Going Home: A Heartlift

Ingatkah lagu sederhana yang kita pelajari ketika masih kecil yang berjudul "Hitung Berkat"? Lagu itu berbunyi sebagai berikut:
Hitung berkat satu per satu
Kau kan kagum oleh kasihNya
Berkat Tuhan mari hitunglah
Kau niscaya kagum oleh kasihNya

Banyak dari kita yang sering mendengar lagu ini, tapi seberapa sering kita menghitung berkat kita? Menerima berkat berarti mendapat bantuaan dari Tuhan. Dan seringkali berkat ada di dalam hal kecil di hidup kita di mana kita benar-benar dapat meliat keberadaanNya.
Berkat seringkali ada dalam hal kecil, seperti sentuhan dari saudara di saat-saat sulit atau dalam kata-kata nasihat yang bijaksana oleh papa dalam situasi tertentu.
Keluarga berada dalam posisi yang unik dalam hal memberi berkat. Sejarah yang sama, latar belakang yang menyatu, dan tahun-tahun yang dilewati bersama, memberi sebuah keluarga pandangan khusus dan kedekatan yang intuitif.

Jika kita meminta nasihat, mereka akan memberikannya. Jika kita ingin berbicara, mereka akan mendengarkan. Ketika kita selesai berbicara, kita merasakan sebuah beban diangkat dari bahu. Masalah tak lagi seberat seperti ketika kita belum berbicara dengan mereka.

Untuk alasan yang tidak kita mengerti, Tuhan kadang membiarkan cobaan masuk dalam hidup kita. Berbagi dengan orang lain membantu kita menyelesaikan masalah itu. Dan ketika kita bebas, kita menyadari bahwa kita telah belajar banyak, tentang cinta Tuhan, keyakinan padaNya, dan jaminan keamananNya yang penuh. Sehingga pada akhirnya, kita pun dapat berbagi dengan orang lain dan membuat mereka nyaman.

Finding Your Life's Purpose

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

While it's true some people seem to find their life purpose easier than others, it's also true that God really does have a plan for every single person. In Ephesians, we see that we are to do good works God PREPARED IN ADVANCE for us to do.
Most people think finding your life purpose means doing something you truly love. The area in which you are passionate at. But what if things aren't so clear for you? What if you're not sure what your gifts are? What if you haven't discovered any particular talent that makes you think it could be your true calling in life?

Well, the next step in finding your life purpose is right in the Bible. All you have to do is read it. The Bible says Jesus told his disciples they were supposed to love one another as he had loved them.
You wouldn't dream of building high tower without a solid foundation. Discovering God's purpose for your life is exactly the same. The foundation of the process means getting really good at being a Christian. Yup, that means being nice to people even when you don't feel like it, forgiving people, and loving the unlovable people in the world.
So, what does all that stuff have to do with my life’s purpose? When you get good at being a Christian, you also get good at hearing from God. He's able to use you. He's able to work through you. And it's through that process that you'll discover your true purpose in life.

Getting really good at being a Christian means you stop thinking about you all the time. Take the focus off you and look for ways to be a blessing to someone else.
There is no better way to receive help and direction in your own life than to focus on someone else. It seems completely opposite of what the world tells you. After all, if you're not looking out for yourself, then who will? Well—that would be God.
When you focus on someone else's business, God will focus on yours. It means planting seeds in great soil, and then simply waiting for God to bring a harvest into your life.

Working with God to find your life purpose is like working as a team. When you take a step, God takes a step.
• Be willing to try some things that interest you. Take opportunities and risks. You will know very quickly if you've found the right thing for you.
• Be patient. Learning to trust that God will show you when the timing is right—that takes patience. God isn't going to show you every piece of the puzzle at once. If he does, you'll be so overwhelmed by it all.
• Don't waste your time on things you know aren't from God. "Get rich quick" schemes never work. Finding a Christian husband or wife won't happen if you're focused on activities and events that don't involve Christians.
• Don't let the people around you talk you into things. Just because it all sounds like a good idea from the world's view doesn't mean it's God's plan for you. Following God's leading sometimes means you have to say no to family or friends’s opinion. Following His designated way, no matter where it leads, will always be the best use and fulfilment of life .
• Never give up. You may not know your specific purpose today or tomorrow, but as long as you're really great at being a Christian, and have a close relationship with Him, you will discover it.

God bless you. Have a great Saturday :)

God's Masterpiece

Today I want to share about God's love. Please take a look at this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXut0HxncvY
If you have watched it, lets watch it again. I've watched it a few times,but it keep reminding me on how He loves us.

A father disciplines the one HE loves. Let us let God work in our life, creating His masterpiece.
Like the man said "God doesnt make junk". Whatever sinful actions or dark memories we have, he is there and waiting to chisel us.
One of the greatest gifts God has given us is the opportunity to start again- and no exception, we all need a fresh start.

For we are God's masterpiece, He created us anew in Christ Jesus so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Masterpiece- showpiece; blockbuster, success; gem, jewel, prize, treasure...these are the synomyms (words that mean the same) for masterpiece.
Hmm, I don't feel like a masterpiece. I certainly dont look like a masterpiece. How can this be..

God loves what He created, so shouldnt we too? I struggled much not to get down on myself. I focus on what I do wrong more than what I do right. I look in the mirror, try on some clothes, compare myself to someone else and I feel just... Yeah. Whats special about me?

But thats not what my Creator thinks. He says, "Oh, you don't always get it right, but I love you so much. Look in My mirror and see what I see; my beautiful creation; My treasure; My masterpiece. And the sooner you see yourself for who you really are, the sooner you can begin your reign as My priceless princess with a purpose."

Repeat after me, "I am a MASTERPIECE." And mean it when you say it. Because you are :)

Arise & Build

"He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way"
Psalms 25:9

As I typed these words, I was overwhelmed by gratitude to God. Two weeks back, I was aking for His guidance on how much should I give for my church's Arise & Build. I know that there are some conditions need to be met first.
In Isaiah 58, we find that the conditions are honoring God, observing the Sabbath, not pointing the finger in accusation of others,etc. Above all, having a humble heart. Humility is the key that unlock His provision.
"And the Lord will continually guide you" written in Isaiah 58:11.

In one of the morning prayers, a voice whispered in my heart to give a certain amount. I was surprised. Well, it might not seem very pleasant at that moment; since there is a gap between my own thoughts, reasons and His. Then in the weekend service, He spoke again through a verse in Luke. Wow,He is God-He has the right to pick what He wants to say,how to say and even confirm it again!
It became my task afterward, to show a right response. Yesterday, after I withdraw some cash to be given this weekend, I suddenly received email offering 2 part-time jobs,which is a very rare opportunity given by my school.Indeed He is the Provider! Amazing!

If we can hear God's voice and have been called to do a small task in building His kingdom, let's be grateful because we are found worthy to be His children and we are to be TESTED on the promises He has given. God won't allow us to be tested beyound what we can bear. He is a loving Father who wants His children to succeed. He wants us to grow up becoming more like Him.
Although we may find it difficult to fulfill, we can be sure of His character, which is good; and expect for His promises. Sacrificial giving is foundational if we want our life show that we are following His steps.
God bless you :)

More Blessed To Give

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35


Paul was saying farewell to elders of the church in Ephesus. He instructs them to feed and shepherd God’s flock, entrusts them with God’s word and gives them advice on giving. Not having to think too deeply because time after time I’ve received much more blessings through giving than by receiving. Whether through giving monetarily such as to the needy or certain ministry, giving of time as a volunteer or lending of self such as a hand, an ear or my heart to help someone in need, I have got much blessings. Psalm 112:9 says, “They share freely and give generously to those in need.Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.” Further, Proverbs 11:24-25 says “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

Hence, I hope we all reminded that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Not only remember but more importantly to do giving. Try it!

Homekeeping

"The job of keeping a home is an honorable one.
There is a difference between a housekeeper and a homekeeper.
A hired housekeeper will keep the home clean and do
the duties as expected of her employer, but a homekeeper
does the duties in her home from her heart.

She does it out of love for her family. She looks upon
her duties as the most important job in all the world.
It takes a lot of patience, skill, commitment
and love to be a keeper of your home.
Be faithful; in due time,
your family will rise up and call you blessed."

~Mrs. Martha Greene
Treasury of Vintage Homekeeping Skills

Wishing all of you a very... "Fruitful Recess!"

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
Proverbs 31:27-29

How Does God Want to Use Me In Other's Lives

“I exhort therefore, that . . . prayers . . . be made . . . for all that are in authority”
1 Timothy 2:1-2

Do I faithfully pray for the leaders that God has placed in my life (e.g.parents, cell group leaders, pastor, employer, government), asking God to bless them, to meet their needs, to protect them, and to make them godly leaders?
When someone in a position of authority fails, do I pray for them, rather than criticizing or attacking them?

“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness”
Proverbs 31:27

Am I a hard worker?
Am I attentive to the needs of those around me?
Am I faithful in fulfilling practical responsibilities in my home?

“. . . well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds”
1 Timothy 5:10

Is my life characterized by compassion, sacrifice, and acts of service?
Do I have a reputation for reaching out to minister to the needs of others?

“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality”
Romans 12:13

Am I sensitive to the needs of other believers?
Am I generous in sharing with others who are in need?
Do I open my home to minister to others?

“Teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good”
Titus 2:3

Is my life a godly example to younger women?
Am I self-controlled and temperate in the way I speak and in my lifestyle?
Am I actively involved in teaching younger women how to live their lives according to the Word of God?

“Train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God”
Titus 2:4–5

Are my priorities in order? God, family,study/career?
Am I adequately focused on loving and meeting the needs of my family?
Do I model a selfless, sacrificial, serving love for my family?
Is my spirit self-controlled, pure, and kind?

How Does A Woman of God Conduct Herself

“All the city . . . doth know that thou art a virtuous woman”
Ruth 3:11

Do I have a reputation for being a woman of virtue and godly character?
Do I keep myself pure from all influences that could defile my heart, thoughts, or actions?

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness” Proverbs 31:26

Do I bless my family, friends by speaking words that are kind and wise?
Do I study and meditate on the Word of God so that I can know how to speak wise words?
Am I able to give people to specific Scriptures that apply to their lives and needs?

“Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone” Proverbs 25:15

Am I willing to wait quietly for God to change the heart of an authority that I feel is wrong, rather than pushing or nagging?
Do I seek to influence others by gentle words, rather than controlling them with harsh words?

“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission”
1 Timothy 2:11

Do I have a teachable spirit?
Do I receive instruction with an obedient spirit?

“It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman”
Proverbs 21:19

Does my spirit make it easy for those I live or work with to be around me?
Do I frustrate others or make them want to stay away from me because of an angry spirit?

What Makes A Beautiful Woman

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment . . . . Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit”
1 Peter 3:3–4

Do others see in me an inner radiance and beauty that are the result of a grateful, gentle spirit?
Do I focus more time and effort on cultivating inner spiritual beauty than I do on matters of external beauty?

“This is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful”
1 Peter 3:5

Am I more concerned about being holy than about being happy?
Am I placing my hope and trust in God rather than in people?

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised”
Proverbs 31:30

Am I more concerned about cultivating my relationship with the Lord than about being fashionable, stylish, or physically attractive?
Do I live in the constant, conscious recognition of the presence of God?
Do I desire to please God more than I desire the approval of others?

“I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety”
1 Timothy 2:9

Do I dress modestly?
Do my clothing styles encourage men to think pure thoughts, rather than stimulating them to have sensual thoughts or desires?
Do I dress in such way to draw attention to the heart and spirit of Jesus within me, rather than to my physical body?

“. . . not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes”
1 Timothy 2:9

Do I avoid extreme or excessive fashions (hair, clothing, jewelry, make-up) that could draw attention to myself or cause people to be distracted?
Do I avoid extravagant jewelry or clothing that could show my wealth or cause others to be envious?
Do my clothes and outward appearance portray a spirit of moderation, purity?