Favor With People

Wow, haven't been updating this blog for ages. Sorry guys! hehe. Anyhow, we just finished the South Pacific Conference in our fellowship. It was awesome. I could write a novel. lol.

This was the sermon on August 21st, Friday and was first written on my Facebook as a note. Just thought I'd share it here on my Blogspot. hehe. :p

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Ok, I'm just aimless now. lol. I'm writing this because of Pastor Walsh's sermon entitled 'Favor with People'.

He tells about a man he carefully observed. A man who prays and reads the Bible. He does the things of God. He is basically a man of God. But when he goes home, he is friendless. He don't have the favor with people.

I guess I'm like that. No, it's not a guess. It's a fact. Here in Fiji, at least. I go to church 3 times a week. I'm always present in church activities. Haven't been in outreaches lately though. I love the church. It's been our 'family' here in Fiji.

But reality strikes... I have few friends. Friends that I could say I'm really *close* with. Like close, close. Thank God I have a sister I'm always with. If not for her, I could say I'm always ALL BY MYSELF. lol.

Ahhh. It's frustrating! haha.

I'm shy and quiet. I know.. That's the first impression my friends say. But there's a reason for that... I had no childhood friends aside from my siblings and classmates in school. I mean, you know. In the Phil, at least, you have some playmates and friends in the neighborhood. I got none. I play with my sibs, and sometimes, with our yaya's or nannies. But I don't treat them like that. They are like a family. They took care of us when our parents were not there for us. **hint hint** Guess, you now get it why I'm shy and quiet... Yes, it has something to do with the past. I'll tell it all next time. It's another novel. I mean, story... lol

I hate rejection. I guess, not being able to be close with my rents when I was young somewhat made me feel rejected.

Going back to the story, I'm like that man. I believe I do the things of God yet I don't find the favor with people. lol. Haha. Okay, enough for the emo-ness... I'm not saying I dont have friends. I have few *close* friends that I would really miss when I leave Fiji. I guess, the others cant catch up with me. I'm the person that doesn't talk much when I'm not that close to someone. But I must tell you, I'm easy to get along with. I suck at starting a conversation. It's hard for me to make new friends. Coz in the Phil, they make friends with me. lol. So I thank those friends who took the initiative. lmao. haha.

To my future friends, I'm not that hard to be friends with. I guess, one of the reasons people don't want to be that close to me is because they think the only way to get connected with me is Starbucks, and other some-what expensive places I go to hang out. I thought of that reason because someone has told me once that 'I have expensive taste'... I'm not choosy with those kinds of stuffs. I can eat street foods too, for crying out loud! haha. XD I might be a big spender at times but I also know how to save money.

Ok, whatever.. I just wanna let my future friends know that I wanna be friends with them. It's easy but it's hard. lol. It's easy to be friends with me but it's hard to keep up with me. I'm introvert. Someone must *trigger* that friendliness in me. lol

Favor with People. Why is it so hard to get? Sigh......

3 reasons Pastor Walsh pointed out:

1. Busy-ness --- I'm too busy with nothing. lol. I mean, they are busy with something. Probably, with their own circle of friends.
2. Selfishness --- Okay, I'm not selfish. But maybe somehow. Ahh yeahh... When I have a friend, I want all of their attention,,,in some ways.. lol :p
3. Laziness --- I'm too lazy to make friends... specially if I know that it wont last that long. What do I mean by this? As I've said, I'm easy to be friends with but it's hard to keep up with me. If I think that you're not the type of person who is like my best friend who is talkative (thank goodness she's not on Facebook), I mean hyper friendly not talkative, I'm lazy to make the effort. I know it's demonic. I should get rid of that motto and start to reach out and make friends. Ahh. I hate rejection. lol.

Ok... I dunno why I shared this out. Less than 4 months to stay in Fiji. I guess, I'm still hoping to make some more friends before I leave. I mean, *close* friends. Or maybe not. At least, the fewer close friends I have, the fewer people I would miss when I go home. *emo* lol lol lol.


Toodles,

Don't Get 'Hooked' By Your Teenager

Be clear minded and self-controlled. 1 Peter 4:7 NIV

Teenagers can test your sanity. They're neither adult nor child, and can become either without notice. Flooding hormones and exploding neurons spark biochemical reactions in their heads and bodies. Words like, 'What in the world were you thinking?' form involuntarily on your lips. In response come sullen teenage shrugs, followed by the incomprehensible, 'I don't know.' And they don't! What can you do? 'Lock them up?' Sorry, that's illegal. But here are two things that will help.

1) Back off and slow down. 'Be clear minded and self-controlled.' One of the biggest mistakes parents make is overreacting, which triggers an escalating battle of wills you're unlikely to win. Decibel levels rise, wisdom fails, your teen concludes you're the crazy one, and suddenly there's no adult present and nobody's 'minding the store.' You've become part of the problem, leaving your child angry and insecure, without a rational role model. Pray, breathe deeply and count to ten! For your child's sake, it's time for the clear minded and self-controlled parent to prevail.

2) Remember, anger begets anger. 'An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin' (Proverbs 29:22 NLT). No one can infuriate you like a teenager trying to grow up. A look, a word, an attitude, and you're 'hooked;' you're in a shouting match with your own child. How crazy is that? Emotionally charged exchanges hard wire your teenager's brain for automatic, long-term anger reactions. What's the answer? Use the carrot and stick approach of Scripture: 'Provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture [love and encouragement] and admonition [character building discipline] of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4).

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I so agree with these two points. Specially the second one. I myself, hate to be shouted at and when my parents do that, they will get what they want. lol. I know it's wrong but it's reality, even the Bible says that. hehe. Peace out! XD

Unsaved Dating (Dating An Unbeliever)

Ok, if you still didn't understand what I'm talking about, this is about a Christian dating a non-Christian person.

Please note that I don't intend to offend anyone. This post is kinda for Christians but you are free to read it.

That was Pastor's sermon last night. And it was fun and I've learned from it. I mean, not that it's my first time to hear those things coz I've been saved since I was 6 years old. I basically know that commandment from II Corinthians 6:14, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: ..."

Why is this so? Why can't we date someone who doesn't believe what we believe in? Someone who is of a different faith?

Well, if a Christian person knowingly dated an unsaved one, he/she has already broken God's law. Read II Cor. 6:14-18. God commanded us to be with the people who are also walking with Him. According to the Kingdom of God, all relationships are to further enhance His Kingdom. That's why churches need couples living for Him.

As believers, we are to obey God and His commandments!



(When I say he, it means he or she.)

If a Christian dates an unsaved one because he is nice, then don't be deceived. He can be super nice now (because he likes you) but he could fall out of love and find someone else because he doesn't know about what is right in the sight of God and he could be doing what is not to be done. I mean you know how this world now operates when it comes to dating and relationships. Last week, Pastor talked about fornication. It's sex outside marriage, or now known as teenage sex. And that is an abomination of the Word of God. That's the danger of dating unsaved ones. No matter how gentleman he is, you will never know. A deceptive/ wrong relationship leads to a broken heart or worse, a broken marriage. Dating is not a friendship, it's the start of "the contract". Like, a marriage contract. lol.

I can't discuss more on these stuffs but you can read more from these sites:
http://www.parentalguide.com/Documents/Doctrines/Be_Ye_Seperate.htm
http://christianblogs.christianet.com/1133110469.htm
http://www.n7nz.org/project1/answer1.htm

As God’s Word has told us, what communion is there between the believer and unbeliever? They both have different goals, outlooks, and destinies. One lives for this world; the other looks forward to the next world. One will be with Jesus forever; the other will dwell in the lake of fire forever. 2 Cor 10:5-CASTING DOWN IMAGINATIONS, AND EVERY HIGH THING THAT EXALTETH ITSELF AGAINST THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD, AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE OBEDIENCE (note obedience) OF CHRIST. You are not to fellowship with people that are unsaved; with those that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Satan works through people, time and time again, to try to confuse or draw the believer away from his faith in Jesus Christ. Satan works through people to try to draw the believer away from serving Jesus. Satan will use people to embarrass and offend you. They may even use Scripture incorrectly to draw you away from God’s perfect will. Satan tried to do the same thing to Jesus. He tempted Jesus with Scripture, but when Jesus used the Word back, Satan had to flee. You need to not only study your Bible daily; you also need to obey it. You are to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only-ref Ja 1:22. For it is not those who hear the Word that will be justified, but those who obey the Word.

So, there you have it. I wasn't thinking of dating an unsaved one. I did, once, but never again. And thank God I was not stupid enough to do things I will regret.

The sweetest thing when both are in the Will of God? Where God is the center of your relationship.. You can both serve Him. You can watch over each other. If a guy is a man of God who prays and reads the Bible, I could say he would be a wonderful husband and a good father. I'm not thinking to be a Pastor's wife though. lol

As what I've read from the book 101 Simple Lessons For Life by Marsha Marks, "It's better to be lonely single than lonely married."

I don't wanna be single forever though. lol. And hey, not all singles are lonely right! :p


Toodles,

Meditation On Facets Of Joy

Like a diamond, joy has many facets that can be seen only by examining its many sides. Joy, according to C.S. Lewis, is quite opaque to evil and the evil one, because all evil is baffled and offended by the essence of joy.

Joy is the result of truth. Joy is the “gigantic secret” of God (G.K. Chesterton) that the world could never have expected, but it clears the air so that we see things as they really are.

Joy causes celebration. Gladness and song go with joy; the slightest witticisms cause laughter when joy is present. There’s energy in joy that cures fatigue and discouragement. This is what James says in his letter to churches that face persecution: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2)

Joy has a rhythm. Jesus unites peace with joy in his Thursday night discourse. Joy is a quietness as much as an exuberance. Together the two create a fundamental rhythm.

Joy is presence. It describes our relationship with God. Joy comes from knowing the Lord and knowing that the Lord is nearby. In the New Testament, joy is related to prayer and friendship with God. Jesus invites his disciples to pray so their joy might be full (John 15:11–17).

Joy is a protection. Laughter can be a sign of the dignity and resilience of brave hearts in the face of danger.

In J.R.R. Tolkien’s story The Lord of the Rings, Frodo and his friend Sam Gamgee laugh out loud high on the dangerous reaches of the dark tower where laughter had never been heard. Their laughter causes quakes on the mountain that had so long been under the oppressive control of evil. Their laughter was defiant, innocent, and profoundly good at the same moment. It was good because it had its source in joy, and that made it powerful as well as destructive against the powers of evil.

Evil cannot understand joy. The devil is more austere and serious than God is, which makes us stop and think that if we are to feel at home in heaven, we will need to enjoy joy because “joy is the serious business of heaven” (G.K. Chesterton).

Credits: www.CurrentIssuesBibleStudy.com

Vote Earth - Your Light Switch Is Your Vote

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.

Procrastination

We have a mid-week service every Thursday in church. So, last night, the sermon was about 'procrastination'. It hit me, like real hard. haha XD

Anyways, I consider myself one heck of a procrastinator. Now, what is a procrastinator by the way? Well, it is someone who puts things off til tomorrow when he/she can do it now. There is a mentality of delay and disorganization.

I procrastinate in a lot of things. I sleep or rest first when I don't feel like doing or finishing a thing and when it can wait til tomorrow. When our parents tell us to wash the dishes, I will say 'wait', 'hold on a sec', 'later', or in our language, 'teka lang' or 'mamaya'. I hate doing things when people tell me to do so. So, because of that, I procrastinate. haha. I know, it's a bit meanie, hard-headed and stubborn of me. But yeah. I just hate being told and I hate doing things right away. I do things immediately when there is a motivation or when it has a deadline, though. HAHA. I gotta put off procrastination, like, NOW.

OMG. I think I've been telling myself to do it since when? And until now, I still do. I think it's a human nature. If you never procrastinate, tell me, and I will applaud you. lol. Guess, all of us are procrastinators in some ways, right? hehe.

In the Christian's perspective, we procrastinate when we say like, we would read the Bible later when we can do it now. Like we would sleep or take a rest first because we are tired from work or studying before our devotion and what not. I do it sometimes. The text last night was Proverbs 24:30-34. It was a good example of procrastination.

Let us not procrastinate. The solution? Start sorting things out NOW. We need to recognize them and start dealing with them. We must show a 'determination' to sort things out. In that way, we will put off procrastination.

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Do not put off til tomorrow what you can do today." You can also read scriptures about it in the Bible, so it's also Biblical. :D


Till next time,