Human life is really "fragile". Recently, my family and I have visited my uncle during Chinese New Year. Every year, my uncle and my aunt host the Chinese New Year celebration for the big family. We are suppose to feel happy on that day. However, I felt very sad when I saw my uncle lie on the bed. He was unable to move as he got stroke on last year August 2008. I am not sure what can I do in order to help him. His memory getting worse after the 3rd brain operation on last few days according to what my aunt told us. When he look at my family members, he took very long to figure out our name. He was like a bionic or super-man to us. He can install house electrical components, paint the whole house, repair his own cars and many other things he can do by himself. He was also a workaholic. However, now he looks really weak and very thin.
Everything is unexpected. My uncle took his medical check up on May 2008. Everything was fine except slightly low blood pressure. However, just within 3 months his life has changed. He fainted in his car before he started to drive. Luckily, there was a kind cab driver quickly send him to hospital when he spotted my uncle. Doctor said that he has high blood pressure and has a blood clot in his brain. Immediate brain operation has to be carried out. My aunt told us that my uncle was very afraid as he do not know whether he could survive on the 3 operations.
Do not put too much stress or pressure on yourself. Yes, we need to work hard but we should know our limit before we start to work or complete a task. Most of us work very hard in order to find more money. Sometimes, don't you think we are like the slave of money? We have to wake up. For example like my uncle's case, he did find more money in these few years but he pushed himself very hard. Oh, I forgot to mention his age. He is now aged 60+. My aunt told us that most of his money now spent on his medical usage like medicine and operations. Remember, we still have a very invaluable asset i.e. our health. We can't use money to buy our health. Besides that, our family members and friends feel more sad than us if anything happen to us. Do not hurt your loved ones. So, take care my friends.
Now, I hope my uncle can recover quickly. Let us pray for him. Amen!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
~ Gifts Within the Gift
Dec 6,2008
Thursday
READ:
1 John 5:9-13,20
Sharon's favorite Christmas gift last year from her husband Andy was an antique treasure chest. Inside were three boxes with additional gifts of chocolates and jewelry. She enjoyed each gift within the gift.
When God sent His Son Jesus to be the Savior of the world, He gave us many gifts within the Gift. Now when people receive the gift of Jesus, they also receive these special gifts, which they could obtain in no other way:
Forgiveness of sin. "In [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).
Teaching from the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised, "The Helper, the holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things" (John 14:26).
Eternal life and home in heaven. John said," He who has the Son has life" (1 John 5:12). Jesus promised, " In My Father's house are many mansions;...I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).
A love like no other. "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you....Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (Jon 15:9,13).
Have you received God's indescribable Gift? You only need to ask.- Anne Cetas
Jesus is both the gift and the Giver of every good gift.
Thursday
READ:
1 John 5:9-13,20
Thanks be to God fo His indescribable gift.
-2 Corinthians 9:15
Sharon's favorite Christmas gift last year from her husband Andy was an antique treasure chest. Inside were three boxes with additional gifts of chocolates and jewelry. She enjoyed each gift within the gift.
When God sent His Son Jesus to be the Savior of the world, He gave us many gifts within the Gift. Now when people receive the gift of Jesus, they also receive these special gifts, which they could obtain in no other way:
Forgiveness of sin. "In [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace" (Eph. 1:7).
Teaching from the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised, "The Helper, the holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach you all things" (John 14:26).
Eternal life and home in heaven. John said," He who has the Son has life" (1 John 5:12). Jesus promised, " In My Father's house are many mansions;...I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2).
A love like no other. "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you....Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" (Jon 15:9,13).
Have you received God's indescribable Gift? You only need to ask.- Anne Cetas
The ABCs OF SALVATION
Admit that you're a sinner (Rom. 3:23).
Believe on Christ (Acts 16:31).
Confess your faith. (Rom. 10:9-10)
Jesus is both the gift and the Giver of every good gift.
Friday, January 23, 2009
~ God Is Good
Feb 24,2008
Sunday
READ:
Genesis 3:1-7
The phrase God is good, all the time; all the time God is good" is repeated by many Christians almost like a mantra. I often wonder if they really believe it or even think about what they're saying. I sometimes doubt God's goodness- especially when it feels as though God isn't hearing or answering my prayers. I assume that if others were more honest, they'd admit they feel the same way.
The serpent planted a doubt in Eve's mind about whether God had been good to her best interest at heart. He said," God knows that in the day you eat of [the fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil"(Gen 3.5). Satan tried to convince her to believe that God was holding out on her and not giving her something really good- more knowledge.
Do you feels as thought God isn't answering your prayers? Are you tempted to doubt His goodness? When I feel this way, I remind myself that my circumstances aren't the barometer of God's love and goodness- the cross is. He has shown how good He is by giving His only Son Jesus to die for our sin. We can't rely on out feelings. But day by day as we choose to trust Him more, we learn to believe with confidence that God is good- all the time.- Anne Cetas
Circumstances aren't the barometer of God's love and goodness- the cross is.
Sunday
READ:
Genesis 3:1-7
Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
-Psalm 25:8
The phrase God is good, all the time; all the time God is good" is repeated by many Christians almost like a mantra. I often wonder if they really believe it or even think about what they're saying. I sometimes doubt God's goodness- especially when it feels as though God isn't hearing or answering my prayers. I assume that if others were more honest, they'd admit they feel the same way.
The serpent planted a doubt in Eve's mind about whether God had been good to her best interest at heart. He said," God knows that in the day you eat of [the fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil"(Gen 3.5). Satan tried to convince her to believe that God was holding out on her and not giving her something really good- more knowledge.
Do you feels as thought God isn't answering your prayers? Are you tempted to doubt His goodness? When I feel this way, I remind myself that my circumstances aren't the barometer of God's love and goodness- the cross is. He has shown how good He is by giving His only Son Jesus to die for our sin. We can't rely on out feelings. But day by day as we choose to trust Him more, we learn to believe with confidence that God is good- all the time.- Anne Cetas
When you are tempted to deny
God's goodness, love, and grace,
Look to the cross of Calvary,
Where Jesus took your place. -Sper
Circumstances aren't the barometer of God's love and goodness- the cross is.
Monday, January 5, 2009
~ Thank You LORD
A few days before the Christmas day celebration I felt quite upset as I realize I have no place to celebrate Christmas. My family usually does not celebrate Christmas ourselves. I hope to join my church to celebrate Christmas. Unfortunately, I was busy with my revisions for my exams during the 2 weeks before Christmas.
4 days before Christmas, my mom told me that we forgot to buy tickets for Christmas eve at church. The pastor did mention that we have to purchase ticket to attend the Christmas eve celebration. The church invited external restaurant cooks to prepare all the dishes as the church has quite large number of members. On the next day (22 Dec 08), my mom called up the church to find out whether the tickets are still available. As expected, they were sold out! I was very upset!
On 23 Dec 08, I received a Christmas invitation card! I was very happy as the card is from the previous church that I joined last time.The main reason that I join the new church is because of my family as they feel more comfortable with the new church. I didn't attend my ex-church for almost 1 year ++. However, they still remember and invite me. That's really great!
On 25 Dec 08, I alone went to church to celebrate Christmas. My family was still busy with their business as the Christmas was on weekdays. Finally, the celebration begun! We sang a few Gospels and Christmas song. There was a small "drama". All the church members enjoyed the "drama". The "drama" is about Jesus came into this world. I was really impressed with it as most of the actors and actresses (95%) were kids aged between 3-12! Besides that, new members were baptist to our big community as Christians. Although , the church is small but I still can feel the happiness and joy of Christmas! After almost 3 hours, the Christmas celebration ended with "Christmas lunch".
Once again, I want to thank LORD for preparing a wonderful Christmas Day for me. =) Amen!
4 days before Christmas, my mom told me that we forgot to buy tickets for Christmas eve at church. The pastor did mention that we have to purchase ticket to attend the Christmas eve celebration. The church invited external restaurant cooks to prepare all the dishes as the church has quite large number of members. On the next day (22 Dec 08), my mom called up the church to find out whether the tickets are still available. As expected, they were sold out! I was very upset!
On 23 Dec 08, I received a Christmas invitation card! I was very happy as the card is from the previous church that I joined last time.The main reason that I join the new church is because of my family as they feel more comfortable with the new church. I didn't attend my ex-church for almost 1 year ++. However, they still remember and invite me. That's really great!
On 25 Dec 08, I alone went to church to celebrate Christmas. My family was still busy with their business as the Christmas was on weekdays. Finally, the celebration begun! We sang a few Gospels and Christmas song. There was a small "drama". All the church members enjoyed the "drama". The "drama" is about Jesus came into this world. I was really impressed with it as most of the actors and actresses (95%) were kids aged between 3-12! Besides that, new members were baptist to our big community as Christians. Although , the church is small but I still can feel the happiness and joy of Christmas! After almost 3 hours, the Christmas celebration ended with "Christmas lunch".
Once again, I want to thank LORD for preparing a wonderful Christmas Day for me. =) Amen!
~ Unlocking The Gate
Feb 4,2008
Monday
READ:
Numbers 5:5-8
Researchers at the University of Toronto reported in 2006 that people who are suffering from a guilty conscience experience "a powerful urge to wash themselves." To study this effect, the researchers asked the volunteers to recall past sins. They were then given an opportunity to was their hands as a symbol of cleansing their conscience. Those who had recalled their sins washed their hands at "twice the rate of study subjects who ha not imagined past transgressions."
The Bible proposes the only effective way if dealing with sin - confession. In the Old Testament, one of the ways the Israelities were supposed to cleanse themselves and maintain purity before God and in their community was by confessing their sins (Num. 5:5-8). To confess means "to speak the same; to agree with; to admit the truth." When the people confessed to God, they were not telling Him anything He did not already know. But their confession was demonstration of a change of heart. Refusing to confess their sins allowed sins to take deeper root within their lives and community.
Admitting our sin unlocks the gate so that we can have forgiveness, joy, and peace. If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). -Marv
Confession is agreeing with God about our sin.
Monday
READ:
Numbers 5:5-8
When a man or woman commits any sin....against the LORD,....then he shall confess the sin which he has committed.
-Numbers 5:6-7
Researchers at the University of Toronto reported in 2006 that people who are suffering from a guilty conscience experience "a powerful urge to wash themselves." To study this effect, the researchers asked the volunteers to recall past sins. They were then given an opportunity to was their hands as a symbol of cleansing their conscience. Those who had recalled their sins washed their hands at "twice the rate of study subjects who ha not imagined past transgressions."
The Bible proposes the only effective way if dealing with sin - confession. In the Old Testament, one of the ways the Israelities were supposed to cleanse themselves and maintain purity before God and in their community was by confessing their sins (Num. 5:5-8). To confess means "to speak the same; to agree with; to admit the truth." When the people confessed to God, they were not telling Him anything He did not already know. But their confession was demonstration of a change of heart. Refusing to confess their sins allowed sins to take deeper root within their lives and community.
Admitting our sin unlocks the gate so that we can have forgiveness, joy, and peace. If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). -Marv
If we would know God's power to heal
And cleanse us from within,
We must acknowledge when we're wrong-
Confessing it as sin -Fasick
Confession is agreeing with God about our sin.
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