tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23656213089257110972024-03-06T10:16:34.806+08:00People Blog I Oso BlogAdrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-69036931216517891352022-03-28T23:58:00.004+08:002022-03-28T23:58:42.296+08:00From Depression to Finding God’s JoyFrom Depression to Finding God’s Joy
https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/30588
Today, i wanted to skip blogging but here I am. Last week was really a bumpy week with unexpected challenges. What's new? That's for another day.
Back to the above bible reading plan. I decided to join my friend's suggested plan this time. What's new? We have just completed 2 short plans together this month. never been done before!
Here are some highlights from Day 1.
Join us!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1mssL6SxSMLfbmMgTw6ksaCSCa8ZG7ipKfeB9i7R1UR_Zs6pIeYfRAwc3PlCYG2WCEG2RhFUY148au3E1_1ZLGRmt0ikZU-VmLPr23-q3IymGSgW_BZaxTo1rUo1lImw5Ar-7ecCaYPAstNTDNm8r2Rt0hLHuNquyxWVJgbMbEtcIIhaO2Svfaiwmw/s1228/IMG_20220328_233748.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz1mssL6SxSMLfbmMgTw6ksaCSCa8ZG7ipKfeB9i7R1UR_Zs6pIeYfRAwc3PlCYG2WCEG2RhFUY148au3E1_1ZLGRmt0ikZU-VmLPr23-q3IymGSgW_BZaxTo1rUo1lImw5Ar-7ecCaYPAstNTDNm8r2Rt0hLHuNquyxWVJgbMbEtcIIhaO2Svfaiwmw/s320/IMG_20220328_233748.jpg"/></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OjuPMmt9BE_z4g4KDmyE_rEMffmEF6A4bqfklhs4Mwyr4-lA_aZv7AErbHoYt02S6brYzQ57d7PjiQpYt_Mg2ZyZb4muz5LizQ--0GsdJvh5kNJuR46ZbD1pgt-vE2lW68o4CeYRLQcZJQXt7bVjn6kG4Uuy99HrKs1mCffbDeU01kNwkJuQL2Bi0A/s1080/IMG_20220328_234124.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OjuPMmt9BE_z4g4KDmyE_rEMffmEF6A4bqfklhs4Mwyr4-lA_aZv7AErbHoYt02S6brYzQ57d7PjiQpYt_Mg2ZyZb4muz5LizQ--0GsdJvh5kNJuR46ZbD1pgt-vE2lW68o4CeYRLQcZJQXt7bVjn6kG4Uuy99HrKs1mCffbDeU01kNwkJuQL2Bi0A/s320/IMG_20220328_234124.jpg"/></a></div>Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-75640833716357274492022-03-21T20:53:00.014+08:002022-03-21T21:05:57.988+08:00Seek and Wait<p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: courier;"><b>Isaiah 40:31(Amplified Bible)</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: courier;">But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him]<br />Will gain new strength and renew their power;<br />They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun];<br />They will run and not become weary,<br />They will walk and not grow tired</span>.</p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Wait, wait, wait. Many many times in my life, I got tired of waiting. Waiting to finally get a better job, waiting to get married 😆(lol), waiting to finally have a nice holiday, waiting to have "work life balance". The list goes on.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Something was missing. I've been waiting for the things I wanted or still want. I was not waiting for Him. I was not seeking Him. (Jer 29:13).</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnUDZOI4DCD0ldIZ_XL-0xr-86TILwLx49xkbcyau-HnlBxA1QFQEfw5Lt0PhlJAC5ERA3LfghT_-vX6zcZFhGiLEO4dT4o_1yidC70BomUI4HvLXc7VxpWb76Y1raaF0B6_15PlRRGzYejFRCECqYBrv-hStrWd0xu1agJw_hHrz8-9DdiKwD_2O_iQ=s492" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="492" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnUDZOI4DCD0ldIZ_XL-0xr-86TILwLx49xkbcyau-HnlBxA1QFQEfw5Lt0PhlJAC5ERA3LfghT_-vX6zcZFhGiLEO4dT4o_1yidC70BomUI4HvLXc7VxpWb76Y1raaF0B6_15PlRRGzYejFRCECqYBrv-hStrWd0xu1agJw_hHrz8-9DdiKwD_2O_iQ=s320" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sure, I was checking off some items in the list of spiritual things to do:<br />1) Go to church (online service)<br />2) Read bible (yes, not everyday)<br />3) Attend Homes (CG)<br />4) Serve (play guitar)<br />But, these were just surface level stuff. I knew I had not gone deeper in a long time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most of the time, I was waiting for the <i>right </i>time to spend more time with God. I remember using this excuse all the time "God, I'm too tired, how can i enjoy your Word now? Maybe tomorrow". </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">There was always a show/movie to watch. There was always something else to do. Work was always not done well enough or could not be finished on time. (yes, many days were really really beyond my control)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was not able to <u>wait in silence</u>.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I lost the ability to wait and listen. <br />To cut the long story short, this month March 2022, I wanted a <b>comeback </b>from my setbacks. I wanted to get <i>spiritually fit </i>again. I had to learn to listen and abide in Jesus. Just like physical muscles can't be trained in just one month, I know there's a long way to go. So much <b>discipline </b>is needed to just sit with the bible and pray, journal, etc etc. Disciplne to do and not do (topic for another day).<br /><br /></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: courier;"><b>1 Corinthians 9:27 (New Living Translation)<br /></b></span><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: courier;">I </span><b style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: courier;">discipline </b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: courier;">my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4dRYNWaHgxeZkEF8vW1zuP4WVwpSkiObO8eBm0LcLJZBXxTZIr2ju1_1H0RiXH4IkO6pZ9NBomQThOI91SPAegef4FxeFgoHnTSC5qBZT7teEWO8N8YbWataxU0b04pefSbM_D4_TnTN1tsVyX-Zwgi1LjCxgqjY8Zr4H_9x3PDaUIpv43XYeZAm4Dg=s1286" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1286" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4dRYNWaHgxeZkEF8vW1zuP4WVwpSkiObO8eBm0LcLJZBXxTZIr2ju1_1H0RiXH4IkO6pZ9NBomQThOI91SPAegef4FxeFgoHnTSC5qBZT7teEWO8N8YbWataxU0b04pefSbM_D4_TnTN1tsVyX-Zwgi1LjCxgqjY8Zr4H_9x3PDaUIpv43XYeZAm4Dg=w505-h281" width="505" /></a></div>Side story: Again, I visited FGA. I have to give glory to God for speaking through His Word in such a convicting manner. What's even better, I will immediately message(or vice versa) a good friend of mine who also heard the same sermon.We would be amazed how God has been speaking in alignment with what we have been discussing over these few weeks.<div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let's also share songs which spoke to you that week :) </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A0agizm-4ro" width="320" youtube-src-id="A0agizm-4ro"></iframe></div><p></p></div>Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-51966346081291574142022-03-14T20:51:00.006+08:002022-03-15T00:37:19.800+08:00Hebrews 10:24-25<p><i> <span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Heb-10-24" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NLT-30118" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">24 </span>Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.</span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="versenum" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">25 </span><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.</span></i></p><p><span class="text Heb-10-25" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><i>Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)</i></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFZnjRp08KyWIOPkw877b4wW58tjiYLJo0t1BmygsE5RHGieC6O3aDbLdMoqilrBORiJNMwS6pNff3519K9I_aMaut8MMclRRBiQOpQ7Ah1r_adHaZJnUEDJ17xcoJQZ1KC3myeUg9cCawf3GCvoCObQwQwmrT3sPnfJGOlS02NC01vr3i-n4oy7edsg=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1080" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFZnjRp08KyWIOPkw877b4wW58tjiYLJo0t1BmygsE5RHGieC6O3aDbLdMoqilrBORiJNMwS6pNff3519K9I_aMaut8MMclRRBiQOpQ7Ah1r_adHaZJnUEDJ17xcoJQZ1KC3myeUg9cCawf3GCvoCObQwQwmrT3sPnfJGOlS02NC01vr3i-n4oy7edsg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;">What has the above image got to do with the verses? Let me explain. It is clearly one of the most commented Facebook post in Pastor Andy's FB wall (and i dare say, most who commented are Christians). What we see here are people recommending all sort of series which are on Netflix. Would you recommend a series you haven't watched and enjoyed? Probably not. It shows that many are spending <b>lots</b> of time on Netflix.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>My thoughts: what if we spent more time on the Word? on Kingdom <i>acts of love and good works</i>? Would we then naturally be able to recommend Kingdom stuff to our fellow Christians? In other words, </span><span><i>think of ways </i></span><i><span class="text Heb-10-24" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" id="en-NLT-30118" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">to motivate one another to acts of love and good works?</span></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">The more time we spend with the Word (Jesus is the Word), the more we abide in Him, I believe the more we will be able to </span><i><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.</span></i></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">Let me give just a few examples how everyone encouraged me(<i>fresh</i> from just the last 2 weeks)</span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">1) A friend asked me hard <i>Kingdom </i>questions, which encouraged and <i>woke me up</i> on 2nd March 2022.</span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">2) On 4th March,we had HOMES and most of you shared so many things which were encouraging. I mainly recall one sister's testimony about how she chose to reduce social media and spend more time on Bible etc. She was greatly blessed both spiritually and materially. </span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">3) We all started to share in whatsapp about what we read. So much spiritual food. I felt the need to reduce entertainment/social media etc and spend more time reading what everyone sent plus my own bible reading, plus i would choose to consume biblical content on Youtube/books/podcasts/etc.</span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">4) Because i had so much Word in me, i somehow was able to talk about Kingdom stuff with 2 Christian brothers 11 and 12 March 2022. They too were struggling and needed encouragement.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">5) I learned so more about the book of Job after spending time to watch videos on Youtube about the book of Job, instead of the mindless scrolling through of content. </span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZKuixGmiMw&t=6s&ab_channel=InspiringPhilosophy" target="_blank">The Book of Job Explained</a><br />( i especially like this one. It's 44 minutes long and in the past, i never bothered to finish it. This time, i watched it by parts and learned a lot)</span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">So my dear friends, let's keep encouraging one another!<br />After i publish this, i am rushing off to play futsal :)</span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white;">6) Thought of this during futsal resting time. On 9 March 2022, Jason shared about the Peter healing the lame beggar. That somehow gave me faith to lay hands on myself the next morning before i started work. This was because i felt the inflammation (possibly from indigestion) and had been feeling tired the last 3 days. That day, i believe i received supernatural strength to go on and the pain subsided.</span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVTfHCRODHav3gt07qUvJxzUG9CjvdRVPWakFWejxaMTN9wseWmqPV8V7gZdcHo2Ia0cChDjszC1E6AAs6sU4qoqAOBfq62EpCT5IMuy5-DYY0SlfqiQzTstjBJ3hlRbUghhjouOBzoMraJEiHS4RK_MOBXNYegwqyw1JNzRN6i9ITtnlrSOk7oS5IDg=s1118" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVTfHCRODHav3gt07qUvJxzUG9CjvdRVPWakFWejxaMTN9wseWmqPV8V7gZdcHo2Ia0cChDjszC1E6AAs6sU4qoqAOBfq62EpCT5IMuy5-DYY0SlfqiQzTstjBJ3hlRbUghhjouOBzoMraJEiHS4RK_MOBXNYegwqyw1JNzRN6i9ITtnlrSOk7oS5IDg=s320" width="309" /></a></span></div><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, Segoe UI, Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Noto Sans, sans-serif, Arial"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p>Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-63252248838713705072014-05-24T00:58:00.001+08:002014-05-24T01:06:43.750+08:00What's your life's mission?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZJo6DPnFzae0gKtpvHmc66ji81imtcWW3Mc6skrKRxvxK3nCgIvE0bw4cXTl8Sxlvpj3NbBq5r9P7IrUk7hs1WHQzmXYxN-vbdh95a_NFXHpkhmpQxLmae4NP2M0f-mkQAyL2dGQgxpb/s1600/when+busy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZJo6DPnFzae0gKtpvHmc66ji81imtcWW3Mc6skrKRxvxK3nCgIvE0bw4cXTl8Sxlvpj3NbBq5r9P7IrUk7hs1WHQzmXYxN-vbdh95a_NFXHpkhmpQxLmae4NP2M0f-mkQAyL2dGQgxpb/s1600/when+busy.jpg" height="83" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Woah..when was the last time I blogged?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was so <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>busy</i> </span>the last few months but this week,
I was relatively “free’er”. However, I kinda lost the drive. Perhaps I was on
the brink of burning out. “<i>when busy, say
no time, when got time, no mood</i>” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be really honest, I decided to take it easy. When I
had empty slots, I watched a series I stopped watching for a loooong time. You
know, how one episode can lead to another. (bad….)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But, I ended up feeling kinda empty. Coz, I knew I had
important stuff to do. But at the same time, doing nothing important may have
helped me unwind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is more stuff to say but let me go to the main part
of my post.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday nite came: 23 May 2014 – CG Compassion Nite at church and again
I was “available” to play guitar..hehe. I never expected much as I had no idea
what the event was about. I also didn’t know I had to play guitar alone, CG
style, plugged in! Nervous coz I didn’t really practice..hentam aje lah<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway, the time came for individuals to share their
experiences about Mission Trips. What made the night special were <b>real
</b>experiences by people from my church, from my island. We tend to read/share
stuff about people from <i>outside </i>but
what about the locals?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was one of those nights I felt refreshed inside. I <b>needed</b> to hear those people talk. This is
one way I believe God speaks to us. When it clicks, it clicks. It’s just hard
to explain. I wonder if this is an example of “man shall not live by bread
alone”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always wondered how going for mission trips for a few days
could bring impact. Now I understand better, I think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ll try to summarize what I can recall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-God wants your availability, not your capability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-mission trips aren't always about helping others, we may
end up strengthening our relationship with God or finding out more about ourselves<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">-mission trips may remind us that we are <i>nothing </i>and have much more to learn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was also reminded about the <i>less popular</i> ministries like the Hospital Ministry. These bunch of
faithful people visit sick people at the hospital week in week out. One of them eventually became a patient but has recovered. He is back, giving his Saturday afternoons to the needy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A facebook post mentioned: People don’t care how much you
know, they want to know how much you care. Christians.....ouch........<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The passion of the people who spoke that nite is
something I am not good at explaining in words but their fire reignited mine. I would like to do more with
my life than starting at this computer screen. </span><o:p></o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We all have missions to fulfill, it doesn't necessarily have to be mission trips. Just take a look around you!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What's your life's mission?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-92161590000708804762013-05-20T17:17:00.002+08:002013-05-20T17:17:48.133+08:00Lazy BloggerI've been pretty lazy to write blog posts..I guess Facebook has been the main platform for sharing stuff.<br /><br />Not sure if I should continue blogging? Or maybe change platform liau?Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-80785892536046329452013-03-22T17:02:00.000+08:002013-03-22T17:02:11.779+08:00Standing OutThere are moments in life when we have to choose to stand out or blend in. They can do it, why can't I?<br />
<br />
I will not go into details and neither do I want to boast of what I have done. Choosing to stand out and do what is right before the eyes of God has been really tough.<br />
<br />
An article I read reminded me there are others out there who are doing the same:<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/standing-apart-everyone-else-2013-03/" target="_blank">http://www.proverbs31.org/devotions/standing-apart-everyone-else-2013-03/</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
One thing I would like to remind myself or hope to say it one day: <br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"What I have learned through making the hard choices is they come with a
great reward: <u>enjoying the pleasure of our heavenly Father</u>."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-44346381166008220682013-03-18T09:12:00.002+08:002013-03-18T09:58:58.820+08:00Do you wanna be rich?The answer to that question is yes. But in what way? I would want to be rich financially but I have always thought of those poorer and less fortunate than I am.<br />
<br />
Would we consider a person to be successful just because of the material possessions they acquire? Often times, yes. I do feel lousy compared to them.<br />
<br />
How then can the poor relate? When we say that God wants us to prosper, do we mean financially only? There's a verse saying "It is God who gives us the power to gain wealth". But I feel this is often <i><b>misused</b></i>.<br />
If you read it carefully, it actually means "God chooses those whom he wants to be rich" (referring to material wealth). That means, God has the right to allow people to be poor or better to say, not rich.<br />
<br />
The rich will then have the opportunity to bless the poor, not lavishly spend on themselves only.<br />
<br />
Now, what about us who are not poor but just surviving? We dream of being rich or owning a business but can we? Should we? <br />
<br />
<br />
It is good to dream but meanwhile, let us have the right perspective of true riches. <br />
<br />
We need to be rich INSIDE! I feel this can be applied to all.<br />
<br />
I don't have time to summarize so I hope you will spend time reading an article and listening to the message below. <br />
<br />
Article link: <u>Asking the wrong question.</u><br />
http://authenticmanhood.com/2013/02/asking-the-wrong-question/<br />
<br />
Sermon Link: <u>Recipients of His Riches</u><br />You gotta download it first.<br />
itm.edgeboss.net/download/itm/audio/radio/2013/itm20130305.mp3<br />
22.4 MB<br />
Taken from http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/audio-archives<br />
<br />
The greatest treasures of God cannot be bought or sold, and their value
cannot be calculated. Nor can they be traded or bartered to acquire
more. The Lord has already deposited His riches into our spiritual bank
accounts, and as believers, we need only to utilize what is ours. In
this message, Dr. Stanley talks about some of the many treasures we have
in Christ that we often fail to recognize.Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-47152278780224527362013-02-26T11:50:00.001+08:002013-02-26T12:21:57.907+08:00AnswersIt can get really frustrating when you can't give or find answers to tough questions.<br />
<br />
I have been bombarded with all sorts of questions within a sort time and the worst part, I'm questioning myself and God. I can't even help myself and now I have to help others? It does feel like being a hypocrite<br />
<br />
- a Muslim friend asks about Jesus being God..it takes so much time to even study this<br />
- a friend going tough times and all we can say is I will pray for you???<br />
- at my work place, customers ask all sorts of questions<br />
- questions about life , what success is , am I at fault to be where I am?<br />
- am I on the right path?<br />
- apologetic questions <br />
the list goes on<br />
<br />
God, I need help!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GIpIHfZ88PM?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-67572396251916915162013-02-07T10:28:00.000+08:002013-02-07T10:33:57.731+08:00Under AttackThis post will only apply to Christians, who are trying to walk with God, who try to follow Him.<br />
<br />
It seems that we tend to fail in so many ways. I get very frustrated that I have battles that non-Christians don't have to fight. It's like we have so much to do(and not do) and the burden gets so heavy.<br />
<br />
But, I am reminded that we are constantly under attack. We are tempted to give up, to give in, to complain, etc etc. Every time I fail, it feels like it an impossible task to try again. Somehow, I get up and ask God for help. TRY!<br />
<br />
I don't want to use the excuse that <b><i>men are not perfect</i> </b>to go on doing what is wrong or do not do what is right. In my imperfection, I can go to Jesus and ask Him to lead, <b><i>one step at a step</i></b> in the road to holiness. This is the hope we have, that we can do all things through Christ who <i>strengthens </i>us.<br />
<br />
Are you doing anything about this? When was the last time you read a Christian article or listened to sermons?<br />
<br />
The link below is something related to "being under attack".<br />
<br />
http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/watch-out-or-the-devil-s-gonna-get-you<br />
<br />
This sermons also really speaks a lot:<br />http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/resist-the-devilAdrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-15341255124650063812013-02-01T08:55:00.002+08:002013-02-01T08:55:51.333+08:00One ThingHow's 2013? Tough right from the start. We all have many things we want to tick off in our goal and to-do list.<br />Well, 2012 was really filled with so many challenges and setbacks. But, I'm glad God has given me the strength to start again. I repeated some old habits in Jan 2013 but I found that I was fed up of being ignorant and lazy and selfish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EByecRphmL3z2Hiv4PygHGupj7G_TGQ2q_XbFRNxYgFtMHbiXik63OaxZKJTljqp9AUNU0K_IDiitJcZKJ7jjhUJxLFPSDmad4avcJcwF54Ff9vTm0DVcrH2Y_6zrE3yecV9Q6StGJzJ/s1600/successful+vs+unsuccesful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EByecRphmL3z2Hiv4PygHGupj7G_TGQ2q_XbFRNxYgFtMHbiXik63OaxZKJTljqp9AUNU0K_IDiitJcZKJ7jjhUJxLFPSDmad4avcJcwF54Ff9vTm0DVcrH2Y_6zrE3yecV9Q6StGJzJ/s320/successful+vs+unsuccesful.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So, I began a new journal (2012's journal didn't go quite well but better than the year b4) and started listening to sermons related to or reading about how to get things right with God and how I should start my year.<br /><br />One thing to learn from the past is: <i>never think you are too smart to do it all on your own or that you have read or gone through enough.</i> Seek help and reminders (from the right sources, pls) . For me, my help was from books/articles and mostly sermons online.<br /><br />We often fail because we aim to do too many things. If you have been failing, try doing <b>one thing at a time</b> this year.<br /><br />Here's one example.<br />
ONE THING<br />
<br />
To listen online:<br />
http://www.touchinglives.org/multimedia/audio-broadcasts/?showAud=404<br />
<br />
Download Link: <br />
http://www.touchinglives.org/uploads/tx_wecsermons/3300_One_Thing.mp3 <br />
<br />
Did you start this year with a Resolution? Most New Year's Resolutions
fail, often because we don't know the best way to achieve the goal we
hope to accomplish.
As we start 2013, James Merritt talks about the Biblical way of keeping
that New Year's...Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-42756950651636355012013-01-08T09:04:00.001+08:002013-01-08T09:04:04.803+08:00To Bribe or not to bribe?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJeMlIJACLQehlWCLiVAwl-06uG8fNM8Qs1aonczqN-QGkBJbMzpvpJHs7kcGErS6ck-I5JuraulaKDuXJK5LvbZTiSLAhUjf88KD2Y6WVuseAZSj0fv55GktIfi_B_c0rege_O5aN-o2/s1600/anti+rasuah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJeMlIJACLQehlWCLiVAwl-06uG8fNM8Qs1aonczqN-QGkBJbMzpvpJHs7kcGErS6ck-I5JuraulaKDuXJK5LvbZTiSLAhUjf88KD2Y6WVuseAZSj0fv55GktIfi_B_c0rege_O5aN-o2/s1600/anti+rasuah.jpg" /></a></div>
Ever been in situation whereby you were "forced" to take a ticket or pay a "smaller amount" to escape? <br />
It was really a challenge as I had my 1st SAMAN. In the past, I had escaped once because the officer was "too lazy" to book me when I told him I would rather pay the saman.<br />
<br />
This time, there was no escape. I made a turn into a one way street coz I was rushing and didn't pay much attention to the sign. How blur can I get?<br />This officer kept wasting my time by asking me " You mahu saman? You mahu saya tulis? Kalau tidak, macam mana? Tiga Ratus Ringgit tau, boleh??' <br />
@#$%!!!! argh!!<br />
<br />
This particular incident kind of affected my mood as finance is a <b>very sensitive</b> or big issue in my life. Money seems to fly away so fast and now this???!!<br />
I was in the Ignite Youth worship team, playing the guitar that evening. I had to surrender to God although it was tough. Guess what? The first song significantly was, I Surrender All.<br />The "down" feeling was still there but I had to continually battle that feeling.<br />
<br />
Whether Christian or not, I'm sure we have heard of people complaining about about our officials taking bribes. They complain so much but in the end, they themselves contribute to this. Yes, I understand that it would be worth it to "pay less". However, this has become an issue of integrity.<br />
For a Christian, it has become as issue of TRUST and obedience. Do we trust God enough that he will honor those who honor him? I know I still make mistakes but I can still choose to do what's right whenever I can.<br />
<br />
But when it comes to ourselves, will we also give in to bribery when caught for breaking the law? It may be something "small" but it is the little things in life which count. <br />
<br />
A test like this couldn't come sooner enough as I have been listening to sermons related to obedience. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Obey God and leave the consequences to Him. </span><br /><br />
You can read or watch more at this <a href="http://www.intouch.org/resources/sermon-outlines/Content.aspx?topic=A_Life_of_Obedience_Sermon_Outline" target="_blank">link</a> .<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-64784032372982663212012-11-27T21:56:00.000+08:002012-11-27T21:56:22.549+08:00Giving Feedback?<br />
Note: This isn't about a restaurant :P - Hidden Meaning - Isi Tersirat - An analogy<br />
<br />
You go to a restaurant and have some comments about the environment and more importantly, how the food tastes. Comments about improvement and addition.<br />
You tell the people who work there.<br />
They say they appreciate your comments.They don't see why they should change and they are doing well.<br />
The impression you get is as if this was the reply " If you think you are so smart, come and work here lah" Or "Mind your own business"<br />
<br />
The issue here is: I can't possibly walk in and make a change just like that. Yes, they have worked hard but improvements can be made.<br />
I find people don't really like to receive feedback although they ask for it. (Or seem to encourage it).<br />
So, <i>people end up keeping quiet</i>....shhhh. That's my concern.<br />
<br />
Sounds familiar? Haha. I personally have gone through 2 different scenarios this year.<br />
<br />
<i>Note: I dare not say that I am in the right and my feedback should be taken seriously. I have so much more to learn in terms of getting the message across and taking action, instead of just using words :)</i><br />
Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-51726784479826063812012-11-16T13:21:00.000+08:002012-11-16T13:25:11.439+08:00Encouragement through ListeningBeing a Christian, it really really gets tough at times...listening to one sermon on Sunday may not be sufficient as we are bombarded 24x7 !!!!<br />
<br />
Reading the bible, is one thing, but faith does come by hearing the Word of God, right?<br />
What better way than to listen to sermons? <br />
<br />
It can be a beneficial way to make use the time wasted when stuck in <b>traffic jams</b>.<br />
Good also when your brain is jammed by the worries of life and such.<br />
<br />
These are some examples which I have personally listened to and found encouragement / timely reminders:<br />
<br />
http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/audio-archives<br />
<br />
http://www.touchinglives.org/multimedia/audio-broadcasts/<br />
<br />
If you wanna know how to download from these sites, ask me lah..Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-36228962682166208382012-10-24T09:16:00.000+08:002012-10-24T09:16:53.549+08:00How Church has helped me...I know, it is not the physical "church" which has helped me, but Jesus.<br />
<br />
But to say that church has helped me, I meant the act of simply going just to stand,sing,sit and listen to sermons. <br />
<br />
At times, I can see all sorts of negative things of the church, the people and her activities. Although there are lots improvements pending, I found that focusing on these negative things can rob me of my joy.<br />
<br />
So many times, I felt that it was "useless" to go to church when I have "so many" other things to do.<br />
But, so many times too, I find "God speaking"...ok, that sounds so "spiritual"...In plain words, there will be at least a few words which will touch my heart, be it encouragement or even rebuke or a simple reminder.<br />
<br />
I find that I am not humble on many occasions when I criticize the church. Times like these show that I have pride. Again, there are definitely are irritating issues occurring, no church is perfect. But, sometimes, I find the problem is just simply ME.<br />
<br />
This reminds me of an analogy. There are people who criticize the education system. We blame lecturers or teachers for not being good enough. Etc Etc. At the end of it all, we still had to take the final exams. We still had to leave the education world and start work. <br />Obviously, there are those who pass or fail in the exams; have "good or bad" careers.<br />
Conclusion: We have the same general issues to face but doing well is still a choice.<br />
<br />
So, in short, church has reminded me about things I forgot and helped me grow. When I needed to hear "those words", they did come. Hearing and then<i> doing</i> is another topic. But to not get to hear at all, that's not going to help isn't it?<br />
If I stopped going, I would have missed out.<br />
<br />
There are times, even when I was sleepy( physically or spiritually), I still received some of "those words" which "woke me up" at the right time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aw21UjdEISsMfR5Vm5Afyb8XOXOeUgzYvIN6xjq6k3TQD3SN8FXg21-ejV0wfGPs2YzKxTMI2fSykmw7LpBbkZqw-0GtQhRd8gZrXMi4PCcCpWi24qH6pNK4Lj8ult3L8aUcBbrlpWCg/s1600/church+nap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1aw21UjdEISsMfR5Vm5Afyb8XOXOeUgzYvIN6xjq6k3TQD3SN8FXg21-ejV0wfGPs2YzKxTMI2fSykmw7LpBbkZqw-0GtQhRd8gZrXMi4PCcCpWi24qH6pNK4Lj8ult3L8aUcBbrlpWCg/s1600/church+nap.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-57671297319886618382012-10-01T13:06:00.002+08:002012-10-01T13:06:52.975+08:00DepressionChristians or anyone, can get depressed.<br /><br />It is not wrong to get depressed. It is only wrong to REMAIN depressed.<br /><br />Paul, who taught us to rejoice ALWAYS, sounds crazy ...<br />But, I'm sure he learned to say this AFTER all the unimaginable hardships he went through.<br /><br /><br />Elijah, was another example of a person who was depressed. David too, as we see in the Psalms he wrote.<br /><br />While I pondered my next move, I decided to get help. This sermon shed some light about the issue of depression.<br /><br />http://www.touchinglives.org/multimedia/audio-broadcasts/?showAud=398Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-8857518579123605562012-09-06T18:21:00.003+08:002012-09-06T18:27:52.983+08:00Fellowship? ("Christian ones")<br />
Just a thought about Christian fellowship.Why do we hang out with other Christians or go for Cell Groups , CF or any other name it is called?<br />
<br />
What people call fellowship nowadays seem to be getting together with Christians to watch a football game, go to a Cafe and talk about ANYTHING BUT the glory of God. It's a huge shame that Christian's have lost such a huge part of their Christian pilgrimage in this age. (taken from somebody's comments at a youtube video <a href="http://bit.ly/RG7iW7">http://bit.ly/RG7iW7</a> )<br />
<br />
I find the above statement really true nowadays.<br />
(I fail too) We may have a position, serve in church or be senior in church, etc. However, when it comes to fellowship, I observed that it is still easier to talk about every other thing than about God, His works, miracles, etc etc.<br />
<br />
Christian fellowship is really lacking. It's not about being religious all the time. Lacking means when we don't have enough of it. There must be a balance.<br />
<br />
Even on facebook, people will share Gangnam Style(which I haven't watched until now) but rarely share about the goodness of God. (may not be true, just from my narrow point of view)<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #351c75;">From the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks</span></i>. So, does it show that the lesser we talk bout God, we don't really have much of him in our hearts? <br />
hmmmm..well, some people are quiet in nature. Some are doers of the Word although they talk less. Talking is just not enough, I know.<br />
Faith acting out in works will be another topic.<br />
<br />
So why do we need Christian Fellowship? Coz we need each other. We need to be encouraged. We need to know that others are running this race with us. Being a Christian does get really<i> lonely</i> at times.(nobody will tell you that rite????)Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-36868990742742640552012-08-20T08:57:00.002+08:002012-08-20T08:57:39.442+08:00GuiltyDear Christian friends,<br />
<br />
Do you ever feel<b> guilty </b>that you don't share the gospel or the good news to your friends? Or is there someone who is in need of healing but you just don't dare to invite that person to church?<br />
<br />
Just recently, there was an evangelist from India who does many miracles in Jesus' name. A friend's name came to my mind but I just didn't dare to invite him to church. Perhaps I was reluctant as he had gone once before for healing but did not receive it. This has really <b>bothered</b> me. Is my heart so <b>cold</b>?<br />
The worst part, I had not spoken to him for quite some time. <br />
<br />
On a related note, there was another friend whom I had known from university. I never really found the opportunity in our conversations to speak to him about God. All i could do was include him in my prayer request list(which i IGNORED for quite some time, sigh...)<br />Just last week, he came to Penang for a visit. He said that he will be leaving for the UK and won't be back for a long time. Well, I thought that it has to be "now or never". I was slowly getting into the topic of religion and eventually we started talking about it. <b>Amazingly</b>, he just became a Christian roughly 2 months ago through someone who "thinks the way he thinks".<br />
From this, I can only conclude/assume that I <i>wasn't meant</i> to be the one who would lead him to Jesus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN3VMLqZZlLRpQl87jZkHFi1dfnrcEM5N5W2AglGjdzTHKM8DdPNbxW27CspjIsSyP5VbWMCnzSCd_nD6gsZTITHAyxzxPojBgtqMTiwzKwRJfI7oJ6K2WplztDEiI08fMBbCAU0e2kDu/s1600/plucking+oranges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRN3VMLqZZlLRpQl87jZkHFi1dfnrcEM5N5W2AglGjdzTHKM8DdPNbxW27CspjIsSyP5VbWMCnzSCd_nD6gsZTITHAyxzxPojBgtqMTiwzKwRJfI7oJ6K2WplztDEiI08fMBbCAU0e2kDu/s1600/plucking+oranges.jpg" /></a></div>
Has the church become a place where we learn about <b>plucking oranges(saving souls)</b> week after week after week...BUT, we are happy to see just 1 or 2 oranges being plucked occasionally? Why aren't we ourselves plucking those<b> <i>ripe</i></b> oranges? (ripe = those receptive or in need of the gospel)<br /><br />
<br />
<br />Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-35689981666408227672012-07-25T18:35:00.003+08:002012-07-25T18:37:34.020+08:00What Is That to You?I find this article very liberating.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">There is some kind of high if we can just find someone less effective than we are. Ouch</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">“To love is to stop comparing.” </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/taste-see-articles/what-is-that-to-you-you-follow-me">http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/taste-see-articles/what-is-that-to-you-you-follow-me</a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<header class="page_title col_12 " role="banner" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px 1px 0px; background-color: #f8f8f8; border-bottom-color: rgb(230, 230, 225); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 0px 1px 0px; color: #231f20; display: inline; float: left; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; padding: 20px 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 930px; z-index: 0;"><div class="col_9 in" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 0px 15px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: 690px;">
<h1 lang="en" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: -0.05em; line-height: 29px; margin: 6px 30px 6px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
What Is That to You? You Follow Me!</h1>
<h2 lang="en" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #7a7b71; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin: 4px 0px 3px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Freed from Comparing by Blunt Words</h2>
<div class="byline" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin-top: 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/date-index/2006" lang="en" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(171, 16, 19); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #ab1013; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">October 6, 2006</a> <i class="pipe" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #9fa1a4; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 3px; opacity: 0.4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">|</i> <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">by</em> <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/author-index/john-piper" lang="en" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(171, 16, 19); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #ab1013; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">John Piper</a> <i class="pipe" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #9fa1a4; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 3px; opacity: 0.4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">|</i> <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Scripture:</em> <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/scripture-index/john" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(171, 16, 19); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #ab1013; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">John 21:18–22</a> <i class="pipe" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #9fa1a4; font-style: normal; margin: 0px 3px; opacity: 0.4; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">|</i> <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; font-style: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Topic:</em> <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/topic-index/encouragement" lang="en" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(171, 16, 19); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #ab1013; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Encouragement</a></div>
</div>
<aside class="col_3 out" style="display: inline; float: left; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; width: 210px;"><div id="subscribe" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; bottom: 23px; height: 32px; margin: -16px auto 0px 20px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 50%; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a class="button rss Smylers" href="http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/taste-see-articles/what-is-that-to-you-you-follow-me#" id="subscribe_btn" style="background-color: #e4e6e2; background-image: url(http://d2ljsxkn6fsbqh.cloudfront.net/assets/widgets/button_bg6-8368a541776edece9f20dbcde662af2c.png); background-position: 50% 0%; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px; border: 1px solid rgb(193, 193, 184); box-sizing: content-box; color: #464643; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 600; height: 28px; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 23px 0px 30px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: rgb(255, 255, 255) 1px 1px 0px; vertical-align: middle; white-space: nowrap; width: 115px; z-index: 99999; zoom: 1;" title="Subscribe to Resources">Subscribe to...<span class="icon" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://d2ljsxkn6fsbqh.cloudfront.net/assets/icons/feed_12_2-8786c73984f666d23e73a2816f949561.png); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; height: 14px; left: 10px; margin: -7px -2px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; right: 10px; top: 50%; vertical-align: baseline; width: 14px;"> </span><span class="arrow" style="background-image: url(http://d2ljsxkn6fsbqh.cloudfront.net/assets/widgets/arrow_down4-fc2116c408b5eddfabfe2c4255bed6b0.png); background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; height: 14px; margin: -6px 0px 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 10px; position: absolute; right: 8px; top: 50%; vertical-align: baseline; width: 0px;"> </span></a></div>
</aside></header><section class="main col_9
" role="main" style="background-color: #f8f8f8; color: #231f20; display: inline; float: left; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; text-align: left; width: 690px;"><section class="manuscript col_7 down_1 in" style="clear: both; display: inline; float: left; line-height: 1.6; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 0px !important; padding-top: 5px; width: 530px;"><article lang="en"><div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
After his resurrection from the dead, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him. He answered <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">yes</em> three times. Then Jesus told Peter how he would die—apparently by crucifixion. Peter wondered about how it would go with John. So he asked Jesus, “What about this man?” Jesus brushed off the question and said, “What is that to you? You follow me!” Here’s the whole interchange.</div>
<blockquote style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 30px; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.” Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who had been reclining at table close to him and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!”</em> (<a class="lbsBibleRef" data-reference="John 21.18-22" data-version="esv" href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%2021.18-22" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">John 21:18-22</a>)</blockquote>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Jesus’ blunt words—“None of your business, follow me”—are sweet to my ears. They are liberating from the depressing bondage of fatal comparing. Sometimes when I scan the ads in <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Christianity Today</em> (all ten thousand of them), I get discouraged. Not as much as I used to twenty-five years ago. But still I find this avalanche of ministry suggestions oppressing.</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Book after book, conference after conference, DVD after DVD—telling me how to succeed in ministry. And all of them quietly delivering the message that I am not making it. Worship could be better. Preaching could be better. Evangelism could be better. Pastoral care could be better. Youth ministry could be better. Missions could be better. And here is what works. Buy this. Go here. Go there. Do it this way. And adding to the burden—some of these books and conferences are <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">mine</em>!</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
So I was refreshed by Jesus’ blunt word to me (and you): “What is that to you? You follow me!” Peter had just heard a very hard word. You will die—painfully. His first thought was comparison. What about John? If I have to suffer, will he have to suffer? If my ministry ends like that, will his end like that? If I don’t get to live a long life of fruitful ministry, will he get to?</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
That’s the way we sinners are wired. Compare. Compare. Compare. We crave to know how we stack up in comparison to others. There is some kind of high if we can just find someone less effective than we are. Ouch. To this day, I recall the little note posted by my Resident Assistant in Elliot Hall my senior year at Wheaton: “To love is to stop comparing.” What is that to you, Piper? Follow me.</div>
<ul style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 12px 0px 18px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://d2ljsxkn6fsbqh.cloudfront.net/assets/layout/bullet_square2_2-ced27370e7bb1510127ac1d4e59a2c61.png); background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is it to you that David Wells has such a comprehensive grasp of the pervasive effects of postmodernism? You follow me.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://d2ljsxkn6fsbqh.cloudfront.net/assets/layout/bullet_square2_2-ced27370e7bb1510127ac1d4e59a2c61.png); background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is it to you that Voddie Baucham speaks the gospel so powerfully <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">without notes</em>? You follow me.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://d2ljsxkn6fsbqh.cloudfront.net/assets/layout/bullet_square2_2-ced27370e7bb1510127ac1d4e59a2c61.png); background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is it to you that Tim Keller sees gospel connections with professional life so clearly? You follow me.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://d2ljsxkn6fsbqh.cloudfront.net/assets/layout/bullet_square2_2-ced27370e7bb1510127ac1d4e59a2c61.png); background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is it to you that Mark Driscoll has the language and the folly of pop culture at his fingertips? You follow me.</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://d2ljsxkn6fsbqh.cloudfront.net/assets/layout/bullet_square2_2-ced27370e7bb1510127ac1d4e59a2c61.png); background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 15px; vertical-align: baseline;">What is it to you that Don Carson reads five hundred books a year and combines pastoral insight with the scholar’s depth and comprehensiveness? You follow me.</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
That word landed on me with great joy. Jesus will not judge me according to my superiority or inferiority over anybody. No preacher. No church. No ministry. These are not the standard. Jesus has a work for <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">me</em> to do (and a different one for you). It is not what he has given anyone else to do. There is a grace to do it. Will I trust him for that grace and do what he has given me to do? That is the question. O the liberty that comes when Jesus gets tough!</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
I hope you find encouragement and freedom today when you hear Jesus say to all your fretting comparisons: “What is that to you? You follow me!”</div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 12px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Learning to walk in freedom with you,<br />
<br />
Pastor John</div>
</article></section></section>Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-3252608404546130392012-07-24T10:41:00.003+08:002012-07-24T10:41:56.295+08:00Materialist or Evangelist?This is really tough topic to deal with. Please read with caution. I doubt many of you would even bother or have the time to read this.<br />However, I find it very true that these issues have always been there but people rarely dare to address it.<br />
<br />
At the end, there isn't really a final answer until we get to heaven.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jcmblabs.hubpages.com/hub/Joyce-Meyer-Materialist-or-Evangelist">http://jcmblabs.hubpages.com/hub/Joyce-Meyer-Materialist-or-Evangelist</a><br /><br />One comment I would add is this:<br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">What about King David, Solomon etc? These are humans too and they were among the many rich people in the Bible. If we look at their mistakes and their "rich lifestyle" , how can we even take them as examples?</span>Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-53492829763204067982012-07-12T17:36:00.001+08:002012-07-12T17:36:19.162+08:00Carrying burdensWe do it in the name of love. But do we really have love? I hope I do.<br />
<br />
It's always nice when you have the answers or can help others. But, when there are uncertainties, I FEEL the <b>burden</b>. It really weighs me down.<br />
<br />
The expectation on a Christian seems to be higher and this is a <b>burden</b> too. There are also expectations of being a son, a friend, an employee, etc.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, I just want to run away. I did "escape" by ignoring or getting caught up by the other things but these <b>burdens</b> are still felt from time to time. <br />
<br />
complicated? heheAdrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-24857298785260707392012-07-06T22:35:00.002+08:002012-07-06T22:35:54.567+08:00tips-for-better-bible-studyhttp://pastormark.tv/2012/04/17/7-tips-for-better-bible-studyAdrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-26007709040127477042012-07-06T21:56:00.001+08:002012-07-06T22:36:55.355+08:00KLOVE / Amazing Grace Radio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReQZcrKASEDZgCoEOJ2N3LppVb0ck9pFksxS52foIaW1E5dwdu4zgSt8_8I5sgiuNUJqB84nI0odwhOsVUNppDd46G9T-Q1tjRpB3k8XGfA9IPWigdnxT-nHX_SYRzeu1JJrIfJs79meZ/s1600/listen+now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiReQZcrKASEDZgCoEOJ2N3LppVb0ck9pFksxS52foIaW1E5dwdu4zgSt8_8I5sgiuNUJqB84nI0odwhOsVUNppDd46G9T-Q1tjRpB3k8XGfA9IPWigdnxT-nHX_SYRzeu1JJrIfJs79meZ/s1600/listen+now.jpg" /></a></div>
I would recommend you to listen to Christian songs through either of these websites:<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://www.klove.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">KLOVE</span> </a>or <a href="http://amazinggraceradio.com/" target="_blank">Amazing Grace Radio</a><br />
<br />
Sometimes, I wonder what we are using our broadband internet for. <br />
As we know, faith comes by hearing the word of God. So, this is a really good way to do this.<br />
<br />
I've personally been encouraged countless times while listening to these stations. I'll give a summary of these stations.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.klove.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">KLOVE</span></a> <span style="background-color: white;">has a mixture of songs and talking by the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;">DJs</span><span style="background-color: white;">.</span> Stories and other info are shared from time to time. Songs can get repetitive the longer you listen but I still find it OK because sometimes we don;t really understand the song until we hear it again or go through a related circumstance.<br />
<br />
Alternative way to listen: use Windows Media Player to play this <a href="http://www.windowsmedia.com/RadioTunerAPI/Service.asmx/playStation?stationID=cff825d2-c553-4e0e-9200-e029c0ac1155&dialupDetected=true&useHighBandwidth=false&locale=en-us" target="_blank">URL</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amazinggraceradio.com/" target="_blank">Amazing Grace Radio</a> is a station I just found recently. It has so much less talking and has a wider variety of songs from the latest artists to the classic ones.<br />
<br />
Alternative way to listen to this station:<a href="http://www.yourmuze.fm/webplayer/?id=69106" target="_blank"> Link</a><br />
<br />
Be really careful at what songs you listen. Some songs are really so not beneficial and <i>emo</i>. Lyrics are really important because words are powerful. <br />
<br />
<br />
One example I can think of now:<span style="font-size: small;"> Sean Kingston - <i>Beautiful Girls . </i></span><br />
Really catchy but has useless lyrics. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-1323411701952598722012-07-04T21:05:00.001+08:002012-07-04T21:07:18.392+08:00CERTAIN OF WHAT YOU CANNOT SEE<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 10.5pt;">It's weird how we humans can believe in God. This element of faith is amazingly mysterious. I wonder where it comes from. (from God obviously). But how? Either we grow into this faith or ignore it. Do I even know what I'm talking about?</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 10.5pt;">Below is something written by Mel Lawrenz about this topic.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 10.5pt;">When my daughter was a baby and my wife would put her in my arms
and leave the room, the baby's head would shift, eyes would scan back and
forth, brow would wrinkle, and then-most certainly-came that cry of distress. A
cry that cut to the quick. I knew that she was thinking, "Mom has
disappeared. She is gone. She has ceased to exist. And I will never ever see
her again." A baby does not have the cognitive ability to know that
someone continues to exist even when the physical evidence is withdrawn. Babies
cannot be "certain of what we do not see."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 10.5pt;">But give the kid a couple of years and he or she will understand
that the doorway to the next room is not a monster's mouth swallowing up the
next person to pass that way. He or she will even come to understand that Mom
or Dad can be in Cincinnati or Los Angeles or London, and still exist; more
importantly, that they still exist in relationship. Not being visible is not
the same as not being. And sometimes your relationship with someone is even stronger
when there is some distance.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 10.5pt;">"<i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">Faith is being sure
of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see</span></i>" (<a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=ac37c15b850518923edde8e2c00fbb4f63dbf1069c2f4edff81c9e390fa22a94">Hebrews
11:1</a>).</span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 10.5pt;">"<i><span style="font-family: Palatino;">My
Lord and my God!" Jesus replied, "Because you have seen me, you have
believed; blessed are those who have not seen, and yet believe</span></i>"
(<a href="http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=ac37c15b850518923332c9b6fc580d6d46a430dda2589f95c3290e4eded63438">John
20:29</a>). </span><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 15pt;">
<br /></div>Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-72129432762783999472012-06-25T10:28:00.002+08:002012-06-25T11:49:19.151+08:00Love by choice?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPSMPlSoDQWMn_rct90mQuKxocPDVSlmIQn7N2HGehem3q3axLz624D7hoFDQsupRKLRpjAcRUmttyjcm0v8XND4zkfLvrdiXhgZWXnWDq8Q6XqmVd7T5dkcKQqXGlbGTJkOHV2yOo0CZ/s1600/love+and+choice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaPSMPlSoDQWMn_rct90mQuKxocPDVSlmIQn7N2HGehem3q3axLz624D7hoFDQsupRKLRpjAcRUmttyjcm0v8XND4zkfLvrdiXhgZWXnWDq8Q6XqmVd7T5dkcKQqXGlbGTJkOHV2yOo0CZ/s320/love+and+choice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Just wanted to share a thought by a friend.<br />
Not everyone will get the chance/privilege to fall in love. They may have to grow to love that special someone.<br />
<br />
On a side note, I think that love at first sight doesn't work for many people. <br />
<br />
What do you think?Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365621308925711097.post-16206160837806768642012-06-22T21:10:00.001+08:002012-06-22T21:10:04.302+08:00Playing ChurchPoly?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6H-WJPPVe3yX9hKXtJv9EsYMerEPfWdWwOiw4TaM_EWEGcCw5lTEn42iz5C2V9yrCcxIxS0H1VqrVlzecCrpHZ5Rn_v2tt7AirIY_QBOpyszMSScyJ0ILV4ohFqkj_TaA5f-7IdVF4O3_/s1600/churchpoly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6H-WJPPVe3yX9hKXtJv9EsYMerEPfWdWwOiw4TaM_EWEGcCw5lTEn42iz5C2V9yrCcxIxS0H1VqrVlzecCrpHZ5Rn_v2tt7AirIY_QBOpyszMSScyJ0ILV4ohFqkj_TaA5f-7IdVF4O3_/s1600/churchpoly.jpg" /></a></div>
Do you any of you still play monopoly? When I was younger, somehow I would play it when I had the chance. But, as the years went by, I kind of got of bored of it. I don't see a point in a game determined more by the dice than any other skill.<br />
<br />
Monopoly Deal is preferable for me as I need to think and use some skills. This version requires strategy. If you can't win, you at least get to stop someone from winning. lolz<br />
<br />
Anyway, back to the main topic. I wonder sometimes if we are satisfied <i>playing church</i>?<br />
What do I mean by <i>playing church</i>? I think it means to just go with the motion - like moving according to the dice. We are so comfortable in our cozy buildings that we forget that the world needs us.<br />
<br />
Aren't you "getting bored" of church routine? The 3S - Sing Sit Sermon ?<br />
We go through the motions week after week (roll the dice and pass Go again and again). We hope that we do not land in trouble, we hope that things will get better - just like we hope to avoid landing on someone's property or to land on the property we want to buy.<br />
<br />
Let me be very honest. I've gone through church routine for more than 20 years of my life. I know I've not lived up to the potential that God has planned for me. So, I'm guilty just like many Christians today. I believe the church is not a building - but a living organism. We need to<b> think </b>out of the box - stop playing <i>monopoly </i><u>sometimes</u> and play <i>monopoly deal</i>. <br />
<br />
Another issue here is, I can't play monopoly deal<i> alone</i>. So, if others around me don't wanna play with me, what can I do? I'm forced to go back and play the old monopoly.<br />
Perhaps I need to look for people who would play with me. <br />
<br />
Ok ok, I think many won't understand the most of my post but, that's how I am - complicated. And I think too much. :) It may not have turned out the way it is supposed to be but you can still feedback right?<br />
<br />
Are you playing "ChurchPoly" or "ChurchPoly Deal"?<br />
<br />
<br />Adrian Benjamin Limhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07149845252317965512noreply@blogger.com0