Finding The Lost Pokémon

If the latest craze has hit your country, you probably would have known it by now. The Pokémon Go game that has swept the world over with such a phenomenal effect never before seen. For the uninitiated (including myself, and I researched. And I watched friends go “child-like” with the game too), in very simple terms, it is a location-based augmented reality game on mobile devices, with the objective of finding and locating Pokémon creatures. And upon finding them, you are suppose to catch, and then look after and train them, developing into champions. Many players have gone through great distances and troubles to find these Pokémon creatures, some rare and precious. Huge sacrifices of time and effort were made to find them. Unfortunately, some at the expense of their personal safety.

However, I did see something very familiar and very dear.

So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbours, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’   Luke 15:3-6

There is One who first went through great distances (crossing heaven to earth), with great effort and difficulty, even fatally bruising His own body, and finally sacrificing ultimately Himself-His own life on the cross in exchange, just to seek and keep this very rare and precious creature that He loves. And all He wish for is to look after and develop that creature to be a champion.

And that creature is, YOU!

 

… And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. (Luke 15:5)

 

 

Pika.. Pika.. Pikachu, anyone?

 

Biblical Hero’s Statement of Faith

Someone forwarded me this; I really liked it and have built on it. You see, many heroes from the bible have these defining moments in time where, what they spoken or declared in a statement of faith, raised them up, setting them apart in exalting the Lord. It expresses their relationship with God, their faith and their perspective that we all would like to model from.

More importantly, it shows us what a God we have and, really, what a God!

What would you tell yourself every morning as you start the day or whenever you faced a challenge ahead?

Abel would say, “The best portions is for the Lord.”

Noah would say, “I will do exactly what the Lord has commanded.”

Enoch would say, “I will not see death as I’m walking in close fellowship with God.”

Abraham said, “The Lord will provide.”

Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter.”

Isaac said, “Where is the Lamb?”

Jacob said, “I won’t let go of You unless You bless me.”

Joseph said, “God has made me fruitful in this land of my grief.”

Moses said, “Lord, if You don’t go with us or before us, we are not going anywhere.”

Rehab said, “The Lord is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.”

Joshua said, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Gideon said, “Get up! For the Lord has given you victory.”

Samson prayed, “Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time.”

Ruth said, “Wherever you go, I will go.”

Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.”

Nehemiah said, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

David said, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I have all that I need.”

Solomon said, “Give me an understanding heart.”

Isaiah said, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

Jeremiah said, “The Lord has plans to prosper me and not to harm or fail me.”

Jabez said, “Oh, that you may bless me and enlarge my territory.”

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said, “We will not bow down to any image but will serve the Lord.”

Ezekiel said, “Any dry bones in my life, live again.”

Peter said, “I will cast my cares upon the Lord for He cares.”

John said, “I am the disciple whom Jesus loves.”

Paul said, “The Lord will supply all my needs and I can do all things through Christ.”

 

*Choose your daily statement of faith. Meditate on it! Speak it!*

The Holy Rest And Refreshing

For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, To whom He said, “This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest,” And, “This is the refreshing”;   Isaiah 28:11-12

Are you always tired, anxious and worried? Are you troubled, depressed and plagued by many things in life? Are you feeling ill-health, empty and stressed? While the world offers many remedies, they mostly lead to even more harm and side-effects like addictions and poor health.

But God, the Father has something better for us-believers. It is the activation of Himself, the Holy Spirit who is in us. We call upon Him, to rest and refresh us. The One who is greater and stronger, the One who we can cling on and the One who never leaves us nor forsake us.

So what is the secret calling upon Him?  For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak – to pray in tongues. When you pray in the Spirit – in tongues, you can feel the stress and pain just melting away! The peace Jesus Christ had promised to us, just breaks down every fear and anxiety. Try it!

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

Let us remember to pray in tongues regularly, it is not enough just to have the head-knowledge but to use and exercise this wonderful gift from the Lord! This is the rest and the refreshing which God has promised us. (not the next vacation!)

So start praying in tongues always, and let His rest and peace fill your entire being. It is the holy R&R (Rest and Refreshing), the making of a holy and victorious life!

Hidden Kingdoms

I have recently watched a fantastic BBC Earth documentary titled Hidden Kingdoms. It’s about a cast of miniature creatures, facing huge adversities and gigantic odds against them. For them, everyday is an epic adventure just to stay alive. But yet despite their huge challenges, the little heroes faced life with great perseverance and enthusiasm.

One particular character stands out for me, and that’s the Grasshopper Mouse, cute little fellow. Chased by flooding waters, hawks, and rattlesnakes; but yet battling scorpions, fainting due to the venom, but recovered to feast on its prize.

Compared to these little guys, we humans have much to learn; or unlearn.

Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.   Luke 12:22-26, 32

Sometimes, we need be still and reflect. Well, whatever we are facing, it is probably tiny compared to what these little guys encounter with their existence on the line daily. If the humble “rodents” can live under such unforgiving conditions yet live everyday with such fervour and zeal, then are we as human beings embarrassing our Creator by worrying and anxious over trivial stuffs, not living our lives abundantly? Are we not a lot more valuable than these mere creatures?

For me, it took the hidden kingdoms to remind us that our Father in heaven has already given us the Kingdom. So don’t be afraid, little flock.

A Reflection In Thankfulness

It’s the end of the year and a time of reflection again.

Truthfully, it is a turbulent year; a year where much had happened and is still happening. For the world, it’s probably one of the worst year for a long time, short of being in a world war. Sadly, tragedies and atrocities abounds; human lives were seemingly valueless and worthless. Bad news on the front page almost every single day. I see the beginning of the end, but yet it is still the beginning.

However, personally, and I believe this for most fellow believers; it is not a year of doom and gloom. We, the redeemed, are in the world – at a bad time, but not of the world and never hopeless. There are always glimmers of lights, twinkles and winks from God-the Father. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, has always been a primary source of hope simply by His promises in the Bible. The glory of His coming and sacrifice for us… Just for us, that He gave Himself up, that we might be not be only conquerors, but more than conquerors:

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.   Romans 8:31-39

I, too am convinced, God’s love is ever much real and can never ever be separated from us. Even in such perilous times, I am having the best time in my life yet, and it is going to be even better! Join me in this hope, not an empty one; a real promising one by the Son, the new-born King.

If you are unsure, just ask the silent One, that is in you; the Holy Spirit. Just ask Him to rise up and bring glory from within up to Christ, the Son. Joy and thankfulness will surge through because of Christ who loved us. Overwhelming victory is yours! Leap in joy and thanksgiving; allow Him to; give yourself a chance too. Hug your family, spread your love. Keep Christ in Christmas, because we are the very reason He came.

Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas.

– King David @2014

Faith Ablazed

Faith will make you fearless. Fear is the dark room for negativity, but Faith is immune system that will cast out fear; Faith anchors your stand even in the midst of all the fiery darts of the enemy. Faith will ultimate give you your victory.

In the gospels, Jesus was always assuring, “Do not fear. Just believe.”

If we can just cast all our cares to Christ, He is always there for us. Faith is based on Word of God. When the gospel goes forth, things will happens. Expect it to happen, this is because God works unceasingly (John 5:17) and have that expectation that He will work mightily; because of your faith… However little.

Faith in God is to trust our Lord Jesus. If The Lord send you on a path, even when in doubt; doubt the doubts.

And it is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬) And I believe the reverse is also true; that we His children pleases God the Father immensely if we activate our faith in Him.

Put your life on the altar for God and He will honor you. The Lord always take a nobody turning into a somebody. And if you are reading this, that’s you…

Look Forward To Our Blessed Hope – Look Forward to Jesus Christ

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.   Titus 2:11-14

The grace of God has brought us through, bring salvation to all who believes. Now, we look forward to our blessed hope, awaiting the fulfilment of our promise. In the MSG translation, it says “whetting our appetites for the glorious day”; the glorious day when we meet Jesus Christ, our God and Saviour in the air.

Looking forward to our blessed Hope – Look forward to our Christ… our Lord Jesus.

“Do Not Be Afraid” 365 Times In The Bible, One Everyday

I was pleasantly surprised to read somewhere that God’ assurance, “Do Not Be Afraid” was written 365 times in the Bible; that’s a daily reminder for us from God to live fearless everyday. Out of curiosity and accountability, I did a simple search online, and it seems that the most hits I have gotten was only about 144 “Fear Not”, found in King James Version, see here. I was a little disappointed by this romantic myth, although it seems difficult to verify conclusively. I know there are other verses that probably meant the same thing but phrased differently, like “Take heart”, “Take courage”, “Be strong”, “Be still”, “Do not be anxious”, “Whom shall I fear?”,  etc.

Anyway while pondering, I was reminded on the inside to be thankful, nevertheless, on the vast numbers of “Do Not Be Afraid” mentioned in the Bible. Frankly, I was hoodwinked by the shortfall in numbers, instead of giving praise to the huge numbers of divine assurances God, the Father has given us in His Word. I mean, think about it, how many other literatures, religious or otherwise, (if there is even any at all) gives you as many assurance and comfort? How many other gods/faith dared promise what our Father has promised us? And how strongly these promises are given? None that I know of.

And here I am, thinking like a spoiled brat, just because my Math doesn’t add up.

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.   Isaiah 41:10

You see, God not only gave His assurance and comfort (as recorded in the Bible) so many times; equally important is also the way He would assure us. He would always staked Himself into assurance turning it into a promise, guaranteed by Himself; not empty comforting words. He is not remote, aloof and faraway. God’s promises to us are always personal and always backed by Himself – the best evidence is found in Jesus Christ at the cross.

There are no romantic myths in Bible, only real ones, promises by a real personal God…

 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.  1 Peter 5:7 

 

On The Sixth Day God Made You – His Family

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

So God created human beings in his own image.
In the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.     Genesis 1:26-27

In creation, we know God made everything from the heaven to the earth. He made everything in 5 days and on the 6th day, he made all sorts of animals on land and finally for His crown jewel; He made us, humans – in the likeness of God’s very own image and the only creature that carries the breadth of God. We are destined to reign over all other creatures.

God, our Father made us, to be like Him. We are the only one that carry His breath. He made us as His own; His family.

In all the 5 days, our Father declared His creation was good. But on the 6th day, after creating us, our Father said it was very good and rested on the 7th day, when all creation was completed.  And our Father blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. He probably use His rest day to enjoy His creation; to enjoy the company of His family – us.

Everyone of us is very precious. This is because each one of us carries the very image our Father. If you are feeling all alone and feeling defeated; when you think you are facing an adversity all by yourself. Know this -> You are not alone. You are destined to reign victorious. You are part of God the Father’s very own; you are part of a very powerful family. As God the Father rested to enjoy our company; we too should enjoy His company and be at rest.

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”   Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

 

Welcome home…

 

In Evil Days -> Sing & Make Music To The Lord

Everyone now have no doubts that we are all living in evil days; – major ones. This is especially so this year, 2014; and probably also the next, if you have read previously The Coming Of The Four Blood Moons. While the blood moons prophecies are squarely for Israel, it nevertheless has big repercussions throughout the world. We are not even into the fourth quarter of the year and we have witnessed much terrors from wars, calamities, terrorisms, religious military coups, plane crashes, to uncontrollable virus epidemics; tragedies enough to last a lifetime. These are evil days, indeed.

However, the Lord has been impressing on me with this portion of the Scriptures:   Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.   Ephesians 5:16-20 (NLT)

You see, God the Father has already prepared for us, in these evil days, for the evil days. Do not waste your life away worrying or being anxious. While we have no control over the dire situations, we have our God who has and can, for our sake. God–The Father’s Promises For Your Protection are already covering you in place. You just need to know that and let your faith rise up. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John14:27). Don’t live thoughtlessly like the world but be filled with His Holy Spirit.

The key in overcoming these evil days, is to – sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs; making music to the Lord in your heart! Let the Holy Spirit lift up within you, empowering you to go forward in thanksgiving to the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. While the world worries on, we will sing praises to the Lord; while the world whimper in fear, we make music to the Lord, our God!

We are not drowning out the horrors with empty noise; pretending it’s not there. Like the good “hymn” says… It’s because our God is greater…

 

I have always admired David that while he was still a shepherd boy, sing praise to God and making music with a 10 string lyre.   It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp, and the melody of a lyre. Psalms 92:1-3

I just gotten a set of 6 stringed guitar and a 4 stringed ukulele to learn on my own, that’s 10 strings too… Now, pray that God will also give me the talent to make music to the Lord. 🙂

Have a blessed weekend.

 

 

David vs Goliath : A Modern View

I came across this fantasy themed graphical image of David and I love it. It is a modern digital rendition of David verses Goliath titled Goliath. It is probably overly dramatic but we just love being theatrical, don’t we. Instead of hero-worship of fictitious characters from comics or Hollywood, why not turn to the Bible and see some accounts of real heroes; and be as dramatic as you can imagine.

And no, I have not turned into a Cosplay fanatic.

Unfortunately, in most modern day interpretation of David vs Goliath, the world has reduced it to a story or a lesson; to mere ways the of underdogs, or about facing giants; simply a battling between the big and tiny; the art of war – stacking the odds and tactics on how to overcome a much bigger opponent. Some even ridiculously claimed such (the small defeating the larger), should be the default outcome.

Let’s get back to reality.

In the biblical account, God sent the Israelites out to conquer the Promised Land, clearing out the giants starting from Canaan (Joshua 11). And in 1 Samuel 17, the Israelites were battling the Philistines in the valley of Elah. And there was a Philistine champion warrior, a “super” giant that stands at about 9 feet 9 inches; probably a descendants of the Nephilim – when demons mated with women; even after the flood in Noah’s time (Genesis 6). He wore a bronze helmet, bronze amour and a killer weapon of a bronze javelin; The metal bronze speaks of judgment and ultimately death. Goliath is like a shadow of the modern-day Satan; the evil one who looms largely and intimidatingly around like a roaring lion, shooting unjustified judgements and looking for someone to devour.

But David’s response was great, not filled with anxiety facing the giant but focused on the Lord. The secret to David’s boldness was that he was only conscious of victory and not defeat, because he knew a God who had rescued him time and again, from the lions and the bears when he was tending his sheep on the fields. David was only aware of the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord and nothing else! This should be our stance and response to our opposition as well.

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1Samuel 17:45-46

From a prophetic perspective, David was also a foreshadow of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. You see, Jesus came and represented all of humanity; to go against the gigantic judgement singlehandedly. He did not take up the bronze amour of judgments but took His grace of 5 stones and took out the devil, once and for all. With the same sword of death that threatened us, He used it to cut off Goliath’s head. And by His victory, we are all victorious.

Also David took Gol-iath’s head, and brought it back to Jerusalem (v54). So it is a coincident that when Christ was crucified, it was on Gol-gotha! At the cross, Jesus Christ crushed the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15).

Now, that’s a real Hero for you.

 

The Last Plea

I read this incredible story behind the photograph that marked the end of a matador’s career. In the middle of the fight, this man collapsed in remorse when the beast refused to fight even when touted. Grievously wounded, the bull did not attack the man, but seemingly pleading with the man.

Unfortunately, to my disgust and sadness, it was a hoax. It was merely part of the show. Sitting on the curb around the ring after the sword has been placed in the bull is a known desplante, or act of defiance; within the part-scripted, part-improvised spectacle that is the corrida de toros. In this case, whatever the corrida was, it was certainly not of remorse.

 

However, this picture moved me. It reminds me of another, Who (depicted as an Ox in the gospel of Mark and as the Red Heifer) was fatally pierced, but yet still pleading; pleading on our behalf. With a blood-drenched body, tortured and torn beyond recognition, He endured it all on the cross for you and me; and yet pleading for us to open our hearts to Him.

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:4-5

Jesus Christ bear all the sufferings for our sins. He sacrificed Himself to die for you and I.

 

Would you respond to His plea and believe in Him; accepting His redemption for you?