Friend of the Bad Guy

Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Acts 13:1 (ESV)

The description “a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch” caught my eyes. Who is this Herod the tetrarch? Tetrarch is title for governor of fourth of province (ruler of a quarter). So he is a ruler with big authority during Roman’s rule. But there were many Herods mentioned in the Bible. Which Herod is this one?

Continue reading
Posted in Acts, Luke | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

God is Faithful (to His promises) & Wise (how to keep it)

For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised.

Joshua 5:...
Continue reading
Posted in Comforted, Encouraged, Joshua | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Call of God

It is like a fire that excite and energize you, and make you going. In the midst of apathy and status quo. In the face of a tall mountain. You can care less of the problems surround you or ahead of you. You move because the call of God is upon you. As long as you do what is asked of you, that’s all that matters.

Posted in Acts, Convicted, Encouraged, Excited | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Passing of a Supportive Wife

Life is so full of mystery. There are many events in life I can’t fully comprehend. So tonight I was not prepared. And as things come one after the other, I simply prayed and asking God for help.

After helping my wife to take the best course of action that I think what God wants us as a family (It takes a lot to listen and obey God). Then came the unexpected news, that a dear friend’s wife was called home to be with the Lord.

Continue reading
Posted in Lost, Sorry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Death & Idol = Meaninglessness

Year 2024 just began. And I see there are so many celebrations. There are many good reasons to celebrate, especially celebrate each others whom you love.

However, there is something strange I notice. Among the reasons people celebrate, people celebrate their ‘achievements’ of being in certain places / being with certain famous person (who has long dead, or even with their statues).

I don’t understand the logic of it. Mozart & Beethoven, yes they’re legend. But to take photos with statue of them and call that an achievement to begin a New Year?

Continue reading
Posted in 1 Corinthians, Ecclesiastes, Enjoyment, Faith, Hope, Life, Security, Thankful, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Covenantal God

When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.

Genesis 9:16
Continue reading
Posted in Genesis, God's Love, Hope, Poems, Prayer, Restful, Security, Touched | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Closing 2023

What is the purpose of keeping a score? People will not bother, and if they do, soon it will be forgotten.

But I though for my own personal keep tracking and prayer:

  • 20 years of professional IT work. Thank God for the strength given to me. I never thought that I could and would last this long. When I started, I dreaded the nature of the industry that never stay the same but keep on changing. IT’s God’s faithfulness and power that kept me in IT for all these years. Praise the Lord.
  • 6 years living in Melbourne. Time flies. Without we realised, it’s been 6 years we live in Melbourne: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Only God knows the future, and we rest it with Him.
Posted in Excited, Focus, Hope | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Emeritus

On weekend, I watched a dear friend given honorary title of “Emeritus”. The whole service was done very well. It was a beautiful picture, how one completed his assignment, fulfilled his promise, and passed on the baton to the next person. His humility and graciousness colored the whole event.

Continue reading
Posted in Encouraged, God's Love, Nostalgic, Thankful, Touched | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

My delay and God’s progress

What is considered a delay on my part, could be God’s design for progress

Posted in Thankful | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Silent Retreat

If but thine ear be open, and thy thoughts brought into subjection, and thine heart prepared in silence to wait upon God and to hear what He speaks, He will reveal to thee His secrets.

Andrew Murray

This Saturday I was invited to share about our calling & ministry for spiritual encouragement to others. And tonight what an opportunity to be alone and in silence before God. The first song that came to mind was,”MenyenangkanMu.” In English it means,”Pleasing You.” And it borrows the idea from few passages such as:

Continue reading
Posted in 2 Corinthians, 2 Timothy, Acts, Encouraged, John, Prayer, Psalm, Romans, Songs, Thankful, Touched | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment