1 John 1:1

If you didn't already know, John is the author of 1 John. This is John the disciple of Jesus.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.

(v1, NIV)

John is talking about something here. What he is talking about was from the beginning. What does it mean to be from the beginning? Well, a more appropriate question would be what is the beginning with reference to? It could be at the beginning of a certain day, or the beginning of the year. The beginning could refer to the beginning of his life. The way John starts this letter is similar to the way he starts the gospel according to John.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

(John 1:1-2, NIV)

The beginning here is referring to the beginning of time. In the beginning was the word. In the gospel of John, the Word is Jesus and he was in the beginning. Similarly, in 1 John, he is talking about Jesus, who was from the beginning. Jesus has existed since the beginning of creation. Long ago before the earth was created, Jesus has existed.

There are a number of different interactions with Jesus that John specifies. There is seeing, hearing and touching. John isn't just talking about the way any believer interacts with Jesus as their personal savior. He is talking about those who have actually come into contact and experienced the living Christ as he walked this earth. John was one of his disciples, so he definitely got to see, hear and touch the living Jesus.

Seeing, hearing and touching Jesus means that Jesus actually came to earth in the flesh. As believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we do not deny that he took on flesh. If you didn't know, well you know now. At least you know to look it up in God's word and see for yourself. Jesus came to this earth and took on flesh.

With reference to seeing, hearing and touching Jesus, John is referring to other people. He doesn't just say that he has seen, heard and touched Jesus. John uses the word "we" with respect to seeing, hearing and touching Jesus. Him and the believers, who he is writing to have seen, heard and touched the living Jesus Christ while he walked this earth. This letter is written long after Jesus has died on the cross and risen from the dead. However, at the time, some of them are still alive who have seen, heard and even touched Jesus while he was alive.

So there are those who have actually seen, touched and heard the living Christ. Not only have they done that, but they testify to it. They tell others and are not ashamed that they have actually seen Jesus while he walked this earth. It is Jesus that they proclaim. They were eyewitnesses who can confess Jesus and they testify him. It's not only that they testify him, but they testify him concerning the word of life. It is only through Jesus that we receive life. Those who have received Jesus will testify their experience with Jesus. Jesus is the savior and the giver of life.

Philippians 4:21-23

Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.

(v21-22, NIV)

Here Paul is ending his letter to the saints at the church in Philippi. He closes with final greetings to them. In these final greetings he also makes note of those who are with him. Those who are with him send their greetings. We find that there are saints within Caesar's household. Paul mentioned earlier that it has been known throughout the whole palace guard why he is in chains. All those around him while he is in prison know that because of his proclamation of the cross of Christ he has been imprisoned. But it is comforting to know that there are believers within Caesar's household. Caesar was one of the prominent oppositions to the followers of Jesus. Roman citizens loyal to Caesar were the cause of some of their sufferings. However, God used Paul to infiltrate Caesar's household, having some turn to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

(v23, NIV)

This is the final verse of the letter. We have been saved by grace, and Paul ends with grace. This is the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is to what we have attained, so may it be with us. Let us grow into what we have attained; grace.

Proverbs 1 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools despise wisdom and discipline."

What does it mean by fear of the Lord, the God who is also your father who loves you. It is hard to describe this feeling, but I think to describe this in a simple way, He is like imagine someone you really respect on earth, could be your father or your teacher, you love him, yet you feel "awe" being with him because he is just so amazing and you feel awe because you simply don't want to do anything stupid in front of him or disappointed him.

When we fear of the Lord, acknowledge His power and His present, we will start being alert in our life, and that is the beginning of wisdom.

Though, watch out deceivers, they will try to entice you, because they want to feel better to what they have done by comparing others. If everyone is doing what they do, they feel better, if not, they will try to entice you to join their path. So watch out.

"My son, if sinners entice you,

do not give in to them." (v10)

And the consequence is:

"they (those who does not follow) will eat the fruit of their ways

and be filled with the fruit of their schemes...

...but whoever listens to me will live in safety

and be at ease, without fear of harm"

Philippians 4:20

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(v20, NIV)

Glory be to our God. He deserves all the glory, and we shall not steal any glory for ourselves. We live our lives in humble submission to the one to whom all praise is due.

With reference to what Paul is talking about, God should be given all the glory. The believers at the church in Philippi have sent Epaphroditus to Paul with their offering to him. Paul does not need this gift, but knows the secret of being content in every situation. So whether he has much or has little, he is content. However, he is thankful and glad for their gift to him. Because of it, he is amply supplied. In addition, he is thankful for the benefit they will receive for their obedience to God in their giving to Paul. They will benefit for this act of kindness they have showed to Paul. Regardless of the gifts Paul has received and regardless of the benefit the believers at Philippi receives or will receive, God gets the glory. We rejoice and give God the glory for his working in all these situations.

Cancer Vs Sin

Lately, I received emails from my family regarding how to fight and prevent cancer.

In sum from the article, I learn that: beef, pork, and food with plastic container are our enemies. We may not see the harm instantly, but it definitely causes lots of consequences in the future. So it's your choice and a trade off to make.

To maintain good health: do regular exercise, remain positive attitude, be satisfied and happy with what you have, and eat properly.

It is interesting reading the articles and the way how it teaches us to fight and prevent is like the way how we fight Sin.

It's like a choose to make between doing things for instance enjoyment regardless the future consequences. It's like we keep on sinning without repentance.

In order to keep our paths straight, we need to keep on receiving His "good stuff" daily so that we will keep on growing by having fellowship of suffering, and becoming like Him in His death.

(Philippians 3:10)

Psalms 139

"O LORD, you have searched me and known me!

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from afar."

"If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me...I awake, and I am still with you"

What can be more important in life than having God in our life and protect us. Even when people misunderstand you, it's ok, because He knows our heart. But also espesically He knows our heart, we have to guide our every thought so that we won't be sinned against Him.

Lord, dear God, and our Father, please, keep your child from safety. Protect me with your Angles, so that every words I speak and works I do, it will honor you, and the world will see your honors through my life.

If there is anything that keep me away from you, I pray that you would take it away. There is nothing more important than knowing you, and having you. I love you. Thank you for being my Father and God.

Philippians 4:19b

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

(v19, NIV)

God is rich enough to meet our needs. It's not like asking for help from a friend. In your need, you may ask them to help you out in some way. However, they may not have the means to help you out. Maybe they don't have enough money to give you, or maybe they don't have the time to spare. When you hang out at the lab working on the same projects as everyone else, you notice people asking each other for help. Unfortunately, when you're working on a project that's due the next day, most of the people who have the answers are the ones who are finished not at the lab. So someone may ask some of the people at the lab, but they don't have what they're looking for. Have assurance in knowing that God has more than enough to meet your needs. God has more than enough to meet your wants, but he won't necessarily grant your every whimsical desire. God is good and knows what's best for us. Sometimes what's best for us is withholding from us something we think we need. Isn't it interesting how some people react to God in that situation? We may come to God with a request that is not good for us. When God doesn't grant that request, we question God and call him a liar. God isn't like that. Since God is more than able to supply you with any and every single one of our needs and wants, why would he not? Is it because God is a jerk? Is it because God just wants us to be miserable? God is all knowing and all powerful and he loves us. If you asked your father for bread, do you think he'd give you a rock instead? He may be simply pulling your leg or you may think of certain exceptions, but for the most part your father would not give you a rock when asking for bread. Wouldn't our father in heaven who has glorious riches with which he can supply us and surpassing knowledge and love with which to know what is best for us do what's best for us? When asking him for bread, would God give us a stone? We should trust in God, who knows more than us and is wiser than us, to do what's best for us.

So what kinds of needs do we have? What kinds of needs of ours does God meet? What needs of ours is Paul referring to? Well, clearly their material needs are one which first comes to mind. In response to their offering to Paul, that is a sweet smelling aroma to God, they will be supply their material needs. God may give them a great wealth, or he may barely give them enough. Regardless, Paul is saying in response to their giving on behalf of God that God will meet their needs. Another need they may have may come out of their suffering when facing opposition. In the face of opposition, we need to stand firm and strive forward. God will supply us with this steadfastness. It is through him that we receive joy that we may endure in the face of opposition. We also have needs when we are prone to worry or complain. God will supply us with his peace that surpasses all understanding. We need to be unified in the advance of one faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. To meet our needs, God will supply us with the grace and humility necessary for it.

God doesn't always work the same way. Therefore, it is sometimes hard to put God into a specific equation. We may hear of how God is working in other people's lives and think we can do it the same way. For example, maybe one person prays to God every day for wealth and God blessed him with lots of money and wealth and success. We may then think that we can simply pray daily and God will give us money. That isn't true. Many people all of the world probably pray for money daily, but they don't receive it. We may look at a friend who said they pray for 10 minutes before every exam without studying at all, and every time they do that, they get a good mark. Therefore, we may think if we pray 10 minutes before an exam and don't study, God will simply give us a really good mark. It is possible for God to do these things, but God may not do it quite that way.

There are equations that do work. The first part of the equation is that you follow God earnestly and wholeheartedly. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ whom he sent and live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel to which you have been called. Obey his commandments and listen to what he says. Love the Lord your God will all your heart, mind, soul and strength. The second part of the equation is that you will be blessed. It's a little like listen to God and you will get good things. The alternative is, don't listen to God and you will get bad things. It's not that your life will suddenly be peaches and roses and flowery all the time. However, you will be blessed in one way or another. He is good.

Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

(v19, NIV)

God will meet your needs. There are a number of things that we need. Our basic need to survive are some of the main things that we need. We need food and water to survive. God will meet our needs, we need only ask him.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

(Matthew 7:7-12, NIV)

Do you really think that if you ask for something that you need, God will instead give you something harmful to you? God is good. Thinking to the human relationship we may have with our father, do you think a father will give a son something harmful if he asks for something he needs? Sure, you can think of exceptions and particular circumstances where that's not the case, but for the most part, the general rule applies. In the same way, God will do as our fathers do. Our earthly fathers we have been given may have been good to us. However, they do not compare to our father in heaven. He is good.

There is a problem. Sometimes we think we need something, but we really don't. So, when we come to God with this request, we expect him to give it to us because we may think we need it. So, when he doesn't give it to us, we blame God and call him a liar. God is good, and he knows what is best for us. We should trust in him that he knows what's best for us.

Paul is saying this in response to the giving of those at the church in Philippi. They sent Epaphroditus with the offering they collected to give to Paul. Paul didn't need it, for he knows how to be content when he has a lot and when he only has a little. However, he is thankful and looks forward to the benefit they will receive from their giving. He is reassuring them that God will meet their needs. They probably weren't very well off and their giving may have been out of poverty. When giving in that situation, and giving so much that Paul was amply supplied, they may not have much left for themselves. An understandable worry they may have is that they do not have enough for themselves. Paul is reassuring them that God will meet their needs. Earlier, he encouraged them to not worry about anything, but instead to bring their requests to God. In this circumstance, they are not to worry. They have obediently been following and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. They have listened to God and gave to Paul an offering to help Paul in his ministry. They shouldn't worry and only trust in God to meet their needs.

Trusting in God doesn't mean to simply do nothing. We need to lift everything to God in prayer. We can't just sit back and wait for God to lay everything in our laps. We need to do something too. Can you imagine someone who hasn't studied a single minute for their exam simply praying 10 minutes before the exam for God to provide for their needs and give them a passing grade? It's possible for God to do that, but is that really how God works? Not all the time and not most of the time.

Philippians 4:18

I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

(v18, NIV)

The believers at the church in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to Paul. With him, they sent an offering they gathered to be given to Paul to help him while he was away. In doing this, they were sharing in his ministry and sharing in his suffering. However, Paul was not in need of their gift. Paul knows how to have and how to have little. He draws and stands on the strength which God provides. However, Paul is still grateful and thankful for their gift to him. He wants them to know that their gift to him is great and has supplied him to a great degree. In addition, these gifts they have given to him are pleasing to God. He describes it as a fragrant offering to God. The aroma from the gift they give to him is pleasing to God. It's as if the scent from this offering they give to Paul has risen to God that he could smell it. God does smell it and it is pleasing to him.

A gift or giving does not go unnoticed by God. Those at the church in Philippi gave to Paul when nobody else gave to him. They continued to give, even though they were unable to for a short while. Their genuine giving and proven faithfulness to Paul who is dear to them is pleasing to God. In the same way, when our giving is of the same manner, it is also pleasing to God.

Proverbs 3

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man." (vrs 2)

You can give up or lost a lot of things in life, could be my career, education, family, my life, but two thing can never leave you: love and faithfulness.

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,

but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,

and if I have a faith that can move mountains,

but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,

but have not love, I gain nothing"

(1 Corinthians 13)

"And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?"

(Mark 8)

Therefore, no matter what you do or say, do it for the sake of love. If not, you rather not do it or keep silent. Don't be deceived.

"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise."

(1 Corinthians 3)

The second thing is faithfulness:

There is time of doubt. Doubt about God, and His work. Doubt is the opposite of faithfulness, and it is the act of not trusting God, and it could also indicate a pride in our heart. Never doubt, we are only a dirt compare to the universe and even the creator who creates the universe. What gives us the right the fathom His work? "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust in me"

(John 14). Isn't He is th one who brought us out of darkness because He loves? Isn't He died on the cross for our sin?

"Trust in the Lord with all tour heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (vrs 5)

When you have love an faithfulness in our life, not just you will win God's favour, but also man.

"Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man" (vrs 3)

Philippians 4:17

Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.

(v17, NIV)

Paul is thankful for their gift to him. He knows how to be content whether he has a lot or has a little. However, it is still good for them to give to him even if he would have been okay without it. He doesn't really care about the gift. Instead, he cares about their benefit from giving the gift. When you give something, you give something away and what you give away is taken away from what you have. Therefore, what you have decreases in your giving. Fortunately, there is a benefit and you will receive back from your giving. It's not that you will necessarily receive back what you gave, but benefit comes in many different ways.

From Paul's perspective, he looks forward to their sharing in his ministry. They are benefited by being a part of his work for the cause of Christ. In addition, their giving may be a sign of their faithfulness with what God has blessed them with. They may be earnestly following what God has instructed them to do with the blessings they have received from God. Giving isn't just a one way process. There are benefits both ways. An opportunity to give is an opportunity for us to be blessed by giving to others.

This isn't just a simple equation. Simply giving doesn't mean you will receive in the way you think or want to receive. In addition, beware of half-hearted giving. The Pharisees certainly tithed, but they were hypocrites and enemies of the cross of Christ. Simply giving and throwing your money at others doesn't make everything okay. Give as one genuinely concerned for the needs of others.

Why going to Chruch?

Honestly, sometimes I really don't feel like going to church because of the people i have to deal with there. I feel like everytime I go there I have to deal with the people and stuff more than focusing on God and worship Him.

I started to think, why go to church, when it makes me feel more frutrated, yet in fact you can actually worship and pray better alone with God, without any distraction from the crowd. When I look at Jesus's life, isn't it what He did all the time too? He likes to stay away from the crowd and just worship and talk to God alone, even without His disciplines.

If that's the case, why go to church then? Well, fellowship. But I could have fellowship with followers without gonig to the building called "church". I could still share God's love to everyone surround me, without going to "church", and that's what Jesus did too. He barely goes to church and teach, instead He lives His life and His whole life is Church. Jesus loves and cares people around Him, regarless time and place.

So what's the purpose of going to church according to the bible?

Yes, I don't like to deal with the people, especially church people, I guess because I put a higher expectation to them, yet we are actually no different to people who dont believe. I guess one purpose of gonig to church is that, through tails with people, it is an opportunity from God to mold us and become more mature in spirit.

>>I actually get some answer from reading this artical. :P

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Books,%20Tracts%20&%20Preaching/Printed%20Books/Dr%20Jack%20Hyles/The%20Church/purpose_of_going_to_church-chap_12.htm

Philippians 4:14-16

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

(v14, NIV)

Paul knows how to be content with much or very little. Even if they did not give to Paul, he would have been just fine. However, Paul is not trying to be thankless for this gift. He rejoices for the gift he has received from them and their generous giving to him. Even if he would have been fine without their gift, it was still good that they gave to him. Their gifts and help to him is their way of sharing in his sufferings. We all share in the work of advancing the gospel of Christ. We may not do the same things, but we all play a part in this. Their particular role in this particular situation was offering aid to Paul.

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.

(v15-16, NIV)

Paul takes an opportunity to further commend them for the help they provide Paul with. Paul has not forgotten that they have given to Paul in the past. Even at a time when no other church helped him, those at the church in Philippi helped him. They were the only ones at that time. It's interesting how Paul describes it as sharing in the matter of giving and receiving. The ESV describes it as entering into partnership. In the help they provide Paul with, they are sharing in his ministry. They partner with him in the work that he is doing.

When you give to those who are advancing the gospel, you are partnering with them in the work they are doing. They are proclaiming the gospel of Christ to those who are lost in this world and you have a part in that. Those you help are thankful and you shouldn't think it as a useless or marginal effort made. Share in this work.

This doesn't mean that it is the only way to help. I can imagine that some people are called by God to work hard to provide for others who are out spreading the gospel to those in places where the gospel has not been so readily proclaimed. This doesn't mean those who help don't proclaim Christ themselves. If God has called you to that, great. Follow God's calling. However, I feel it may be desired selfishly by those who want to aspire to wealth and riches. In this materialistic world, most people want more money and more riches and more wealth. Being called to provide for others so that they can proclaim Christ to others almost seems like trying to have a foot in both worlds. Serve Him and Him alone. Follow hard after him and live up to the gospel to which you have been called. Hear his specific calling for you and do what he asks of you. It's hard, but would you rather the easy path that leads to destruction?

Give and continue to give. Partner with others for the cause of the Kingdom. We are all partakers of grace together. Let us live in a manner worthy of the gospel to which we have been called.

Philippians 4:10-13

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

(v10, NIV)

Paul is writing to those at the church in Philippi. Epaphroditus was their messenger to send word to Paul. In addition, he would bring news of Paul when he returned. Epaphroditus also brought their offering to Paul. They had taken up some sort of offering for Paul to help him while he was away. Their concern for Paul is what Paul is rejoicing about. Apparently they haven't given to Paul in a while, which is why Paul describes it as their renewed concern for him. However, Paul also notes that those at the church in Philippi have been concerned but didn't have an opportunity to show it. Maybe they didn't have enough to give to Paul or maybe other circumstances kept them from giving to Paul until now. Regardless, Paul knows that they were concerned and rejoices for their renewed concern for them.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

(v11-13, NIV)

It may be easy for someone to point out that Paul is happy because he really needed their aid to him. Paul takes this opportunity to address this assumption someone may have raised. Paul wants to make it clear to them that he doesn't need their gift to him. He is content whether he is in need or has plenty. In our materialistic world, this may be hard to understand. We too easily become lovers of money and lovers of things. The culture pushes for wealth and riches. It's almost as if you can't be content if you don't have more. If you get more, you won't be content until you have even more. However, Paul is content whether he has a lot or even a little.

Paul lets them in on his secret. His secret is in verse 13, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (v13, ESV). It doesn't matter whether he has much or has little. Paul is not hindered by what he has or what he does not have. It is the strength given to him through Christ Jesus that he can do things. Any riches or wealth that we can amass cannot compare to the strength God provides. Trust in him and him alone and do not worry about what you have or do not have.

I saw a plaque that read in big bold letters: "Success". Underneath "Success" was a reference to this verse, "Philippians 4:13". This is true, but it depends on how you define success. When I think of success and I think it's safe to say that when most North Americans think of success, we think of riches and wealth and maybe climbing the corporate ladder. This idea of success in this verse is wrong. Paul is talking about succeeding or abounding regardless of whether he has much or has little.

Psalm 103

God is God, who create the universe. No matter how we like it or not, or how we don't understand it or not, God's order will not be change; God's wills will not be change.

God is love. This is a concept that very hard to understand, but indeed by looking at all He has created, it reveals God's character of love. The creation is beautiful, if you really think abut it, and observe what He had created; and the purpose of this creation of beauty is simply because of love.

God is so big. Compare to us, we are only a dust. Yes, we always sin against God, but amazingly enough to know that He loves us not according to our sins or what we do, He simply loves us, and wanted us so much.

"He does not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities"

"As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him

For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust"

The funny thing is that God doesn't need us but He wants us, yet we desperately need God but doesn't want Him.

Is that also a law of physical that can be explained? The urge brutal truth is, however, this tension between us and God is here, perhaps that's called the "String Theory" that Kaku indicated about, and this tension of "String" is too big that human himself cannot break through, but only through God, the all-powerful one, who can break through the wall for us.

May our Lord open our eyes, and bring us out of darkness.

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

(v8, NIV)

Another one of Paul's instructions to his readers is regarding what we think about. What you set your mind on is important. There is a danger when we think about certain things.

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

(Matthew 5:27-28, NIV)

In this particular passage in the gospel according to Matthew, Jesus is talking about adultery. When someone is caught in the act of committing adultery, we can recognize and acknowledge that they are sinning. However, Jesus takes this one step further and says that even looking at a woman lustfully means committing adultery. Something physical between two people does not need to occur in order for a man to commit adultery. This passage is referring to the eye causing a person to sin; however, there is also something in the mind that causes us to sin. I find that when I'm thinking about sinful things, I'm more likely to physically sin. Using that example, if I'm thinking about lustful things, then I'm more likely to look upon a woman with lust and therefore commit adultery.

Avoid thinking about sinful things. Instead, think about these things that Paul lists. The list is full of "good" things. We are to dwell upon things that are excellent and praiseworthy.

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

(v9, NIV)

This is one of Paul's calls to imitate him. We are all supposed to imitate Jesus. However, sometimes it helps to look to an intermediate goal. Paul is an intermediate goal to look to in imitating since he is also imitating Christ. We imitate Christ-like qualities we find in Paul who is following Christ.

It's not enough just to know what to do. Paul's readers may have known Paul and known his characteristics; however, that knowledge is useless if they're not putting it into practice. You may know what you're supposed to do, but if you don't do it you prove to be uselessly not doing what you're supposed to do. I find this is typical of when I sin. It's not that I don't know what to do, it's that I don't do what I know I'm supposed to do. Alternatively, it may be that I know there's something I shouldn't be doing, but simply do what I'm not supposed to do. Sometimes I get caught up with trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do. Too often the problem isn't knowing what to do or knowing what not to do, the problem is simply doing what you're supposed to do. If you don't know, then go find out the truth. However, Paul is calling his readers to put their knowledge into practice.

You could also look at it in another way. Failing to do the right or stupidly doing what is wrong is clearly the sinful outcome. However, though I may *know* what I'm supposed to do, some may argue that I don't truly know. Paul's calling the saints at the church in Philippi to put their knowledge into practice. Faith without deeds is dead. If you don't put it into practice, maybe you never truly believed in the first place. Knowing doesn't prove the fulfillment of the knowledge. For example, knowing how to get to Toronto doesn't mean I'm in Toronto. Actually going to Toronto will get you to Toronto. Knowing how to be saved doesn't make you saved.

Psalm 100

Give thanks because His Steadfast Love Endures Forever.

No matter what stage in life we are in, still always remember that He is God, and we are His people, and He loves us, since the beginning.

The gate of His way is narrow, but still, "enter his gates with thanksgiving". But His faithfulness and love endures forever. He will protect us. Even we are the evil one know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him? "for he guards the course of the justand protects the way of his faithful ones" Proverb2

So make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!! Because He loves us, and we are saved!!

Even when time of doubt or suffering, still serve the LORD with gladness.

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(v6-7, NIV)

We are to not worry about anything. Instead of worrying, we are to present our requests to God with thanksgiving. What is the result of Paul's instruction? Well, God's peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Situations which cause us to worry are often hectic and filled with uncertainty. We may argue with ourselves over the possible outcomes and blame different things for the result. For example, I may be anxious about a job interview. I don't know how it will go or if I'll get the job or not. I may worry or be anxious about how the interview goes and about whether I'll get the job or not. Maybe even after the interview I'll be worried about how it went and worry about how I looked or some of the things I said. I may complain to myself, questioning why I said certain things or blaming the interviewer for their smell. Instead of worrying and being so focused on this situation, I should lift up my requests and concerns of my interview to God. This anxiety isn't productive and it's not helping. Instead of our hearts and minds being flustered, lifting our requests to God brings peace and calms us down. In a sense, we're bringing it to God to let him deal with it. When we worry and get all worked up over a situation, we're trying to do it ourselves and not letting God help us. He wants to help us. Paul says that God's peace will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. When we truly lift our burdens to God and leave it in his hands, we can be at peace with the situation. We are not at peace because of what we do, even though the thing we need to do is lift it to God, but we are at peace because of the peace God graces us with.

I won't try to explain God's peace to you. As Paul says, this peace transcends all understanding. You won't necessarily know or understand how this peace works. This is God's peace, and it is beyond our comprehension. Trust in God and leave it up to him. Even though we don't understand this peace he brings, we can still submit to it and allow God to work in our lives.

Philippians 4:6b

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

(v6, NIV)

We are not to be anxious about anything. This doesn't mean to be carelessly oblivious to the world around us. We are to take notice or take action when required, but not partake in fruitless worry. What are we to do instead of being anxious about anything? Instead of worry, we are to present our requests to God. We have things we might worry about or may cause us anxiety. Lift them up to God in prayer. Cast your burdens upon the Lord. This is what we are to do.

When we lift up our requests to him, this doesn't mean we'll get what we want. God isn't a genie in a bottle. It's not like we rub him the right way and we get what we want. God works the way he works, and sometimes in our human mind, we think God should work a certain way. In our sinfulness we expect some things from God, and when God doesn't meet those needs, we assume God doesn't exist or think God is unjust or unloving. God is holy, righteous, just and pure. God doesn't conform to our way of thinking. If God worked the way we wanted him to work, he wouldn't be the awesome God that he is. He would defy his own nature and cease to be loving and righteous and pure and holy. So, lift up your requests to him, but do not jump to conclusions when he doesn't answer you the way you want him to answer you.

How are we to lift up our requests to him? We are to do so with thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for. God breathed life into us, he sustains us and loves us. We may also receive blessings from him. He is rich in mercy. If he wanted to, he could smite us right now, and we would deserve it too. Be thankful to the Lord. If you can't think of something to be thankful for, then you don't know him. Learn more about him. He is good.

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

(v6, NIV)

What does Paul's instruction here mean? Well, he instructs his readers to not be anxious about anything. Basically, don't worry about anything. As human beings we tend to be very worrisome. We worry about all sorts of things. As a student, we may worry about our marks or the next assignment or the next exam. Some may worry about work, anxious about deadlines and their bosses.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

(Matthew 6:25-27, NIV)

For what purpose does worrying serve? Jesus instructs us not to worry as we read in the gospel according to Matthew (A similar account is also in the gospel according to Luke). With regards to our lives, we do not need to worry about our basic needs. God provides for the birds, are we not more valuable than the birds? Since we are more valuable than the birds, would it make sense for God to provide for them and not for us? Of course not. Do not worry. Besides, it is not productive in any way. We can't get anything out of it, even if some of us do believe we can add an extra hour to our lives by worrying. It just doesn't happen and it is not productive, so we shouldn't worry.

Now, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't take notice or be concerned about things. Paul's instruction to not be anxious is not a free pass to be oblivious to everything around us. What it does mean is that we shouldn't partake in fruitless worry over situations that continue to fill us with anxiety. Do not be anxious about anything.

Philippians 4:4-5

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

(v4, NIV)

I remember singing a song with these words in it. It definitely is a blessing to be rejoicing in the Lord. We should do it always, as Paul instructs. If we are not rejoicing, we may be doing something that is sinful instead. I find it hard to imagine someone who is both rejoicing in the Lord and sinning at the same time. Paul even repeats himself, showing how excited he is about rejoicing in the Lord.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

(v5, NIV)

The ESV uses the word "reasonableness" instead of "gentleness". This characteristic must be in you. In addition, it must be so apparent in you and the way you live that it is known to everyone. This doesn't mean you go around telling everyone about it. We are not boasters of the flesh, but boasters of God. Regardless, if I just told you how honest I was, you may or may not believe me. I could be lying. However, the way I live and the way I act may begin to support the specific characteristic in me. Live it out in such a way that it is apparent, not for others to see so that you can boast, but that the characteristic itself may truly be of you. We do things for God to see, seeking his approval and not the approval of men.

Psalm 51

The psalmist prays for mercy, humbly confessing and lamenting his sins after David had sinned against God from commits adultery with Bathsheba, wife of Uriah.

I wonder how would God feel about the David's psalms, and this also reflect that how would God feel about our prayer to Him after we have sinned.

The bible tells us that God loves us, because God is love. We are saved regardless what we do. In fact, it is not about what we do, but about who He is. After the death of Jesus, and we are now saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But is that really regardless what we do? Even we kills, or commits in adultery?!

The truth is yes. Our God is something that out of our description. His love to us is so great that can overcomes sin. His love to us is unconditional, basically because we are His child, and He loves us.

This is hard to understand, God, but thanks for your love. Please don't leave me. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit. I know my sins have been washed away, and please transform me and cleans me. I love you. Help me and protect me from anything that will distracted me from you. Life is all about you. With you, we will have direction.

Psalm 23

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;"

It is typical to focus on and be happy to see or enjoy the result of being able to"walk through the valley of the shadow of death" in life. Certainly that when God is with us, we will have no fear of evil, or troubles; not because troubles won't comes to life, but simply because "the Lord is my shepherd".

It is peaceful to be with Him, just like "sitting beside the still water", or "lying down on green pastures".

The result of being with the present of God is great, it is peaceful, sweet, and powerful. But keep remind myself that don't be focus on the result too much on earth, because remember that we will receive MUCH more times better when we are in heaven, but the whole point in life is simply be the present of God.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meall the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Philippians 4:1-3

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

(v1, NIV)

Paul is speaking to the church in Philippi. These believers are loved and longed for by Paul. We who follow the Lord Jesus Christ are partners in the gospel together. Paul loves his fellow brothers and longs to be with them. In addition, they are his joy and crown. He hopes that they will continue firm till the end so that they may prove to be true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. By doing so, Paul will have assurance that he did not run or labor in vain. Instead, the good work God allowed him to be a part of would be brought to completion by the Lord and prove fruitful.

Paul is calling his readers to stand firm in the Lord. He is referring to what he has just mentioned. First of all, we are not to confidence in the flesh. Paul had much reason for this, but he counted it as rubbish. Secondly, we must press on towards the goal, forgetting what lies behind. This attitude of striving forward must be in us.

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

(v2-3, NIV)

Euodia and Syntyche are apparently two women who are not agreeing with each other. Their disagreement is probably not a serious issue; otherwise Paul would have dealt with it as he did many other issues in his letters. Instead, it is probably a minor issue that is not in opposition to the gospel of Christ. It may be something like a disagreement as to how dishes should be washed, or maybe they disagree with how a person should tie their shoes (or sandals). In addition, these women have worked at Paul's side for the gospel. They are acknowledged by Paul as saved since their names are in the book of life. Their disagreement is merely a minor disagreement between two people who are both truly serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Why would two brothers or sisters in the Lord disagree about something so insignificant? Well, I'm sure you and I have argued about a small or stupid thing in the past. It happens, but we shouldn't let it happen or we shouldn't let it happen for long. It's a silly matter, we should agree in the Lord.

What may be weird is how Paul outright mentions the two people involved in the dispute. The proper thing may have been to try to deal with this problem privately. However, Paul probably names both names openly in this letter because everyone already knew about the issue at hand. The fact that the problem is made aware by Paul probably means that everybody knows about it. There's no use trying to keep it under wraps if everyone knows about it. Paul just wants them to deal with it and be done with it.

Paul calls for help from Syzygus. This can be translated as "yokefellow", but probably referred to a person's name. The word is used to refer to those united by any bond, such as a relationship or marriage or labor. With regards to a bond, it may have been that this yokefellow was known for bringing people together, as his name may imply. Regardless, these two ladies are in disagreement over a small issue and they should both agree in the Lord.

Philippians 3:20-21

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

(v20, NIV)

Do not walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their mind is set on earthly things. However, followers of the Lord Jesus Christ do not have their mind set on earthly things. We have our citizenship in heaven. We are merely foreigners while we walk this earth. We wait for the time when we will finally get to go home, to heaven. Jesus will return and usher us to heaven to where our citizenship lies.

who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

(v21, NIV)

Jesus will speak to every issue. He is our Lord whom we follow and is most certainly powerful. He can bring everything under his control. With this power, he will use it towards us. Our bodies will be transformed like his glorious body. Jesus' body was different after he rose from the dead. He was able to pass through walls, and yet the disciples were also able to touch his wounds where he was pierced. Our current bodies are referred to as lowly bodies. The bodies we will receive will be much better than our current bodies.

Psalm 58

When you see wicked people destroying the world, how could you love them as what Luke says "love your enemy".

What would Jesus do? He told those who nailed Him and said "forgive them because they don't know what they are doing". How could a human practice such love to the wicked. God still loves them, just like how God loves us. We pray for the sinner, the wicked one, but there will be time that the wicked will keep on doing what God hates, and to a point that we will feel hopeless and started to question God's righteousness.

Hold on to what you have, the day will come and Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”

Still hope for the dying and weak

sorry guys if I haven't been keeping up with my blogs. I think i miss a few already writing on this blog. The truth is I find myself so wrap up in school and even in ministry and because of this sometimes my devotion is always in a flux. Meaning sometimes I do devotion and sometimes I don't. With all this busyness arising can frustrations happen, I sometimes can feel down one day and the next be on top of everything. As I reflected on my walk with the Lord I feel like I am trying so hard to the point of dying and I feel at times weak and I can't do this. In despite of all that is against me, I still see a faithfulness of God still in the mist of my life. God is still radically shaping my life and always there to keep me going. This is the hope I still cling on to and not all the time I can say I am myself is faithful to God but is wrestling with desires of this world that I know is pulling me away slowly from God.

Reading in 1 Corinthians there are many troubles with in the church and many gray areas presents it self; just like in our lives. Sometimes we can give up and give in but Paul tries to help Corinth not to give up. He actually encourages Corinth to bear in the tough circumstances and be the people that God calls them to be. reading this calls me to stand firm for the Gospel and for people who are in the body of Christ and out there.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor 10:12-13

Philippians 3:19

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

(v19, NIV)

Follow Paul and be like those who are following the Lord Jesus Christ. You do not want to be in the other group of people; they are enemies of the cross of Christ. If you're not for Jesus, you're against him. Those who are against him do not have a pleasant future. Their destiny is destruction. They are setting themselves up for a fall. They are going to hell, which is a real place that people do go to. In that eternal fire, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Don't think you're saved from going there if you're a "good" person. There is no such thing as a "good" person except Jesus Christ the Lord. We are all "bad" people. However, we are graciously saved by God stepping in and sending his son Jesus to die for us. We are saved by grace through faith in him.

These enemies of the cross of Christ have their own god. Their god is their belly. Their passions are the things that they worship and consider most important in their lives. It's all about how they feel or what they enjoy. Really, it's all about themselves. Sure, they may dress it up as something else, but they are really just worshipers of themselves and their own passions. As I say this, I must step back and look at myself. I am guilty of sinful pride. I am guilty of putting myself first and above God. I am a filthy sinner just like everyone else whose god is their belly. Yet, God stepped in and saved me. I don't have a righteousness of my own; if I did, I would be sent straight to hell. My righteousness is not good enough. I wage war with my flesh and lose all the time. I do the thing that I do not want to do. But thanks be to our Lord. By whom I can be redeemed as an adopted son of the living God. There is now no condemnation.

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

(Romans 7:21-8:4, NIV)

I was just thinking about this, so I should just put it up there instead of butchering the word of God.

The things that they glory in are shameful. They may not admit it, but they are shameful. For example, I remember in high school that some people would openly talk about pornography. It's sinful and shameful, and yet they were talking about it as if it were nothing. They may realize it's shameful, or maybe they don't. They may have become calloused to it. However, those things are shameful, but they glory in them.

Their mind is set on earthly things. We are on this earth, living here for now. However, this life isn't forever. This life is short, but the next life is long. Do you set your mind on the things of this earth? Do you set your mind on the temporal, as opposed to the eternal? Who cares about all that stuff? These things will pass away.

Philippians 3:17-18

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

(v17, NIV)

Paul calls them to imitate him. There are a number of times where Paul encourages his readers to imitate him. It's not wrong to imitate others, but we must remember that we are all ultimately following the Lord Jesus Christ. However, we can imitate others as an intermediate goal.

For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

(v18, NIV)

Follow Jesus and follow Paul's example. Press on towards the goal and don't give up. Would you rather the alternative? There are some who do not follow this path. Paul describes these people as enemies of the cross of Christ. If you're not for Christ, you're against him. You are even his enemy. In this day and age, some may dress it up as being accepting of other people's religion. However, a choice that is not for Jesus is against it. Being indecisive or being lukewarm does not save you either. You are an enemy of the cross of Christ. You are an enemy of everything Christ stood for in his humble sacrifice on the cross as payment for our sins. Paul sheds tears for these people. It is quite sad to see people living in opposition to the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is offered freely to all, yet some do not receive it. It's sad and unfortunate; Paul is saddened by their opposition to the Lord Jesus Christ whom he loves. Cry for them and do not follow their example. Follow Paul's example; follow the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:16

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

(v16, NIV)

We must be hungry. We must continue to strain forward towards the goal. We must be pressing onwards to attain the prize. We're not perfect yet. We don't even consider ourselves to have reached the goal or become perfect. Let's press onwards. Let us be hungry.

The next thing we need to do is to hold. We need to maintain and continue on this course. This path that has been set before us is one to which we need to stay on. We are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is a worthy life to be called to, so let us live a life worthy of our calling. Let us live up to what we have already attained. We have attained salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are redeemed as adopted sons to God our Father.

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 1:6, NIV)

We hold fast to this to which we have been called to. This work he began in us, he will bring it to completion. This should comfort you knowing that God will see you through to the end. If he began a good work in you, he will carry it to completion.

So what is this that we have obtained? We have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We weren't saved by good works, so don't hold fast to good works. Continuing in your faith doesn't mean we start following a bunch of rules, but hold fast to the fact that we were saved by grace through faith. Continue in faith thankful for the grace to which we have received. Continue in faith and continue in grace.

Psalm 19

"The law of the LORD is perfect,

reviving the soul;

the testimony of the LORD is sure,

making wise the simple;

the precepts of the LORD are right,

rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the LORD is pure,

enlightening the eyes;

the fear of the LORD is clean,

enduring forever;

the rules of the LORD are true,

and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold,

even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb."

keep on walking, keep on carrying the cross, it is tough, but He is carrying with us, and later we will have great reward.

"Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."

Philippians 3:14-15

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

(v14, NIV)

What is this prize Paul is talking about? He's pressing onward towards this goal. He describes it as being called heavenward in Christ Jesus. This is the salvation and sanctification in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are saved from our sins because he paid for us. As a result, we can be redeemed as adopted sons into heaven. In addition, we are in the process of sanctification. We are following Christ and growing into his likeness. We are becoming perfect and putting off our old self, putting on our new self. We will become perfect, but not yet. As Paul says, he has not yet attained it, but he will, and we will. Press on, forgetting what lies behind and look forward at the goal.

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

(v15, NIV)

What is this view Paul is talking about? Well, he just finished telling his readers to have this mentality of pressing onward. We are not perfect yet, we don't consider ourselves to have reached the goal yet. Instead we forget what lies behind and press on to the prize. This mentality must be in us. Followers of Christ never reach the finish while we're on this earth.

Paul is still speaking to the saints at the church in Philippi. These are those who are true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. So what does it mean when Paul mean by what he says next? If some do not hold this same mentality among those who are mature, God will make it clear to them. Not everyone understands this. Not everyone who believes understands right away either. So for those who believe but do not understand, God will reveal it to them.

Philippians 3:13

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

(v13, NIV)

There's one thing in particular that Paul does in life that we should do as well. He tells us that he forgets what is behind him and strains forward towards what is ahead. If you can picture a race, running the race isn't about how far away the beginning is from you, but much further you have to go to get to the end. Sure, it may be important to know how long the race is and how much energy you've used up so far, but the goal is the finish line. You may look back and remember how painful it was running up that last hill or how earlier you tripped and fell. That may negatively affect how you finish the race. Forget it. Simply look forward at what is ahead.

In our own lives there are many times we will look back in the past. Those may have been good times or they may have been bad times. We may remember good times and think fondly of them. You may even think back to hardships and trials you faced and be proud of how you succeeded. Alternatively, you may become sad thinking of how you failed in the past and have fallen. We've all fallen and we have all sinned. However, even if you did "good" or "bad" in the past, the real question is, what are you doing now? Are you getting better? Are you improving? Don't let the past get you down. We may look back to the times we've failed and that may discourage us from pressing onward in the future. In addition, we may look back to the good times and think that we've already paid our dues. The past may hinder our current and future growth.

This doesn't mean to blot your memories from your mind. We look back to the past and we learn from it. However, that should not happen at the cost of the present. Look forward to the goal, forgetting what lies behind.

Psalm 8

"O LORD, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

Out of the mouth of babies and infants,

you have established strength because of your foes,

to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him,and the son of man that you care for him?

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;

you have put all things under his feet,

all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,

the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,

whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"

Our God is an awesome God. We only see a portion of His work, but it is already amazing.

Lord, you created us, you prepared the world for us, just to let us enjoy your beauty.

Yet, I also see sin n this world. It ruins and have corrupted the creation.

What shall we do?

You are a awesome God. We are only created to bring your glory. And by doing so, we will have joy in life because you present is in us.

Lord, this is a generation of unbelief. People clams to be athesis, and they do not see what they do is wrong.

People are lose, and yet they reject you to get the right direction, and choose to walk into a dead end.

Lord, I am carrying the cross, and I need to hold on to what I have. And I know you are walking with me.

Lord, may your spirit guide and protect me from the evil one. Without you, I am only a dirt.

May whatever I do will bring glory to you.

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,

but the way of the wicked will perish.

How can we walk away from darkness. Lord, I love you, I love you, I love you. Please help me and deliver me from darkness. I can't do this alone without you.

You are the source of life. Why the world so against you. Carry your cross is not easy. But your comment is not burdensome.

Oh Lord, may your will be done on earth as on up there. May you be the victory one!!! Come back soon, so that we can be together. I look forward to it.

Never consider that I am a sinner that need your grace, but consider that we ARE your child that lives in a sinful body.

God. I am your child, teach me and mold me. Love me and fill me so that I am loved. Protect me from the wicked man. Provide me according to your will. May your will be done. Pray in your name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Philippians 3:12

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

(v12, NIV)

Salvation isn't a one time ticket that's simply a one shot deal. It's not like one of those shots go to the doctor to take that will protect you for the rest of your life. You can take a shot then roll around in that thing you're protected from all you want since you're protected. That's not the mentality we should have with God. It is true that he offers salvation to us and it is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. However, once we have received it, we don't just keep living as we used to live. We were dead in our trespasses and sins, but we were saved from that. We don't just keep living in sin after being saved from it. That is our old self, but we put off our old self and put on our new self.

Paul wants to attain to the resurrection of the dead and all that entails. Paul wants to Know Christ and share in his sufferings and gain Christ. As far along he may be in some quantitative measurement, he doesn't consider himself to have ever reached his goal. Instead, he continues to press on towards the goal. Often times we feel as if we've gone as far as we can and we start to coast. We think we've grown enough and are good enough that we don't need to keep running. However, that isn't the end of the race. Continue to press on so that you may lay hold of the goal and prize.

Philippians 3:9-11

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

(v9-11, NIV)

Being found in him is our identity. Found in him is our salvation. When we are found in things other than Jesus, we are putting confidence in fleshly things. However, these things will not save us. If we are found in him, we receive his imputed righteousness. Being found in him is his righteousness for us.

Paul continues to speak about knowing. This type of knowing is not like academic studying. He doesn't want to know Jesus the same way we know how to add and subtract in math or how we know the periodic table. This is an experiential kind of knowing. He wants to experience Christ and through his experience know Christ.

What are the things that Paul wants to know? Well first, Paul wants to know the power of his resurrection. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. He conquered death, and his resurrection gives me victory over sin. He bore our sins on the cross. We are found in him. We are dead to sin, dead to our old self. Turning to Christ is a repentance and turning from our flesh. We can have victory over sin through tough times. Look to Jesus. When you fall, get back up. This is the process of sanctification.

Paul also wants to share in his sufferings. Jesus suffered and died for us. He was beaten and stripped naked. With a crown of thorns on his head, he carried the cross and was nailed to it. He experienced a painful death and painful betrayals. At the end, the father turned his head from the son, and Jesus experienced the full wrath of our sins which should have been rightly brought upon us. Jesus in my place. Sharing in his sufferings results in fellowship like no other. There is a bonding in knowing what Christ went through and experiencing hardship of our own. Of course, this is referring to related hardship; I'm not talking about punishment as a direct result of sin in our lives. We may suffer when we stand for Jesus. And when we suffer for him, we share in his sufferings.

Paul wanted to become like Jesus in his death. There are a few people who we may aspire to be like in their death. For example, some people may wish to die in battle or at war. So, some may aspire to certain people who have previously died when fighting in a war. Some people live "good" lives, and are remembered because of their status when they died. However, that is more focused on how they live, now how they died. So how did Jesus die? He was crucified and accused of blasphemy. Crucifixion is the equivalent of a person on death row given a lethal injection or death by electric chair. This was state punishment for the worst criminals. Other older examples would be guillotine or death by hanging. I doubt many people wish to aspire to be like a death row inmate in their death. Crucifixion was much worse than our tame methods of public execution. The person was usually beaten and stricken naked. Jesus was forced to carry the cross to the place of execution. The cross he carried was the same cross that he was nailed to. So he was then nailed to it and left to die. The death would happen by suffocation. Being nailed on the cross in that way would require you to push up with your legs every time to take a breath. However, after a long time and the loss of blood, you will get exhausted. This method of execution wasn't meant to be quick and painless, but painful and humiliating.

There is another important way in which people aspire to die. When a person sacrifices their life for another, which is a noble and worthy death. Jesus' death was for everyone. He died for you and me, bearing our sin. The sin we committed was placed upon Jesus, and he paid the penalty for it all.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:6-8, NIV)

Some people may consider it a worthy cause to die for a "good" person. However, it would be almost unthinkable to die for a "bad" person. However, Jesus died for us filthy sinners. We are not "good" people; our clothes are but filthy rags. And Jesus loved us and laid down his life for us. We should be like Christ in his death. We should aspire to lay our lives down for another. We are merely servants, not seeking to put confidence in our own flesh. We put confidence in Christ who himself became a servant to all.

Watch Out for the beast

“So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’

Revelation 13

The beast, or the dragon, or Satan will get very powerful to deceive the people on earth. The beast will transform himself to angle like, so that no one can recognize his evil face. “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14

To that point a lot of people will worship the beast and say "who is like the beast". “And all the world marveled and followed the beast.” Revelation 13:3

A few people will choose to worship the Lamb instead of the beast. Jesus is called the Lamb and Satan is called the beast. The people who choose to worship the Lamb will have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life. Everyone else will worship the beast.

“All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelation 13:8

The Bible gives a severe warning against worshiping the beast and receiving his mark:

“If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath.” Revelation 14:9,10

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A really good website to learn about the Revelation.

http://www.markbeast.com

Some thoughts after knowing the news

Who can fathom our time on earth, I could be dead while you are reading this; therefore, treasure the people around, and don't waste your life, a life that was given by God so that we can pleasing to Him.

Philippians 3:9

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

(v9, NIV)

Even though he has much reason to boast, Paul puts no confidence in the flesh. Paul's background, education, effort and character gave him many reasons to confidence in his flesh. Also, his investment in his flesh was his means of attaining righteousness. However, we as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ do not hold fast to our own work as our righteousness. We do not have a righteousness that is our own, but one that is through faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot use our works in following the law to prove ourselves to be righteous. It is only through Christ that we can receive his imputed righteousness.

We put no confidence in our flesh. Paul talks about them and counts them as rubbish in comparison to knowing Christ. We must throw away those things and cast them aside as garbage. Then our identity can be found in the Jesus. It is nothing we do, but it is what he has done for us. Let us submit this prideful attitude that resides in us thinking that we can do it of our own strength. Rely on his strength in humble obedience.

Philippians 3:7-8

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

(v7-8, NIV)

We are not to put confidence in the flesh. There are those who oppose the gospel or present false gospels that put confidence in the flesh. They may boast in their circumcision, but we are the true circumcision. Even if they are to boast, Paul lays out his credentials showing that he has more of a reason to boast. However, all these credentials that many would boast in Paul counts as loss. His glowing resume is considered as a loss for the sake of Christ. He doesn't care about his circumcision anymore, he doesn't care about his law keeping anymore, and he doesn't care about his education anymore. These credentials he prided himself in pale in comparison to what he has now. Compared to knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, they are garbage. Jews of the day would have been outraged by that. They would have been perplexed as to how someone could consider any of those things as rubbish. Paul's background and education and achievements were valuable to them. And yet, Paul considers them rubbish. We put no confidence in the flesh.

What's interesting is that Paul says that he considers them rubbish that he may gain Christ. Apparently, considering them to be trash is a necessary requirement. From this I gather that if Paul did not consider those fleshly things to be meaningless, then he could not gain Christ. If we boast in our flesh we cannot gain Christ. It's the idea of trying to grab and carry two things that are physically impossible to carry or grab together. You are only able to grab one or the other. You can put confidence in your flesh and boast about fleshly things, but by doing so you cannot gain Christ. However, if you wish to gain Christ, you must renounce the fleshly things and consider them to be rubbish.

This doesn't mean that we aren't to strive for those things. Sure, earn money and seek wisdom and knowledge. We can seek to have a good job and to be well respected by men. However, these things should not become the main thing in our lives. Christ is the first and foremost in our lives. We are followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. We serve him. Compared to knowing Christ, all those things are rubbish.

Philippians 3:4-6

though I myself have reasons for such confidence.

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;

(v4-5, NIV)

Many people boast in their flesh. However, Paul is challenging all who wish to boast in their flesh. He lays out his credentials proving to others that he has more boast in than anyone else. If anyone should boast in their flesh, Paul should be first. He has much to boast about in his flesh from a human perspective.

His birth and background are noteworthy. He begins by listing things that are outside of his control that are things he could put confidence in. He was circumcised on the eight day. This was a Jewish tradition and his parents did not drop the ball on this matter. Apparently, many Jews held this in high regard. This may have been considered as a requirement for salvation to some. This false teaching crept into the minds even of Christians who were Jewish converts. Fortunately, Paul addresses this issue many times to deal with this false teaching.

Paul is also of the tribe of Benjamin. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob. Jacob had 12 sons, but only two of them were born to him by his favorite wife Rachel. If you didn't know, he had two wives and the other wife was named Leah. The first son born to him by Rachel was Joseph. From the tribe of Benjamin came the Saul, the first king. Interestingly, Paul's original name was Saul, probably named after Saul the first king.

To sum up his background credentials, he explains himself as a Hebrew of Hebrews. He clearly has the circumcision thing down. In addition, he is of the tribe of Benjamin, also proving that he is of the people of Israel. He is a Hebrew born of true Hebrew stock.

Paul was also a Pharisee. These people were regarded as the Jewish elite. These were the chief law keepers. Though the gospels paint Pharisees in a poor light, the original purpose was "good". These people desired to draw near to God by keeping God's laws. Unfortunately, they lost sight of their heart and purpose and thus became hypocrites. Regardless, as a Pharisee, he would have been highly regarded in their eyes.

as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

(v6, NIV)

Paul's effort is what he describes next. He wasn't just any plain old Pharisee. He wasn't just any plain old Jew. Paul was so extreme in his conduct that he persecuted the church. The Christians were opposed to the hypocrite Pharisees, so Paul went so far that he persecuted Christians. He took pleasure in their death. Not many Pharisees or people in general could attest to going that far.

Nobody's perfect. We all sin and fall in many different ways. However, with regard to the Jewish law that the Pharisees tried to keep, Paul was blameless. He kept the law. Not everyone could say that they were faultless, but Paul kept the law. We know that persecuting Christians is wrong, but in his eyes at the time, that was right. In the eyes of those Paul is appealing to with regards to confidence in the flesh; Paul can prove to them as being faultless.

Paul is telling his readers that we as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ do not put confidence in the flesh. If anyone were to put confidence in the flesh, Paul has much reason to do so. However, he does not. Let us not for any reason in any way shape or form put confidence in our weak and sinful flesh. Let us boast in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 13

"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13

Who am I anyways to say "i have the gift" or "I have the knowledge". Everything was given by God, and everything can be taken by Him too. What a foolish thing to have pride.

If I have not love, I am nothing, then what is love?

Love can overcome all frustrations, anger, and all kind of negative emotions. When truly come to love, it finally will leads to patient, kindness.

Not only that, when His love overwhelmed us, it leads to self realization, which leads to humble, because we will truly realize that nothing can be boast and be proud of or envy about, because everything is from Him.

Dear Lord God Almighty,

I understand that I am unable to do anything without your help,

so I ask you to enable me by your grace to fulfill your will.