3:16 – The Numbers of Hope

A twenty-six word parade of hope: beginning with God, ending with life, and urging us to do the same. Brief enough to write on a napkin or memorize in a moment, yet solid enough to weather 2000 years of storms and questions.

If you know nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return here. We all need the reminder. The heart of the human problem is the heart of the human. And God’s treatment is prescribed in John 3:16.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Adapted from 3:16 The Numbers of Hope by MAX LUCADO

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
John 14:15 - If you love me, you will obey what I command.
John 15:14 - You are my friends if you do what I command.

John 14:15 = John 15:14
'Obey' what He command = 'Do' what He command = Loving Him and being friends with Him and of course, much more into this etermal relationship that have yet to be explored.

Immanuel.

My heart calls

I want Your way
But why am I establishing my own
I want Your will
But why am I not following it
My spirit is thirsty
My testimony for You is dry
Oh water my spirit with Your words
Quench my testimony with You love
For I say not my will
But may Your will be done

Give me the courage to overcome
Perseverance to withstand
Understanding to know
Faith to believe
And wisdom to choose
For all I want is Your plan
This is what I want
This is what I need
This is what is can’t live without

Hold me close
And hug me tight
For the warmth that no one can give
Bless me abundant
Anoint me richly
For these are my basic necessities

Line my heart up with Yours
Let me follow closely behind You
For You are the way, truth and life

Thank You Father
You are the one and only
You deserve all and all through eternity

Your child
Eugene

Some points to reflect on..

1. Knowing about God is different from knowing God.

2. Do you realize that God never told men to do something they could do on their own?

3. Don't reduce God to what you can do and then ask Him to bless you.


Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
(Matthew 7:7)

Christmas

December is always my favourite month of the year not only because its the last month of the year but also it summaries what I have done throughout the year. A great month for reflections and evaluation of what we have gone through for the past 11 months. Those happy and sad moments captured in your mind somehow stays as part of your memory for a particular period till it is being replaced by other thoughts be it happy or sad ones. Resolutions every year are vague for me as accomplishments made seems so little. Perhaps that 'little' would have made Him happy and it would be enough for me to be satisfied and therefore bringing all the glory to Him.

December is a month for thanks-giving and celebrations even for those who are not Christians. It is one of the few festive seasons which is recognized internationally and thus making it a very unique festival.

It is also a special month for Christians as it signifies the birth month of Christ. Especially the day itself on the 25th. I always have this visuals since young, and that is to sit by the Christmas tree with all my love ones, praying together and thanking God before unwrapping each presents under the Christmas tree, listening to Silent Night on the eve of Christmas while counting down to the actual Christmas day. What a wonderful sight!

Dim orange light surround the environment accompanied by the colourful lights flashing from the Christmas tree bring warmth like never before. A visual I longed to become a reality. Spending Christmas with your love ones seems like a dream that has yet come true for me.

As time goes by, the presents I always wanted each year has been changing gradually, from material to spiritual. Perhaps that's the wonderful part about Time. It changes people - drawing them closer to the Heavenly Father. Your love attracts me and I pray that my love for You would attract others to You as well.

Christmas is not about materialistic presents, fanciful decoration, santa clause nor the christmas tree. Its all about You coming to this world. A day to celebrate Jesus' arrival to the world two thousand years ago. Just like how we celebrate our birthday which are always with respect to the year Jesus' was born (1 A.D). Its amazing.

I say not my will but may Your will be done in my life... Amen

Some points to reflect on..

1. God doesn't take you just the way you are. He takes you IN SPITE of the way you are.

2. Are you willing to be "like the clay in the hand of the potter.." ? (Jer.18:6)

"If you love Me, you will obey what I command" (John 14:15)

X'mas Celebration @ BPC

The Christmas celebrations in Bethany Presbyterian Church (BPC) has been improving each year! In terms of decoration, performance, songs, atmosphere, food and people are getting better and better. And of course, glory be onto You!

I was really glad that my friends from SP wushu turn up today despite of the heavy rain. I was so happy to see them when I met all of them at Kovan station. Had some hearty chat while waiting for the rest. When all reached, I brought them to the same bus stop where I came from BPC and we took bus 80 and went to hougang.

Yup hougang. Not Upper paya lebar. I led all of them and took the bus at the wrong direction! Shame of me then.. Can u believe I have been going to BPC for more than a decade and still go the wrong way. Haha.. Kept apologising to all who followed me unknowingly till we reached Church nearly 1/2 hour late. If not they will be on time.

But nevertheless, I thank God for the whole event. It was a wonderful night where many people found their true Home. It was a touching scene when one raise up his/her hand to accept Christ. A simple action by raising up one's hand determines where they'll spend their Eternity.

Praise the Lord!

Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. (Psalm 126:5)

As The Deer

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee

(Chorus)
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee

You're my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a king
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything

Chorus

I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye

Chorus

So far!

Things have been going quite well in the course I am under training currently. Really thank God for that. 2 weeks just flew pass with another 2 more to go before I get posted to another unit and subsequently, another 7 weeks of training before I can at least be a junior specialist instructor.

Faith, Love, Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding and Courage I prayed about have been increasing bit by bit as the days goes by and I really thank God for it and those who have prayed for me.

This is the third training course I have attended so far since my army enlistment in April. Having been in army for 8 months did improve my physical abilities but what about my spiritual life? I am wondering if I have grown closer to Him since then. The food I ate spiritually is definitely lesser than that of what I have consumed physically. Perhaps, I can say my spiritual conduct is still not as good as my physical.

Other side issues have also been getting on in my mind concurrently. Things that are not meant to be shared yet remains as a burden that I am carrying daily. The loads have been becoming heavy lately. Diverting the load to Him seems so common and that is why I am able to have a smiley face daily. Unlike the old me who used to have a fierce look and anti-social attitude – perhaps in some way, I am still like this. Lol.

Haha.. Putting in one’s shoe is one of the powerful lessons that the Lord taught me and that is why I can understand one’s feeling without expressing it externally. Perhaps that’s my weak point – the ability to express myself. Peeling myself slowly with Time is one of my resolutions in the coming year and I hope that the fruit inside the many layers will be as sweet as honey.

I am still consider bitter for now I think – haven’t ripe yet.. HAHA!!

Oh ya! I have finally passed my Basic Driving Theory! … after 3 tries. Duh! ~ You can laugh at me but I tell you that I passed because of faith and not because I have studied. I lacked of faith in passing for the previous tries and that’s why I failed without knowing the reasons then.

Really happy today not because I did it on my own but also of the knowledge and understanding I prayed about with the help of the Holy Spirit! Thank God. Although it’s nothing to be happy about but this is a testimonial for Christ showing that having faith in passing before the test is not just a thought but a future action that you put yourself in your future shoes.

I celebrate my results by applying for the subsequent driving practicals and final theory lessons which in turn cost me an atomic bomb! Man.. I am both sadden and excited for the costs and the first practical driving next week respectively. When I got my license in time to come, I am going to use it to glorify You!

The Enigma of Compassion

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36

There is a great mystery in the world: Why do Christians, the keepers of the message of compassion, seem to be a bit compassion-deficient? I think the answer is simpler than might be expected. We don’t follow Christ’s example. Oh, we certainly try to follow his lead, and that’s why we fail. We are only following him halfway.

Jesus was as radical as could be when it came to sin. Clearly, he despised it. Many Christians have that part down, and the disapproving glances we send sinners’ way are the proof. But the difference is that Jesus saw the peril people faced because of their sin, and was moved with compassion by it. Jesus saw the masses as sheep without a shepherd, and knowing their ignorance (the cause of their sinfulness) he said, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into His harvest.”

Since I brought up this enigma of the failure of compassion in many Christian’s lives, I suppose I should try to form an answer to the problem. We need to look at Christ as our example. Christians lack compassion because we see the sinfulness of the world and, like Jesus, we become angered. That’s the easy part. But we only go halfway in following Christ’s example. When He saw the world as sheep without a shepherd, his compassion stirred him to want to help.

The Son of God in tears
The wondering angels see;
Be thou astonished, O my soul!
He shed those tears for thee.

By: Matt C

Adapted from Shannon 's email (I preferred calling u peixuan ~ lol.)

Broken Cars & Broken dreams

In the early years having four boys around the house meant toy cars . . . all sizes, shapes, makes, and models. My youngest, Wade, came into the kitchen one afternoon, tears on his cheeks and one on the tip of his nose -- a favorite Hot Wheels car in a viselike grip.

"I . . . broke . . . my car . . . Mom," -- uttered between gasping sobs.
I'm ready to do anything I can to erase his tears and put his small four-year-old-world back together.

"Let me see it, Honey." Sure enough. The axle was bent and the little car wouldn't roll. "Hey, I think I can help. I'm real good at fixing broken things . . . want me to try?"
"Yes . . . (gulp), ma'am."

I stepped into the garage and found two pairs of pliers. (You have to have one pair to hold the tip of the axle steady while you straighten it with the other pair; I had faced this serious mechanical problem before.) I went back into the kitchen where Wade was waiting -- crying because something he loved so dearly was broken beyond his ability to repair.
He had the car clutched tightly in his fist.

"You want me to work on it?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Well, then -- you're going to have to let me have it in my hands."
I got down on my knees so he could watch while I worked. I loved his head being so close to mine . . . and his leaning against my leg.

* * * * * *
Wade's precious little broken cars: Eugene's precious dreams -- broken beyond my ability to repair.

Sobbing, I show them to my Father and He gently says, "Do you want Me to work on them?"
"Yes, Lord."
"Well, then -- you're going to have to let Me have them in My hands."
"But, Lord, that means I'll have to give up control! I've got to keep trying...."
"The choice is yours, Eugene. You may keep them or give them to Me."
"But Lord, You -- You seem to move so slowly! I've given them to You before and nothing happens!"
"Eugene, dear -- I never had them in My hands."

Lord, I stand here holding my precious shattered dreams -- fully intending to give them to You -- but clutching them so tightly. They're badly broken, and I've been trying -- unsuccessfully -- to fix them for a long time now. I choose -- this day -- to open my fists and let them go. Please take them in Your hands and fix them. And Lord -- may I lean on You and watch?

Give your burdens to the Lord. He will carry them - Psalm 55:22 TLB

You have seen me tossing and turning through the night. You have collected all my tears and preserved them in Your bottle! You have recorded every one in Your book - Psalm 56:8 TLB

Adapted from Calledtobefree.org

Agape~

Rush

Unrealistic gun fight

The Resume of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ
Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13
Website: The Bible. Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

Objective
Hello. My name is Jesus -- The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

Qualifications
I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)
I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7)
I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7)
I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)
The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background
I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49).
I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.
My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skill Work Experiences
Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).
I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33).
Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9)

Educational Background
I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).
In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3).
My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).
I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments
I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26).
I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15).
I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15).
I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead!
There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www dot - the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References
Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healings, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatural guidance

Summary
Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47). When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).

Love of God

1 x 8 + 1 = 9
12 x 8 + 2 = 98
123 x 8 + 3 = 987
1234 x 8 + 4 = 9876
12345 x 8 + 5 = 98765
123456 x 8 + 6 = 987654
1234567 x 8 + 7 = 9876543
12345678 x 8 + 8 = 98765432
123456789 x 8 + 9 = 987654321
- - - - - - - - - - - -
1 x 9 + 2 = 11
12 x 9 + 3 = 111
123 x 9 + 4 = 1111
1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111
12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111
123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111
1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111
12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111
123456789 x 9 +10= 111111111
- - - - - - -
9 x 9 + 7 = 88
98 x 9 + 6 = 888
987 x 9 + 5 = 8888
9876 x 9 + 4 = 88888
98765 x 9 + 3 = 888888
987654 x 9 + 2 = 8888888
9876543 x 9 + 1 = 88888888
98765432 x 9 + 0 = 888888888

Brilliant, isn't it? And look at this symmetry:

1 x 1 = 1
11 x 11 = 121
111 x 111 = 12321
1111 x 1111 = 1234321
11111 x 11111 = 123454321
111111 x 111111 = 12345654321
1111111 x 1111111 = 1234567654321
11111111 x 11111111 = 123456787654321
111111111 x 111111111=12345678987654321

Now, take a look at this...101% From a strictly mathematical viewpoint: What Equals 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%? Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been in situations where someone wants you to GIVE OVER 100%. How about ACHIEVING 101%? What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help answer these questions:

If: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

If:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

And:

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But:

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

THEN, look how far the love of God will take you:

L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D 12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:
While Hard Work and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, and it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

agape~

Duel Concept

Choreographed light sabre duel !

A Sabre competition in China

Sometimes humans can be crazy at stunts.

Wushu Sampler

Some gravity defying moves!