Saved by grace

31/05/2024

30/05/2024

GOD DID NOT SHOW FAVORITISM
David is known as a ‘man after God’s own heart’ Indeed, he is. He was a shepherd boy who turned out to be king. A story that only happens in movies. He wrote mostly the book of psalms, pouring out his love and reverence for God.

God appointed him as king over Israel because God saw him how committed and dedicated, he is towards Him. Furthermore, when he fought a battle, he acknowledged God; just like what happens when he fights with Goliath. (The giant guy)

However, David had weaknesses too. When he was fully established and defeated the enemies across the land they went to. He became idle and one time he did not join the battlefield and rested at home. There he saw the wife of Uriah, named Bathsheba. He found her so beautiful that he asked his messenger to ask about her. One of his servants said, she is the wife of Uriah, the hittite. Uriah was a soldier of David. Although David knows all about it, he still pursues the woman and lies with her. Later the woman became pregnant.

David sin escalated from adulterous to becoming a murderer. Uriah had been a faithful soldier of his. But King David was darkened by his desire to have Bathsheba as his additional wife. Then, he planned and strategized how he could get rid of Uriah. So, he wrote a letter to Joab. The General, to place Uriah in the front line of the fiercest battle so that he may be struck down and die and he said, “if you do not do this the same thing will happen to you.” And Uriah died on the battlefield.

The moment of truth, Nathan, the prophet, visits King David. And he started to tell the story of two men. This is what he said, ''One is rich man, and the other is poor. The rich man had great flocks and the poor man had only ewe lamb. The poor man bought and nourished it and grew up together with him and his children. It would eat of his bread and drink of his cup and lie in his bosom, and was like a daughter to him. Now a traveler came to the rich man and he was unwilling to take from his own flock, but the rich man took the man’s ewe lamb.’
Upon Hearing this, David was furious with this man and stood for him. And said, “surely the man who has done this deserves to die.” but Nathan the prophet said, “you are the man!’’

Consequence of secret sin of David
Thus says the LORD, “Why have you despised the word of the LORD by doing evil in his sight? You have struck down Uriah the hittite with the sword of the sons of Ammon. Now therefore, the sword shall not depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife. Thus says the Lord, behold I will raise up evil against you. I will even take wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. Indeed, you did it in secret, but I will do this thing before Israel, and under the sun.”

David's story is an example of reversionism or being unfaithful to God. He was not called a man after God's own heart without all the battle and nature to sin he had been through. We wouldn’t have a book of Psalms now if David did not experience those gruesome events in his life. And will not know how gracious God was to him.

Moral lesson:
Romans 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

Reference: 2 Samuel 11-12

30/05/2024

Thank you, LORD, for loving us. 🙌

27/05/2024

YOU CAN NEVER OUTSMART GOD
Finite intellect is nothing compared to the infinite knowledge of God. People have this tendency to think that they can outsmart God through their own scheme. But God was way smarter than any human mind could think of.

These are some of the examples of people in the Bible who wants to exalt themselves but failed.

Scenario one, tower of Babel story. The plan was to build the tower to reach into heaven. Then, afterwards to make a name for themselves so that they will be known and not scattered on the face of the earth. (seems like a good plan🤔)
So, “The LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built.” The LORD said, "They are one people uniting in one plan and nothing which they purpose will be impossible for them (Gen 11:5-6). However, God would not let that happen, So God confused their language. (Babel means confusion) and their plan did not succeed.

Scenario two, Nebuchadnezzar. He was the king of Babylon. The idea was he wanted to be worshiped. In fact, there were people who worshiped him at that time. However, These Three jews did not worship him, his golden image nor his gods. They would rather die than worship him. His desire to be god did not long last, for God most high rebuked him. Therefore, God removed the sovereignty that had been given to him, and worst he was driven out from his palace and was like an animal. God humbled him to the point that he realized, praise and honor belong to the true LORD most high alone.

These two scenarios symbolize power, honor and dignity. However, their common denominator is that mankind has this concept that they can be like god. This idea is actually a satanic idea from the garden of Eden.

Satan himself wants to outsmart God, but of course he is limited. God the Father’s plan to save humanity through His Son Jesus is inevitable. Satan's destiny will be in the lake of fire together with his fallen angels and also unbelievers.

God’s patience is lengthy, even up to now he is not judging the world. In such, we also have time to acknowledge God in our life that apart from him we are nothing.

26/05/2024

UNWAVERING FAITH
Most of us have had knowledge about Abram from the time God called him. (Gen.12) Abram grows up from a place where his environment has no reverence towards God. So, his father decided to move out from that place and journey towards Canaan, but they settled in Haran thus, his father died there. (Gen.11:27-32)
God’s calling to Abram (Abraham) began. (Gen.12) God said to Him; to go forth from his country and from his relatives and from his father’s house. Hence, God said that he shall go to a land that HE will show him. God said “ I will make you a great nation, will make your name great, will make you a great nation and I will bless you and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and will curse those who curse you”. Abram followed the ‘Word of God’ and journeyed towards Canaan. (A promised land to Him and also to his descendants. )
Theory, if the scam was created way back then, I think Abram would doubt what God said, because it is ‘’too good to be true”. Without hesitation, by faith Abraham obeys the word of God. From the moment he stepped out by faith he was blessed and protected by God. For instance, because of immaturity of faith when they were in Egypt, he made up a story that Sarai is her sister not wife. Thus, he was scared that he might get killed for territorial issues. But God still rescued him in that situation.
Abraham’s decision to follow what God said changed his entire life. In Fact, all that God promised to him was fulfilled. Although, he had struggled along the way to test his faith. Like: sacrificing his son Isaac to God, but his faith is unwavering. He was not shaken, and he believed God had a better plan. And indeed, God tested his faith and had been proven that Abraham trusted God no matter what.
Sometimes sharing faith with others is also “too good to be true”. Perhaps lots of issues underlying that doubt. Might be trust issues, trauma, cultural background, or just don’t know how to put his faith in God, looking for a proof, etc.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, the proof that God exists is everywhere. Mustard seed is an illustration of little faith. Over time that little seed will grow and could shades you when you are under pressure in life.

25/05/2024

Deceiving yourself

How many times did we fall into snares on our plans? Perhaps many times! Planning is not a bad thing, but what if our plans and decisions don't go well?
In my personal journey I have lots of concrete plans in life, but those plans did not happen.

Proverbs says, “Many are the plans in man’s heart, but it is God’s plan that prevails.” I used to be so mad at myself because of plans that weren't fulfilled. Without realizing that God has better plans in my life.

Today, I am thankful because God foresees my future. Where would I be without Him; invisibly protecting me and guiding me in righteous path, so that I will not regret. Thus, leads to disappointments and distrust towards Him.

My encouragement, even if you are so lost in life. God can turn those things around; you are just required to trust Him that He can help you regardless of how big or small your circumstances are. Have Faith….

24/05/2024

MAN WITH DIGNITY
There are two types of people that will come across in our life. The one who could shape us and the other one who could destroy us. ''you are who your friends are '‘, is a common collocation term used in having friendship circles. And this is also supported biblically and practically.

A man with dignity, this type of man regardless of what his circle looks like, he is not persuaded by mere council, and his virtue is the word of the LORD, and he meditates it day and night.

It is important to understand that there is a worldly council and there is also a spiritual council in our society. When you are surrounded by Spirit filled people, they can give you sound advice and that is biblical principle. Don’t get me wrong there are people who also are smart and not reading the bible who can give us sound advice based on conscience and practical answers in life.

The point of sharing this, if we want to be guided by God, it starts with learning who God is. This message serves as a warning that in our life there are two things we end up with. Which is to have a blessed life or a cursed life.

28/01/2024

In a world full of noise, we seldom hear the word of God. Particularly when we are in chaotic environment. However, the very good thing when you hide the word of God in your heart is that it reminds you to be still and know that He is God. The same yesterday, today and forever. Regardless of where you are right now, He is Faithful.

Psalm 91:1
HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH, WILL ABIDE IN THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY.

18/08/2023

That’s really true…🙏🙌

15/08/2023

In the life that full of uncertainty, there is God that is certain.

Proverbs 16:3 – “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”

01/08/2023

There is only one way to heaven

Jesus said: “ I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through me.”

-John 14:6-

12/07/2023

https://www.facebook.com/reel/318337677207793?s=yWDuG2&fs=e&mibextid=Nif5oz

09/07/2023

Hello Everyone, meet Sebastian. He has interesting journey to tell. I'm encouraged by how he can handle himself whenever someone didn't guide him when he is alone on the road. It reminds me with the verse.

Isa 35:5a, "Then the eyes of the blind will see. "This is metaphor analogy about spiritual eyes will be opened when you put your Faith in Jesus. In other words, there is invisible being guiding Him trough his journey. 🫶🙏🙌