Power To Bless

God has blessed us with many things, among those is the power and authority we have in Jesus. This power and authority God has given us, was intended to be used so that we could help others who are weak and to bless those who need to be blessed. God doesn't want His people to keep hoarding the blessings He has given to them, but rather to be a channel of blessing to the people around us.

"Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." - Luke 6:38

When we give to others, it allows God to bless us with even more things. Think of it like a cup, God can easily fill up your cup to the full, but if you just keep it to yourself any blessing God wants to give you, will be missed because the cup will not contain it. However when you start giving the contents of the cup to others, God will no doubt fill it right back up again. The size of your cup depends on your faith in God.

"For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith." - Romans 12:3

How much do you love me?

That is the question Jesus asks. We know how much God loves you, He loved you so much that He sacrificed Himself to die for you. He didn't get someone else to do it, but He made it a personal thing. How much you love someone can be determined by how much you are willing to give up for that person. God gave up everything.

"knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, ut with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." - 1 Peter 1:18-19

So the question is, how much are you willing to give up for God?

Limited World

The world has its limits. Scientists have predicted that the end of the world will come, planet Earth is not going to last forever. So it is important what we put our faith into, do we put it into the world or God. By putting your faith in the world it means to let things like money, career, property and other things rule your life. Essentially you live life tso that you can have all these things, because it is what our human nature wants.

"Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world." - Galatians 4:3

However our human nature is selfish, it only seeks to please one self. Before becoming a Christian that was my behaviour, I would always do things for myself. By receiving God, He has broken the bondage that came from ruling my own life. Now I have Jesus to rule my life, and I cannot think of a better person to do it.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17

New Life

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

The old life was a life that was controlled by the flesh and sin, by receiving Jesus we allow Him to take control of our lives and to get us back on track. This new life we have in Him is eternal (or everlasting), it does not end. Not only is this new life eternal, it is also of the highest quality of life. When you believe you are no longer a sinner, but you are now a child of God, free from all sin. Believing doesn't make you perfect, but it starts you on the right track to becoming perfect.

Lead The Way

Lord I need you to always lead the way for me, because only you can show me the right way and the best way. When we pray we allow God to go before us, Jesus is the only way to God. As we walk in His ways, we will eventually reap the blessings that God has for us. The reason why we might not be blessed is because we keep insisting to go our own ways.

"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6

Let God lead you to His glorious riches, we always have hope as Christians, even though we may not receive what we have asked for on earth, we will receive it in heaven.

"Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." - Romans 5:5

Unconditional Love

That is the kind of love God has for us, so as God loves us in this way. We ought to love others in the same way. I need to especially show the love for the people whom I live with - my family. Sometimes it's hard when they dissappoint you, but that's why they call it unconditional love, it is love with no conditions. No matter how many times people stuff up, we need to love them. Similarly no matter times you or I stuff up, God still loves us to the point that He would die for us.

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." - 1 John 4:11

Father help me to show uncondtional love to my family and friends. Also I pray that whatever I do, let your love shine through my life. In Jesus name. Amen.

World Peace

Peace is something we all desire, even right now I desire to have peace in my own household. People talk about world peace, but talking is not enough, and no matter what we do we cannot have true peace without God. The only way we can have eternal peace is through Jesus Christ.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" - Romans 5:1

Father I pray that you would fill our household with your peace, I pray Lord for those who still have not accepted you as Lord and Saviour that you would touch them and turn their hearts. So that through Jesus Christ they may have peace in their lives. In Jesus name I pray.

"Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen." - Romans 15:33

Consequences

When you see the word consequence it usually relates to something bad, but consequences can also be a good thing. For every action you do, there is a consequence. One example would be depending on how much sleep you get the night before, you would feel either tired or not so tired. I didn't get enough sleep and now I feel so sleepy.

"Everything is permissible" - but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible" - but not everything is constructive." - 1 Corinthians 10:23

The lesson: sleep earlier tonight (hopefully). The bible doesn't specifically say that it's wrong to not sleep early, but it does encourage us to be wise in our actions.

Early Start

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28

I was up at 5.45am this morning so I could get to Baulkham Hills by 7am. There is a Reed Exhibition this week of which we are doing the support of our system.

Thank you God that we can find rest in You.

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:

"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied:

"My son, my precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

written by Mary Stevenson

Thank you Jesus, that although I may not see you or feel that you are around, I know that you're always there.

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6

Riding The Waves

In life problems come and when we put our faith in Jesus, He is not there so that we would be problem free. On the contrary, when we have Jesus, He carries us through the problem, as long we have faith in Him. The difficulties we face is used by God to strengthen our faith and character. There was a saying I had read: "you cannot avoid the waves, but you can learn to ride them".

Likewise we cannot avoid problems to happen, the devil loves to give people problems, especially when we are against him. As Christians we should be expecting problems to come our way.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

We need not be afraid, because Jesus has overcome the world. That same Jesus is in each one of us, if we have received Him into our lives. Let's not avoid the waves in life, because when we do, we only end up going in the wrong direction, rather ride the waves with the power of Christ so that we will reach the goal set before us.

Memory

How good is your memory? If you're still in school or university, your memory must be pretty good still. If you're a retiree your memory might not be so good. In any case no matter how good our memory is, we can get distracted and forget things. God on the other hand does not forget anything at all.

"Nevertheless I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you." - Ezekiel 16:60

God does not forget His promises, whatever He says will come to pass.

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." - Isaiah 55:11

If there is anything you can count on, it is God's word. When we live our lives based on earthly successes, it is all very unpredictable. Just like when we build a house on sand, our lives become unstable. We need to build our lives on the solid foundation that is found in Christ Jesus.

"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." - 1 Corinthians 3:11

Faith and Fear

Faith and fear cannot be together, when you have faith you won't fear the situation or problem you're going through. I myself am going through my own problems, in the midst of looking into other job opportunities and also decisions have to be made for my future.

Jesus says: "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 8:26)

We need to remember that God is always with us and he can overcome any problem or obstacle. No matter how big or how tough it may be, we have a big and tough God.

God Loves YOU

Did you know that God loves you, no matter what you've done in the past?
Did you know that God loves you, as much as He loved Jesus?

"I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." - John 17:23

This is Jesus talking, He recognises that God loved the people, just as much as He loved Jesus. That is a HUGE thing. Jesus is perfect and we are far from perfect, yet God still loves us the same.

Thank you God for your wonderful love and grace toward us, while were sinners you sent Jesus to die for us.

Live To Serve

I have been brought up in a pretty strict household, I guess you could say we are the typical asians. I would have to do the vaccuming at least once a week. Other things I had to do was the laundry and other general things that needed to be done around the home. One thing I found myself doing whenever we had guests over was being a "runner". Similar to the runners at the TV/Movie studios, but instead this was at home. I didn't like it whenever I would be told to get something, by the time I get back, they forgot to tell me to get another thing, so I would have to keep going out to the shops. Normally a few times before they finally get it right.

Over the years I have learnt that when I do these things, I'm not doing it for my family, but for God.

"And the King will answer and say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'" - Matthew 25:40

As Christians we are called to be servants of God. When we are a servant of God, we are not being controlled and manipulated like some earthly masters, but God is a loving God. He gives us free will, and not only that He also gives us advice on the direction we should take.

"knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." - Colossians 3:24

I'm glad I'm serving God and not people.

Precious Life

A friend of mine has an aunty that is on the brink of death. She is in hospital in Hong Kong and the worst part is that she is not a Christian. So we can imagine what that means. Life is so precious sometimes we forget to think about it. Friends and family you see one day could be gone the next. Even though life on earth is great, what's more important is our life eternally. Do you know where you will go when you leave this earth?

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

There is only one way to heaven which is eternal life, the only other option you have is eternal death or suffering which is hell.

If you are a Christian I'd also like to ask you a favour and support my friend in prayer for her aunty, who as far as we know will be going to hell (in the next day) unless she receives Christ.

God bless.

Our Personal Jesus

"clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart." - 2 Corinthians 3:3

Before Jesus came God had Moses to write the laws on tablets of Stone. Now that Jesus has come to bring a new covenant, we no longer live by those laws alone. The laws are no longer written on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh. There are 2 things I would like to point out here:

1) Flesh - symbolises life. When the law was written on stone, it could have been any old tablet of stone. Now that the laws are written on tablets of flesh, in comparison to stone, the flesh has life. Instead of having heart of stone, we need to have a heart of flesh that is receptive to the word of God. The word of God is not dead, but is living, which means it is very much relevant and will be tomorrow and forever.

2) Everyone has a heart and so God wants everyone to receive this blessing. In other words God wants to know each and every one of you personally. No longer is the law written on the stone so that people would have to go to the place where it is kept to read what it says, but it is now right inside your heart.

God wants to know you personally, but will you let Him?

Old vs New

The Old Covenant:
"Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine."- Exodus 19:5

The old way was for the people to keep the law of God, in this way the people were ruled under the law. They had to obey everything the Lord had commanded or else they would be punished, to atone for their sins a sacrifice was to be made to God.

The New Covenant:
"But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." - Galatians 3:22-25

When Christ came, the new covenant began, which meant that we are now living in the grace of God. Jesus came to become the ultimate sacrifice that whatever sins we have done (whether big or small) is forgiven.

God knew that it would come to this, that man would not obey His words, that His law would be rejected. This was all planned out that God even after His own people rebelled, He still loved them and cared so much about us that He went to the extent of sending His own son to set us free.

God no longer looks at your sins, whatever things you've done in the past. When you accept Jesus, the only thing God sees is the blood of Jesus that covers you. God is not a God of the past, He is a God of the present and the future.

Mind of Christ

I've been living with my sister's family ever since I came to Australia and God has been telling me to move on. At the moment the job that I have has average (or below average pay) and plus I've been helping my sister to pay off her debt, it's not helping me to save much money at all. Our God is not an average Go, but an above average and supernatural God. Nothing is impossible for Him. I don't know how God is going to provide for me, the only thing I know is that He will somehow provide for my needs.

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. " - 1 Corinthians 15:57

God has the victory, we can only do so much, but in the end it is the Lord who works through all things to cause them to be for the good of His people. Our human minds are limited, but God's way of thinking is higher than ours. By being in Jesus Christ we also have access to the mind of Christ. No matter what the devil tries to make you think, we have victory over the evil one.

"For "who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?" But we have the mind of Christ. "" - 1 Corinthians 2:16

Contentious Person

A contentious person is someone who will not let go of a situation until they get their way. Here's a short film made by Luminous Media (winner of Best Animation at the 2006 Ignite Festival).



Likewise in relationships, rather than focused on trying to get what we want, we should be focused on what we can give. The former comes from a selfish attitude, while the latter is of love and selflessness.

Who Am I? (part 2)

"Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me" (1)

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished" - Romans 3:23-25

Thank you Jesus that you care about me.
Thank you Jesus that you came for me.
Thank you Jesus that you sufferered for me.
Thank you Jesus that you died for me.

Thank you Jesus that I am made whole.
Thank you Jesus that I am made new.
Thank you Jesus that I am no longer a sinner.
Thank you Jesus that I can be called your child.

Jesus loves you, but will you accept His love?

(1) Who Am I By Casting Crowns

Who Am I?

"Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart"(1)

"But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." - Isaiah 43:1

"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."" - John 8:12

(1) Who Am I By Casting Crowns.

God's Choice

The story of Moses is quite interesting. God spoke to Moses personally and He chose Moses to be the leader for the israelites to be freed from the Egyptians. God showed Moses many signs and wonders to prove that He was God. However Moses was not confident in himself.

"Then Moses said to the LORD, "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue."" - Exodus 4:10

Moses was not the best spokesperson, in fact if it was up to me to choose, he would probably be the last person I would choose. Moses was slow and his speech was stuttered, hardly the kind of leader you would want. The main thing to note here is that God chose Moses. It's not like as if God had no idea of his speech impediment, but God specifically chose Moses. Moses tried to reason with God to choose his brother (Aaron) instead.

Throughout the Bible God chooses some of the most unlikeliest of characters to accomplish His will. This is because through your weakness, God's glory may prevail. Through our weakness, the Lord is made strong in our lives. I'm pretty shy myself and I am nowhere near being called an eloquent speaker. However God has called me to lead and I believe He will strengthen me and give me the wisdom and things I need to lead His people.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

Through Christ, you can do anything!

Courage Under Fire

We live in a world where moral value is not always something people thrive on. We live in an immoral society, with things like piracy, homosexuality, breaking the law and many other things. As Christians we have been called to shine the light of Jesus to the world. We have been called to send the message to people to turn from their ways. That's not an easy thing, especially when you're the only one (at work, school or anythings else) against everyone else.

We need to be bold and to stand firm in our faith. We won't be doing it alone either, if we ask the Holy Spirit to empower us, wherever we go. Thank God that I was able to stand up for my beliefs at work where we had a discussion on software and music piracy. By doing that I was able to influence my work place, even though they may still be doing it, they have started to stop using pirated software. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to speak out.

"The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are bold as a lion." - Proverbs 28:1

Yoked

A yoke is like a wooden plank that goes around the neck of an ox. Yokes come in pair, so that 2 oxen can be yoked together. Why? Well apart from having some company, the work becomes much lighter when both are working at the same time.

As Christians we need to be yoked with Jesus.

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30

When we are yoked with Jesus, our walk becomes so much easier, we lift up our burdens to Jesus and He will carry us through. However this is a team effort, Jesus has done his part by taking away our burdens, we also need to do our part. If one of the yoked oxens decided to do nothing, I don't think the other ox would appreciate it very much. Similarly as we are yoked with Jesus, we need to do our part.

"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." - Luke 14:27

Finally by being yoked with Jesus it becomes a relationship, you no longer carry your burdens on your own, but you have someone to share it with. As we walk with God, we spend time with Him. We don't just learn about Him, but we learn from Him.

Bribery

Once upon a time there was a man named Paul. He was a great man, with character, integrity and values. One day he was caught to be put on prison, claiming that he was stirring up crowds. The truth was that he did no such thing. Even though Paul was innocent, he still submitted to the governing rule. Felix the Roman official, was a corrupt man, he knew of Paul's innocence, so he tried a number of times to get Paul to give him a bribe.

"Meanwhile he also hoped that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him more often and conversed with him." - Acts 24:26

We all know corruption is a sin, but sometimes it takes time to realise it. Corruption does not only take form in bribery, but many other ways too. When we fill our minds with ungodly things, that is corruption, eg. watching a graphic movie. Corruption is a degenerative process, it won't hit you straight away. It is an on going process, but the end result can be devastating.

Once we can see that something is corrupt in our lives, we need to fix it as soon as possible. If you have sinned God will forgive you.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9

Off The Hook

Have you ever done something bad, but someone else let you off the hook? That is grace in action. The bible says that everyone has sinned:

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," - Romans 3:23

We have all made mistakes in our lives, but God loved us so much, Jesus came so that we can be saved from it.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

There is nothing we can do to earn God's grace, no matter how much of a goody goody we are, we will never be good enough for God's grace. The only thing we need to do to receive God's grace is to accept it. The bible says that God's grace is freely given as a gift to you:

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

Just like you don't have to work for your birthday presents, you don't need to work for the gift from God. All He wants in return is for you to cherish that gift, thank Him and love Him.

GRACE = God's Riches At Christ's Expense

God enabled us to receive His inheritance at the expense of His Son's life.

Newton's Third Law

Newton's third law states: "for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction"

This is true in our spiritual lives, as we do more of the will of God, Satan will have to try harder to bring us down. As soon as we stop doing the will of God, we give Satan a chance to take a break. We need to be continually studying the word and doing God's will so that we would be like the seeds sowed on the path.

"Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them." - Mark 4:15

When we don't take the word of God deep into our hearts, we give Satan a "free shot" as such. We can never let our guard down, because the devil is always there ready to pounce on you.

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." - 1 Peter 5:8-9

Resist him. When we resist Him we don't need to fight against him directly, but instead build yourself up in the Lord. By doing that Satan will not get a foothold of your life.

Mistakes

We all make them. If you think you don't make mistakes, then think again. In this world nobody is perfect, and we all deserve to be punished for our wrong doing.

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," - Romans 3:23

There is only one man who lived without making a mistake. His name is Jesus, he lived a righteous life. Even though He did nothing wrong, the government still condemned Him to death. Now that doesn't really make sense, why would a completely innocent guy be condemned to death.

The reason for His death is because of all of us. He died so that we would not have to face the same punishment. He took the blame for all of us. It's like when a friend sticks up for you when you do something wrong. Jesus is the best friend you could ever have. No matter what you've done, whether it's telling a little lie, or even murder. God will forgive you, we just need to come to Him, ask for forgiveness and to turn from our ways.

‘Cuz we lost it all
Nothing lasts forever
I’m sorry
I can’t be Perfect
Now it’s just too late
And we can’t go back
I’m sorry
I can’t be Perfect
- Perfect by Simple Plan

In this world we can never be perfect on our own, no matter how hard we try. The song describes how impossible it is to please our parents when we make mistakes all the time. Sometimes we say sorry to the people we have wronged, but we don't necessarily get the forgiveness we need.

God is different, even though He has much more power over our parents, He shows grace and mercy to His people. By the grace of God and Jesus who lives in me, I know that God has made me perfect in His sight. The blood that Jesus shed on the cross, has and will cleanse the sins in my life.

Receive the forgiveness Jesus has given you, even in his tremendous pain and agony, He still remembers you.

"Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." - Luke 23:34

Praise Who?

At uni and school, there would always be competition as to who would get the best marks, who played better in sport, etc. What does it all come down to? In most cases it all comes down to, being able to receive the praise from your fellow peers and receiving that recognition that you are "the one". We all love to hear it, "wow, you're so good" or "you're so smart". When I was in school, I'd love it when people would come up to me after I had aced an exam or played really well in the basketball game. The end result is that we are doing it for our own pride.

"And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown." - 1 Corinthians 9:25

It is human nature to want to feel good about yourself. The fact of the matter is that, you could not have done anything without the body and life given to you by God. The fact that I am alive today is because God had created me. The fact that I have the skills that I have, is because God has strengthened me to do so. The praise to yourself will only last a while, but when we give praise to God, we give honour to Him, and God will also honour us. While we may not see the reward here on earth, the reward is waiting for us in heaven.

I still have the competitiveness in me, but I've been learning to give the praise back to who it should be directed at, God. I am but a humble instrument, all praise should go back to God.

Praise God!