WE CAN USE TO GUIDE OR DISCIPLINE OUR CHILDREN.

EPH. 6: 1 -  CHILDREN , OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN THE LORD, FOR THIS IS RIGHT.
               2 - HONOUR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER - WHICH IS THE FIRST COMMANDMENT WITH PROMISE;
               3 - THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU AND YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH. 
              4 - AND YOU FATHERS, DO NOT PROVOKE YOUR CHILDREN TO WRATH, BUT BRING THEM UP IN THE TRAINING
                    AND ADMONITION OF THE LORD.

EPH. 5: 25 - HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES, JUST AS CHRIST ALSO LOVED THE CHURCH AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR HER.

COL. 3:18 - WIVES , SUBMIT TO YOUR OWN HUSBANDS, AS IS FITTING IN THE LORD.
              19 - HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES AND DO NOT BE BITTER TOWARD THEM.
              20 - CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS IN ALL THINGS, FOR THIS IS WELL PLEASING TO THE LORD.
             21 -  FATHERS, DO NOT PROVOKE YOUR CHILDREN, LEST THEY BECOME DISCOURAGED.

THESE ARE VERY CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE WORD OF GOD.

MAY WE BE ABLE TO PUT WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT TO PRACTICE - BE UNITED IN THE BOND OF LOVE.

OUR FATHER, WHICH ART IN HEAVEN, MAY YOU GRANT US THE UNITY AND THE BONDING FOR ONE ANOTHER WHETHER AS PARENTS OR AS CHILDREN, THAT WE MAY BE UNITED AS ONE FAMILY IN YOU, THROUGH OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST. AMEN.

Dear Readers,

There are many people in our country who are actually " Intelligent."
However, sad to said, that many of them, misused their intelligence and authority.
Maybe they should start asking themselves, " WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO PROOF?"
What do you wish to gain?

I called to remembrance, a passage in the scripture, when the disciples were debating who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?

JESUS ANSWERED:

....WHOEVER HUMBLES HIMSELF AS THIS LITTLE CHILD....
....WHOEVER RECEIVES ONE LITTLE CHILD LIKE THIS IN MY NAME RECEIVES ME.
BUT WHOEVER CAUSES ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES WHO BELIEVE IN ME TO SIN, IT WOULD BE BETTER FOR HIM THAT A MILLSTONE WERE HUNG AROUND HIS NECK, AND HE WERE DROWNED IN THE DEPTH OF THE SEA.
WOE TO THE WORLD BECAUSE OF OFFENSES!FOR OFFENSES MUST COME, BUT WOE TO THAT MAN BY WHOM THE OFFENCES COMES! MATT. 18:4-7

THE FOOLISHNESS OF A MAN TWISTS HIS WAY,
AND HIS HEART FRETS AGAINST THE LORD. PROV. 19:3

A FALSE WITNESS WILL NOT GO UNPUNISHED,
AND HE WHO SPEAK LIES WILL NOT ESCAPE. PROV. 19:5

HE WHO HAS A DECEITFUL HEART FINDS NO GOOD,
AND HE WHO HAS A PERVERSE TONGUE FALLS INTO EVIL. PROV. 17:20

HE WHO JUSTIFIES THE WICKED,
AND HE WHO CONDEMNS THE JUST,
BOTH OF THEM ALIKE ARE AN ABOMINATION TO THE LORD. PROV, 17:15

DO NOT ENTER THE PATH OF THE WICKED,
AND DO NOT WALK IN THE WAY OF THE EVIL. PROV. 4:14

PUT AWAY FROM YOU A DECEITFUL MOUTH,
AND PUT PERVERSE LIPS FAR FROM YOU.
LET YOUR EYES LOOK NSTRAIGHT AHEAD,
AND YOUR EYELIDS LOOK RIGHT BEFORE YOU.
PONDER THE PATH OF YOUR FEET,
AND LET ALL YOUR WAYS BE ESTABLISHED.
DO NOT TURN TO THE RIGHT OF THE LEFT;
REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM EVIL. PROV. 4:24-27

MAY THE MEDITATION AND APPLICATION OF THESE WORDS TAKEN FROM THE SCIPTURES GIVES TO EACH ONE OF US A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING.
PURGING AND CLEANSE OUR HEARTS, AND SET OUR HEARTS AND MIND IN CHRIST.

TO HIM BE THE HONOUR, GLORY AND POWER BOTH NOW AND FOREVERMORE. AMEN.

Dear Readers, 

What is life???
Well, that's seem to be the most difficult question to many, many people. To some life is to become famous, be successful. To others it may be to become the leader of a country, or perhaps the richest man on earth. As you can see the aboved mentioned aspiration or outlook in life is secular in nature. They centred on " Mammon "(Riches, Avarice and worldly gain )
Well, what then is the most important aspiration? Perhaps, helping the poor, giving to the needy - well, but if you don't have money, how to give? THINK????? Having a " MAY MUN CHIA TING " - a " Happy Family ."
Let's now look at what the Lord has to said." For I say unto you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. "You have heard that it was said those of old, You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgement."" But I say unto you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement. And whoever says to his brother, " Ra'ca! shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says ," You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. ( Why " Fool? " -- A fool says there is no God. )
Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. " Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you. " Leave your gift before the altar, and go your way.First, be reconciles to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 

Dear Readers,

The sinful nature in us will always warred against us, and we can overcome that by " Put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.Therefore, putting away lying, " Let each of you speak truth with his neighbour. " for we are members of one another." ( EPH. 4: 24,25 )

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. ( EPH. 4:32 )

" But fornication and all uncleaness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as fitting for saints." ( EPH 5:3 )

BELOVED, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE IS OF GOD; AND EVERYONE WHO LOVES IS BORN OF GOD AND KNOW GOD, FOR GOD IS LOVE. 1 JOHN 4:7,8"

" BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER, IF ANYONE HAS A COMPLAINT AGAINST ANOTHER; EVEN AS CHRIST FORGAVE YOU, SO YOU ALSO MUST DO."  ( COL. 3:13 )

YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY PATH. PS. 119:105

Dear Readers,

Our life is never a straight path. Well, many people have been living a " Roller coaster" life.
The main problem has to do with our sinnful nature. Referrring to last week posting, for example, many people do not wish to become a Christian because they think that being a Christian is no fun at all. You cannot do alot of things which the secular world is doing, like smoking, drinking, gambling, and cannot have other women.

For  " He who love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. 1 PETER 3:10a

Do not let your enmity turns to bitterness, and bitterness to hatred, and eventually it might lead to revenge or even murder.

BUT, FINALLY, ALL OF YOU BE OF ONE MIND, HAVING COMPASSION FOR ONE ANOTHER; LOVE AS BROTHERS, BE TENDERHEARTED, BE COURTEOUS; NOT RETURNING EVIL FOR EVIL OR REVILING FOR REVILING, BUT ON THE CONTRARY BLESSING.
1 PETER 3:8,9

....THAT HE NO LONGER SHOULD LIVE THE REST OF HIS TIME IN THE FLESH FOR THE LUSTS OF MEN, BUT FOR THE WILL OF GOD. 1 PETER 4:2 AMEN

LAST BUT NOT LEAST....WALK IN THE SPIRIT AND YOU SHALL NOT FULFILL THE LUST OF THE FLESH....GAL. 5:16