Conversation with God
Man: I can't find time. Life has become hectic.
God: Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you free.
Man: Why has life become complicated now?
God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. It makes it complicated.
Man: Why are we then constantly unhappy?
God; Worrying has become your habit. That's why you are not happy.
Man: Why do good people always suffer?
God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With that experience their life becomes better, not bitter.
Man: You mean to say such experience is useful?
God: Yes. In every term, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.
Man: Because of so many problems, we don't know where we are heading...
God: If you look outside you will not know where you are heading. Look inside. Eyes provide sight. Heart provides the Way.
Man: Why does failure hurts more than moving in the right direction?
God: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure as decided by you.
Man: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to go. Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.
Man: What surprises you about people?
God: When they suffer they ask," why me..?" When they prosper, they never ask "why me!"
Man: How can I get the best out of life?
God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without FEAR.
Man: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.
God: There are no unanswered prayers. Keep the faith and drop the fear. Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve. Trust me. Life is wonderful if you know how to live.
May you never fail
May you never weep
May you never lack
May you find favour
May you succeed
May you excel
May you be great
Because Its MAY.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Friday, May 1, 2015
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Allah is God
How can an Arabic word for God becomes an exclusive word only for the few (Muslims)? If Muslims acknowledge that there is only one God, then all the more they should allow 'Others' to use the word as other believers will be honoring the same God as theirs. Yahweh or Jehovah?!
Genesis 1; 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Malaysian court rules use of 'Allah' exclusive to Muslims
The unanimous decision by three Muslim judges in Malaysia's appeals court overturned a 2009 ruling by a lower court that allowed the
Malay-language version of the newspaper, The Herald, to use the word Allah - as many Christians in Malaysia say has been the case for centuries.
"The usage of the word Allah is not an integral part of the faith in Christianity," chief judge Mohamed Apandi Ali said in the ruling.
"The usage of the word will cause confusion in the community."
The decision coincides with heightened ethnic and religious tension in Malaysia after a polarizing May election, in which the long-ruling coalition was deserted by urban voters that included a large section of minority ethnic Chinese.
In recent months, Prime Minister Najib Razak has sought to consolidate his support among majority ethnic Malays, who are Muslim by law, and secure the backing of traditionalists ahead of a crucial ruling party assembly this month.
His new government - dominated by his Malay-based United Malays National Organization - has toughened security laws and introduced steps
to boost a decades-old affirmative action policy for ethnic Malays, reversing liberal reforms aimed at appealing to a broader section of the multi-ethnic country.
In its case, the government argued that the word Allah is specific to Muslims and that the then-home minister's decision in 2008 to deny the newspaper permission to print it was justified on the basis of public order.
About 200 Muslims outside the court in the administrative capital Putrajaya, greeted the decision with shouts of "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest).
"As a Muslim, defending the usage of the term Allah qualifies as jihad. It is my duty to defend it," said Jefrizal Ahmad Jaafar, 39.
Jihad is Islamic holy war or struggle.
RIGHTS OF THE MINORITY
Lawyers for the Catholic paper had argued that the word Allah predated Islam and had been used extensively by Malay-speaking Christians in Malaysia's part of Borneo island for centuries.
They say they will appeal against Monday's decision to Malaysia's highest court.
"The nation must protect and support the rights of the minority," said Father Lawrence Andrew, the founding editor of the Herald. "God is an integral part of every religion."
Christians in Indonesia and much of the Arab world continue to use the word without opposition from Islamic authorities. Churches in the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak have said they will continue to use the word regardless of the ruling.
The paper won a judicial review of the home minister's decision in 2009, triggering an appeal from the federal government. The court ruled on Monday that the constitutional rights of the publisher had not been infringed.
Ethnic Malays make up 60 percent of Malaysia's 28 million people, with Chinese accounting for more than a quarter and ethnic Indians also forming a substantial minority. Christians account for about 9 percent.
Inclusive not Exclusive
MM Lee Stand Corrected
Lee Kuan Yew urges Muslims to 'be less strict'
Jan 23, 2011
Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew has urged local Muslims to "be less strict on Islamic observances" to aid integration and the city-state's nation-building process.
Singapore has a predominantly Chinese population, with minority races including Muslim Malays and Indians, and Lee has always stressed the importance of racial harmony.
"I would say today, we can integrate all religions and races except Islam," he said in "Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going," a new book containing his typically frank views on the city-state and its future.
"I think we were progressing very nicely until the surge of Islam came and if you asked me for my observations, the other communities have easier integration -- friends, intermarriages and so on..." he stated.
"I think the Muslims socially do not cause any trouble, but they are distinct and separate," Lee added, calling on the community to "be less strict on Islamic observances."
During the book's launch on Friday, the self-described "pragmatist" warned Singaporeans against complacency, saying the largely ethnic Chinese republic was still a nation in the making.
Describing Singapore in the book as an "80-storey building on marshy land," Lee said it must contend with hostility from larger Muslim neighbours.
"We've got friendly neighbours? Grow up... There is this drive to put us down because we are interlopers," he said, citing alleged Malaysian and Indonesian efforts to undermine Singapore's crucial port business.
Genesis 1; 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Malaysian court rules use of 'Allah' exclusive to Muslims
The unanimous decision by three Muslim judges in Malaysia's appeals court overturned a 2009 ruling by a lower court that allowed the
Malay-language version of the newspaper, The Herald, to use the word Allah - as many Christians in Malaysia say has been the case for centuries.
"The usage of the word Allah is not an integral part of the faith in Christianity," chief judge Mohamed Apandi Ali said in the ruling.
"The usage of the word will cause confusion in the community."
The decision coincides with heightened ethnic and religious tension in Malaysia after a polarizing May election, in which the long-ruling coalition was deserted by urban voters that included a large section of minority ethnic Chinese.
In recent months, Prime Minister Najib Razak has sought to consolidate his support among majority ethnic Malays, who are Muslim by law, and secure the backing of traditionalists ahead of a crucial ruling party assembly this month.
His new government - dominated by his Malay-based United Malays National Organization - has toughened security laws and introduced steps
to boost a decades-old affirmative action policy for ethnic Malays, reversing liberal reforms aimed at appealing to a broader section of the multi-ethnic country.
In its case, the government argued that the word Allah is specific to Muslims and that the then-home minister's decision in 2008 to deny the newspaper permission to print it was justified on the basis of public order.
About 200 Muslims outside the court in the administrative capital Putrajaya, greeted the decision with shouts of "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest).
"As a Muslim, defending the usage of the term Allah qualifies as jihad. It is my duty to defend it," said Jefrizal Ahmad Jaafar, 39.
Jihad is Islamic holy war or struggle.
RIGHTS OF THE MINORITY
Lawyers for the Catholic paper had argued that the word Allah predated Islam and had been used extensively by Malay-speaking Christians in Malaysia's part of Borneo island for centuries.
They say they will appeal against Monday's decision to Malaysia's highest court.
"The nation must protect and support the rights of the minority," said Father Lawrence Andrew, the founding editor of the Herald. "God is an integral part of every religion."
Christians in Indonesia and much of the Arab world continue to use the word without opposition from Islamic authorities. Churches in the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak have said they will continue to use the word regardless of the ruling.
The paper won a judicial review of the home minister's decision in 2009, triggering an appeal from the federal government. The court ruled on Monday that the constitutional rights of the publisher had not been infringed.
Ethnic Malays make up 60 percent of Malaysia's 28 million people, with Chinese accounting for more than a quarter and ethnic Indians also forming a substantial minority. Christians account for about 9 percent.
Inclusive not Exclusive
MM Lee Stand Corrected
Lee Kuan Yew urges Muslims to 'be less strict'
Jan 23, 2011
Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew has urged local Muslims to "be less strict on Islamic observances" to aid integration and the city-state's nation-building process.
Singapore has a predominantly Chinese population, with minority races including Muslim Malays and Indians, and Lee has always stressed the importance of racial harmony.
"I would say today, we can integrate all religions and races except Islam," he said in "Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going," a new book containing his typically frank views on the city-state and its future.
"I think we were progressing very nicely until the surge of Islam came and if you asked me for my observations, the other communities have easier integration -- friends, intermarriages and so on..." he stated.
"I think the Muslims socially do not cause any trouble, but they are distinct and separate," Lee added, calling on the community to "be less strict on Islamic observances."
During the book's launch on Friday, the self-described "pragmatist" warned Singaporeans against complacency, saying the largely ethnic Chinese republic was still a nation in the making.
Describing Singapore in the book as an "80-storey building on marshy land," Lee said it must contend with hostility from larger Muslim neighbours.
"We've got friendly neighbours? Grow up... There is this drive to put us down because we are interlopers," he said, citing alleged Malaysian and Indonesian efforts to undermine Singapore's crucial port business.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Its Easter, no easter egg?
I was task to conduct an hour children activity for children (3-6 years old) of my church. Why not paint Easter eggs? Its Easter after all...
But the plan was quickly shoot down by one of the elders. "It's too commercial", he commented!
Easter eggs are special eggs that are often given to celebrate Easter or springtime. As such, Easter eggs are common during the season of Easter. The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as jelly beans.
Eggs, in general, were a traditional symbol of fertility, and rebirth. In Christianity, they symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus: though an egg appears to be like the stone of a tomb, a bird hatches from it with life; similarly, the Easter egg, for Christians, is a reminder that Jesus rose from the grave, and that those who believe will also experience eternal life.
Lamb of God
The empty cross and the empty tomb provide a full salvation. "The Lord is risen indeed!" Luke 24:34
On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is typically the most well-attended Sunday service of the year for Christian churches.
We believe, according to Scripture, that Jesus came back to life, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. As part of the Easter season, the death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion is commemorated on Good Friday, always the Friday just before Easter. Through his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus Sacrificed for all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You are always present. I never need to make an appointment to speak to You, the God of the universe. No matter where I go or what time is it, I can depend on Your presence.
But the plan was quickly shoot down by one of the elders. "It's too commercial", he commented!
Easter eggs are special eggs that are often given to celebrate Easter or springtime. As such, Easter eggs are common during the season of Easter. The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as jelly beans.
Eggs, in general, were a traditional symbol of fertility, and rebirth. In Christianity, they symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus: though an egg appears to be like the stone of a tomb, a bird hatches from it with life; similarly, the Easter egg, for Christians, is a reminder that Jesus rose from the grave, and that those who believe will also experience eternal life.
Lamb of God
The empty cross and the empty tomb provide a full salvation. "The Lord is risen indeed!" Luke 24:34
On Easter Sunday, Christians celebrate the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is typically the most well-attended Sunday service of the year for Christian churches.
We believe, according to Scripture, that Jesus came back to life, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross. As part of the Easter season, the death of Jesus Christ by crucifixion is commemorated on Good Friday, always the Friday just before Easter. Through his death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus Sacrificed for all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Dear Lord, I am so thankful that You are always present. I never need to make an appointment to speak to You, the God of the universe. No matter where I go or what time is it, I can depend on Your presence.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Brotherhood
Is Gang related activities on the rise in Singapore?
History of Secret Societies in Singapore
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/sociopol_chinesesecretsocieties01.htm
Man's nose slashed off with 35cm knife in Tampines fight 23 March 2013
http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/this_urban_jungle/1664388/mans_nose_slashed_off_by_35cm_knife.html
Gangs recruit teens in Bukit Panjang 9 Nov 2010
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Crime/Story/A1Story20101109-246475.html
Darren Ng was a member of a gang that was going to meet a rival gang at Downtown East on 30 Oct 2010, when he was fatally slashed
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20101111-246698.html
More Malay youth in gangs? 24 Oct 2012
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121022-378957.html
Police arrested 59 for gang-related activities 11 Jul 2011
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/59-arrested-gang-related-activities-082258002.html
Recent news headlines on gang fights and even death gives me great burden and worries about youths falling through the cracks of society. Are these kids from "poor" background? Broken families? Are they not "Loved"? Early school dropouts?
The problem lays with Friends, if parents are not close to the children, naturally they will seek other source of "Family". "Friends" they can trust, feel good to hang out with, Brotherhood!
Friendship is one of life's greatest gifts. "A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17
Jonathan, David's friend is an example of true friendship. David was in exile, hiding from Saul. Jonathan went out to find David, with the intent to help David find strength in God. (1 Sam 23:16)
A true friend is a gift from God and one who points us back to Him.
History of Secret Societies in Singapore
http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/sociopol_chinesesecretsocieties01.htm
Man's nose slashed off with 35cm knife in Tampines fight 23 March 2013
http://singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/stomp/sgseen/this_urban_jungle/1664388/mans_nose_slashed_off_by_35cm_knife.html
Gangs recruit teens in Bukit Panjang 9 Nov 2010
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Crime/Story/A1Story20101109-246475.html
Darren Ng was a member of a gang that was going to meet a rival gang at Downtown East on 30 Oct 2010, when he was fatally slashed
http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20101111-246698.html
More Malay youth in gangs? 24 Oct 2012
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121022-378957.html
Police arrested 59 for gang-related activities 11 Jul 2011
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/blogs/singaporescene/59-arrested-gang-related-activities-082258002.html
Recent news headlines on gang fights and even death gives me great burden and worries about youths falling through the cracks of society. Are these kids from "poor" background? Broken families? Are they not "Loved"? Early school dropouts?
The problem lays with Friends, if parents are not close to the children, naturally they will seek other source of "Family". "Friends" they can trust, feel good to hang out with, Brotherhood!
Friendship is one of life's greatest gifts. "A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17
Jonathan, David's friend is an example of true friendship. David was in exile, hiding from Saul. Jonathan went out to find David, with the intent to help David find strength in God. (1 Sam 23:16)
A true friend is a gift from God and one who points us back to Him.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Spending quality time together
Yes its March school holiday again! Reminded to spend some quality time together as a family. Allow the children to relax, enjoy the sun and experience "Life". During the weekends my family traveled to Malaysia for the church's family camp and it is really wonderful.
We try to have the children spend quality time in God's beautiful creation: Nature!
"For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:9-10
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17
Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
How important is it to enjoy each other's accompany, especially so in the busy Singapore lifestyle. Same goes for God, our Lord enjoys our presence and we must please our Lord with our time. A time with my family, larger-family of Christ (making new friends) and bring focus back to Him.
Pleasing the Lord is not only to be a primary aim of every believer, but something at which we should all seek to excel, not to be accepted, but because we love the Lord, just like we love our children.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
We try to have the children spend quality time in God's beautiful creation: Nature!
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17
Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
How important is it to enjoy each other's accompany, especially so in the busy Singapore lifestyle. Same goes for God, our Lord enjoys our presence and we must please our Lord with our time. A time with my family, larger-family of Christ (making new friends) and bring focus back to Him.
Pleasing the Lord is not only to be a primary aim of every believer, but something at which we should all seek to excel, not to be accepted, but because we love the Lord, just like we love our children.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2
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