WhatsGoingOn.Org

God and our reasons why

Is God for me?

About four years ago I was challenged as I reflected on the lack of knowledge I had about what I really believed in. I would talk to people about God and at a certain point I would hit walls in my conversations because I did not know the answers to the questions that popped up from my conversations. I still do not have all of the answers and I know that I am still growing daily but I can say with certainty that most of the core questions on my own faith have been investigated and answered. I can’t say that these answers were an answer to the question of my faith, but rather that it clarified and affirmed what was already placed in my heart by the Holy Spirit.

I have talked to many people who have become hardened by the adversities of life. Whether these tribulations have come forth from bad decisions they have made in the past or from very difficult circumstances of life, they have become, nevertheless, very opinionated about the Gospel. I have heard several people cite their reason for a non-active relationship with Christ because of unanswered prayer. Common conclusions include answers like God does not exist, or does not love them or what the church preaches about God is not completely true.

When the subject of God comes forth, many people either want to avoid the topic or they politely say, “That’s not for me.” These people do not get excited about this topic on an objective level. On many occasions, however, I have seen many people get excited when they feel like there is proof that the Gospel message is not completely true or there is an argument that there really is no clear “one right answer”.

Giving and Receiving

Giving and Receiving in the Name is Christ.

This past year I have experienced both giving and receiving. As life goes on, I realize that it will never be a balanced situation where the exact amount of giving will be equaled out by the same amount of receiving. I must say that usually I had a more difficult time receiving than giving. Maybe it was because of my pride or deep down inside having an insecurity of being in a compromised position. A message I received from Christ was to continue to give, but learn also how to genuinely receive with gratitude towards Christ and those who give.

I thank God for all of the wonderful people who care about me and my family. I thank God that in the midst of all of our imperfections we can do life together. I thank God that during one of the toughest years in our life, He has shown his love through so many friends and family members.

I learned that giving and receiving should not involve entitlements, guilt, or a feeling that something is owed later on (unless of course it is a loan). As Christ is in focus as we give or receive, everything will make sense.

I learned that most of the people in this world are hurting either in resources or in relationships, if not both. Each of us has our set of gifts or relational strengths to make a difference each and every day.

I am blessed to be able to give. I am blessed to have received. I am blessed because I can share in Christ’s amazing love.

Thank you all and Merry Christmas.

Love?

What is love?

Love is being with people you disagree with or people who do not think like you do and serving them and accepting them and doing to them what you would want to have done to you.

Love is knowing that people are not perfect and people will sometimes disappoint us and being aware that in God’s time and in God’s way He will shape and mold each of us.

Love is acceptance and care.

Love does not mean we have to be the solution, rather that we need to point people to our Christ, who can ultimately satisfy and fulfill the needs of each of us. Christ is the answer.

True love is unconditional.

Only One Life

Only One Life Twill Soon Be Past

Only What’s Done For Christ Will Last

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, "Thy will be done";
And when at last I'll hear the call, I know I'll say “‘twas worth it all";
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.

Author Unknown

The Greatest Commandments...

Matthew 22: 37-40

37Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Mark 12: 29-31

29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Isn’t it incredible how much we love ourselves. We are such a selfish and self oriented culture. Most of our problems, or the things we call problems in our lives are usually rooted in self absorption. We will struggle with loving ourselves over loving God and others throughout our lives, Lord have mercy on us. Oh, to be free from ourselves!

Afraid?

Isaiah 8:13

Do not fear anything except the Lord Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear Him, you need fear nothing else. He will keep you safe.

When Bad Things Happen

In the midst of hardship, we need to surrender to God.

In the midst of hardship, we should not have bitterness, resentment, and rebellion.

In hard times, Satan will do what he can to make us turn away from God. He will try to highlight the bad and make us in turn blame God and others. Then he will tell us to reject God and God’s ways, for if a loving and good God truly exists, He would not allow this to happen. Satan will try to blind us from the Sovereignty and Holiness of God and magnify the pain – all the while pointing out to us how unfair life is.

Who Jesus Talked With...

We sometimes simplify our faith and look at it only in terms of rules and tradition, emphasizing it as a religion but not emphasizing the relationships. David Smith shared these passages with me and it shows how Christ interacted with all types of people, even those that were considered culturally and religiously unfit to mingle with.

Jesus talked with...

A despised tax collector................................Matthew 9:9

An insane hermit..........................................Mark 5:15

Just Do It .....

Just Do It …

The world sells us the lie that living for ourselves is the best way to live. We choose what we consider as the best choice, irregardless of whether this choice was derived out of fear, laziness, or greed.

We watch years go by without the results we dreamed and hope for. We hear the world tells us “Just Do It” and we get into more things than we can handle. The world’s wisdom ends up being a pseudo antidote for what we really need to hear.

Nanny Needed for Family in Irvine

Hello All,

My colleague at work Frieda Heh is looking for an English-speaking Nanny for her almost 2 year old son Nicholas. Nicholas is a charming and handsome young boy who has been diagnosed with a severe form of autism. He is currently going through a heavy schedule of therapy and Frieda needs a kind, loving, and trustworthy caregiver who can keep a close eye on Nicholas both at home and during off-site therapy sessions.
Please email her directly at frieda@sbcompany.net for more information on this wonderful opportunity.
Please continue to keep Nicholas in your prayers and ask for God's mercy and grace on this child.
Thank you!