Christianity

October 20, 2013

Finding our comfort

May-You-Find-Comfort-9781594712449

I feel for those people whose lives are a mess . Not because I’ve experienced one but watching them grieve , listening to their cries moves my heart into praying that somehow God would lessen their pain. As I watch Ruby ( in a korean tv series), I can feel her pain, her struggle and difficulty in life. She never did well at school. Her boss reprimands her because of her low performance at work. She has a month notice that she and her siblings will be exiled to the place they are staying. No parents to depend on. No nearest kin of family to help her. But despite this tragedy in her life, she never gives up. She may have shed so many tears and was almost put to shame but these things made her strong and courageous. Her present situation mold her into a better person, from an irresponsible daughter into a parent to her younger siblings.

Is there a difficulty in your life that you almost gave in and cried for despair?

When I came back to work, without any objections from our direct supervising nurse, I took risk and said yes, when she assigned me at the Surgical-orthopedic ward. As I could remember, I was only exposed there for a few weeks as a trainee but never as a charged nurse. From handling neonates inside the ICU to adults as my new assignment, everything was new to me, new set of team member, new environment, different ward routine and a new experience.

It was almost a hell experience, on my first week of adjustment that I thought of cursing to be in that ward. I always missed meals at work loosing almost 5 kilos in just a month’s time. Sometimes I even barely had the chance to go the the comfort room to pea and would even come home very late. Stress is inescapable, as you attend to patients call, to left and right demands of the patient’s relative, late night schedule of operations, rounds and demands of doctors that sometimes your torn whom to attend first. And even the not so good encounters and events that happened. I would always come to work anxious and fearful. And if possible I wouldn’t want to create a single mistake as I handle lives.

But after a month, Yes ! It was a relief, all those sacrifices and experiences are worth learning. I have overcome and had survived. It wasn’t my strength and capability that I made it through. It was all because God was on my side.

When life gets hard on you, how do you handle it ? Do you easily get discouraged?

Life becomes meaningful and hopeful if we have Jesus. Wonder why a lot of people tries to commit suicide ? Its because they thought, that life isn’t good anymore and there’s no more reason to hang on it. They found no solution to their misery than to end their life. Yes, while we live in this world, trials will not cease to arise. We will always encounter disappointments, betrayal, disloyalty, discouragement and etc. But choosing to move on rather than staying defeated by life’s trial is a choice. We could be victorious if we allow Christ to work into our lives. Nothing is too hard for him that he couldn’t solve any problem.

(Jeremiah 32:17 : ‘Oh, Lord God, you did indeed make heaven and earth by your mighty power and great strength. Nothing is too hard for you!)

I’m not saying that if you trust Jesus there would be an instant solution to your problem. He’s not a magician whom you can ask what you wish and expect it right away. It doesn’t mean that when we accept the Lord as our Savior, we will no longer experience difficulty and testings. It doesn’t exempt us when become christians and followers of Christ but it is said that all the more trials will come our way. But amidst this truth, we can overcome because we have Jesus. We have him as our reason to live and continue on hoping.

When tough times come where do you run? When everybody else’s back turn against you,where or who do you depend on?

I hope you can find comfort in God. When everything seems heavy and burdensome, do not keep it within yourself. Lay it down and let God lighten your load. (Matthew 11:28-29

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.)

You may feel that the weight of the world is on you, remember God’s promise and may this verse comfort you:

The righteous may have many troubles but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

November 21, 2012

Single’s sentiment

I am a certified member of the group “NBSB” (No boyfriend since birth). Yes am proud to say it but I am not a good kisser, am a total innocent when it comes to love as they describe me.

I’ve missed out a big part of my life they added.

“How will you end up into marriage if you have never experienced having a relationship with the opposite sex?”

“How will you ever learn how to love if you have never gotten involved with someone?”

These are but the few comments that non-Christian acquaintances would say. They felt a little regret for me.

 

It was never easy for me to defend what I stand for with engaging into a relationship. Most of the time, I am caught up in silence whenever the conversation is about girlfriends/boyfriends. They say that there’s no more guy left with the ideals/standards that I’ve been looking for.

Sometimes, I wonder if I have been creating an illusion about the man I hope to be with someday and doubt whether God would grant my heart’s desire that he’ll come in time.

 

To Christian guys out there, where are you? Why do non-Christian guys are more aggressive than you are?

I can’t help but ask these questions to myself and to God.

 

I am waiting for you  my groom.

It may sound odd but that’s what I planted in my heart that I’ll not waste my time in a relationship where there is no possibility of marriage.

It is my heart’s desire  that if ever God will grant it,I want my first boyfriend to be the last… my husband.

Yes, I’m still single yet my heart is taken by the man who deserves and God has reserved for me.

October 24, 2012

Walk like a deer

Last time, we tackled about walking with God. As we walk with Him, I discovered upon reading through some verses in the Bible that God’s desire for us is to walk and have spiritual feet like a deer. Out of my curiosity, I started to search for verses that contain the words: feet and deer, then asked myself why does the Bible used the deer as an illustration.

First let me share to you the facts I gained based on the result of my research. Generally the deer are able to run 40 miles per hour (approximately 65 km/hour), can jump on a 9 foot fence and can swim 13 miles per hour. They have nimble feet that can climb heights without falling and can run freely. Now let us describe the truth about the human foot. If we compare our foot to them, we are slow and clumsy.  We can jump through heights but only through a certain height and sometimes it takes a long training to do it. Our feet are prone to slip and can get easily tired  running through distance. (Psalm 73:2 But my feet had almost slipped…)

But how can we have this kind of spiritual foot?

First we need to walk with God on a regular basis. If you can still remember the three points I gave on “What does it mean to walk with God?” that’s the first step so we can experience this kind of walk. Second, if we are abiding in Christ then God’s strength is able to flow through us. If we acknowledged that Christ is sufficient in our weakness then that’s the time that God’s power and strength is revealed. We can have the strength to run swift and freely, climb steep hills and ascend through to greatest heights just like the feet of a deer only if we allow God to work through us and put our full trust in Him. (Habakkuk 3:19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength, he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.)

If we have solely followed these simple steps then we can experience the result of trusting God. We can run and not tire, climb and not fall, reach the heights and not lose the balance. In him we:

1.We are able to stand with integrity- to stand in righteousness.

Psalms 26:12 “My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.”

2.We are able to stand firm and not easily swayed by circumstances

Psalm 40:2 “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.”

3.We can walk in a straight path

Proverbs 4:26 “Carefully walk a straight path, and all your ways will be secure.

4.We can walk without slipping if we yield to God

Psalm 17:5 “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped.”

Psalm 66:9 “He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping.”

5. We can walk with security that God will keep us safe

1 Samuel 2:9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.

Psalm 31: 8 “You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place.”

If God used the deer to describe how we should walk with Him, He also used the deer to compare himself. In Songs of Solomon chapter 2 verses 8-10 , he is the gazelle (family of deer) leaping through the mountains like a King coming and longing to see his bride, the church and that is us. And one more amazing fact I’ve known about the deer, is that most of the time they are active and alert for the prey that hunts them. They have the ability to be somewhat alert while sleeping and can wake up instantly. According to studies made by huntsmen, they sleep with half of their eyes open and they can survive a day even with 1 minute sleep which is equal to 2 hours of human sleep. And that makes me awe of our God’s character, for He never slumbers nor sleep (Psalm 121:3 “He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber”), just like a caring and watchful nature of a female deer over her young.

May 1, 2012

Snakes and Ladder to Success

True success is never reached that easy. I say that it is sweeter if you’ve toiled harder. Wealth will never come near to those who are lazy and is contented just to sit by. As the bible says, ” Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied.”  Proverbs 13:4 (NLT)

It is also the same concept  if you are pursuing something that you really want. In order to get  your goal you have to work for it, earn it  by putting your time and effort. If you’re a student you have to study harder if you want to graduate with honors. If you want to be a good musician you  have to hone and practice as often. This is what I’ve been learning in my application abroad.  I have to go through a lot of process until I could get employed. Starting from floating your resume, to preparing yourself for an interview and now going through medical exam , taking prometric exam for Saudi,making transactions and processing papers here and there to government offices.

I’ve just remembered an exhortation given by one of the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ in a gathering,he shared about success. I couldn’t recall exactly what he said but he emphasized that an easy success is not from God. You’ll know it is God-given if you know in your heart that you’ve worked hard for it.

God is gracious and generous but often times we question him. We always demand God on our prayers to give us this things that we unconsciously looked at him as a Vendo Machine. If  God would just give it automatically what we’ve asked then we will never appreciate the giver. Sometimes we need to undergo testings and delays in what we want to have in life. Life becomes more meaningful and purposeful when there are challenges and obstacles along the way. It’s like playing Snakes and Ladder,you’ll never reached the end unless you  climb the stairs ,walk step by step and sometimes experience to be bitten by the snake.

There are no shortcuts to success but there are instant success. Most of the time it is the Devil’s way. They will offer you big things that could blind you and lead you to forget God. This is why Jeremiah complaint to God why do evil men prosper. (You are always righteous, O LORD, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? Jeremiah 12:1) .

It is always good to taste and savor your success if you know you got it on the right way and you didn’t compromise your principles and conviction. God has his own time of dealing with this evil men who prospers easily through a bad way .

We have to remind ourselves again that only God could give us the success we want in life. He alone also has the ability to make us wealthy and He alone that could take it back. He could send you stairs to climb up or snakes to go down.

 

(Deuteronomy 8:18 Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.)

1 Samuel 2:7, “The LORD sends poverty and wealth;

February 10, 2012

Evidence of being a true Christian

In solving a crime,an evidence is a great tool for proving one’s innocence or to prove whether the defendant is guilty or not.Without an evidence or a testimony coming fr. the witness we could not deliberately accuse one for such an allegation.

Likewise, our identity as Christians should prove that we trully belong to Christ.

Our lives must possess a living testimony to show that Christ is living and evident in us.

But how could we really differentiate a true christian fr. the one who is not?

Who says the truth?

According to 2 Cor. 5:17, anyone who profess that he is a believer must be a new creation. A new creation- is one who has gotten rid of his old way of life and habits and started living a new life with Christ as stated by Paul in Colossians 3:5 & 9.Professing by words is not enough, it must be accompanied with actions. We cannot fully please God if our faith is not coupled with deed. Same as with, saying the words “I love you Lord”, it is pointless and worthless without obeying what He commands us to do.If your asking what is a true Christian – he is marked with change is his life through God’s grace as the Holy Spirit empowers him to.

There’s a change seen in the way he thinks,speaks & even in his actions.As apostle Paul exhorts Christians: “Don’t live any longer the way this world lives but You must completely change your way of thinking”.(Romans 12:2) All those who say that they believe in God chooses to run away fr. evil(2 Timothy 2:19). They do what is right because that’s what God had called them to. A true Christian understands his sole purpose for his existence- which is created to do good works. (Galatians 6:9

Now you can judge (identify) whether the one who says he’s a Christian tells the truth or lie. A true Christian will definitely shine and attract others to Christ.

Now evaluate & ask yourself: ” Am I true Christian?

Related Articles:

A call to true Christianity by Cory Copeland

September 18, 2011

Consult now your Doctor!

When is the best time to consult your doctor?

It is but a common practice to consult only if someone is ill and has gotten worse or when someone feels something different in their body.

As per physician advise, if possible we need to have a regular check-up or an annual general check-up to better see and monitor our health… but due to financial issues we opt to consult only if we feel bad. As an advocate of health we always say this that: Prevention is always better than cure, so why do we need to wait a little further?

Consult means to seek an advise and in our spiritual life we also need to consult our Doctor, not just in a bad condition but if possible on a regular basis.

But who is this Doctor? Who are we to seek?

 

God is more than just a healer(Jehovah Jireh) which is one of his character. He has brought physical and spiritual restoration. He is the true source of strength and refuge.

–Jesus Heals the Blind  (Mark 10:46-52)

-Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man (Mark 9)

-By his stripes we are healed” in the Bible: Isaiah 53:4-5

Why do we need to consult a doctor in the first place?

As we undergo a physical exam to see if we are fit, we also need a spiritual check-up. We need to examine ourselves whether we are walking with God or in line with His plans; to gauge if we are spiritually growing or spiritually debilitating, so we could watch out and do something if we aren’t.It is also important  to have an immunization against diseases (our enemy) in order  to strengthen our immunity (faith).  We need to inject our thoughts with things that are Pure,Lovely,Admirable,Noble,True,Excellent and Right. (PLANTER)

Get vaccinated! What will you gain? Protection.  The enemy is always at work ready to devour and get a hold on us so we better get ready and strengthen our faith.

How ? Do the spiritual disciplines. As our body needs a healthy diet, we need to constantly feed ourselves with God’s word (Christ-as the bread of life and the true source of living water) and regularly exercise our faith as we also stretch and move our bodies.

So when is the best to consult your doctor?

If you read through these verses  of Ecclesiastes 12:1-8, it only remarks one thing:  We need to consult Him before it’s too late!

(Isaiah 55:6NIRV version- Turn to the Lord before it’s too late. Call out to Him while He’s still ready to help you.

Seek him before a calamity strikes out a land, before you tremble with fear and doubt, before you experience suffering, drought or famine, before the war broke out and there’s no peace, before you die and realize everything is meaningless. Seek Him now before it’s too late.

June 21, 2011

What if you forgot Him?

It was a perfect Monday morning.  I woke up very early that day.

I immediately rushed to the loo so I could give myself a luxurious time for bathing (cause everybody is also busy preparing for work). I’m almost ready to go, wearing my white uniform and have my things packed for work.

Ok, I’m set and started walking my way through.

I’m standing in front singing the National Anthem, when I started feeling weak, a burning g sensation and hearing the internal growling of my stomach. Oops!  I just remembered, I didn’t have any for this morning.  It’s funny how I forgot to eat breakfast.

I’m too young not to remember things but killing aside, maybe my Mother is right. I’ve been deprived of sleep from staying up late these past few days.

I’ve been struggling with my personal quiet time. Too busy (or should I say I’ve been prioritizing others things than Him) that’s why I skipped feeding myself spiritually until I forgot to.

I started thinking, what if I forgot God? An extreme thought but it’s possible.

In Psalms 106: 21, it was said that the Israelites soon forgot God, even what He has done for them after escaping from the hands of the cruel Egyptians.

Jeremiah 13:5

This is your lot, the portion I have decreed for you, declares the Lord, because you have forgotten me and trusted in false gods.

It was repeated in Psalms 78:11, they forgot what he had done, the wonders he had shown them. If   you read the whole chapter, this is about a cycle of the Israelites rebellion and obedience but the highlight is God’s abounding mercy and faithfulness to them despite their forgetfulness.

Psalm 106:13

But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold.

The Lord has not failed to remind them yet the still forgot Him and His decrees.

In Deuteronomy chapters 4 and 8…God gave a numerous reminders:

Deut. 4:9

  • Only to be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children.

Deut. 4: 23

  • Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that He made you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything, the Lord your God has forbidden.

Deut. 8:11

  • Be careful not to forget the Lord and his decrees that I am giving to you today.

Proverbs 3:1

  • My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your hearts keep my commandment.

So what are the things that might cause us to forget?

Moses gave us five things (Deut. 8:10-15):

        1. When man eat and are satisfied

Food is a physiological need that is a literal requirement for human survival. So when our needs are satisfied, the tendency is we no longer ask and seek God.

         2. When you build fine houses and settle down

A House is still part of our basic needs and is a symbol of security.

Safety and Security needs include:

  • Personal security
  • Financial security
  • Health and well-being
  • Safety net against accidents/illness and their adverse impacts.
  • 3.When your herds and flocks go large

Herds and flocks are investments or assets that we have including our properties.

4.When your silver and gold increase

We may not have these but it could be our savings account.

           5.When everything you have has multiplied

Whatever it is, it could be a talent, a position (you have been promoted in a higher level), popularity (being famous not just local but abroad).

What would be the result if man has forgotten God and there’s no room for God in all his thoughts?

(Psalms 9:4…in all his thoughts there is no room for God.)What awaits them?

  1. Destruction  (Deut. 8:19)
  2. He will perish (Job 8:13)
  3. Death    (Psalm 9:17)

Psychologists says that people forget things because it is hard to retrieve stored information in our brain and only those important things that people consider is much easier to recall. So when the Israelites forget about God, it may mean God is not important to them and that the comforts of the world are what they consider most.

And I have adapted the practical ways psychologists suggests to remember things that will help us remember God:

Practice (rehearsing or repeatedly doing)

The more often we do something the more likely we are able to remember it.

Joshua 1: 8…Meditate it day and night

Strategize

These are ways of processing information that will help us remember it better.

Ex. Use post its…post verses in your door refrigerator

Deut. 6: 8 [Write them down, and] tie them around your wrist, and wear them as headbands as a reminder

Understand

The more we understand the more likely we will remember it. If you don’t understand reading God’s words ask the Holy Spirit to help you.

Luke 12:12..for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Organize

Organization ensures information is stored in a more meaningful and organized way.

God is a God of order so we need to organize things so it will help us remember things.

How? You can organize your activity and set a definite time in spending with Him.

Don’t let this time come and God will say to you:

I hold this against you because you have forsaken (forgotten) your first love.

–       Revelations 2:4