Are you in Cain's line or Seth's line?

Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom."

We are living in the last days. Really, the return of Jesus is nearer than ever. How then shall we live? How then shall we make our lives count and worthy of the calling which He has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light? As you look at the people around you, some are getting ahead, and some are getting behind or so it seems. What should we pursue?

Ephesians 5:15-16 "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

I recently saw in a new book out in the market that in the history of mankind, the Bible recorded that man has, in summary, lived his life in one of the 2 ways. According to the line of Cain or according to the line of Seth. The Bible specifically recorded the line of Cain although his line was not the line which the Savior of the world will come. Moreover, Cain's line was wiped out in 7 generations. Therefore, if God put it in, there must be some truths which God wanted to reveal to us.

Cain was extremely wicked man who murdered his brother Abel and yet showed no remorse at all. His line is filled with men who created built the first cities, created the first cultures and invented technology. His descendants were violent and wicked like him. Seth's line showed no amazing feat in the genealogy of Genesis, but the Bible described many of his descendants are those who sought God and walked in His ways. Men like Enoch and Noah came from his body.



God showed us the distinction of the two civilization clearly. God saw no pleasure in Cain's accomplishments. God didn't even bothered to number Cain's descendants' year on earth and in 7 generations they are wiped out. But Seth's line, each year of their life on earth walking with God was so precious that God numbered the years they spent with Him. The world looks at the accomplishments and admires those who are rich and powerful. They want to enjoy the admiration of others. Yes, you see people getting ahead, people looking down on you. It's not a good feeling. But what's really a life that counts in God's sight are those who walked with God. In the light of eternity, which is more important to you? God is counting...

Psalms 84:10 "For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness."

"Father, thank you for your wisdom and showing us the right path towards true wealth, honor and riches. It lies not in the line of Cain --a self-centered pursuit, but in the line of Seth --- seeking Your Kingdom first and all these shall be added unto us. Even if we do not become rich and powerful, or lived our years looked down upon by others, we still rather serve You even in the lowliest position. Give us peace as we submit our ambition to You. Amen."

God protects Christians from Economic Crisis

Acts 11: 27-28 "And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar."

There is a ministry among us which has been receiving a bad press because of inaccurate and false prophesies in modern history of the church. That's the ministry of the prophets. If only these prophets have the fear of the LORD, such things will not happen. It's a heavy responsibility because in the O.T, false prophets are to be stoned by death. Always be careful to when someone say "Thus saith the LORD". Test every spirit of prophecy through prayer and agreement. In the OT, prophets work alone. But in the NT, prophets work in groups. "And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch."

1 John 4:1 "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

However, we do not discredit just because of bad press this special gift that God has given to the church. Because it is the apostles and prophets that lay the foundation of the church. It was so in the first days, it will also be so in the last days.

Ephesians 2:19-21 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord."

In the last days of the church, just like in the first days, the Body of Christ need true prophets who will stand up and prophesy the things of God. In the first days, God's true prophets saw far and deep into the future and protected the infant church from the economic famine throughout the world. Likewise, in the last days, there will be true prophets who will stand up and protect the church by looking far and deep into the future. Prophets are like watchtowers. Soldiers on watchtowers set on the frontier can see further than soldiers on the ground. They can predict enemy movements and warn soldiers on the ground what threat is coming. They are the frontier protector of the land.

Isaiah 21:7-9 "And he saw a chariot with a pair of horsemen, A chariot of donkeys, and a chariot of camels, And he listened earnestly with great care. Then he cried, “A lion, my Lord! I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime; I have sat at my post every night. And look, here comes a chariot of men with a pair of horsemen!”

Isaiah saw an army coming. But an army could be friendly or foe. Hence, a true prophet will see first and he doesn't speak immediately. He will listen earnestly and carefully. Who does he listened to confirm what he saw? The LORD. Then the true prophet will speak of what he saw and heard.

"Dear Lord, thank You for the wonderful gift you have given to the Body of Christ. Truly, prophets are given to build the kingdom and protect the flocks. And every believer in You has the ability to operate in the gift of prophecy because the testimony of Jesus in us is the spirit of prophecy. Help us to become sharper and help us to hear your voice clearer each time. We thank you and we love you. Anoint us Lord even more. Amen."

Jesus Lives!

Mark 16:6 But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him."

Early morning, on the 3rd day after Jesus their Lord was crucified on the cross, his disciples had a mighty surprise. The tomb of Jesus was empty and they met an angel who told them Jesus is no longer in the tomb, He had came back to life. Death could not hold him down because there is no sin, no legal foothold, in Him. This is the wonderful difference and specialness in Christianity. We serve a risen founder, a resurrected Savior.

Many religious leaders their bones are still in their grave. They can't save you nor help you now. Perhaps they can when they were alive. Once they are dead, they can't. But we served a risen savior who always lives to help us in our weaknesses. the Holy Bible says,

Heb 7: 23-25 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Only Jesus can save you because He is still alive in heaven, the closest place to God to help you. Turn away from worthless religion and turn to the One who still lives.

Heb 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;

"Dear Jesus, thank You for being at the right hand of the Father, fighting for us. We know only You can help us. We turn to no other, except You alone. Amen. "

Our Inheritance In Jesus

Heb 9:15 "And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance."

Jesus came from Heaven. He is the Son of God. Heaven is filled with good things the Earth can never give. In Heaven, there is no sufferings and no poverty. Jesus is the owner of Heaven. Wherever He goes He brings heaven with Him. When He walked on earth, He brought healing to the sick, love, peace and joy to the poor in spirit.

Jesus says about Himself,
Matt 4:18 " The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD."

Matt 9:36 "But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd."

When Jesus walked on earth, He saw the inner needs of the people. He was filled with tremendous compassion for them. He knew although He raised one from the dead now, that person will die again. He knew although He healed one now, that person will fall sick again. There is no permanent solution when He walked on earth. The only permanent solution is when He dies.

Heb 9:16-18 "For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood."

When my mother died, all that she had now belongs to me because I'm her son. Therefore, when Jesus died, all that He has now belongs to you and I because He called us His family. When my mother died, the insurance money I received is enough to pay for all my debts to the bank. I do not have to work to pay up my debts. The money I earned from my work can now be used for my own enjoyment and blessing others.

The same thing, when Jesus died, what you owed to the Devil is paid in full. You are free. No longer it is required for you to do good works to attain salvation or eternal life. You are free to use your good works to bless others and serve Jesus out of willingless and not out of guilt. Your ministry becomes an enjoyment rather than something you have to do to please God or accumulate brownie points. Let the truth set you free from worthless religion.

Psalms 8:3-9
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

"Dear Jesus, thank you for the revelation of the real meaning behind your sacrifice. Thank you for making all that you have available to us by your death on the cross. Thank you for awesome love for us. Who are we that you are so mindful of us? A million thank yous... We love you too. Amen."

He Call Us Family

Heb 2:9-10 " But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. "

Do you know that every human have to experience 2 forms of death? One is a physical death which you will naturally pass away due to sickness or old age. The other one is a second death, this is the real Death, where your soul will be eternally separated from God, condemned to eternal suffering because of sin. This is a terrible and worst death as spoken by Jesus. Sin is unholiness. God as a righteous Judge of Heaven and Earth has to mete out punishment for sin.

But for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, they have good news! They do not have to experience the 2nd death! Hallelujah! Because God the Father has send His Son Jesus into the world. Jesus took on human skin and flesh and entered the realm in which we are living. He gave up His original form in heaven and became a human like us forever. He called us Family, His brothers and sisters, father and mother.

Mark 3:31
Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you." "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.
Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Heb 2:11-12
" For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."

With this human body, He took our punishment and experienced the second death for us whom He called brothers and sisters. Hence, if you are part of Jesus's family, you do not need to go through the 2nd death. Unlike other religious leaders or founders who died along with their own religion because they have no power over death with their worthless religion as they remained condemned according to God's Law. However, God sided with Jesus and raised Him up from the dead. Jesus demonstrated His message is real with His resurrection that He has conquered the 2nd death. Death may have killed His mortal body on the Cross but Jesus has no SIN so It cannot hold Him down. There is no legal reason to swallow Him but to let Him go free. Praise the LORD!

"Dear Jesus, I thank you for going to that cross for us. Indeed, by ourselves we cannot hope to escape the 2nd death. But only by believing You have paid the penalty for us and coming into the Your family that we can be saved. Thank You for going through all these for us when You can choose not to. Amen."

Just Believe!

Matthew 21:21-22 "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

Jesus required us to believe in God's word. What God promised, just believe and you will receive. Let the image of the event above slowly sink into your heart. Transport yourself in the imagination to that point of time as if you were there listening to what He was saying.

During Jesus's time, the Roman army engineers developed the technology to remove whole mountain. How did they do it? What tools did they use? The tool is nothing more than water. Roman army engineers will transport water from miles away and use it to erode surface of the mountain under high pressure until it is no more.

If that was what Jesus and the disciples had in their understanding, we know that the water refers to the word of God. Believe, use the word of God in your situation that seems impossible. If it doesn't come to pass yet, continue to apply the pressure of faith to that "mountain" with the word of God. For God's word shall surely come to pass. It shall not return to Him void.

Isaiah 55:11 "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

" Dear heavenly Father, I pray that as we stand firm on your promise and believe and not waver. You will do the work. We surrender all to you in faith. You never fail us. In Jesus's Name. AMEN!"

Walking With God

Genesis 5:24 "And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him."

Enoch was the first man whom the Holy Spirit singled out as one who had walked with God during his mortal life on earth. Enoch loved to walk with God and God loved to walk with him. So much that God decided to bring him up to heaven in the body. What does walking with God really means? The bible didn't illustrate much how Enoch walked with God but another man Noah, the bible elaborate with more details.

Genesis 6:9 "Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God."

A just man means that Noah was right with God in the vertical relationship. Noah was also perfect in his generations, that tells us of his reputation with others in his generation. Apparently, walking with God means a right relationship with God and mature in dealing with others.

"Father we pray that we have this desire to be like Noah and Enoch who walked right with You in their generations. Let us experience that intimacy with You like what they have experienced with You. Amen."

The Resurrection Power of God

Ephesian 1: 18-20 "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead..."

There is power in God. And God wants to show us His power. He wants to show Himself strong on your behalf. As believers, we have access to that power by faith in what Christ has done for us. God has demonstrated that resurrection power in Jesus by raising him from the dead.

2 Chronicles 16:9 "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him."

Abraham was the first, i believe personally, to understand the resurrection power of God. He believed that God can raise even his son Isaac from the dead. Abraham begotten Isaac when he already is too old to father any children. In other words, Abraham and his wife Sarah's reproductive system was already "dead" but God "resurrected" them. God had promised Abraham that he will have descendants despite the impossibility scientifically. The Jews we see today are the descendants of Abraham and Sarah. The re-emergence of the nation of Israel today is a statement by God to this generation of His resurrection power.

When things seem to go down, seem to go into death mode, remind yourself that God can turn things around. God is an expert in doing rebound. In this economic crisis, the world may feel the worse is yet to come, but in God, nothing is impossible with Him. He can even raise the dead!

Trust Him! God has the last say.

"Dear heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that our strength is small and that we are dependent on You. Our faith is in You and hearts is towards You. You raised Christ from the dead, You can even raise our marriages, relationships, finances and health from the dead. We can expect a miracle in You, let us experience that resurrection power of God in us right now. Have the peace of God that surpass all understanding guard our hearts and mind... In Jesus Christ Amen!"

Baptism of Water and Fire

Matthew 3:16 "When He had been baptized. Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him..."

The word baptized is the word "baptizo" which is to be fully immersed. When Moses and the children of Israel were at the end of the road, the sea in their face and the enemy hard on pursuit at their rear, they were at their wits' end and unless the LORD make a way for them, they faced total annihilation as a nation. God splitted the Red Sea, baptized them "under" the Sea and passed them through on dry ground onto the other side, and closed the waters onto the enemy as they followed the children of Israel.

Sometimes in life we are faced with difficult trials. Jesus said in this life there are many trials and tribulation.

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

But there is this resurrection power that was in Jesus which Jesus has put into us as believers which we could tap into that can cause us to rise immediately from the waters. We do not need to stay down in the pit for long because there is hope in God. God will help you. Enter into His Presence, hear His Word.

Proverbs 24:16 "For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again..."

"and behold, the heavens were opened to Him..."
Most of the time, it's only after you get up, you will see a whole new world opened up to you. That whole new possibility could be the heaven you are looking for.

"and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him."
The people at the Jordan River did not see the vision. Only Jesus saw it. They would have followed Jesus immediately if such powerful signs is publicly displayed. Sometimes the vision that God gave you, it's only for you. Let God's vision for you remain on you.

in verse 17, " and suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
We need to hear from God. Even Jesus need to hear words of affirmation from His Father. We need to mediate on and absorb the affirmation of love from God. Statistic has shown that many behavioral problems stemmed from love denied or love withheld. God will not withhold or deny you His love, He is Love. Jesus is true Love manifested in the human skin. Jesus has shown His Love by dying for you for the cross.

Jesus said in John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

John 1:32 "And John bore witness, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.""
There was one other person who saw the vision that Jesus saw, it was John the Baptist. In this life that you run, God will bring certain friends that see the same things as you see. They could be your helpers or co-workers in the kingdom of God. Together you will stand and battle, and together you will serve God's bigger purpose.

Isaiah 43:2 "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you."

"Dear Father God, thank You for the divine friends we can depend on which You have brought into our lives. Truly, godly friendship is a gift from You. Thank You for walking through this trial with us. Your Holy Spirit remain on us through the thick and thin. We will pass through fire and shall not be burned, and through the waters and not be drowned. When the enemy comes in like a flood You will raise up a barrier against it. God, we love you and we trust in your power to deliver! In Jesus, Amen!"

Building God A Great House

1 Chronicles 28:10 "Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it.”

The Temple of God or the Tabernacle is sometimes referred also to as the House of God. The church is too the House of God. We read and feel excited about how King David wanted to build God a great house on earth. But we must remind ourselves the house of God is not limited to a physical structure or building. These were but a physical representation of a spiritual concept. The real house that God wants to reside in is YOU...

There is a spiritual house that you and I are building in the heavens. We have to give an account things done in the physical body. For every physical act done in the body, we are adding materials to the house we build in the heavenlies. Jesus likened how we live our current life to building a spiritual house.

Matthew 7:24-27 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

There is a game in facebook called Pet Society that illustrates very well. In this game, you build your pet a house and chooses what furnitures your pet's house should have. Likewise, in this spiritual house you are building, you are either adding noble things or ignoble things. Apostle Paul has also urged us to get rid of materials that doesn't help us at the Day of Judgement.

1 Cor 3:9 "...you are God’s field, you are God’s building."

2 Tim 2:20-21 "In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."

1 Cor 3:12-15 "If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."

At the end of the day, it's all about building a house that will stand the fire of God's Presence when He comes to dwell in your house which you built... what is the state of your house right now? Before the Lunar New Year, the Chinese have a practice to spring clean their houses to get rid of things they won't need for the new year. Is it time for you to spring clean your spritual house?

"Father, you have revealed that each of us are building our house in the heavenlies with our physical actions whether we are aware of it or not. What we sow in the physical, we sow in the spiritual. Help us to get rid of ignoble things, things that doesn't really matter on that Day. Help us have an eternal perspective of every physical thoughts and actions. Help us build You a great house where Your Presence will dwell. Where we are weak, God you are strong... In Jesus' Name Amen!"

Our Father's Love Letter

This is our heavenly Father's Love letter... Every word is lifted from the Holy Bible... Let His amazing love captivate you... Jesus loves you!

My Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish youwith all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I lovedthat I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father.Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32
Love,
Your Dad
Almighty God

Finding Fulfillment in Life

Genesis 2:7 "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being..."

Man is different from other living things, the beasts of the field and the birds of the air, in this particular instance. God formed man not just with the word of His mouth but also with the work of His hands and the wind of His breath. Man became a living being. Notice the bible didn't say man became a living thing but a living being...

There are 3 things which King Solomon observed about life. King Solomon is the wisest man ever lived, so the bible says. He set about finding the meaning of life. The meaning of being a living being. These 3 things fulfil Man's life, that Man will find purpose and happiness here on earth which God has planted Man.

1. The Word of His mouth (Intimate Relationship).
God formed Man by the word of His mouth. Gen 1:26-27 "Then God said, " Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; ... so God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them..." God not only formed Man for an intimate relationship with Him (spiritual/vertical aspect) but also with his or her spouse (the physical/horizontal aspect). Your spouse is the ultimate fulfillment of relationship with your friends. Your best friend does not have to be your spouse but your spouse has to be your best friend. It is a exclusive relationship just like your relationship with God is exclusive.

Pro 5:18 "Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice with the wife of your youth."

Ecc 9:9 " Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, ... For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun..."

Exo 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before me..."

2. The Work of His Hands (The Fruit of Your Labor).
We are the work of His hands. Isa 29:23 " But when he sees his children, The work of My hands, in his midst, They will hallow My name... "
We are God's masterpiece for His enjoyment. God formed Man with His own hands out of the dust of the earth for His enjoyment. Likewise, God wants us to enjoy the fruits of our labour, the works of our hand. He has decreed this as one of the things that man will find fulfillment in.

Ecc 2:24-25 "So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?"

Ecc 3:12-13 "I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God..."

Hence, christians must put their heart and soul into their work and derive enjoyment from it. This is God's will for you!

However, having just the above 2 points fulfilled is still incomplete... there is a third cord that binds and give the whole thing purpose and life. Just like the DNA, there is one strand from the father and one strand from the mother and a third invisible strand that binds the two and DNA forms its purpose of completing a unique life.

Ecc 4:12 "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken..."

3. The Wind of His Breath (God living inside of you)
God's breath of life entered Adam and he became a living being. When Jesus came to visit His disciples for the first time after His resurrection, He breathed the zoe life of God into them who believed and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit..." The Holy Spirit is sometimes likened to the wind. Invisible but you can feel Him. He comes into your life to open your eyes to the destiny God has in store for you. He has come to empower you to go up higher, to be part of something bigger than yourself. He has come to give purpose and meaning to wherever you are at now. Believe in Jesus who died for you.

John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly..."

Ecc 12:6-7 " Remember your Creator.... the dust will return the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it..."

Ecc 12:13-14 "Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil."

The amazing thing is that we must balance the 3 areas Solomon pointed out. Having an OD (overdose) of point 1 makes you a high maintenance and dependent person. Having an OD of point 2 makes you an workaholic and damages your health. Lastly, having an OD of point 3 makes you a spiritual flake. Life is interesting isn't it?

"Father God, we thank you for creating us, for we are your masterpiece. Thank you for bringing the intimate relationships into our lives, the family and friends we have and giving us the privilege to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Most of all, thank you for coming into our lives and make us whole and alive again in God. Help us to appreciate these three parts of life even more and find joy in life. Come and be in our lives! In Jesus' loving name Amen...."

The Art of Overlooking

Ephesians 5:1 "Therefore be imitators of God as dear children..."

Believers are urged by Paul to become imitators of God. Have you noticed that children subconsciously behave like their earthly parents? In some ways, they walk and talk like their parents, copying their mannerism subconsciously because of the years living in close proximity. Even husband and wife, over time, developed a certain similarity with each other in mannerism. Likewise, when we spend time with our heavenly Father, we develop certain God-like mannerism.

One of the traits of God is that He overlooks flaws. God chose you while you were still sinners.

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us..."

This is the grace of God. It is God's unconditional love for us. This grace of God is made available to all man and woman by the Christ's sacrifice on the cross, but it is not automatic. You enter into it by faith. Having and knowing this grace, that God has overlooked your flaws, so likewise, you can overlook the flaws in others. Some flaws in people can be disturbing but God isn't asking us to condone such flaws but to look beyond those flaws and love them unconditionally...

Just like a wood carver that look beyond the untouched piece of wood log and saw the masterpiece that can be carved from it. Develop the art of overlooking the flaws and look at the potential of the individual person. That's how God sees us...

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence..."

"Dear Heavenly Father, give us the grace to overlook flaws in others. That we may develop the character to believe in and unconditionally love the people you have brought into our lives. Give us a bigger heart for imperfect people just like You have for us... As You are so are we... Lead us to know Your heart more... In Christ's name, AMEN."

Riches with no Sorrow

Proverbs 10: 22 "The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it... "

There are 2 kinds of wealth in the world. Wealth that comes from the LORD and wealth that is not from the LORD. A christian can have one of this wealth so can a non-christian. Yes, even non-believers can experience that kind of wealth. There are non-believers who are very wealthy and yet they enjoyed the fruit of their labours with great family life and friends. There are believers who have great wealth but they are always living in the fear of losing their wealth or being found out of something illegal they do.

It is in God's will for His children to live a life of prosperity, an abundant and rich life. A big part of it involves being financially healthy. How can His people enjoy the abundant life He has promised if they are scrapping from the bottom of the barrel?

Proverbs 8:18 "With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity..."

We have not because we ask not. God has declared that riches, honor, enduring wealth and prosperity are with Him. Imagine that, the wealth that God blesses you with is enduring. It means wealth that last for generations! It is not enough for God to just bless you only but He wants you to be able to leave a legacy for others.

The first step to experience that wealth is to believe. Dare to believe God. Anything is possible for a man who believes in God. With God all things are possible! Then pray and ask God. We have not because we asked not. Ask and it shall be given to you, seek and you shall find. Finally, plan and work hard for it, letting God direct each of your every steps.

"Father, we believe that You are the Giver of good gifts to Your Children and You want us to enjoy the abundant life not only in heaven but here on earth right now. Show us how we can have the life You promised... We commit all our life and finances into Your loving hands. In Jesus's Name Amen... "

Spiritual Hunger for the New Year

Matthew 15:27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table...”

One day, a non-Jewish woman came to Jesus and begged Jesus to heal her daughter who was severely demon-possessed. Being the Son of God who received instructions from the Father to confine His ministry primarily to the Jews, Jesus replied in a rather negative way to test the faith of the faithful woman said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” But her reply surprised many and Jesus complimented her great faith. Her daughter was healed at that exact moment.

God is looking for the same attitude that woman had in believers... She had great faith but behind her faith is an engine of deep hunger... A deep hunger to see her world changed... God is looking for hungry souls to fill...

Proverbs 27:7 "A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet..."

...Even if you don't have the best church with the best sound system, best preaching, if you are hungry, you can still seek the face of God... You may not have the best time to seek God but if you are hungry, you can make that time... Your health may be in a wrecked conditione but if you are hungry you can seek God for that healing... Having the best of everything may work against you if your heart is not hungry for more of God... Complacency is likely to set in... God does not look at the external but the internal factor of the human heart...

1 Samuel 16:7 "...The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart..."

"Dear Heavenly Father, search our hearts and let us be found hungry for all You are... We love You... In Jesus's Name Amen."