Alive

The wicked are dead.

They are no longer alive.

The spirits of the dead won’t rise.

You have punished them, destroyed them,

and wiped out all memory of them.

Isaiah 26:14

The Message

The wicked maybe laughing out loud at first, but eventually they will die and be forgotten. The Lord of righteousness will punish them and destroy them with fire, all their wealth will be gone, and be trampled underfoot by strangers. Even the footsteps they leave will be erased, and the howls of demons will be heard.

However, the story of God’s children is very different. They will cry and wail because of persecution at first, but they will be rescued and saved by the Lord. He will remember them and reward them for their suffering for doing what is right. Their names will be etched on the palm of God’s hands.

Another Solution to The Water Crisis: Desalination

This technology is quite old already and some countries are using this for their water consumption. The only problem with this technology is that it costs much more because of the energy the machine consumes to desalinate salt water or sea water. The good news is that renewable energy is proven to be effective and cheaper than fossil fuel, and so desalination is now feasible.

For more information about desalination technology read here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desalination

Farming Secret

Isaac planted ⌞crops⌟ in that land. In that same year he harvested a hundred times as much as he had planted because the LORD had blessed him. 13 He continued to be successful, becoming very rich. 14 Because he owned so many flocks, herds, and servants, the Philistines became jealous of him. 15 So the Philistines filled in all the wells that his father’s servants had dug during his father Abraham’s lifetime.

16 Finally, Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us! You’ve become more powerful than we are.”

17 So Isaac moved away. He set up his tents in the Gerar Valley and lived there. 18 He dug out the wells that had been dug during his father Abraham’s lifetime. The Philistines had filled them in after Abraham’s death. He gave them the same names that his father had given them.

19 Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a spring-fed well. 20 The herders from Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herders, claiming, “This water is ours!” So Isaac named the well Esek [Argument], because they had argued with him. 21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that one too. So Isaac named it Sitnah [Accusation]. 22 He moved on from there and dug another well. They didn’t quarrel over this one. So, he named it Rehoboth [Roomy] and said, “Now the LORD has made room for us, and we will prosper in this land.”

Genesis 26:12-22

The Message

There is an ongoing issue regarding farming nowadays about prices, farmers not having enough profit because of inflation and climate change that is happening throughout the world. Costs are also rising like fertilizers and diesel for farm tractors. So, what is the secret of a plentiful harvest?

This is a tough question because not all farmers are experiencing the same problems. If you search online, you can see that the cost of production is rising especially fertilizers and diesel:

www.farmprogress.com/crops/input-costs-how-to-plan-for-high-cost-year

As you can see from the scriptures, Isaac had harvested a hundred times because the Lord blessed him. How did God bless him? God showed Isaac where to dig for water! Of course, his neighbors became jealous and so stole his water wells, but the Lord kept on blessing him with water.

Other farmers use composting as a fertilizer alternative. This will significantly reduce the costs for production, and thus lower prices. You can search the Internet on how composting works. Or, you could just remove fertilizers all together because it is not essential. You may also put smaller amounts to cut costs.

These passages also describe the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ when Joseph and Mary were searching for a room to give birth to Jesus that is why it is called, “Rehoboth,” which means “Roomy.” At first, they couldn’t find room, but God gave them a humble manger, which later kings gave them expensive gifts like gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Some farmers, to earn extra money, prepared guest houses in their farms like the ones in Germany. Because in Germany, people are having a hard time looking for homes because of the shortage in housing because of rising costs to build houses due to inflation. Therefore, they made guest houses for tourists, students, and even locals to have a place to live temporarily especially when the Olympics in Paris is just around the corner.

Praise the LORD!

From Prison to Palace

Whoever disobeys the will of God is a sinner, and we are all sinners. As a sinner, we are slaves to sin. If we are slaves, then we are not free. I’ve heard people who are slaves to sin like drug addiction, pornography, alcoholism, lying, etc. They cannot stop from doing these things, and so they are in prison.

Remember Joseph? He was imprisoned because of false accusations? He was not a sinner, but he was imprisoned unjustly. Are we experiencing punishment for not doing anything wrong? Christians are persecuted not because they are doing wrong, but because they are doing right! So, Christians are treated unfairly. God forgave us, how come people don’t forgive?

But God is with Joseph even in dire situations. He endured suffering because God is with him. God did not forsake Joseph because He loved him:

21 the LORD was with him. The LORD reached out to him with his unchanging love and gave him protection. The LORD also put Joseph on good terms with the warden. Genesis 39:21

We are sinners, and so we deserve to be punished. But because of God’s love, He gave His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, so that we may be free. If we give our life to the Lord, He will be with us and bring us from prison to the palace (God’s kingdom).

Salt and Light

You are like salt for everyone on earth. But if salt no longer tastes like salt, how can it make food salty? All it is good for is to be thrown out and walked on.

14 You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, 15 and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house. 16 Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:12-16

The Message

When you come to Christ, people will notice you. It’s impossible for people not to notice you because you have that Light.

“A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden…”

We are here for men to see the Light that we have, and share this Light. One lit candle makes the house brighter, two or more candle lit will make it brighter, even in this dark world we are now living. The darker the place, the lit candles will become more visible.

As people see us, we must also be responsible in our daily walk. We must live holy lives for others to see and follow because you are the light for the whole world! Many people are counting on you.

Ultimately, the light that we share will make the world better. And so, we glorify God who gave us His Light. Someday, we will be one with the Light and share His glory.

Testimony

I remember the time when we had a blackout. It was hard. It was so dark in the evening, and we are sweating so bad we don’t know what to do. So, I was sitting only doing nothing without any laptops or smartphones to do work with. We were just sitting and waiting for the lights to show up, and talking with your folks is hardly a good conversation. After some grueling hours, the lights turned on and we went on with our lives. But I learned a lesson: We need electricity!

Many parts of the world needs electricity like when you need to turn on the heater because it’s so cold. You can read the news today that there is an on-going blackout in some parts of Connecticut up to Maine in the Northeast. That is why we must be prepared when a disaster strikes, and let’s pray for wisdom and protection in this time of crisis. Christians must always be prepared to shine a light for others.

Green Pasture

It’s good to have a vacation and enjoy life for a while, but we all know that it doesn’t give rest for our souls. We are bombarded by evil thoughts, and so we quarrel with others. Before you know it, the world is a toxic place to live in. So, where could we find green pasture to rest on? Watch this video to find out!

Roads

The Good Samaritan

Our Good Samaritan

He came where he was

He saw him

He was moved with compassion

He went to him

He bound up his wounds

He healed him

He carried him

He gave him shelter

He took care of him

Tomorrow, he took care of him

He paid his debt

The Message

I’ve seen good Samaritans lending a helping hand to the distressed and needy during floods and disasters. When I see them, I see Jesus. When they ask me, I give because that is what we are here for. Right? Blessed by God to bless others. The greatest gift we can give is our Lord Jesus, and when people come to Christ, they are blessed too!

Sometimes, we are the person who is in badly in need and we must humble ourselves and ask God for help, and He will never disappoint us. We put our faith even in the little that we have, God will show miracles and wonders, and so glorifies Him.

God’s love and grace is bigger than our need. The supply will always come from our Lord. He is faithful and willing to provide us our needs. Amen.

Because our Lord Jesus Christ is the Good Samaritan!

Plastic Waste Solution

Turning Trash Into Cash

We must encourage young people to help clean up the environment. If we caused this problem, then we can solve it also. If we are going to act now!

Star Whales

I am intently watching “Ahsoka” on Disney Plus with expectations that I will learn “things” from it (because for me, the Lord’s time is precious). So far, I do like it and willing to spend the time and money to stick with it. When robots are present, I am sold!

In this episode, Ahsoka was found deep beneath the ocean unconscious (like what apostle Paul experienced in 2 Corinthians 11:25:

…I have been a night and a day in the deep.)

After regaining conscious, she explained to the general that her apprentice Sabine, was taken prisoner to an unknown location far into the galaxy to find Grand Admiral Thrawn (and their dear friend Ezra). Unfortunately, Ahsoka lost the fight against lord Baylan Skoll and fell from a cliff, the map was destroyed, and no clue where to find them.

Then, a mystery unlocks…

Ahsoka saw the Star Whales: space animals like whales migrating to a distant galaxy on a way towards the same destination. She talked to the whale and rode inside it hoping to find some clue to where Sabine is heading. Just like in the book of Jonah where he was swallowed by a huge fish and went to the city of Nineveh.

Some people don’t see any much value for animals, but as a Christian, I consider them as “good friends.” As you read the book of Jonah, God used a huge fish (not a whale) to transport Jonah immediately to Nineveh in order to save the people living there from destruction. At first, Jonah hesitated because he knew how hard to be a prophet, and he abhors the gentiles living there. But, in the end, he learned that God loves even the outcasts or gentiles, which he was willing to forgive their sins, and He did!

Jonah learned to value life like plants and animals, and especially his fellow human beings.

What Is The Truth?

What is the Truth?

This Son of God is Jesus Christ, who came by water and blood. He didn’t come with water only, but with water and with blood. The Spirit is the one who verifies this, because the Spirit is the truth.

(I John 5:6, GodsWord)

How Can We Have The Spirit?

Jesus answered Nicodemus, “I can guarantee this truth: No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.

(John 3:5, GodsWord)

Water means water baptism:

I baptize you with water so that you will change the way you think and act. But the one who comes after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove his sandals. He (the Lord Jesus Christ) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

(Matthew 3:11, GodsWord)

Right after water baptism, comes the Holy Spirit:

After Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up from the water. Suddenly, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down as a dove to him.

(Matthew 3:16, GodsWord)

“No one can refuse to baptize these people with water. They have received the Holy Spirit in the same way that we did.”

So Peter ordered that they should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for several days.

(Acts 10:47-48, GodsWord)

Can We Lose The Spirit?

We love you because of the truth which lives in us and will be with us forever.

(II John 1:2, GodsWord)

The Spirit will be with us forever IF we live in the Truth (somehow there are Christians who are NOT living in the Truth):

I was very happy to find some of your children living in the truth as the Father has commanded us.

(II John 1:4, GodsWord)

For example, God made a covenant with us that He will bless us and be with us forever, but if we break His covenant then our agreement with God is broken. Just like a contract. If the other party breaks the contract, then it is void.

If we begin to hate our fellow believers, then we are not living in the Truth because the Spirit knows love not hate.

What Are God’s Commands?

Love means that we live by doing what he commands. We were commanded to live in love, and you have heard this from the beginning.

(II John 1:6, GodsWord)

Who Are the Deceivers?

Many people who deceive others have gone into the world. They refuse to declare that Jesus Christ came in flesh and blood. This is the mark of a deceiver and an antichrist.

(II John 1:7, GodsWord)

Deceivers are those people who spread misinformation about the Lord Jesus Christ, and spreading wrong teachings.

What Should We Do With Deceivers?

If anyone comes to you and doesn’t bring these teachings, don’t take him into your home or even greet him.

(II John 1:10, GodsWord)

Why?

Whoever greets him shares the evil things he’s doing.

(II John 1:11, GodsWord)

What Must We Do While On Earth As True Christians?

Everyone who doesn’t continue to teach what Christ taught doesn’t have God. The person who continues to teach what Christ taught has both the Father and the Son.

(II John 1:9, GodsWord)

But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.

(Matthew 6:33, GodsWord)

Personal Testimony

It’s really challenging at times when people around you is pressuring you to do what they think you should do. Personally, I’ve been tempted in so many ways that I should put God second in my work life because of the worries of this world:

The seed planted among thornbushes is another person who hears the word. But the worries of life and the deceitful pleasures of riches choke the word so that it can’t produce anything.

(Matthew 13:22, GodsWord)

But the seed planted on good ground is the person who hears and understands the word. This type produces crops. They produce one hundred, sixty, or thirty times as much as was planted.”

(Matthew 13:23, GodsWord)

So, I thought of putting God first in my life. Every day, I pray for the Lord’s guidance on what I should do for the whole day, and let the Spirit do its own work. Just like what pastor Prince always taught us to “rest” in the Lord. Let God do miracles for us, and we will have all that we need in this life:

“So I tell you to stop worrying about what you will eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothes?

26 “Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?

27 “Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying?

28 “And why worry about clothes? Notice how the flowers grow in the field. They never work or spin yarn for clothes.

29 But I say that not even Solomon in all his majesty was dressed like one of these flowers.

30 That’s the way God clothes the grass in the field. Today it’s alive, and tomorrow it’s thrown into an incinerator. So how much more will he clothe you people who have so little faith?

31 “Don’t ever worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’

32 Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them.

33 But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.

34 “So don’t ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

It’s not wrong to do work in the office because we can put God first in the office by continuing to preach the Gospel. The Lord said not to worry about money, or what we should eat and drink because He will provide for us because He loves us.

Application

Zechariah 8:16-17:

These are the things you should do: Speak the truth to one another. In the courts give real justice the kind that brings peace. Do not plan ways of harming one another. Do not give false testimony under oath. I (the Lord) hate lying, injustice, and violence.