Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Why does God allow pain and suffering?
A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:“I don’t believe that God exists.”
“Why do you say that?” asked the customer.
"Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn’t exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can’t imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things.”
The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond because he didn’t want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop.
Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt.. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:
“You know what? Barbers do not exist.”
“How can you say that?” asked the surprised barber. “I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!”
“No!” the customer exclaimed. “Barbers don’t exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside.”
“Ah, but barbers DO exist! That’s what happens when people do not come to me.”
“Exactly!” [bingo] affirmed the customer. “That’s the point! God, too, DOES exist! That’s what happens when people do not go to Him and don’t look to Him for help. That’s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world.”
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The Greatest Christmas Gift – It is FREE!
Stumbled upon this blogger through a friend’s post today which caught my attention.
Year End FREE Giveaway!!!
Woohoo…I want I want!! Argh…my biggest weakness when it comes to FREE stuff! I mean, who can ever resist that? 6 beautiful handmade bags are up for grabs, thanks to mer mer.
Well, I have a tough time picking my favourite; each of the bags is unique in its own way. Tick tock tick tock, the clock is ticking and my sweat is running dry. I do not have much time left, the closing date is tomorrow @ 11:59pm. Means, either I act now or I’ll be sorry.
Ok, I’ll pick the cosmetic pouch…but wait…hmm…at second thought, maybe I’ll pick the passport holder, it looks very very different…
Very well, here I go again. I may sound a little vain here but sometimes, I just get too overwhelmed with all these earthly desires, possessions, pursuits…shame on me (soree no offence to anybody).
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
p/s: any chance of me being picked as a winner? I guess I’ll leave it to God. *wink wink*
Blessed Christmas & Happy New Year Everybody =)
Year End FREE Giveaway!!!
Woohoo…I want I want!! Argh…my biggest weakness when it comes to FREE stuff! I mean, who can ever resist that? 6 beautiful handmade bags are up for grabs, thanks to mer mer.
Well, I have a tough time picking my favourite; each of the bags is unique in its own way. Tick tock tick tock, the clock is ticking and my sweat is running dry. I do not have much time left, the closing date is tomorrow @ 11:59pm. Means, either I act now or I’ll be sorry.
Ok, I’ll pick the cosmetic pouch…but wait…hmm…at second thought, maybe I’ll pick the passport holder, it looks very very different…
Uhhh…why is it do difficult to make a choice?
Hmm…but why worry when I am not even sure I am gonna be picked as one of the lucky winners?
But then again, at least I try, better than never right? And if I ever win, it’ll be by far, the greatest Christmas gift for myself this year =)
Why? Because it’s a lovely gift n it’s FREE!! Yeah!!!
Hmm…but why worry when I am not even sure I am gonna be picked as one of the lucky winners?
But then again, at least I try, better than never right? And if I ever win, it’ll be by far, the greatest Christmas gift for myself this year =)
Why? Because it’s a lovely gift n it’s FREE!! Yeah!!!
Very well, here I go again. I may sound a little vain here but sometimes, I just get too overwhelmed with all these earthly desires, possessions, pursuits…shame on me (soree no offence to anybody).
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
The Greatest Christmas Gift has been given to me…that is Jesus Christ!
Jesus was born in a manger in humility, died on a cross in love, and rose from the grave in glory. His sacrifice was given to me for FREE, but there was a huge cost involved in His gift, it cost His life.
Many including Christians, may think Christmas is all about sharing of gifts, carolling, feasting, etc. Nothing is wrong with any of those things, not at all. However, losing sight of why we celebrate Christmas; that is something more critical. The reason for Christmas is Jesus Christ and celebrating not only His birth, but also why He came to this earth and what He did for us. Jesus laid down his life out of His great love for us, you and I.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17
Now, I’ve shared mine. What could be the best Christmas gift you received this year?
Many including Christians, may think Christmas is all about sharing of gifts, carolling, feasting, etc. Nothing is wrong with any of those things, not at all. However, losing sight of why we celebrate Christmas; that is something more critical. The reason for Christmas is Jesus Christ and celebrating not only His birth, but also why He came to this earth and what He did for us. Jesus laid down his life out of His great love for us, you and I.
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:15-17
Now, I’ve shared mine. What could be the best Christmas gift you received this year?
p/s: any chance of me being picked as a winner? I guess I’ll leave it to God. *wink wink*
Blessed Christmas & Happy New Year Everybody =)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Less is more?
Less has to be more these days.
LESS sleep = getting MORE work done
Simple equation, but that’s the only constant in my life...at present.
I am certain I am not alone dealing with these mundane struggles. Being overwhelmed by the whole episode, I allow my worries and frustrations get the better of me. I broke down and cried out to God. I can’t go on like this, I truly need a ‘rest’…
And how do we define ‘rest’?
Many may perceive ‘rest’ as something like being sprawled on a recliner in front of a TV set.
Or we might see ourselves on a beach, sipping our favourite juice while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze and beautiful sunsets.
For some, ‘rest’ is defined as being in the arms of our loved ones.
When we enter the ‘rest’ of God in Christ, it does not mean we do nothing. There is work involved, but the work is HIS, not ours…
Quoted from the book How to Succeed at Being Yourself by Joyce Meyer.
“Quite often we look at a task and think there is no way we can do what needs to be done. That happens because we look at ourselves when we should be looking at God.”…
“Most of the things that are truly worth doing are never easy — we are not filled with the Spirit of God to do easy things. He fills us with His Spirit so we can do impossible things.”…
Christ’ ‘rest’ is sometimes like the serenity found within the eye of a tornado. The storms of life may rage all around us here on earth, but we are given peace and can even rejoice, because we are with Him and in Him. Whether we are physically exhausted, mentally overtaxed, or emotionally drained, we can find ‘rest’ and the relief we need in Christ. 
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
3 though its waters roar and foam
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
LESS sleep = getting MORE work done
Simple equation, but that’s the only constant in my life...at present.
Sometimes, I wish I could just freeze the moment and savour every second doing nothing. I am physically and mentally drained. Maybe another cup of coffee will keep me going…
No…still not good enough. And I try hard not to loose my smile when the bathroom mirror routinely greets me with two sleepy ‘panda eyes’ every morning, without fail.
I have been feeling very stagnant and overwhelmed lately. There are so many things I want to do, yet so many things I have not done, so many things I want to blog about, yet I am bogged down with countless daily errands, responsibilities, commitments, challenges and unpredicted events.
Coping with demanding pressure at work, living up to other’s expectations, juggling between priorities, struggling with flesh, petty needs of control & anger, disharmony be it in the family, in the church, in the workplace, unintentionally hurting others and getting hurt in return, PMS, mood swings, etc.
I am certain I am not alone dealing with these mundane struggles. Being overwhelmed by the whole episode, I allow my worries and frustrations get the better of me. I broke down and cried out to God. I can’t go on like this, I truly need a ‘rest’…
And how do we define ‘rest’?
Many may perceive ‘rest’ as something like being sprawled on a recliner in front of a TV set.
Or we might see ourselves on a beach, sipping our favourite juice while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze and beautiful sunsets.
For some, ‘rest’ is defined as being in the arms of our loved ones.
Now, are these how you define ‘rest’? A state of inactivity or simply a state of motionlessness?
Frankly, those were my interpretations of ‘rest’ before I knew God.
But all too often our ideas about ‘rest’ are just a flight of fantasy.
Why is it so?
Consider this…
TV often leaves you with a drained and unfulfilled feeling.
The ‘rest’ we obtained from the expensive holiday escapade or being in the arms of the loved ones may leave us feeling more ‘restless’ when we learn that it does not last.
Hate to admit this, but we all live in a restless world. We, as mortals are always building, changing things, working for something or aiming toward a goal. Without doubts, ‘restlessness’ may perfectly define our humanity.
But all too often our ideas about ‘rest’ are just a flight of fantasy.
Why is it so?
Consider this…
TV often leaves you with a drained and unfulfilled feeling.
The ‘rest’ we obtained from the expensive holiday escapade or being in the arms of the loved ones may leave us feeling more ‘restless’ when we learn that it does not last.
Hate to admit this, but we all live in a restless world. We, as mortals are always building, changing things, working for something or aiming toward a goal. Without doubts, ‘restlessness’ may perfectly define our humanity.
Therefore, we need something more divine, sacred, something that stays the same right from the beginning till the end of mankind.
Clearly, our need to rest is different than what we thought. Our need is to be in Him who gives us rest inside our soul and true ‘rest’ can only be found in the Lord, there is no other way.
Clearly, our need to rest is different than what we thought. Our need is to be in Him who gives us rest inside our soul and true ‘rest’ can only be found in the Lord, there is no other way.
When we enter the ‘rest’ of God in Christ, it does not mean we do nothing. There is work involved, but the work is HIS, not ours…
Quoted from the book How to Succeed at Being Yourself by Joyce Meyer.
“Quite often we look at a task and think there is no way we can do what needs to be done. That happens because we look at ourselves when we should be looking at God.”…
“Most of the things that are truly worth doing are never easy — we are not filled with the Spirit of God to do easy things. He fills us with His Spirit so we can do impossible things.”…
Christ’ ‘rest’ is sometimes like the serenity found within the eye of a tornado. The storms of life may rage all around us here on earth, but we are given peace and can even rejoice, because we are with Him and in Him. Whether we are physically exhausted, mentally overtaxed, or emotionally drained, we can find ‘rest’ and the relief we need in Christ.
Lastly, one of my favourite chapters in the book of Psalm:
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
Psalm 46
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
A beautiful friendship (pt 2)
Well, the 2nd part of this post is probably one of the most difficult posts I ever had to complete...
I mean I can’t continue to write when I do not know how to end it…I do not have all the answers as yet…as I’m still living in the present…
Ten years have passed by, many things may have taken place, many things including people may have changed, BUT one thing I’m certain of; I had my brokenness and the wound in the heart mended for I’ve found my solace, my savior, Jesus Christ.
When we are broken of spirit, the wounds of the past can overwhelm us and cause us pain and suffering, but God can heal our brokenness and bind the broken pieces of our shattered soul back together.
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
However, if we truly honour God with our lives, we must let His Holy Spirit work within us to bring healing and wholeness of spirit so that ours will be a forgiveness that comes from the heart.
Forgiveness does not mean that we should expect the strained friendship to resume to its status quo. Often, the newly restored friendship may not be the same as it once was. What was once a beautiful friendship may become a fragmented memory.
We change. People change. Things just change.
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Only God does not change.
“For I am the Lord, I change not.” Malachi 3:6
However, God can HEAL EVERYTHING in his perfect timing, I can never be thankful enough for that. He is simply AMAZING!
I once broke up with a good friend over an issue that we could have resolved if only we knew God at that time. It was indeed a painful and disastrous experience.
But God works in many powerful, beautiful and mysterious ways in touching our lives…
Who could have thought, a true reconciliation will take place a decade later? Amazingly enough, both of us are now walking in the light of God and just a couple of weeks ago, she is married to the love of her life and firm in her faith in God. Isn’t that wonderful?
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Well, for the past 10 years, God has been gracious to me. Despite feeling bitter and anguished over the loss of a good friend, a brand new friendship was discovered shortly after that. For He had sent an angel to my life, and at the perfect moment. It was by all means not accidental; it was God’s perfect plan. It is just that when one door closes, another tends to open for us. And we remain the best of friends since.
Also, I am dedicating this post to that angel of mine, it’s her birthday today…
Dear Autumn Child
We may be thousand miles apart physically
Yet you are always close to my heart and thought
Thanks for sticking up for me when everyone else is against me
Thanks for believing in me when nobody else would
You’ve no idea what great joy you’ve brought to me
Thanks for everything!
Autumn Child & b@bygerm, together they do wonders…
I mean I can’t continue to write when I do not know how to end it…I do not have all the answers as yet…as I’m still living in the present…
Ten years have passed by, many things may have taken place, many things including people may have changed, BUT one thing I’m certain of; I had my brokenness and the wound in the heart mended for I’ve found my solace, my savior, Jesus Christ.
When we are broken of spirit, the wounds of the past can overwhelm us and cause us pain and suffering, but God can heal our brokenness and bind the broken pieces of our shattered soul back together.
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
Truth be told, there were a few versions of this post that I’ve written earlier but I guess they will be thrust aside for good, as none of them perfectly delineates the purpose I started this blog.
So, I guess I have to rewrite it over again for I have to finish what I’ve started…
When we look back on our younger days, we will remember the people who went to school with us, the people who made us laugh and the people who hung out with us when nobody else would. These people are our ‘friends’.
Yes, we all have friends and I’m sure each of us carries with us fond memories of friendship; each paints a different picture, each tells a different story. In life, friends come and go but true friends are forever...
…forever and ever till the ‘end of time’? Doubts.
Let's face it. No relationship is ever perfect. And in life there are no guarantees that anything will be able to stand the test of time. Even the best of friendships is not spared from trials and breaking up. It’s sad, but things happen.
We may fight over petty little things, we get offended, and a painful process of alienation begins. Attitudes quickly change. Inappropriate words and actions soon follow. The friendship is strained and at times even ended.
Many a time, PRIDE is often the culprit of the break up. Human by nature, is too prideful to admit their wrong doings or too conceited to forgive one another.
“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” Proverbs 16:18.
As time progressed, we watch in helplessness and dismay as the friendship we once treasured, began drifting apart. Life must move on…as we bitterly assured ourselves that time will heal our brokenness.
Sadly, time alone is insufficient. Restoring a broken friendship is indeed a painful process as it requires us to let go of the hurt feelings and to have forgiving heart OR true repentance.
“All these are possible if we have the mind of Christ and humble ourselves as He did” Phil. 2:5.
We must be willing to acknowledge our offenses and forgive one another as God has forgiven us.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
However, if we truly honour God with our lives, we must let His Holy Spirit work within us to bring healing and wholeness of spirit so that ours will be a forgiveness that comes from the heart.
Forgiveness does not mean that we should expect the strained friendship to resume to its status quo. Often, the newly restored friendship may not be the same as it once was. What was once a beautiful friendship may become a fragmented memory.
We change. People change. Things just change.“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Only God does not change.
“For I am the Lord, I change not.” Malachi 3:6
However, God can HEAL EVERYTHING in his perfect timing, I can never be thankful enough for that. He is simply AMAZING!
I once broke up with a good friend over an issue that we could have resolved if only we knew God at that time. It was indeed a painful and disastrous experience.
But God works in many powerful, beautiful and mysterious ways in touching our lives…
Who could have thought, a true reconciliation will take place a decade later? Amazingly enough, both of us are now walking in the light of God and just a couple of weeks ago, she is married to the love of her life and firm in her faith in God. Isn’t that wonderful?
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Well, for the past 10 years, God has been gracious to me. Despite feeling bitter and anguished over the loss of a good friend, a brand new friendship was discovered shortly after that. For He had sent an angel to my life, and at the perfect moment. It was by all means not accidental; it was God’s perfect plan. It is just that when one door closes, another tends to open for us. And we remain the best of friends since.
Also, I am dedicating this post to that angel of mine, it’s her birthday today…
Dear Autumn Child
We may be thousand miles apart physically
Yet you are always close to my heart and thought
Thanks for sticking up for me when everyone else is against me
Thanks for believing in me when nobody else would
You’ve no idea what great joy you’ve brought to me
Thanks for everything!
Have a blessed birthday!
May you be blessed in every way, every day…
Here’s to our everlasting friendship!
May you be blessed in every way, every day…
Here’s to our everlasting friendship!
Autumn Child & b@bygerm, together they do wonders…Monday, September 14, 2009
Fishing for inspiration...
Please listen to this beautiful song by Jars of Clay, one of my favourite Christian band, while i'm working on my next post - A beautiful friendship (part 2)...can't wait for it to complete.
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