SarahCity

I find the following story interesting.... A man dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates and says, "Here’s how it works. You need 1000 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you’ve done and I give you points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 1000 points you get in." "Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same wonderful woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart." "That’s wonderful," says St. Peter, "That’s worth 3 points!" "Three Points, the man yells?" he says. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported it’s ministry with my tithe and service." "Terrific!" says Peter. "That’s certainly worth a point." "One point?" "I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans." "Fantastic, that’s good for 2 more points," he says. "Two po...

Sometimes I wonder why do some christians zealously chase after God even after many years being a christian while some fall into complacency after a short period of time. Below is a story I found in the website which I found amusing and quite clearly explained the reason why. The story: One day a young man stood in front of an old Christian who was sitting on the porch with his dog stretched out before him taking in a beautiful sunset. The young man posed this question: "Why is it, brother, that most Christians zealously chase after God during the first year or two after their conversion, but then fall into a complacent ritual of church twice a week and end up not looking any different than their neighbors who aren’t even Christians? I have heard you are not like that. I’ve been told that you have fervently sought after God throughout your years as a Christian. People see something in you that they don’t see in most people who became Christians. What makes you different?" T...

This brother shared a testimony on how he came to know Jesus. His testimony is divided into 3 parts: before and how he became a Christian and what happen to his life after he became a Christian. Part 1 – Before He became a Christian He shared a bible verse to describe his condition : Eph 5:8a For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Before he became a Christian, as what the Bible say, he was in darkness. What does Dark-ness mean? He used the word "D-A-R-K" to describe. D stands for "darkness". Separation from God who is the true light. It is like a blind man groping in the dark, having no idea who God is and how He is like. When his mother asked him to go to a temple, he just went. He prayed to the statue but there is no personal relationship with him. A stands for "Aimless". Life is without direction. He just followed the life cycle like everyone. He hoped after his study, to go to work, marry, have children and then one da...

Which way will you choose: the way that leads to life or the way that leads to death? The Bible tells us that the way that leads to life is a narrow way, a way that very few people will choose, because it is not an easy way. It is the way of the cross. Few go there. Those who travel there are often seen in solitude and singularity. Matthew 7:13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Matthew 7:14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. We were entreated to make every effort to enter through the narrow door... Luke 13:24 "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. The way to death, on the other hand, is broad. Many people will choose to take this path. It is the great highway in which people go. They fall into it easily and without effort, and go without tho...

The Bible tells us that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. James 4:6. Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD.. Prov 16:5a Initially, I didn't quite understand why pride is an abomination to God. God is extremely disgusted with a proud man. As a christian, sometimes we can become spiritually proud and self-satisfied. We pride ourselves on living a decent life, on being able to conduct ourselves honorably in life - never doing some of the seriously immoral things. In pride and boastfulness, we often feel that we are better than other church members, we serve faithfully and we are not so prone to sin against God. Pride is subtle and can invade our heart and life and once it is at work, we began to live a life independent from God. We no longer realize the need to depend on Him to live a victorious life. We become far from God and no longer living in His presence under His care and protection. Pride is the main cause of Satan's...

Sometimes, we think we are worthless, how can such a great God love us? If this is what you are thinking, perhaps you have to change your thinking. What God thinks of you and me count and it is true and the truth will set us free! We are more valuable than many sparrow. Matthew 10:31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matthew 6: 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? If God take notice of the meanest creatures, even of the sparrows, much more He will take notice of you. In God's eyes, we are more valuable than all the sparrows in the world. The most reassuring part of God's love is the high price he paid for you and for me. This is the most expensive price tag God had paid to save us - the death of His beloved Son! Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still si...

The way George Muller prayed impressed me very much. He was a man of prayer. One of the way he prayed was by claiming God's promises. Whenever he had a prayer request, he would search for a promise in the Bible that fit that need. Next he would meditate on the scripture. According to Wilkipedia, Christian meditation is a form of prayer in which a structured attempt is made to get in touch with and deliberately reflect upon the revelations of God. Then he will plead for that promise before God. He didn't stop praying for anyone or anything until he got his request. He was fully convinced that God would answer his prayers. In his life, there was no plan B. 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Psalm 81:10 open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

The apostle Paul himself set a very good example on "Evangelism" for us to follow. He was very passionate and he had lived his whole life dedicated to the gospel. Below is an extraction from the Books of Acts:- Acts 20:18-22, 24, 27 18 “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; 20 how I kept back nothing that was helpful , but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house , 21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace ...

The good news is too good to keep to yourself. (odb) Last week, a few of us presented a skit about Paul witnessing to King Agrippa before the children. Though Paul was a prisoner, yet he did not allow his circumstances to drive him to despair. But instead, he took every opportunity to witness to King Agrippa and Governor Festus. Paul has a burning passion, an emotional fire, a spiritual force that made him share the good news of Jesus and His death and resurrection. Below is an extraction from the Bible: Acts 26:1-23 1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, 3 and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 “The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I wa...

This morning, I read about the Circle of Blessing from the Book "Shepherding a Child's Heart' and this statement caught my attention:- "You must be obeyed for their (your children) sakes!" In the past, I always think that a child's obedience is just simply an issue between the parent and the child. This thinking is very wrong because it can cause us to overlook an offense without making an effort to restore our child back to God. In fact, obedience is an issue between the child and God in which the parent is God’s agent in drawing the child back within the circle of blessing. In Ephesians 6:1-3 God has drawn a circle of great blessing. Children are to live within the circle of submission to parental authority. Submission to parents means HONORING and OBEYING. Within that circle things will go well and they will enjoy long lives. When our children disobey, they move outside the circle of blessing which is a place of danger, it will not go well w...

Below is a touching story from the book "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripps. Howard's son suffered brain damage during infancy. Howard was unsure how much his son could understand. Despite his son's retarded brain development, he talked to him about the ways of God. At 3 1/2, the boy still could not speak. The parents continued to talk to him of God, pray with him, and sought to shepherd him bibically. One day, the lad required correction and discipline. Howard was perplexed as he tried to explain, not knowing how much his son could grasp. As he grew more frustrated with the communication process, his son intervened. He spoke! His first words were, "Pray, Daddy!" This young child, compromised by brain damage, had been understanding valuable lessons all along. He knew of his father's faith in God. He knew that one turns to God when troubled. He knew that God could help his daddy communicate. -- I am very impressed by Howard's fa...

I heard this true story during one of our home meeting. I find this story very touching and decided to put it in my blog as an encouragement to those who are faithfully taking care of their loved one. You are not alone, God is watching our every action. A sister in china shared that while her husband was in coma,she read some scriptures from the new testament to him daily and after each reading, she will pat her husband on his shoulder and say "amen" on his behalf. She did this faithfully for ten years. One day, while doing the regular reading, she suddenly heard a loud "Amen" and it came from none other but her husband. God has honoured our sister by showing mercy to her husband and while he was still in coma, his spirit is still very much alive. It is a good reminder to me not to belittle what we are doing for others. When we have a heart, God will show mercy to those whom we are praying and taking care.

Sometimes, when someone wronged us, we find it is very hard to forgive the person. It is easy & very natural for us to hold grudges. However, God's instruction on this matter is very clear. Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV) By ourselves, it is hard to forgive. But because we love Him, we are willing to forgive through a decision of our will by Dear father God, we pray for ourselves and our fellow christian brothers and sisters.  Lord, by ourselves it is hard to forgive.  We bring our hurts, our pains to you.  We bring those who have hurt us whether intentionally and unintentionally to you.  As we pray, may your Holy Spirit directs our heart to forgive and we release all bitterness, anger, hatred into your mighty hand.  Help your children to love one another and bear each others.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

Have started reading on Alzheimer's disease. Mum-in-law seemed to be suffering from this disease. Some facts I just learnt:- 1. It is a type of dementia. Brain cells start dying 2. Patient loses ability to solve problem and grasp concept 3. It is harder to form new memory 4. Patient loses control over mood - easily angered, sad and teary 5. Patient starts to lose precious memory 6. Affecting the bodily function 7. It is a slow fatal disease affecting the brain. Now we try to help her establish some routines and take photos to help her recollect her memories.

Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve here, and reward you when he cometh in the clouds of heaven. (John Wesley). I realise how often times I have sung hymns in the meeting but there were many moments I could not remember what I have sung. We may get into the act of singing but our hearts may be afar off. The above quote from John Wesley reminds me that our focus must be God. There is a need to exercise our spirit even in our hymn singing. Singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer - honouring Him and proclaiming Him as the king in our lives. In other word, if I do not sing unto Him, I am really dishonouring Him, disrepecting Him. This is quite a reminder for me! "...

Christianity is not about the number of books you read, nor the variety of sermons you hear, nor the amount of religious conversation in which you mix, but it is the frequency and earnestness with which you meditate on these things till the truth in them becomes your own and part of your being, that ensures your growth. (Frederick W. Robertson). I enjoy the above quotation very much. Christianity is not about head knowledge but rather the working of the truths in the Bible personally till they become internalize in us, a part of us and also bear fruits in us. Lately I have a situation at home. Mother-in-law is getting old and she always forget that she has eaten. She can be eating within an hour interval. At time she became so angry thinking she has not eaten her food and turns violent and displays extreme behavior. During these moments, it is very easy to get angry and flare up but as I learn to turn to Him our Savior, I feel that all angers start to subside. Perhaps it is thro...