FW: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

A Time for Everything

 ¹ There is a time for everything,
       and a season for every activity under heaven:

 ² a time to be born and a time to die,
       a time to plant and a time to uproot,

 ³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
       a time to tear down and a time to build,

 ⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
       a time to mourn and a time to dance,

 ⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
       a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

 ⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
       a time to keep and a time to throw away,

 ⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
       a time to be silent and a time to speak,

 ⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
       a time for war and a time for peace.

Notice in the verses, there are good times and bad times. All these reflect life; we have our peaks and our slumps. And in these times; GOD is most likely to be neglected. During good times, it's all about fun and doing the things that make us happy and during bad times; we are busy occupying and putting ourselves in the worst possible position.

In both of these situations, we should not have GOD playing bystander role, but, to let HIM intervene and be a part of our joy and sadness - to be able to experience the fullness of the joy and to gain the most valuable lessons from the sadness.

 

Continue to hope in the LORD and give thanks to our wonderful GOD.

yechow

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The Growing Bud (Child)

 

 

Have you seen a flower bud slowly transforming into a beautiful flower?

 

When a bud, it's enclosed and no one will know how this bud will turn out to be. It's so vulnerable that if there is strong wind or rain, it might just blow it off the stem where it's attached to. When we are a child in our Christian walk – still in a stage where we are unsure and adjusting to the new faith; and just like the bud, it's either we sustained the strong wind and rain and grow to be a beautiful flower or fall off the stem.

I saw this stem with a lot of white flowers growing on it (i.e. white sakura flowers). As it continues to grow tall, a rainbow appeared behind it. The petals of the flowers slowly fall off,  dispersing into the direction of the rainbow. A bright white light appeared soon after that - taking the shape of the Cross in front of the rainbow.

 

I felt GOD was saying when you start to grow in your Christian walk, we will be like the bud; so fearful, unsure and with the vague knowledge of what Christianity, we tend to sway in and out of it.

 

And, as we grow to being more like Christ, that advancement of the stage from being a raw Christian to be in a stage where we have already gained more understanding and knowledge and, that we are more steadfast and sure of our faith. Others see a transformation in us and we know that we are in some ways mimicking the life of Christ or working and developing on the values of Christ in us. This is the stage where people will tend to acknowledge that our life is 'shining' for the LORD; reflected from what they see in us – our attitudes and behaviours.

 

As we know more, we begin to understand GOD delivers or fulfilling HIS promises; we know and acknowledges that everything comes from HIM. Take for instance, everything that happened not in our expectations are considered as luck or coincidences when we do not know about Christ but, when we know more about GOD, there are no such things that things unexpectedly happen and it's because you are lucky or the thing happen coincidently. But, everything have happened because of HIM – which also signifies a part of the growth in your Christian walk.

 

The Cross signifies you and your Christian walk and the rainbow tells us about GOD's promises to us. As we walk closer, when you are able to understand who Christ is and transforming to be more like HIM, GOD fulfils HIS promises to u because you are able to decipher how things come about and what HE can do for you – and what GOD is doing is not going to be in vain and, as HE does it and as you understand it your faith heightened gradually with understanding. 

 

Colossians 3:10 (New Living Translation)

¹⁰ Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

 

2 Corinthians 3:18 (New Living Translation)

¹⁸ So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

 

yechow

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When I thought I suffer a great deal ...

Am I suffering?

 

When you think of suffering, think again … many of times when things doesn't seems right or doesn't go right and way beyond your capabilities to handle and it hit the dead ends of our minds – we then classify it in our mind as "we are suffering" …

I had a week of messed up emotions due to what I perceived myself to be in and have it planted in my thoughts … I never look elsewhere … only me, myself hobbling at that thought … it affected almost everything – it ripped my joy and contentment that I should have …

When I was at it, GOD showed me … I saw HIM on the Cross … it was only ONE SIDE of HIM that I saw; HE was at this point in time where the soldiers were going to pinned HIS hand on the Cross …

 

Now, let us imagine, we have all know how painful is it when we get cut or fall and hurt ourselves and it has caused a stigma in us and so much so, we try as much to prevent it from happening again - the 'known' pain  … it's just a surface cut that has caused such weary reactions in us …

How about this? Think of how you would feel (the psychological state) if a big nail is pierce through your palm, break the layer of the skin, penetrates through the inner the muscles, veins and then crush the bones and out from the other side … a BIG ouch to that, right? The thought of it as crazy painful and eerie … and most of us just do not want to go to the extent to give a thought to those kind of pain …

 

Then, I saw HIS face looking at the nails going into HIS hands  - the 'perceived' pain (the pain hurts even more when u look at the nail going through your hand) was already there even before he nail hits through the palm … and that's not all, JESUS did not only had one of HIS hands on the Cross, but, both HIS hands and feet …  and, I'm sure the nails on those parts were not done all at one go … JESUS had to endure this extreme pain more than once … JESUS had to go through the pain episode over and over again and, that's not the end of it, HE was hung up on the cross, bearing HIS weight against the pulling gravity, without water and drink under the hot sun … and the crown of thorns that was on HIS head …

 

What is suffering to you now? I have learnt much from it … not wanting to contemplate with the thought of that so-called suffering I had … what you sow is what you'll reap … so, if you perceive in your thoughts you are suffering, you would end up destroying what GOD has for you …

 

Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV)

A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

 

have a blessed day =)

 

yechow

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Ride With ME

Ride With ME .. this is not a song by Nelly, The single managed to peak at #3 in the U.S. & the UK in 2001 ... but, this so called to RIDE WITH ME is no. 1 in my charts …

 

HE taught me when I was in the MRT that day .. I was thinking to myself, gosh, how bored is it taking MRT day in and day out … but after that lesson, I began to enjoy taking the MRT because HE's there with me … bringing little surprises everyday …

 

The rail .. the walk ..

 

When I was given the thought, I did not know how I should write this down … I sat and ponder, how I should write this ..

It was just past few days GOD gave me the inspiration on what I should do with the thought I had initially developed ... and why I can't decipher what I have to write or how to go about writing it, is because all these happened in the train – the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit); how to write stuff that happen in the MRT? But, thank GOD for HIS wisdom n guidance (for the benefit of those who do not know, it's a express train system in Singapore – which I travel on daily to get to school) ...

It was one fine day, when I was travelling on the train, GOD point out something remarkable and that changes how I took the train … HE told me the our Christian walk using the train …

 

I remember holding on the railing of the train ... closing my eyes trying to catch a wink .. which is pretty impossible to do (I doze off a couple of time, n almost fall, haha) ... but, I just told myself to rest my eyes that day, half aware what's happening around … few seconds after that .. GOD began HIS lessons ...

The MRT is jus t like our Christian walk ... when we board the train, we already know we got up the train to get to a destination … and there are many people in the train ... each person having their own time to get to this destination ... the people travelling with you represents that in this walk there are many people who are with you and you are not alone … but each have their own timing to this ultimate destination (represented by people getting off at their station) 

 

People walk in and out your life ... some people reaches earlier than you ...

 

Holding on the rail is the only assurance that u get when travelling in the train ... keep u from falling and not being pushed around by people ...  

 

Although in this walk a lot of things u could not see or understand … but, you know that you are holding on to SOMEONE and that SOMEONE is GOD … noticed that in the train there are handles everywhere... handles that represent whenever you are going to fall .. there's something you can grab on to and not fall .. GOD make sure that every point of time HE'll be there for you with HIS hands outstretch ready for you to grab on to … Although u are swaying here and there but, as long as you grab on to HIM … you will never fall… everything and everyone will be left behind walking when you reach your destination … n everyone will also reach their destination eventually …

 

Hope when u take the train the next time it'll be a totally different experience =)

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"Do not stop doing good to others".

"Do not stop doing good to others".

 

The Words spoken are vividly planted in my thoughts. I was asking GOD what HE has to say about this. I heard of this verse before and I had to search my thoughts for awhile – then a prompting came that it might be in 2 Corinthians. I flip open my bible to 2 Corinthians and there it is - the page I need to find where my verse:

 

2 Corinthians 9:7-9

 
^"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,

   

"They share freely and give generously to the poor.
      Their good deeds will be remembered forever."

 

This verse coincides what my thought were when I was deciphering what GOD has told me, "Do not stop doing good to others."

 

We were taught to 'do good; to others since we are young. As Christians, the emphasis of 'doing good' is even more evident. Many of us have been driven by notion whereby, by doing good deeds, we are to be blessed by GOD– and, indeed this is very true, GOD will bless us for 'doing good' and as an added bonus to that and coupled by the faith we have, we know that maybe we can stay in a big bungalow when we go back to Heaven.

 

Ask yourself these:

Do we ONLY do good cause we want to be blessed by GOD?

 

And, what are we going to do if this good does not bring blessings – DO WE STOP?

 

We should not let the notion of 'doing good' to be blessed by GOD; be the only reason for us to do good deeds to others. The basis and intention that comes by 'doing good', comes from our heart (ref: You must each decide in your heart how much to give); I believed that is what GOD want to see in us -the sincerity of out hearts of doing the act of goodness to others. And, this goodness and trueness of the heart of men will truly be blessed by GOD (ref:don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure).

 

have a blessed day

yechow

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"Do not stop doing going to others".

  The Words spoken are vividly planted in my thoughts. I was asking GOD what HE has to say about this. I heard of this verse before and I had to search my thoughts for awhile – then a prompting came that it might be in 2 Corinthians. I flip open my bible to 2 Corinthians and there it is - the page I need to find where my verse:

 

2 Corinthians 9:7-9

 
^"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,

   

"They share freely and give generously to the poor.
      Their good deeds will be remembered forever."

 

This verse coincides what my thought were when I was deciphering what GOD has told me, "Do not stop doing good to others."

 

We were taught to 'do good; to others since we are young. As Christians, the emphasis of 'doing good' is even more evident. Many of us have been driven by notion whereby, by doing good deeds, we are to be blessed by GOD– and, indeed this is very true, GOD will bless us for 'doing good' and as an added bonus to that and coupled by the faith we have, we know that maybe we can stay in a big bungalow when we go back to Heaven.

 

Ask yourself these:

Do we ONLY do good cause we want to be blessed by GOD?

 

And, what are we going to do if this good does not bring blessings – DO WE STOP?

 

We should not let the notion of 'doing good' to be blessed by GOD; be the only reason for us to do good deeds to others. The basis and intention that comes by 'doing good', comes from our heart (ref: You must each decide in your heart how much to give); I believed that is what GOD want to see in us -the sincerity of out hearts of doing the act of goodness to others. And, this goodness and trueness of the heart of men will truly be blessed by GOD (ref:don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure).

 

have a blessed day

yechow

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the 'Droplets' (2 Samuel 14:14)

2 Samuel 14:14

¹⁴ All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.

 

The droplets of water represent the parts and parcels of our lives – the different phases and which may also represent the different things we are doing in our lives. It can be so scattered to a point that we find ourselves loosing that direction in lives – that later misses our focus altogether.

 

But, little that we realised that GOD has not want life to be like that for us.

 

When one of these droplets is gathered with a finger, this droplet; from a dot will then break and follow the fingers as it leads it to another dot and it merges and if we continue to lead all these droplets, it'll become a big pool of water – the dot of water that breaks and merge; signifies us, when we are then broken (this is where we come and get to know more of GOD and learning the lessons HE has for us) and where in HIS hands HE will lead us and bring us back together to make us whole again to the person we were initially meant to be - before we come back to HIM – the eventual race of life on earth.

 

have a blessed day =)

yechow

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Back to Basic

Christianity 101 ? Walking back to our Christian life... the day that you took the step of faith when you first say ‘YES’ to HIM ... Many of times, we tend to look elsewhere and other solutions when we at met we troubles ... and, create a great ball of fuss and stress within us ...

I realised when I’m beat with troubles ... I franticly searched and fussed for a solution, trying to make enough sense in whatever solution I came out with that will just take away my troubles ... And, all these solution would not get me anywhere and sometimes it became worst ... coming to my wits end, i start turning to GOD - GOD just come and sweep all your fuss and worries clean... And bring you the top-class solution to our troubles...

Then I thought to myself ... why has GOD become my last resort to all my worries and troubles? But, in fact GOD should be the first one we should go to in times of troubles... because HE knows us...

A lot of times, we want to rely and depend on our own strength because we are afraid that when we come before GOD for that problem or request ... we feared that they could not take the outcome or results that GOD have for us, whilst some others might think they do not want to trouble GOD with their nitty-critty problems ...

GOD already knows what is coming in front of us – our current, our present and our future ... what you will be doing every minute and every second of our lives ... and, one thing with GOD, HE wouldn’t let us handle something that’s way beyond our might unless HE has prepared you for it; because HE loves us too much to see us suffer...

So, look back at the first day ... when you said YES to GOD ... and this is the TRUST that will sweep away all your fuss and worries ... because we have an awesome GOD who opens the door every time we knock on it =)

Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

The JEHOVAH JIREH We Know

Declaring abundance in everyday living ... maybe we know or we don't know it ... but, GOD has given us HIS abundance blessings (i.e. wisdoms, strength, monetary terms, etc) to all HIS people ... I used to sit down and ponder ... what is GOD's abundance and how we know we are living in HIS abundance ... and, I felt we have began to conformed to the world so much that we began to measure it with the world's scale ... living in the measurements of the world does not reflect the abundance in HIS blessings.

 

Did we ever notice, every beginning of the month when we begin to calculate our expenses and at the end of it; there's bound to be a deficit ... and as you live through the month – you find in many unexpected ways, people come and bless you with this and that and even with money (this are GOD's blessings that most of the time we don't see) and by the end of the month there's a surplus ... and all these - it is because HE has provided, our JEHOVAH JIREH .. the one whom we have call GOD, LORD, JESUS and FATHER.

 

GOD has open my eyes and I thanked HIM for doing so – to see the abundance living HE has provided for me day after day ... for there's way too much chasing to do in the world (chasing in accordance to the measurements in the world) and there's never enough when we keep running after it ... you began to feel that you are so lack of everything while GOD's blessings is just right beside you.

 

Why have Jesus told the disciples not to bring their purse, bag or sandals? Because this is when HIS blessings will reflect.   

 

Luke 22:35

Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?"

"Nothing," they answered.

 

Proclaim this abundance that HE has given because as children of GOD; we have no lack.

 

have a blessed day =)

 

yechow

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CROSSing Fire

CROSSing Fire

 

Last Sunday, GOD showed me the fiery burning cross .. i believed GOD is urging us to be passionate for HIM .. to be on fire for HIM .. What has kept us from lighting our fire for HIM ? and, what have we got to loose to be on fire for HIM ?

 

Stepping out from our comfort zone is a biggest issue for most of us ... we live in the world that have everything made right for us ... in our own comfort .. moving on to somewhere or doing something which is out of the norm is moving out our comfort zone ...

 

Being passionate is not difficult and it starts from ourselves – we have to be the initiator  ... when we were making decision to be part of the family of CHRIST, to be HIS children ... i believed there is this eagerness inside of to know HIM more .. recalling the day when I said I want HIM to be part of my life .. i never had forgotten the joy that came to me on the day i say yes to HIM .. 

 

Setting on flame for HIM - let HIM be a part of your everyday's questions, everyday's blessings, everyday's sorrows, everyday's good morning, every night's goodnight, everything and all things you can think of ...

 

GOD started to burn for us first and for HIM to pass on the fire to us .. the FIRE which leads to HIS Kingdom .. to be the light to the people who needs HIM, who are still lost in their own maze and the light that guides the dark and unseen paths .. the Light has shine for us and now in us for us to light the darkness to the rest ..

 

Isaiah 9:2 (New Living Translation)

 ² The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

 

 

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not my RAINBOW ?

Psalm 77:11-12  
¹¹ I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
       yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
 
 ¹² I will meditate on all your works
       and consider all your mighty deeds.
 
It was a rainy day ... and it has been raining the entire afternoon ... then the rain began to drizzle and it was this time the sun came out .. it sets the sky to have a ochre blueish colour – in my mind there should be a rainbow (thanks to the science lessons in school) ... and it was then i peeped out of the window from my kitchen .. to my surprised .. i saw the traces of the rainbow forming .. there and then i told myself .. i gotta go out and catch a glimpse of it .. i open the front down and took my camera with me .. i did not know why i had such reaction today .. but the occurrence of that rainbow reminded me of GOD's promise ..

 

In Genesis 9:13-15, this was what GOD has promised Noah and the rainbow is a sign of the HIS covenant in the bible;

 

¹³ I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. ¹⁴ Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, ¹⁵ I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life.

 
A lot went through my head at that time ? my heart was filled with joy and content at that time .. however, i was also puzzled with the joy and contentment ... because i didn't make any request on that day .. i was searching through every inch of my brain mass but, NONE .. then, i realised then it was not about me .. but, how GOD has come through and show some others with HIS; "YES, I promise !!" and like how HE had the covenant between HIM with Noah ..  and, that was the joy and content i was feeling while looking at the rainbow at that time  =)  HIS 'YES & AMEN' to the people is the source of joy !!  
 
GOD has also reminded me something else – that's to put others first ... others' joy is your joy cause this is the same joy that our FATHER has brought to us ... find and count your blessings daily – as this are GOD's daily gesture of LOVE =)

Ephesians 5:21
²¹Honor Christ and put others first."
 

Philippians 2:4

⁴Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
 

Mark 10:45 

⁴⁵For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

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why are you running ?

why are we running ?

it was the Sunday service just passed when i had this thought ... during our prayer ... i was expecting GOD to speak to me ... and HE did ... not by HIS audible voice but, through a kid ... we were all encouraged to pray at the end of the service .. as usual, head bowed, eyes closed =) then all of a sudden a kid came running into the hall (i presumed that he was running into his hall to meet his parents)... he was running and then a loud thump, i guess he must have fell ... and then he got up and walk ...

there and then, that few seconds of commotion actually gave me this thought ...

are we running too fast in life ?

do we keep running and running and neglecting things that come your way that you are supposed to learn or know ?

are we running too too fast for the things that GOD wants us to achieved ?

this boy was definitely running to his parents (for us : running the destination that eventually lead us to our FATHER) and he fell ...

are we running this race for GOD (without GOD’s help) hastily?

running through every hurdles in life without taking a second look at it (the lessons GOD has for us to learn) ... running hastily through life overlooking things that come your way will caused us to fall into the trap of the world – that leads us to feeling emotionally and physically tired latter giving up on this race for HIS eventual purpose ...

what I have learnt from this boy; was to pick myself up again whenever i fall and walk .. taking steady steps ... learning lessons, taking tests that GOD has for us and to trust in HIM holding our hands walking and growing with HIM in this journey of life .. and at the end of the destination .. HE’ll be there with HIS arms wide open waiting for us ... WE ARE HOME =)

the 'why GOD have not answer me' syndrome

do you happened to come across this ... "GOD how come i've been praying so much and i pray to you everyday but you never answer ? did you hear me ? " i have to confessed this has always been my issue ... and it happens off and on my walk with HIM ...

alot of times in our Christian walk - we tend to have 'why GOD have not answer me' syndrome .. and when this is not dealt with greater issues may incur - you start to spend less time with GOD, then you backslide & you lost your faith ... eventually, u r out of the picture n not sync ...

but, what have been spoken in the bible that most of us have often missed and unaware (which applies to me too =P) :

in Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight."

and, in Isaiah 40:31 (New Living Translation)

"But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."


GOD has told us to TRUST IN HIM - n what HE have promised in return ? 'He will make your paths straight (we will not fall / stumble) & we will find new strength (in our faith in HIM)' ... and these are from that 2 verses and there are more in the bible that tells us about HIS promises when we trust in HIM ...

recently, someone has shared with me about Proverb 3:5-6 and then he asked me how can i be sure that GOD will fulfilled HIS promised to us and whether we will still be around to see our parents' salvation ? i told him i don't know .. but, i will continue to hold on to that promise and continue to trust in the LORD and be persistently commiting my parents' salvation in prayers ... and, to have faith in GOD - he got me to think about his questions, and, i also asked GOD and my sister .. apart from what i thought, is there anymore to it ?

there was one night (it was the Saturday night that has just passed), me and sis was praying for my parents' salvation and my bro's going back to GOD ... i saw one part of the eagle's wing - and i remembered the song 'On eagles’ wings I will soar' (familiar, huh ? hehe) and thru that i recalled it's a verse in Isaiah ... i was frantically searching my bible during sunday service to see what GOD have to say about the wing .. i found it (paiseh, the 2 sisters sitting to the right and left of me also was helping me to find that verse, u know who u r) !! the 'Trust in the LORD' caught my eyes immediately ... n the 2 verses shared similarities ... deriving to what GOD have to say on my thoughts and that is to hold on to the promise and trust in HIM ...


continue to "trust in HIM for HIM to deliver this promise to us" =)