His Words

Whenever we are facing trials, we become an easy target of the devil and he will do the best that he can to give us negative effects. Most importantly, we might be facing discouragement during these hardships in our life. We sometimes question ourselves on what we could have done wrong and it will totally lead to doubt ourselves. This destructive force can bring us into a situation on which we will become weak.

Discouragement will result into confusion in everything. Our judging power will be affected. Also, the things that we normally do for Christ might be lessen and our attention will be focused on analyzing things. It seems like we are in the dark and the joy that we had will be changed to anger. Then the blame game comes in on which we normally blame others and finger point at someone else that caused us this bad situation. Perhaps we might look fault with God on why He is doing these things to us. Then the feeling of guilt will enter next and will probably blame the past mistakes that we did. After that, bitterness will develop that could cause a manner of vengeance and retaliation. Discouragement can also bring us into depression and great sadness. Be reminded that there will be no healing and restoration if we don't act on these things. We should be helping ourselves with a complete guidance from God.

James 1:2-4 (² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking), clearly states that this point of our life which we are encountering several trials is only a test of faith so we must work hard to overcome it and don't let discouragement overtake us as it will result to bad things. Above behaviors do not portray the true spirit of Christianity. Just pray to Him and ask for revelations and search for any trace of destructive factors that persuade us to this manner. Cast away discouragement immediately in our lives and always look forward for a victorious life with God.

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Before arriving here in Dubai, I thought that this emirate would be very strict in every way. But I was wrong; this city from UAE is far from the imagination of others. It is much open here compared to Saudi. In Saudi, a man and a woman can't walk and talk in a shopping mall unless they are married. Restaurants have different space for men and women; there are no movie houses and no alcoholic drinks at all. Here, you can do whatever you want to do and alcohols are available in bars and you can only buy outside of bar if you have liquor license. It is actually a good way of controlling things here. But what really surprised me here in Dubai is the execution of the law regarding sex. If you got caught engaging sex activity to a person who is not your husband/wife, you will go straight to jail. Getting pregnant here if you are not married is also an offense and against the law; you'll get jailed and deported. A man and a woman can't live together in a room except if they are married; if you won't follow, you will face eviction and probably jail time.

In my opinion, the rule is kind of correct. Of course in true Christian way, sex is only allowed between married couples. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with such law here and it is also conforming to the law of morale. They just have different kind of punishment here, but in our case, we know to whom we are answerable. Temptation is inevitable in this world and we sometimes prefer instant pleasure without understanding its consequences. The behavior in sexual immorality will progress unless we make the best way to put a stop on it. As we continue to commit such sin, the penalty progresses and we might drown into the sea of lustful sins.

This scenario was exactly described in James 1:14-16 - "¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. ¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters." Committing this ultimate sin can also lead to pregnancy and acquiring some diseases. If we continue to perpetrate such act, it might cause loneliness and the self-esteem might be in trouble. Yes, premarital sex can be seen widely in most places but this shouldn't be an excuse and we shouldn't tell to ourselves: "Why can't I do it if others can?" Sex apart from marriage is in violation of Scripture.

In the long run, if we carry forward in this lifestyle, it will only result to greater sin and this will lead to doubt our salvation. It will also cause questioning the power of prayer and forgiveness. If we maintain such disgrace act, we might lose our capacity to determine which is right and wrong. An "express pleasure" is nothing but a piece of unworthy time and act. But hey, there is good news. The power of Jesus' blood forgives our sins. He is always there waiting for us. We are always welcome to His kingdom if we will only confess our sins and run away from those wrongdoings. Don't worry about dealing physical and emotional consequences as Jesus restores our spirit to purity.

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For sure we all know all the gifts and promises that He has for us. That when we reach the kingdom, there will be endless happiness and will be fulfilled with love. Of course, all we need to do is to obey Him and give Him the highest praise and continue to put our trust in Him. But let's see what are the eternal rewards that we will receive after accomplishing our tasks here on earth. As we all say, we must be strong and full of endurance in this game called life. We should never stop in doing good and spreading His words. Since we are in this game, we will also have our own medals after the race.

1. Medal of Extreme Joy. Since we have accomplished the discipleship tasks, aren't the new believers that we helped would be our greatest joy and glory?! I mean, the happiness in our heart is priceless once we see those people who were lost but now with our help, were saved and walking towards the journey of Christianity. In the presence of our Lord, these new believers will be our gift to Him and the feeling can't be compared to anything on how we succeed in the spiritual development of others. (1 Thessalonians 2:18-20 "¹⁸ For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. ¹⁹ For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory and joy.")

2. Medal of Life. Problems, trials and hardships are unavoidable in this game. During the race, we will be encountering tests that will determine the level of trust and love that we have for Him. Whether the test is an uphill climb or a rocky road, just be reminded that spiritual growth happens in adversity. We should never give up, instead continue to love and trust Him and the eternal reward will be an unending life. (James 1:12 "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.")

3. Medal of Triumph. If we are effective in our ministry, executed a perfect discipleship and victorious over sins then there is a triumph that awaits for us in the finish line. That reward will be imperishable and the light that it brings will enlighten and inspire others. (1 Corinthians 9:25-27 "²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. ²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. ²⁷ No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.")

4. Medal or Righteousness. There will always be temptations, there will always be hardships, oh yes, Christian life is not easy but if we live righteously then these things are nothing. As a believer, we should always pursue godliness and should strive to meet God with a pure conscience. (2 Timothy 4:5-8 "⁵ But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. ⁶ For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.")

So after gathering all these medals, what should we do about them? Well, it will be our gift to our Lord in the time that we meet Him. Offer them into His feet as sign of appreciation for all the things that He have done to us: saved us, equipped us, guided us, protected us and loved us unconditionally.

Yeah, the title seems to be confusing but this post is pertaining to the major topic of our group devotion. It was really nice sharing thoughts and exchanging views and understanding of His words. On 2nd of February, we discussed about LOVE since the Valentine's day is about to come that time (it was kinda early actually). Main verses we used were:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Many views were revealed but what really spoke to me was "it keeps no record of wrongs". When you really love someone and caused you pain, you can forgive them but can we really forget? During conversations or some angry moments or confrontations, we sometimes look back into the past mistakes so we can't move on. But if it is true love, we should forgive and forget as love is kind. Love is a very simple word but with a broad and wider meaning. We should also have a longer patience so that we can avoid to be mad easily, prayer is the best tool to garner such characteristic. Love is such a wonderful feeling but shouldn't be only about romantic instances. Love should also be provided to your loved ones, parents, siblings, relatives, friends or even enemies.

Meanwhile, last 4th of February, during our Bintan trip, we also had an early morning devotion, outside our hotel room with fresh air and great view of the sea. It was really great spending with your friends and share the words of God during that time, it was very refreshing. Anyway, the main topic was the taming of the TONGUE. We used the following verses:

James 3:1-12 - 1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

As a Christian, there are expectations and traits that others are looking into us. We share His words, explains to others and we ensure that they understand it. But sometimes, it is unavoidable to say such words that might hurt or offend others when we are in the situation of pressure or anger. Our tongue is very powerful as every word we say might affect others whether positively or negatively. Tongue is being used for praising and worshipping Him but sometimes being used to do face to face assaults and/or behind the back attacks. Gossip and slander is also a wrong doing that we sometimes commit. We can avoid this by communicating to Him and seek for assistance and guidance, ask for forgiveness and learn to control anger. How can we praise Him if we also curse or hate others and speaking unnecessary words. Before, I use the "F" word a lot but have managed to control it and gave a new code for it, I now say "Farm" or "Firm". He is a forgiving God, ask for forgiveness and learn from our mistakes and ensure that we live a healthy life by reading His words and put it into our daily lives. It will be a continuous struggle for us to tame our tongue but it will be a lot easier if we are with Him.

During the lowest point of my life last year, specifically around July to September, I was at home most of the time and I used it to get closer to Him by reading the bible. On one instance, I was impatiently waiting for a good result and answer that I almost gave up but upon reading this verse, it striked me.

Mark 11:24 - Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

So I continued to pray and claimed that all my prayers will be answered in the right time and that I just need to believe and trust His plans to me. But still after that, there were still those times of doubts and questions on when is the right time? How long should I wait? Should I give up? Are these His plans, to make me suffer? Why is this happening to me? Did I do something wrong? But my trust to Him erased all those uncertainties and I just continued to pray and that time, I looked for more support on the bible as I believe all the answers to our questions can be found in that tiny book.

1 John 5:14-15 - 14) This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15) And if we know that He hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of Him.

Acts 16:31 - They replied, "Believe in the lord Jesus, and you will be saved - you and your household.

Matthew 7:7-8 - 7) Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8) For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to Him who knocks, the door will be opened.

We can see how great He is, He will give everything we desire, just approach Him, just ask and believe that He is always at our side, ready to listen. By believing, it feels so light to wake up every morning knowing that we are loved. Like what I posted before on my Facebook account, "Prayer is the best communication as you know you are loved by the one you are talking to". But there were some moments of questions why we are not blessed or the prayers are taking too long to be answered. The answers are still in the bible and believe me, after reading it, I understood more what my weaknesses are and what are the things I need to consider.

John 16:24 - Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete.

James 1:6 - But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

James 4:3 - 3) When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
The keywords are to ask and believe, don't be discouraged and get frustrated. As my UL discussed to me on our last shepherding, ensure that my prayers are for good intentions and that my motives are clean and will not make any harm to others. Well then, I insist, ask thru prayers, there is always a proper and correct timing to Him... just believe.