Has anyone who’s reading this blog ever had a perfect relationship? I’m talking about that you never had argument or conflict with anyone at all. I guess not. Even Jesus when he was walking on this earth, he had conflicts with people, even with his own disciples.
It’s not the conflict that matters, but it’s how we handle it, that matters most. As for me, I’m still learning how to handle the conflicts with a right attitude. I am still learning, sometimes I blew it too you know.
As God’s people, we need to understand that we are blessed when we try our best to live in peace. Jesus mentioned in Matthew 5 that we are blessed if we work for peace (or peacemaker), because we will be called children of God, that’s our title.
Romans 12:18, Paul emphasized that we have to do our part to live in peace with everyone, as much as possible.
Don’t let little things cause strive and division, we have to let the love of God flow in us and flow out from us, that the world may know there is something more about life.
God bless you all.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006
See Yourself as God Sees You!
"Be confident in this: He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it in you." (Philippians 1:6)
Do you have a vision of victory for your life? Do you know that God desires to do great and mighty things in your life? But in order to fulfill God's plan, you must first see yourself the way God sees you–growing and prosperous in every area.
Where you are in life today is a direct reflection of your past thoughts about yourself. You are not able to rise above your own self-image. But no matter what your current situation, you can change your self-image by meditating on God's Word and spending time with Him.
Begin today to see yourself the way God sees you. He sees you as an overcomer, more than a conqueror, and a champion in life. He sees you as the head, and not the tail. He sees you above, and not beneath. He sees you growing and excelling, and living a life of victory!
As you begin to change your self image and see yourself living the life God has for you, you will experience His fulfillment, peace, and power.
A Prayer for Today
God, I was made in Your image and that means I am a conqueror and can do all things! Thank you for Your confidence in me. I am going to stay focused on Your loving plan for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.
from: www.joelosteen.comThursday, May 18, 2006
When Routine Becomes a Rut
Do you have a daily routine? Most of us do. We do many of the same things everyday without even thinking about them. Sometimes that is good. A lot of things just come naturally – brushing our teeth, putting on our clothes and even driving a car. There are just some things that we like to do the same way we have always done them.
But in some cases what we have made "routine" have really become ruts! We can keep doing things "the same ole' way" and never take the time to stop and listen to God's voice. And if we don't listen, we will miss out on His best plan for us. We believe that the Lord has new and exciting directions for your life, directions that he wants to take you in today. If He does, are you listening?
Maybe He's telling you it's time to cultivate better relationships. Perhaps He has a different career path or job opportunity for you. Maybe the Lord is just encouraging you to develop a positive attitude or healthier habits.
Is God asking you to step out of your comfort zone? Are you willing to break your routine? Be bold and be willing to do something out of your usual routine that honors God in a greater way. When you take the initiative and move from your "safe zone" to your "faith zone," that is when God will move on your behalf and begin to do greater things in your life. He will bless you in uncommon ways and you will experience an extraordinary life filled with hope, purpose, and victory.
A Prayer for Today
God, it's time for me to be still and listen. As I spend time in prayer and in the Word, speak to me, O Lord. Tell me what I need to hear and give me the courage to make the desires and dreams of my heart come to pass. In Jesus' name, Amen.
From: Joel Osteen (www.joelosteen.com)Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Balanced view
Why is there suffering in this world? Why some people are living in poverty and lack? And yet another are living in prosperity and have abundance? Proverbs 22:2 says: Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.
Some Christians believe that if we follow God, trust and obey him, then our lives will be prosperous. There is a truth in it, because God has many promises for us, Matthew 6:33 says: seek first the
Jeremiah 29:11, God said: I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.
Another promise in Philipians 4:19: And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
In John 10:10 Jesus said: I have come to give you abundant life.
But we need to balance it out, because Jesus Himself said that if anyone wants to follow Him, then he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow Him. (Luke 9:23) and He also said in John 16:33 (Message): ”I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world."
Our God has good plans for us, that’s the truth, but more than that, He wants to have an intimate relationship with us, He wants us to walk with Him daily, to introduce Him to our friends, our colleagues. Because His will is that none should perish. He wants to call us his friends. I don’t know about you, but I want to be called a friend of God. Psalms 25:14 (NLT) says: Friendship with the LORD is reserved for those who fear him. With them he shares the secrets of his covenant. Even in new testament, Jesus said that we are his friends if we obey his commandments.
Can you imagine the God of the universe made a choice to use us, people like you and me who make mistakes pretty much every day? Yes, He chose to use us as His tools to bring more people into the
Friday, May 05, 2006
Another week flies
Can't believe it, another week passed very quickly... Let me see... what have I done this week? I mean apart from work.... weather was not very good, only got to play tennis once this week, that was yesterday, and very good exercise, although I lost... :(
Anyway, we all have things to worry about, whether it's family, relationship, work, finance, health, all these are part of life, after all Jesus already said that in this world we will have problems, but take heart, be of good cheer, He has overcome the world. Especially for most Australians (including me :)), interest rate just went up, petrol price won't go down, more families are struggling with meeting their daily needs. If only they knew, God has promised, as we seek Him first, He is the one who will provide and supply for all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I heard a sermon yesterday, Mark Conner talking about life is more like a roller coaster, sometimes up, sometimes down. But no matter what we are facing, we need to be strong and trust God for His guidance, He has promised to never leave nor forsake us, when we walk through fire, He will be there, and we will not be burned. In fact, He is burning our impurities in life, He is making us to be better person everyday, that is, only if we are willing to surrender our lives to Him.
Let me finish with a verse from Ephesians 4:6(NLT) "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done".
Be blessed, and have a great weekend.
-Jackson-
Anyway, we all have things to worry about, whether it's family, relationship, work, finance, health, all these are part of life, after all Jesus already said that in this world we will have problems, but take heart, be of good cheer, He has overcome the world. Especially for most Australians (including me :)), interest rate just went up, petrol price won't go down, more families are struggling with meeting their daily needs. If only they knew, God has promised, as we seek Him first, He is the one who will provide and supply for all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I heard a sermon yesterday, Mark Conner talking about life is more like a roller coaster, sometimes up, sometimes down. But no matter what we are facing, we need to be strong and trust God for His guidance, He has promised to never leave nor forsake us, when we walk through fire, He will be there, and we will not be burned. In fact, He is burning our impurities in life, He is making us to be better person everyday, that is, only if we are willing to surrender our lives to Him.
Let me finish with a verse from Ephesians 4:6(NLT) "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done".
Be blessed, and have a great weekend.
-Jackson-
Monday, May 01, 2006
Attitude.... is everything
Do you know that God is in attitude making business? He wants us to have a good attitude in life, when facing problems, He still wants us to have a good attitude. Don't believe me?
We can see throughout the bible about attitudes of the people, whether good or bad attitude, that somehow would cause God's favour to be upon them or not. Do you know why it took 40 years for the Israelites to enter Canaan the promised land? It's not that it's far away, in fact, if I'm correct, the distance between Egypt and Canaan was about few weeks on foot. The answer is because they have very bad attitudes, they complained to Moses all the times, oh yes, they rejoiced when God performed miracles such as parting the Red sea, food fell down from the sky, water gushed out from stones, but after a while, they got used to it and complained and whinged.
Sometimes I think myself a bit like that, God has delivered me from Egypt (sin), and He is leading me to the promised land, although I am not there yet, I know I don't want to wait for 40 years to get there.
In Numbers 14:26-29 it says: Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "How long will this wicked nation complain about me? I have heard everything the Israelites have been saying. Now tell them this: `As surely as I live, I will do to you the very things I heard you say. I, the LORD, have spoken! You will all die here in this wilderness!
Wow!!! That's God speaking!!! As for me, I can tell you I don't want to die in the wilderness, I want to go to the promised land for sure!
In Ephesians 4:20-23 , Paul was teaching about how we should live as children of light: But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ. Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.
Read the whole chapter 4 if you want, but further down to verse 31 and 32, he said: Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Proverbs 14:30 says: A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.
Jesus said in John 16:33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world". Other translations of the Bible said for the words "take heart" is "be of good cheer!"
Last verse, Phillipians 2:14-15: In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
Anyway, no matter what we are facing everyday, let me challenge you to face it with a good attitude, it may not be easy, you may think it's impossible, but God says: All things are possible with God.
God bless you.
We can see throughout the bible about attitudes of the people, whether good or bad attitude, that somehow would cause God's favour to be upon them or not. Do you know why it took 40 years for the Israelites to enter Canaan the promised land? It's not that it's far away, in fact, if I'm correct, the distance between Egypt and Canaan was about few weeks on foot. The answer is because they have very bad attitudes, they complained to Moses all the times, oh yes, they rejoiced when God performed miracles such as parting the Red sea, food fell down from the sky, water gushed out from stones, but after a while, they got used to it and complained and whinged.
Sometimes I think myself a bit like that, God has delivered me from Egypt (sin), and He is leading me to the promised land, although I am not there yet, I know I don't want to wait for 40 years to get there.
In Numbers 14:26-29 it says: Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "How long will this wicked nation complain about me? I have heard everything the Israelites have been saying. Now tell them this: `As surely as I live, I will do to you the very things I heard you say. I, the LORD, have spoken! You will all die here in this wilderness!
Wow!!! That's God speaking!!! As for me, I can tell you I don't want to die in the wilderness, I want to go to the promised land for sure!
In Ephesians 4:20-23 , Paul was teaching about how we should live as children of light: But that isn't what you were taught when you learned about Christ. Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes.
Read the whole chapter 4 if you want, but further down to verse 31 and 32, he said: Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Proverbs 14:30 says: A relaxed attitude lengthens life; jealousy rots it away.
Jesus said in John 16:33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world". Other translations of the Bible said for the words "take heart" is "be of good cheer!"
Last verse, Phillipians 2:14-15: In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing, so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.
Anyway, no matter what we are facing everyday, let me challenge you to face it with a good attitude, it may not be easy, you may think it's impossible, but God says: All things are possible with God.
God bless you.
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