Spot the dot

Monday, January 21, 2008

Virtually all people agree that dot portrait speck. Like the dartboard, red consider as speck or we can call it as a bullseye. We use the dot as a visual image of a target to point out or describe the very center of something. Finding a dot in the center is very essential not only in the games but also in making a decision in life.

The life of every individual is like a circle. Once we are created (born) and then sooner or later we are going to face our creator. Meaning we are formed by God out the dust of the ground (Gen. 2:7), and we are going back in the dust whether we like it or not. (Eccl. 3:20). Within a large circle of our life, the center of it is a dot which presents the will of God for us. If we are apart from God’s will, we are now like living in a God’s permissive will which is not a perfect will, but just a second best.

Sometimes we are totally forgotten that the will of God is certain and detailed, because we see the dot not in a 20/20 vision. In short we doubt. Visualizing the dot in a dim way is like pinching the heart. We are betting for the second best but not for the perfect one. If we continue to this kind of course, we are basically relying in our own wisdom. This is not a winning path, but this is a path of destruction. So, at the end of the road we have gained nothing, but a broken heart, extreme sorrow, and lastly regrets.

Now, if looking for a dot in a clear vision is like building a pillar. It wouldn’t easily destroy but instead it will bring hope, contentment, and wisdom for every one…..

Monotheism

Thursday, January 17, 2008

The word monotheism comes from two Greek words - monos meaning "one" and theos meaning "God". Monotheism is a belief of the existence of one God, the creator of world. Monotheism was the original religion of mankind, as not only the bible, but also Ebla Tablets and studies of preliterate tribes. This particular belief is embraced by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

In Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This is a very first verse in Bible clearly indicates the monotheistic view of God. The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob reflect an early monotheism. Job 1.1 also point out that even before the pre-Mosaic period the bible teaches that monotheism was the earliest conception of God. Aside from the Bible, Ebla in Syria is one of the oldest relevant records. They divulge a clear statement of monotheism stand, declaring, “Lord of heaven and earth, the earth was not, you created it, the light of day was not, you created it, the morning light you had not made exist” (Pettinato, The Archives of Ebla, 259).

Walking through the valley

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

We cannot neglect the fact that death is a common denominator of all human being. All of us will experience to walk to this kind of valley, even though we may not know when and how it will go. Nobody knows, even the scientist and doctors couldn’t grasp or figure out when we are going to face this fact of life. It is something we didn’t understand, things for us too fearful, wonderful, and sound like full of adventure, but the truth is we don’t like – I don’t like - being in a position which is beyond our grasp.

For those who are in pain and disappointment this verse sound ridiculous. Like what Job said in chapter 23 verses 8-9.

Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him

Full of distress - outcry for something we might not know or we not fully understand. This is a clear vision of what we are going to feel if we rely in our own understanding and with our own strength. However, the verses gives hope for the dying person, it brighten the dark valley that smash the mind. Through the verse God give us the glimpse that walking through the valley of the shadow of death is a fulfillment of something beyond our comprehension. Something we might wonder. And for some of us it is a blessing.

The Psalmist gives us guaranteed that God will walk with us. And the valley indicates place of quietude, a calmness of the mind. It is something like a baby who is sleeping in the arms of a mother. So, walking with God is an absolute security and perfect comfort. And this will be the great opportunity for us to meet face to face our Creator.

God restores my soul

Thursday, January 10, 2008

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.- Psalm 23:3

We are born sinner. No one is good. One of the effects of sin in our lives is that it tends to produce a sense of low esteem. This scene is not an amazing event to every individual; it is laud to entire world. Because of this counseling business have more work than ever.
I am not against to all the psychiatrist and psychologist, but seek God and putting our direction toward to His will, we will be able to find solution to man’s greatest problem which is sin. In Psalm 19:7 said “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” We are born sinful by nature, but through the blood of Christ we are justified. The spirit of God is powerful to restore our soul. God encourage us. He brings back our energy. He fills our soul with a new joy.

Seeking the will of the Lord is the only solution. Because only God who can lead us in the path of righteousness, He makes it straight and lead by himself. The Lord will always light our paths; He does not allow us to wonder in ways that would lead to destruction. God used his name as a sign of assurance that he would always lead his people in the path of righteousness and truth.

I would like to praise God for preparing my path, restoring my soul, and giving us sufficient grace. Because of this I could rest assure that I must not fail. God is my guide and my shepherd.

Green Pasture

Monday, January 07, 2008

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. – Psalm 23:2

Walking in the seashore, climbing the mountain, and smelling the fresh air is an amazing experience. Those are good moments in my life. The beautiful experience once I had taste is a glance of heaven. Having that kind of experience, the Lord gives me a new picture and courage to face a life challenge. It motivates me to move forward in a better and bright future.

In Psalm 23:2 God gives us a picture of a lovely place - A promise of calmness and repose that would satisfy our soul. It provides the idea of contentment, peace, and joy which are the result of His love and provision. God will make this for our future. The Lord is so grateful; He ought this kind of promises. I knew that I am not worthy to lie down in green pastures, but through His love and power, by faith I am enable to find rest in His promises.

Sometimes, the sheep (believer) fears, neither pitfalls nor enemies, but the shepherd leadeth them beside the still water. The shepherd provides “still water” maybe it is a design of the everlasting love of God. This water supply a streams and flowing river of life to his sheep. We can drink it freely without a doubt; because the water is pure that gives new life to a sheep.

What else can I ask? Nothing …. All I can say is praise God that our souls have a green pastures to lie down and still water to ease all the pain, suffering, and tears. This verse is eternal statement which gives hope for the entire believer like me. One day all of us will walk in one accord, praising and glorifying God continually.

The Lord is my shepherd

Thursday, January 03, 2008

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. - Psalm 23:1

The representation of God as a shepherd is like the comparison of the psalmist and a sheep. The psalmist doesn’t want in this stance to insist the stupidity and sinfulness of humankind. The psalmist merely admires the wonder of the Lord God when the only comment may be, “I shall not want.” Shelterless in times of troubles, sadness, longings, disappointment, etc… all this atrocities in life - where are we going to turn our head off?

The psalmist is familiar with the shepherd’s experience and competence. During the heat of our life, the psalmist knows that Lord we worship, who has everything in and of Himself, is our shepherd. God is our shepherd. He will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. The shepherd promises that He will feed his flock, He shall gather the lambs with his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are young (Isaiah 40:11). The sense of His promises cultivates the spirit of assured dependence upon our heavenly Father.

What else shall I want? The Lord is now my shepherd, who supplies all my needs, which is surely be able and willing to do so. How can I ask more? If my shepherd heart is full of love – shall I want something else? No “I shall not want” His love is enough for me to put my confidence upon Him. I know that his grace will be sufficient for me.

The search for the Messiah

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

The search for the messiah is one of my goals this year. I’ll decide to spend my whole year studying the life and evidence of Jesus Christ – the true messiah. The Son of God is the most important characters in this world. The heart and life of Christianity is in the essence of life, character, message, teaching, and promises of Christ. I believe that knowing Him is like knowing the whole scripture.

To begin with let us review some of Christ controversial dialogue…

1. Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." – Luke 12:51-53

2. "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. – Matt. 10:34

3. So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. - John 6:53

4. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. - Mat 12:32

5. He said to them, "But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. - Luke 22:36


Christ words are a sign for us to know the true meaning of life. He came here not to bring milk and honey. He reveals himself with authority, dignity, honor, and freedom of human existence -for us to examine the real facts with the actual principles of academic discipline. By all means of logical principle we can say that believing in Christ is reasonable.

New Year beginning

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

January 1, 2008 is a start for new hope and a new future. To have a good beginning we need to start with the word of God, which will penetrate deep inside in the heart of each individual. Let us start our life with an inspiring word of God, His word will stand as light and guide with our new walk in life.

1. Forget the past

“This is what the LORD says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”- Isaiah 43:16, 18-19

2. Learned from the past

"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." - Hebrews 12:10-11


3. Ask forgiveness to the Lord

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon – Isaiah 55:7

4. God give us a new birth for a new hope

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”- 1 Peter 1:3

5. God give us a new heart for a clean hope

"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new, obedient heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so you will obey my laws and do whatever I command.” – Ezekiel 36:25-27


6. God give us a new hope in the future

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

God brings a new hope and future in our table every day, minutes, and second in our daily life. All we have to do is to receive it with open arms and heart…He sincere shower His love in us and indiscriminately offers mercy to all who will come to Christ: “come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give your rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my load is light.”(Mat. 11:28-30)