The root of the Money

As the bible said, the root of the money is evil. Why so? 

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." (1 Tim 6:10)

Is that saying that we are supppse to be not using money at all to be holy? The verse is not literal yet it is. Ha! confuse?

Human beings are born with the root of sin due to Adam and Eve. They've disobeyed God because of their 'greediness' to want more like God. Being human is not enough, they want to be God. Human nature are selfish and greedy at the same time. 

If you are Christian, are you still behaving like that? What makes you think that you already born again?

Someone who is born again in Christ will produce the Fruit of the Spirit, the character of God.

1. We are enslave by our money

Tithe - its so hard to give tithe especially when you already earn your own money. When we are afraid , not conquor the fear and not discipline ourselves to give, we basically are enslave by the power of money. We're so in love with the money that we are not willing to sacrifice to the one that we love, our Precious God in Heaven.

then what makes you think that you will sacrifice for your family in the future or helping the needy? we're so full of ourselves sometimes. something that reminds me as well, for being not content with what I have. 

2. Integrity

If we do keep our integrity, we need to obey what God tell us to do in the bible. Give back 10% of what God has given you.

It is integrity that keep us moving forward and give. If you don't keep your integrity of giving tithe, what makes you think that you are a person who pay tax and who is faithful to your wife?

And what makes you think people will see u differently from the worldly? You're here on earth to spread the gospel and not collecting all the assets in this world, its gonna be in vain.

I mean, its all related; your personality. That what reflects what you will do in your life. Perhaps you may disagree about paying tax, since indonesia is so infamous for corruption. But hey, do your part as a citizen, do for the Lord. I know i'm too silly to tell you this naiively.. 

But i've been open up my heart of God's revelation that money is not everything and dont be enslave by money. 

Also, BELIEVE that obeying God and trust in Him, He will take care of you in any circumtances. 

"and my God will supplu every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19)

You did your part, God will give u back! Of course we don't 'expect' anything from God but give it willingly.

"Each one must give as he decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 cor 9:7)

 A Father in heaven doesn't need your money, He wants to see your heart whether you're chained by the love of money or not. Thats the root of the evil. It may drag us away further from God. Have no faith in God and selfish.  

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt 6:21)

Let's pray that you may get the revelation from God for doing the right thing. Its pointless for me to tell so much thing to you but get revelation from the Lord is the confirmation and conviction to your heart! 

All the best!

Love,

Liani

Sincerity

How do you define sincerity?
some people define it by words that spoken out (me) and/or actions.

i remember the day i attended my friend's wedding, ko andy and ci novi. perhaps i may say its the most blessed wedding i had ever been. its not only touching but truly a blessing in my life. i knew they've been praying about it too.. and yes, God did answer ur prayer :)

the wedding thanksgiving was held in my church and lead by my main pastor. One word that i can describe about my pastor, sincerity. Its his sincerity and honesty make me respect him. back to the wedding...

there's a moment in the wedding when andy and novi should confess their love towards each other. my pastor asked each one of them, (sorry i kinda forgot the question. but its sth like this) how does God love you? Andy just answered the question as a biblical theory. And my pastor stopped him and tell him, "andy, i dont want your answer like a lecturer. pls tell about your personal experience in your life."

andy paused. his voice was trembling and tears began to fall. he said, "God accepts me for who i am. i am nothing and i dont deserve anything from Him yet He accepts me and love me unconditionally". and he was asked to repeat after the pastor, "and so, this is how i am going to love you like how Jesus has loved me." novi teared and said the same statement.

that is sincerity.

when we tell people about God,most of the time they dont want to hear ur biblical theory, but your real life experience with God. How He actually transform, restore and renew your life. they also want to see how your life is different from others, be it at church,home or outside, you are the same.

as for me personally, i like to hear stories that is sincere. if u tell me about theory stuffs, honestly, it doesnt affect me much. i like to hear stories that are related to my life problems. when they tell me things, i know that they've been on my shoe before.

spread the gospel by telling about your life story and not biblical sense only. God put problems in your life and solved are for you to tell people about your life. you've been healed before, tell the good news about it. sometimes small things like, you crave for cupcake, suddenly your friend brought the cupcake to your house. God knows what you want.. u get me?
small things like that often amaze people! be a person who can share stories about God and not share gossips.

learn to share. sometimes you think that your story is too simple or its foolish but hey you never know. that story may change people's life! be a sincere story teller of your life! :)

last but not least, i just want to say that im really inspired by my pastor for being sincere, humble and honest on his sermons and to us. thank you pastor :)
and for the andy and novi's story, im sorry it might not be 100% correct. pardon me i'm not a reporter. hahaha..


thats all folks!

good night!

I have a Big God

This week I'm so exhausted by problems, obstacles and troubles around me. Circumstances just don't go your way sometimes and that cause burn out!

I've been over looking at the problems in my life. I was so stress that I had insomnia every night. The race heart that never stop especially at unearthly hour. I was so exhausted that I skip my quiet time with God. A whisper in my heart just to say that God can't solve it, why bother to pray? Yes I do still pray every night, 3 mins prayer? Haha..

Nonetheless, God never fails me. I seek and I found. Today.

I can't wait to come home and write about this. I'm afraid that I may forget the next day :p

During FA (cell group) I was being reminded from a song that our God is so big. So big than anything else, not physically but literally in everything. My pastor said sth very important, he prayed, "Lord, let your children be fear you more than anything else. Let them see that you are big, You are great, You are mighty."

That quote really hit me in the heart. All these while I was foolishly without realizing how big my God is compared to my problems. Yes, I do hear about that theoretically but it just doesn't affect my life till today.

When you actually realize that God is bigger than anything, do not be afraid! When you know Him that He is actually so great that He can do anything for you, you shouldn't be even feeling worry, insecurity or fear.

I remembered someone told me this story before. About this child was being bullied in school and he actually complained to his dad. So the next day the dad came to school.. And that kid wasn't afraid of anyone because he knows his dad is there for him. His dad protects him no matter what happen. What worst can it be?

Same goes to me. What worst can it happen in my life when things are missing, gone, or even disappear from my life? If you feel worst, then you must be dangerous because that's where your heart belongs to. Set apart and set right where your heart gonna be. Seek Him and focus just on Him and nothing else.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:21

Learn to trust God in everything. Even someone that you love. Surrender to God. Learn to trust that He provides only the best one for you. If anything happen, it's just part of learning in life. Sometimes it can be a very expensive learning where sacrifices are taken or even a cheap learning where you don't even realize it.

Problems are not as stress as I think when I know this revelation.



God bless you!

Listening Ears

I thought I had been the best listening ear for my buddies/friends..
Thought I was the expert or the wisest person to advice other people..
Thought people are childish and I'm the most mature ones. How arrogant!

Recently, I've been asking God to reveal about myself even more. The most inner side of me, and He did. So much hurt, so much shame deep in my character. So much unconscious wickedness in me. It was on the climax that I shouted for help...!!
It was on the tip that no one able to help me but only God.
The reason I want God to show me who am really is because I want to stay true in Him. I want to be closer to Him more and more. Those inner wickedness is my hurdle to be closer with God, I was stagnant or perhaps burned out with everything that I do.
And He showed me, my nakedness, my real me.

Simple request from God - be humble
"Come my daughter, let me embrace you. Let me heal those hurts. Let me fix that for you."

One of the weakness is about being a listening ear. What I've learnt is about us being a listening ear must be LISTENING and not the one talking much. I've been such an arrogant talking mouth instead of being a listening ear to my brothers and sisters.
Sometimes, I know when people do not want to share to me because I will judge them. I will tell them to say "NO". I will make decision for them.
People need your ears not your mouth! Sunday school teacher always say that God gave us two ears and only one mouth.
One of my friend even told me that she's afraid to share to me bcos she said that I would get angry and will disagree with her. So it's better for her not to tell me. How sad, bcos of my attitude, I can't become a blesser in someone's life.

I can learn about this it's because I'm on her shoes now..
shoes that couldn't even walk So hard to walk.. So hard to move forward.
shoes that can only let me kneel on my knees and raised my hands.
shoes that asked me to seek God and no one else.

That shoes change my way of thinking. Changed my life.

The shoes that is the gift from God.


Be a person who pray for your friend if you want to help your friend. Be it if they are Christian or not, pray for them doesn't harm. Let go and let God.
Be an adviser if the person ask to.. And lastly be nice. A person is really fragile when they're down.


Hope when you read this, it can be a blessing to you.


:)

Nobody

Nobody will understand how you feel
Nobody will know what you feel
Nobody will always be there for you when you need help

That's when we will realize our one and only best friend is waiting for us share about our complains, hurts and sorrow, our dear Heavenly Father.

How awful this life is when things just don't go right.
How awful the situation is when things are unresolved.
How awful life is when you don't know who to share your burden to.

Complain to God when you feel worsen.
Tell Him that you need Him.

Patience

Love is patience, love is kind.

1 Corinthians 13:6



Learning to be patience indeed it's not an easy thing to do especially I'm such a short tempered person. When I applied patience on a thing, somehow it doesn't become problem but yet peace. Patience explains a lot of misunderstandings when we are willing to listen patiently.
Patience also teach us to grow maturely in Christ.
Patience taught me many things in this life.
Patience is a favorite tool of God, He always shape us through patience.
Patience builds faith.
Patience shuts all arguments.
Patience is a learning process from each other.
Patience should not be burdensome but bring peace to us.
Patience doesn't take revenge but forgiveness.

But

Without patience, adults will behave childishly.
Without patience, any words will hurt anyone.
Without patience, many marriages are destroyed.
Without patience, no more families in this world.
Without patience, the world will be full of hatred.


Yes it's hard.
Nothing is easy.
Patience is something's that is more worth than silver or gold.
It is priceless.
Only God can give it to us.


HOW?


Through your circumstances.
Your process in life.
Pray and ask for it.
Ask for His help.

Way to reach out like Jesus

Hi world,

I wanna share a testimony about someone just passed away. My family and I had been praying so much for this someone to be saved! And thank God she is in heaven now with God! God is so amazing by using my mom to reach out to her. Well, all these while, it's pretty hard to share gospel to her due to some obstacles that we been through. But God truly has a perfect timing and He is faithful. Many might not know about this but sooner or later hopefully God will open their eyes and their ears to listen to gospel!

Sometimes when we really care about souls around us but people just don't understand how we feel for them. Esp when u share gospel to someone but that person rejects. How awful that feels like if u understand me fellow Christ followers. Perhaps due to that rejections, at times we did a step back and not doing it again. It's too fanatics, it's too religious.

Let's look back on Jesus life when He was in this world. Jesus was born to save this world. But HOW did He share the gospel?
5 things that I know He DID NOT do during his evangelism:
1. Debate.
2. Convince people.
3. Pleasing people.
4. Verbally talking only.
5. Afraid of rejections.


Nonetheless, He love people, humble, heal, care and focus just on God Himself. That is His method of sharing the gospel and not just verbally talking but His actions that count.

Debate?
Why did He has too? Debate is just tearing apart relationships instead of building up each other. At the end of the day, we don't get anything. So what if we won the debate? That's just satisfy your flesh but you have lost souls! Seriously, Jesus hate that. You don't say anything silly ifnyou do not know the bible well. Remember to sealed your mouth even when someone insult u or insult God. Just remember that wise people don't respond to foolish talks. And for not replying fool, you don't lower your standards. I know it's hard but just be patient, God will deal with them! Haha.. I'm learning to be patieeeenceeee toooooo.. Hahaha..

Being convincing?
How cool Jesus is, if you think about things that He did in this world. Haha.. When I thought of what the bible written, Jesus always talk short, smart and simple yet it's deep on the meaning. Even when sharing the gospel, only a few words and the Samaritan woman believe in Him. I believe that it is not Jesus' strength but God that empower Him to do so.


Pleasing people?
Realize God does not please people around Him. There are people that are jealous and hate Him. He did not try to please them but at the same time He loves them too. Remember the story of the servant that wanted to arrest Jesus?
(Luke 22:49-51)
When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, "No more of this!" And he touched the man's ear and healed him.

Someone that actually betrays Him but He still not only forgave but love. Yes we are human and we can't be like God loving everyone, but start with our own surrounding of friends! I believe u had those annoying friends around you.. Start to forgive them and ask God to help you!
Do you know if you didn't forgive someone, you actually blocking God's blessings to u? :)

Talk and no actions.
That's not how God do His things! He do more than He talks. Actions that we need to show is caring and kindness. People see your actions and not your mere talks about Gospel. I believe that's how we treat our parents too. We see what they do and unconsciously we followed rather than listen to their wise words.

Rejections? God doesn't afraid of rejections! Instead, He's sad if someone don't believe in Him. So many times we are afraid to tell the good news just because of rejections. You should know that when people reject the Good news, they didn't reject you but Jesus! They are the ones that deal with God alone and nothing to do with us. Our part is to tell the gospel and it's up to God to decide to save them or not. It's His choice and not us. It's privilege for us to know Him and not Him having us. We're the sick ones, we need Healer.

Last but not least, the reason why that person listened to my mom because my mom has been always there for her. My mom truly love her and care about her. Thus, i guess thats how God works. We wait, pray and do something and not just sit around and do nothing. If we really want the person to get save, shower love to them :) Share the gospel to them and let God do the rest.

Thats what Jesus did when He came to the world. To LOVE people. All base on LOVE. Pray consistently! Don't pray for this person today and that person another day but BE CONSISTENT. Know what you are praying and who u r praying for.




God Bless!!

Repentance!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!Have a very Happy New Year!


What is repentance to you? Is it just verbally say sorry to God and walk away? no way! Repentance is more than that!
Yesterday night, i was so enthu talking to my friend, mei. I am ashamed of myself for not aware what is true repentance is. For whatever wrong doings that I'd done, i thought that i just need to say sorry to God every night when i pray and sleep. Without even has the feeling of guilt or sad about the sin that I did.

many times, it is hard for us to apologise to someone that we are close to. i'm not talking about verbally sorry but truly feel sorry and repent from it. especially to our love ones. However, it is so easy for us to say sorry to someone that we're not close to, such as stranger. I work as a sales person, serving a customer, apologising is part of our job. sometimes i feel oblique to say it but that's one of the way to make the customer happy.
Do I act that to God as well?! unfortunately, yes. I had been treated God like one of my customer, who came to my life and give me commandments and reminded me what sin i had done and He wants my apology and He will be pleased.

how a wretch person like me deserve the cross that He had died for me?
well, after saying sorry to God, i did the same thing over again. my life goes on and things did not change. i do feel guilty, but no one knows anyway. how deceitful my heart is.

yes, i'm a hypocrite who did mistakes over again. but i realise that's how much i NEED God in my life! I don't deserve Him but He is the one that has chosen me. 

God uses my friend, mei to deliver the message to me and it really hit me! true repentance is when you realise how awful sin is and you will turn away from it. in another words, take it as if you're confessing ALL your sins to someone that you respect to. imagine you told someone sins that u did where no one knows, do u feel shameful about it?

its not easy to tell someone about ur sins in life, we should treat God as a person too and He is alive! We are afraid to tell people because we never know if they will betray us or not but GOD, the One who knows everything wanted u to confess and ask for forgiveness. The God that gives you solution and not trouble.
now i understand why my friends told me that they have many sins and its not easy to repent. sadly, it is impossible to repent with our own boldness. We need to pray to ask for that. Besides repentance, God will renew our mind, heart and soul. That is when our life begin to change.

We need to know and remember! Jesus died on the cross is not for us to sin! it is for us to REPENT and walk on the right path!!
Don't just speak in your mind when you repent to God but think carefuly for whatever you do.
Things go wrong in life are because of our decisions we made. ASK for wisdom and SEEK for His mercy to forgive!
Be humble and you will know what is right or wrong as God only speaks to the humble!


James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Eternal blessings or Worldly Blessings?

as i've written in this blog earlier on that this year is a blessing year for me. its not about receiving blessing, but giving blessings, knowledge about blessings and to be the blesser. its not only me who get the blessings but YOU! yes, if you're reading this, hope you'll be bless by the word of God today. Hope it may strengthen you from the ordinary blog of mine. 

it has already been weeks that i send copy paste devotional from ci nelly to everyone in my bb. though i send the blessings to all of you, i still struggles in life. there are times that i'm exhausted, tired of work, assignments and social life. so tired that i could not even spend time with God. could not even have a time to read bible. by sending devo, i hope that not only i receive the blessings but other people's too!

have u seen those people that is in love that they sacrifice anything just to make their partner happy?
have you ever wonder how people actually can longing for one another so much?
i have only one answer; Love.

Love is the source of strength all.

quote from my pastor, "if you're looking for worldly blessings in your life/business, read more bible. read it regularly. but in the end, i believe that you will seek more about God rather than the worldly blessings.

What we will get when we read bible in daily life:

More spiritual blessings than worldly blessings.
We get more revelation when we read the bible. We get understanding and also sensitive to hear the voice of God. We got the heart and compassion for the lost souls. Worldly blessings that God will give us is to support purpose in our life. Let that not be our main focus in life. Career is not the focus in life, God is.

I have seen all the things that are done under the sun;
all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (Ecc 1:14)

More wisdom than more money.
Personally, wisdom from God is so precious. wisdom is telling the truth, not your own doctrine and not only talking from experiences. being a wise person is not only on how much experiences you have when you grow up but wisdom upon you. doesn't mean when you are old means you are more wise or more wisdom than the young ones. many adults are still have their childish behaviour when they handle problems. only wisdom from God that we are able to talk, handle problems or giving advice wisely.
ask and He will give it to you!

"Wisdom is worth more than silver; it brings more profit than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you could want is equal to it."(Proverbs 3:14-15)

Heaven eternal life than Temporary life (or eternal hell).
there's an old saying that we are born to die. Eternal life is literally eternal. we're here in the world is to be prepare for eternal glory and spreading Good news to people! 
The good news is that, Jesus died for us on the cross and has risen from the dead! He has risen and our sins are forgiven. Just believe and you will be save.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

Temporary life is really nothing compared to eternal life. You're running a race, yet to reach the finishing line. You may not know when or where is it but just follow the 'path' given and you will reach the finishing point. Set your focus to the front and not live comfortably or stop running. remember, you're still in the race!

And this is the way to have eternal life--to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. (John 17:3)

More of God and less of me.
The more you know God, the more you think less of yourself. You may think that living in this world is so aimless and purposeless. Without Him in your life, life is just a waste of time and waiting to die anytime soon. When you really seek him more, you will find what's really precious for you. You will long for the things that God has placed in our heart.

you will not struggle if you have God in you. Focus on God and not your problems. More of Him and less of you.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Never experience that before? Ask for it! :)
I experience it now and i want more! 
I really hope that you can experience what i've experience too. its worth more than anything else.
i hope i can maintain this way as well, not by my strength but by His strength and His might.

Then Jesus said, "I am the bread that gives life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you before, you have seen me and still don't believe. The Father gives me my people. Every one of them will come to me, and I will always accept them. I came down from heaven to do what God wants me to do, not what I want to do. 39 Here is what the One who sent me wants me to do: I must not lose even one whom God gave me, but I must raise them all on the last day. Those who see the Son and believe in him have eternal life, and I will raise them on the last day. This is what my Father wants." (John 6:35-40)



Let's pray,

Jesus, please help me to longing for you more. i want to long for you more than anything. I do not want to be stagnant but please help me to grow in You more and more. Holy spirit, please enlighten me when i read bible. as what You've promised, seek you and i will find it. In the name of Jesus, i pray. Amen

a letter : for her

this post will be dedicated to my one and only beautiful gorgeous sister :)

i may not able to express in person how much i love her, i hope by what i've written will actually speaks from my heart. please prepare tissues sis :p

well, an introduction abt her.... :D
she's my super big age gap sister, we're 10 yrs old difference. i'm the youngest child in the family.
she's soooo beautiful, sexy and hot mama! ;)
she's firm and confident woman
she's smart
she's hardworking
she's my best friend
she's my awesome sister (duh! #youdontsay)
she's my protecter
she's my comforter
she's my mentor
she's a designer
she's a fashion advisor ;)



when i was a teenager, i admire my sis just like how i admire celebrities. she studied overseas since she was 18, and at that time i was 8. i only got to see her twice a year sometimes or more but for me, she's like a long distance sister.

well, to refresh my memory, i was a very naughty girl at the age of 6 or 7. those are the times where i remember the most about the incidents. perhaps as what scientific has proven that children at that age actually stores the most memory. when i got paranoid or traumatise by things nowadays, maybe those stuffs happened when i was 6 or 7.

yea, back to my story, i was a very naughty girl... i always got beaten by my mom because i eat slow (2hrs to eat a meal), dun want to shower and watch tv A LOT! i got beaten almost everyday cos i eat everyday! hahaa.. when i start playing and not eating, my mom would start to be angry. at that time, whenever i was having a meal, everyone would be missing because they didn't want to feed me.
since my sis came back twice a year, she will start feeding me whenever she's back, though sometimes she's a bit paranoid cause i'm taking waaaaayyy too long to eat.

i still remember, when my sis came back, i always feel sooo happy and secure around her. probably our age gap are big, thus we do not snatch toys or quarrel much. and why do i feel secure?
when i got beat by my parents, my sis would come and rescued me! she cuddled me and said, "dun cry dun cry... stop hitting!"
my parents ended up hitting her instead to ask her to go away. eventually they stopped but i couldn't stop crying. i was blubbering and whimpering like a baby. she was the only one who always calms me down whenever i cry. i feel the protection and secureness when she's around me.
sometimes i was bad enough that whenever my mom chased me, i would run to my sister because i know she will protect me. haha..
if those events did not happen, i probably couldn't share this to you. :')

at the age of 18, i had a relationship and that last year, my dad just passed away at the beginning of the year. my family became so united and cherish each other even more. years to come, we became more and more united and loved as a family. some terrible things happened in my relationship and i was very depress and upset. my sis is the one that i have a shoulder to cry on and she firmly told me what is right and good for me. and indeed, i made the right choice to end the relationship with no regrets.

ce, if i have not told u, how much i respect you as a sister, mentor and role model.
despite of the imperfect life that you have, i still regard you as my role model :)
you've taught me ways, tricks and tips ;) and that becomes my guidance of my life.
of course, i have more things to learn from you. and not only that, let us grow more in the Lord so that we can glorify God's name in all ways.

love,
your dear lil cia cia :p

The Purpose

i've been asking around and searching for the answers about the purpose of marriage. if i let you ponder about 2 mins, answer yourself before you continue reading. is it just to have a partner so that you won't feel lonely or do you just want to have a sexual partner?

its silly for me to say that, i mean for human nature, there's nothing wrong of thinking that we do not want to be alone. even God said in the bible that, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” 

In the bible study that i've read, its written the description that the word “Helper” (Hb. ‘ezer) is one who supplies strength in the area that is lacking in “the helped.” The term does not imply that the helper is either stronger or weaker than the one helped. “Fit for him” or “matching him” is not the same as “like him”: a wife is not her husband’s clone but complements him.

It does not state that partner is someone that complete you, but compliments.

What i've found out is that i've a clear perspective about what marriage is all about. the question kept pestering me about what's the purpose of marriage. i've asked many and to my surprise, many could not answer this simple question. its simple but its deep. haha..

some might not even have thought of that. if we don't know what's the purpose of marriage, then why do we want to get married at the first place? and worst still, why do we start relationships?

i was told by someone, couldn't really rmb who was it, but that person told me that having dates, hook ups or flings, perhaps changing boyfriends and girlfriends were't a biggie anymore on 21st century. everyone does that. one thing that we might not also know that, there are also increase rate of divorce. a sad fact that i just found out In Australia, every third marriage ends in divorce. How sad is that? :(

Changing dating partners has become a habit for young adults nowadays, thus when they got married, it becomes a habit of not able to be content with a person. Troubles comes, people thought that divorce can solve everything but it does not. the pain is still there, the problem is still there. divorce is just a way of avoiding the problem.

yes, i know i'm not married and i have no right to say this because i did not experience it by myself. I never face my own family problems before. but in a perspective of a child; a daughter, its really sad for me to see my parents quarrel, worst, they don't sleep together anymore. One left the house and the other stayed. No kids want a broken family. 

I really admire my mom so much for the contribution that she has gave to the family. without her, my family will be in chaos and hopeless. she's the one who brings the strength, sustain and maintain a healthy family. no matter what happens between her and my dad, she will never tear down the family by her selfish decision. two reasons, because she thought of us and she loves the family.

There are 6 reasons for Purpose of Marriage:

1. Married couple represents Christ and Church. 

23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 

24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.  

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 

28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 

29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 

30 because we are members of his body. 

32This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 

(Ephesians 5:22-25, 28-30 & 32)

As a married couple, you are actually represent the Christ and the church. A married couple should obey what is written in the bible, submit to your husband as as well as husband sacrifice his life for his wife. That is how we glorify our Lord about Christian marriage. We are like walking in this life with Jesus' badge on us. Be careful of what we do because we bring His image with us.

2. Fill the Earth!

 And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. (Genesis 9:1)

 That's very obvious reason why are we here today! fill the earth! :)

3. Two are Better Than One

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

It's alright to be single but it is not good to be alone. In order to build our own character, we need someone to help us. Strengthen us spiritually and physically as well. Your own family eventually may not able to be there for you all the time. But your lifetime partner is one flesh with you, someone that will not leave you; until death do you apart.

4. A Praying Partner

A person that is able to pray together with you. you're not only bond with flesh but bond in spirit as well. That what makes a marriage strong; put God in the centre of your marriage. Its important how spouses support each other by prayer. When obstacles come, look no where but above. Its simple yet its powerful!

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20)

5. Sexual Temptation

But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. (1 Corinthians 7:2)

....For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1 Corinthians 7:9)

It's clearly stated that, its better to find a partner rather than commit sexual temptation outside marriage.

6. Be the Blessing :)

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4)

Last but not least, marriage is not only about you and your spouse but also the whole community. Together as one, you are able to make a difference in people's life by helping them. It can be anything!

Be not the selfish and isolated couple that only care about your own-selves but care for others too.

That is how you shine the Glory of God as well.

As a married couple, you're actually being a role model for everyone around you (perhaps you may not realise it); such as, siblings, cousins, relatives, friends, parents, perhaps might even strangers.

Be a couple that people look up to and let them see that God really works in your life.

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16)

Amen! :)

hope you're blessed by this post.

Liani

don't settle for less

i don't know if i ever write about this before, but if i did, pardon me. haha.. cos i really have the strong feeling of sharing about this.


i re-read a book, authentic beauty which enlighten me so much about our true Prince, Jesus Christ. it has been about 2 years when i finished reading the book. yes, i know that it was a good book, well, i love something new. so i kept purchasing new books and learning new things. nonetheless, God reminds me to re-read the book once again. i believe that there's something that God wants me to know. let me share this blessing to you :) for what i've read and learnt.


have you ever heard about people saying "nightmares" in the marriage? some of you might even experience it by yourself through your own marriage, your parents or perhaps your sibling's marriage. it has been such a disastrous and paranoid for you.


perhaps someone told you before that you need to have realistic expectations. husbands usually start ignoring their wives right after honeymoon. so forget about happily ever after. soon you are going to have to work really hard just to get him to even notice you.
some might even say that "you are marrying a caveman! they only care about food and sex!"


from this author, leslie ludy, she's married to a man called Eric. both of them desire God and pursue for His righteousness much more than caring about their selfish desire. Eric is also an author writing about manhood, which i would highly recommend man (if you're a man) to read it. their book is about pursuing God more than just earthly relationships.


we heard many passive things about marriage and yet we had seen how the Author (God) of romance had beautifully scripted every detail of our love story thus far, and we had to ask ourselves if there was any reason He would suddenly stop creating an amazing romance for us the moment we said, "I do".


i still believe that there's a loving marriage that can last long; love each other more each day. Shouldn't be godly marriage is more promising than others? but why do i still see fail marriages everywhere??? why do i see many broken marriages everywhere? can we stop this?! can we rub off the word 'divorce' in our generations? can we scream that DIVORCE is NOT ok?
can we ?


A couple who had been married for 25 years confirmed what Eric and Lislie were feeling. You may have heard a lot of naysayers out there telling you that romance dies after the honeymoon. But we want you to know that it doesn't have to be that way." the couple looked at each other fondly, took each other's hands, and then continued, "On our wedding day we were so in love - but here we are 25 years later and we love each other so much more than we did that day. Don't ever settle for less."


(this is the best part!)


Eric and Leslie decided that Jesus Christ would always be the centre of our love story and that they would peruse deeper love and romance though out their life together. The attitude has been the key to their relationship, and it has cause intimacy to grow more and more amazing every year. yes it takes time to build a strong marriage, but when Christ is at the centre, and when we aren't willing to settle for less than His best, it only gets more and more beautiful with time. 




i believe that this may not only apply for marriage but singleness and womanhood as well. it does not have to be dull, depressing drudgery. those areas can be a little taste of heaven on earth, if only we will pursue the very best God has for us and never settle for less. I believe that it takes both hands to clap in the marriage in order to make a strong marriage or God's desire marriage. if you think that you're ready for a radical change in your marriage, do pray to Him and ask Holy Spirit for help. have faith that God will restore your marriage. knowing that in God, everything is possible. God will never neglect His children. He hears you, my friend.


^{Luke 11:9
9} “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.




When our Prince is the centre of our existence, the possibilities are fathomless. Life becomes an exciting, endless adventure. Don't ever settle for less

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Speak of Blessings

Matthew 5:2-12
He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

its fast how time has past and i'm already on my 22nd year of my life. this year was truly a blessing year for me, "for what i sow, i will reap" does applicable for me!

many obstacles that i've been through never stops me from me praising the Lord!

ytd night when i was brushing my teeth, God suddenly told me that this year is a year of blessing for me. Blessing might not in terms of materials but spiritually. The blessing that He may going to give me is to build my faith. Blessings that makes me closer to God more and more.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Eph 1:3)

I'm so glad and honoured that God uses me to write about Him. Honoured that i'm the chosen one among millions of people. even more honoured that Jesus died for my sin 2000 yrs ago. truly God's favour is upon me. How sweet is He?

I've got the confirmation of the year of blessing is from my birthday, how God actually send surprises to me in my life. I saw the love that was poured from my dearly friends :') efforts that they gave is not redundant cos i truly appreciate them. Another confirmation is from what my friends (even acquaintance) told me that i've been such a blessing in their life when they saw my twitter, Facebook status or might even my laughter. hahaha...

i'm really glad to hear that my friends :') thanks for telling me.

A year of blessing for me is not only about me receiving blessing from people but truly from God alone. He gave me sooo much blessings that i can't contain it and want to give it away! so much blessings from the Lord that I want to share all my blessings to you guys. :)

blessed that He gives me the inspiration to write and share my life to you guys.

I am not a perfect human that keeps laughing all the time. i'm still imperfect human that want to depend on God to transform to His likeness.

there's a testimony that i would like to share to you people.

since 2010 or may be earlier, i started to write diaries. i have soooo many diaries at home. i guess since i was 10, i already start to write about my own life. if i could write when i was a baby, i might want to but the limited words to express is really hard to write. I wrote when i'm sad or happy. I remembered that last time when my mom screamed at me, i locked myself in the room and write about how i felt. NOW, when i read through all my childhood diaries, i had really a GOOD LAUGH at it. I mean its funny how a person grow gradually and write different stuffs at every stage of their life.

i guess, its my 'thing' to spilled it out by words since i was little. when the time i became Christian and know about God, i started to write more things about blessings. Every circumstances that i've gone through (good or bad), surprisingly, i always speak blessings and think positive about it! as time goes by, i started not to write about complains in my diaries instead, i only write about blessings that God has given me.

In a way, it makes me happy when i read through my diaries. well, why making ourselves sad when we have something optimist to talk about? :) so much blessings that we need to thank everyday, why bother about the fusses?

from this birthday onwards, i want to thank God for every blessings everyday. write all the blessings that God has given me and share the blessings about what God has given me.

recently, i've written lesser and lesser in my blog. God has actually put some thoughts for me to write about but i actually ignore the blessings and i forgot about it. how shameful :'(

nonetheless, God very fails me, He never gave up on me. He ALWAYS send someone to encourage me write about Him more and more. apparently, God even sent someone to compile all my posts, give me as a birthday present!

my heart speaks, "you are almost there! keep it up my Child!" I believe that's from God.

He really really never fails me :')

what about you my friends?

i believe that, an ordinary person like me already has so many blessings to talk about. you may have more to thank for! :)

stop frustrated about your life but give thanks to Him! your life will be beautified and transformed!

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. (John 1:16)

Do not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)

Speak blessings!