Jesus Can Set You Free

Several years ago a woman who wrote to us for prayer said that because of fear, she had not been out of her house for five years. She was a prisoner in her own home! We prayed a simple prayer for God to set her free from that bondage. Soon afterwards, we got a call from her. "I’m not only out of my house," she said, "but I’m at the grocery store! I now have a life!"

Jesus said that He came "to proclaim liberty to the captives...to set at liberty those who are oppressed" (Luke 4:18 nkjv). Bondage is bondage, no matter what form it takes-addictions, depression, debt, or physical ailments. Whatever it is that is holding you in bondage, Jesus can set you free. Just ask Him to do it!

Strength That Never Fails

Strength That Never Fails
Here is a word for you from the Word.
Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heartand my portion forever.
You see, there's a difference between the internal and the external. The external is fading, it's temporary; but there's something inside us that's eternal, that's from God, that's linked to God, that doesn't fade, that doesn't wither.

Paul says, "Our outward man perishes, but our inward man isrenewed day by day." Whenever I read those words I always think of my good friend, Jane. Towards the end of her life she suffered from a weak heart and yet she was an amazingly strong and active woman and continued so almost to the last week of her life. And when she felther heart, her physical heart, failing, that's what she would say: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength ofmy heart and my portion forever." She'd learned that lesson that we don't let the external and the physical dictate to us, that there's an inner source of life and strength whichis not subject to the weakness and fluctuations of our human body.

Eventually God called her home in tremendous victory after almost fifty years of active Christian service and she left behind her atestimony of tremendous victory. But she'd learned that secret:the outward may perish but the inward is eternal. The inward is linked to God, the inward remains a source of strength when there's little strength left in the outward.

Focus on God's promises

Have you ever had a problem that seemed so impossible you couldn't think about anything else? That's our human tendency, but God has a better plan. He wants us to glance at the problem, then quickly focus on His promises. That's what Abraham did when God told him that he and Sarah were to have a son. Romans 4:18 says that Abraham against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

This verse speaks of both the problem and the promise. It speaks of hope in the middle of a situation that looked hopeless. Even though Abraham was 100 years old and his wife was 90, Abraham had hope and faith that they would have a son as God promised.

There are two impossibilities here. First, it is humanly impossible for a man and a woman of Abraham and Sarah's ages to have a baby; second, it is impossible for God to lie (Titus 1:2). So against human hope, Abraham believed in divine hope...that God would bring about a miracle. He did not deny the problem existed-he just refused to focus on it. He glanced at the problem, then immediately focused on the promise God had made to him. And because Abraham had the faith to focus on the promise, God was able to perform the miracle.

Faith is rooted in the promises of God, and without a promise to stand on, it is literally impossible to have faith. So if you have a problem that seems hopeless, admit that your problem exists. Then immediately take your eyes off your problem and focus your faith on what God's Word says. You can believe it because the Bible says He cannot lie.

Happy Easter!!

Who is this One??
Who is this One who arose on Easter morning? He is the One who came from heaven to be born in Bethlehem and was laid in a manger. He is the One who was hidden in Egypt, raised in Nazareth, and baptized in the Jordan River.

He is the One who overcame the temptations of the devil in the wilderness. He is the One who turned water into wine, calmed the sea, healed the multitudes, delivered the people, preached the Good News, multiplied a few fish and loaves of bread to feed the masses, and raised the dead.

He is the One who took on our sins and nailed them to a rugged cross. He is the One who bowed His head and died at Calvary. He is the One whose death caused the veil of the temple to be rent in two. He is the One who was buried in a borrowed tomb, because He only planned to use it for three days.

He is the One who on the third day-on Resurrection morning-came bursting forth from His graveclothes and stood outside the borrowed tomb in shining garments, alive forevermore! He is the One who declares to you today, "Because I live, you will live also" (John 14:19 NKJV).

Who is this One? He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the only begotten Son of the almighty, everliving God, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord!

To be grateful part 2

I am thankful...

.... for the wife/ husband who complains when his/ her dinner is not on time, because it means he/ she is home with me, not with someone else.

.... for the teenager who is complaining about doingdishes, because it means she/he is at home, not on the streets.

.... for the taxes that I pay, because it means that Iam employed or making a lot of money in my business.
.... for the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.

..... for the clothes that fit a little too snug,because it means I have enough to eat.

..... for my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine

..... for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.

.... for all the complaining I hear about the Government, because it means we have freedom of speech.

.... for the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking, and that I have been blessed with transportation.

.... for the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear.

....for my huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.

.... for the lady behind me in church that sings off key, because it means that I can hear.

..... for weariness and aching muscles at the end of theday, because it means I have been capable of workinghard and using those limbs.

.... for the alarm that goes off in the early morning,because it means that I am alive.

Happy New Year 2008 - Multiple Choice??

What are you going to do with 356 days??? How would you spend most of your days??
a. To worry
b. To complain
c. To be grateful

Jesus said," Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Mt. 6:34
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Lk. 10:41-42

A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD. Pr. 19:3
Do everything without complaining or arguing, Phil 2: 14
And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 1 Cor. 10:10.

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Dt.8:10
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Ps. 100:4
“give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thes. 5: 18

The bumblebee can’t fly

Intelligent ignorance!
Desire creates intelligent ignorance. Intelligent ignorance is the characteristic or capability of not knowing what you can’t do, and doing it anyway. Many times this enables a person to accomplish the near impossible.

For example, a new salesman joins an organization. With no sales experience, he doesn’t really know anything about selling. Fortunately, he doesn’t know he doesn’t know and somebody motivates him. The result is, he is so enthusiastic he leads the entire organization in sales. Not knowing he can’t do it, he does it.
Maybe that’s why a “green” salesman is better than a “blue” one or a “yellow” one.

It’s a well known fact that the bumblebee can’t fly. Scientific evidence about it is overwhelming – the bumblebee can’t fly. His body is too heavy and his wings are too light. Aerodynamically, it is an impossibility for the bumblebee to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t read – he does fly.

The end of the story?

The many prophecies fulfilled, revealed part of God's Plan

To unshackle Death's unholy grip, upon the soul of man.

While hanging on that cursed cross, the crowd began to rail

But the Son of God would pay the Cost - and tear in two, the Veil

Once isolating man from God, and why, He sent His Son

To show the riches of His Grace: the Victory had been Won!
The heart of God had planned

The Way, to redeem man's wicked soul

One Death and Resurrection - accomplishing the Goal

Beyond imagination: the Creator left His throne!

To teach His lost and erring "lambs", to worship God alone.
Jesus' precious blood was spilled, full payment for our sin.

Its cleansing to my heart applied, when I fully trust in Him.

The free Gift of Life Eternal, clears the Debt against your Soul

Releases you from Ancient Bonds, that so long were in Control.

The Message of the Gospel, is still changing lives today.

His Touch will clear the weight of sin - You only need to pray.

Precious Baby in the manger, sent so that we might believe

Became our Risen Savior; His free gift you can receive.

God says, "Trust in what you cannot see, for Faith is what you need",The Cross becomes your Bridge to Life, the Savior's Hand will lead.The Bible clearly states as fact that Christ will come again.So be prepared to meet Him; for it's not just "IF", it's "W H E N!".

The story of the wise men

After Jesus was born, wise men came to look for Him, from an area which is now in either Iran or Saudi Arabia. Although they are often called the "Three Kings", the Bible does not say how many there were, or that they were kings. Three is only a guess because they brought with them three gifts.
Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

Gold: a gift fit for a King
Frankincense: burnt in worship of God
Myrrh: a sign of mortal human-ness - it was used to bury the dead

How did Christmas start? Part 3

Christians believe that it was exactly God's plan that things happened this way. They say that it shows that Jesus came as a humble, poor person and not as a strong, rich king. They also claim that the birth of Jesus was told many years before in the books of the prophets.
Five hundred years before, the prophet Micah had said,
"But you Bethlehem, though you are small, out of you will come for me, one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times."
The prophet Isaiah had written,
"A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler.
He will be called, "Wonderful Counsellor," "Mighty God," "Eternal Father," "Prince of Peace." His royal power will continue to grow; his kingdom will always be at peace....
He will rule as King David's successor, basing his power on right and justice, from now until the end of time."
These are only two of many prophetic words that told of the birth and life of Jesus, written hundreds of years before His birth.

How did Christmas start? Part 2

These chapters tell how Jesus was born as a baby to Mary. This was no ordinary birth! She was not married, she was a virgin, (yes, really!) and an angel had told her she would bear a special baby. Her husband-to-be, Joseph, did not believe her at first. Who would? Then an angel told him in a dream that it was true! Probably no one else believed it. So when they had to travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem (near Jerusalem), to register their names with the ruling Roman government, they probably escaped many hard words from other people.

Arrival in Bethlehem brought worry and upset: there was no room for them to stay at the hotel. There was only space in the stable - the animal house for travellers' donkeys and horses.
Jesus was born that night, and as they had no bed for him, they used an animal feeding box filled with the dry grass the animals ate.

How did Christmas start?

Since about 400 AD, Christians have celebrated the birth of Jesus. 'Christ' means 'Messiah' or 'Anointed One' - the title given to Jesus - and 'Mass' was a religious festival.

In the West today, the real meaning of Christmas is often forgotten. It has become a non-religious holiday! More children believe in Father Christmas than in Jesus. Christmas Day is a time for eating and drinking too much and watching television.

But the real Christmas story is found in the Christian Bible. It is told in two different books: Matthew and Luke chapters 1 and 2. If you have no Bible, you can read these chapters online. You may think that the story of the birth of Jesus, and the way that the West celebrates Christmas today, do not seem to have many connections.

The old man with the sack

'Father Christmas' (or 'Santa Claus') has become the human face of Christmas. Pictures will be seen everywhere of the old man with long white beard, red coat, and bag of toys. Children are taught that he brings them presents the night before Christmas (or in some countries on December 6th - St. Nicholas' Day), and many children up to the age of 7 or 8 really believe this is true. In most countries, it is said that he lives near the North Pole, and arrives through the sky on a sledge (snow-cart) pulled by reindeer. He comes into houses down the chimney at midnight and places presents for the children in socks or bags by their beds or in front of the family Christmas tree.
In shops or at children's parties, someone will dress up as Father Christmas and give small presents to children, or ask them what gifts they want for Christmas. Christmas can be a time of magic and excitement for children.

Who was he?

Father Christmas is based on a real person, St. Nicholas, which explains his other name 'Santa Claus' which comes from the Dutch 'Sinterklaas'. Nicholas was a Christian leader from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) in the 4th century AD. He was very shy, and wanted to give money to poor people without them knowing about it. It is said that one day, he climbed the roof of a house and dropped a purse of money down the chimney. It landed in the stocking which a girl had put to dry by the fire! This may explain the belief that Father Christmas comes down the chimney and places gifts in children's stockings.

TRUE FREEDOM

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. To weep is to risk being called sentimental. To reach out to another is to risk involvement. To expose feelings is to risk showing your true self. To place your ideas and your dreams before a crowd is to risk being called naive. To love is to risk not being loved in return. To live is to risk dying. To hope is to risk dispair, and to try is to risk failure. But risks must be taken, because the greatest risk in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn and feel and change and grow and love and live. Chained by things that are certain, he is a slave. He has forefeited his freedom. Only the person who risks is truly free.

The Legend of the Starfish

A vacationing businessman was walking along a beach when he saw a young boy. Along the shore were many starfish that had been washed up by the tide and were sure to die before the tide returned. The boy was walked slowly along the shore and occasionally reached down and tossed the beached starfish back into the ocean. The businessman, hoping to teach the boy a little lesson in common sense, walked up to the boy and said, "I have been watching what you are doing, son. You have a good heart, and I know you mean well, but do you realize how many beaches there are around here and how many starfish are dying on every beach every day. Surely such an industrious and kind hearted boy such as yourself could find something better to do with your time. Do you really think that what you are doing is going to make a difference?" The boy looked up at the man, and then he looked down at a starfish by his feet. He picked up the starfish, and as he gently tossed it back into the ocean, he said, "It makes a difference to that one."

A poem for those who go through challenges

I do not ask to walk smooth paths
Nor bear an easy load,
I pray for strength and fortitude
To climb the rock-strewn road.
Give me such courage that I can scale
The hardest peaks alone,
And transform every stubling block
Into a stepping-stone

Make a difference person!

How many people out there are make-a-difference person? want to make this world a better place to live?
If you are, follow these affirmations which can help you experience more enjoyable and rewarding days.

Today I am going to take health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.
Today I will make all my friends feel they are important.
Today I will look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.
Today I will think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best.
Today I will forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements in the future.
Today I will wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creative I meet a smile.
Today I will give so much time to the improvement of myself that I have no time to criticize others.
Today I will be too large to worry, too noble to be angry, too strong to be afraid, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

More new pictures for Sharon

Joyful mom and satisfied baby!



Friends and relatives ask for more pictures of the baby, Sharon! There you go.



Ask, you shall be given!

10 days old girl, always sleeping!

We are also very thankful to those who prayed for us, sent us gifts, called and email us. Your love and care are greatly appreciated! I pray that the Lord shall bless your family with special grace, peace, and love.

My New Born Daughter, Sharon Chum

I would like to share my joy, inspiration, and love with you, my dear friends!

This is my new born baby, 8 days old, Sharon (Rose of Sharon) Chum. God bless you.

I would also like to introduce my beautiful wife, a woman with faith, courage and enthusiasm, Jasmine Lim.

THE HUNDREDFOLD BLESSING…DESPITE THE CONDITIONS

Beginning in verse 1 of Genesis 26, the Word of God declares:

And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father. (Genesis 26:1-3)

This is one of the most amazing portions of Old Testament Scripture concerning sowing and reaping. The Word of God declares that famine struck the land, and as a result, Isaac was about to go down to Egypt for help.
That was a normal thing that people tend to do when financial famine or troubles come. People often look elsewhere rather than to the Lord.
Isaac was planning to go to Egypt for help when God spoke to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt. Do not look to the world. Do not trust the arm of the flesh to assist you. Look to Me! I will be with you and I will bless you.”

GOD’S PROMISES OF HIS PRESENCE AND BLESSING

This is the greatest promise that God can give to any of us. When the Lord says, “I am with you and I will bless you,” you can rest assured that you will never lack or live in fear of bondage.
The greatest promise God can give any one of us is the glorious promise that He is with us.
Isaac stayed in that land, a land struck with famine, even in spite of his circumstances, because the Lord said, “I will bless you.” God turned the situation around for him.
No matter what kind of famine you are facing today—whether it is a financial famine or another type of famine—as long as the Lord is with you, you will not be defeated.
The Word of God declares, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). No matter what situation you are facing, what trials you are fighting, or what conditions surround you, because the Lord is with you, all is well!
Remember the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4 who came to the prophet Elisha after her son died? She said, “All is well.” She knew all was well because God’s prophet was there and because God had spoken to her that her son would be raised from the dead.
So all is well. Look up! God is going to rescue you as you obey Him today.

THE HUNDREDFOLD BLESSING…DESPITE THE CONDITIONS

Look at verse 12 of Genesis 26. Something amazing happened: “Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.”

Isaac took a step of faith because God was with him, and he sowed in a land struck with famine.
Think about it! Isaac did the unnatural. He sowed when the land was not ready for the seed, yet because the Lord had said to him earlier, “I am with you and I will bless you,” he sowed in spite of the conditions that he faced.

Isaac sowed in faith—faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As a result, he received a hundredfold the same year!
This is truly an amazing miracle. Isaac sowed in a land struck with famine, yet he received a hundredfold return from the land that was not supposed to produce, and he received it all the same year, all because God said, “I am with you and I will bless you.” That is the key!

The Scriptures say that God blessed Isaac in spite of the conditions, and He blessed him in spite of his enemies. Genesis 26:13-14 tells us, “And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.”

Isaac had enemies like you and I have enemies, yet because the Lord was with him, God blessed Isaac in spite of his foes. Genesis 26:15 says, “For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.”
Later we find that because of Isaac’s obedience to the Lord, the Word of God says, “And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father” (26:18). God blessed him again by causing the wells to spring with water once more.
Verse 19 tells us, “And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.” God will restore what the enemies have destroyed! Even though Isaac’s enemies had filled the wells with dirt, God restored the well that belonged to him because of his obedience.
You see this amazing picture—a land struck with famine, no rain, wells filled with dirt, no life—yet one man heard God say, “I am with you and I will bless you.” Isaac believed the word of the Lord and sowed seed in conditions that were not normal for seed sowing.
In spite of all that, God blessed him and gave him a harvest greater than he could imagine!

Today, if you are you facing a famine, if the enemy has filled your wells with dirt, look up! All is well. All you have to do is obey the Lord like Isaac did.
Do not look to the world. Do not look to the arm of flesh. Look to the Lord Jesus, for He will not leave or fail you.
The Word of God declares that we will not see “the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Psalm 37:25). All you have to do today is sow your seed in faith and see what God will do for you.