You Scratch My Back, I Scratch Your Back

Have you ever tried working so hard, but you were not satisfied with your results? Have you ever tried laboring and toiling so hard, but your goals were not fulfilled? Although you might get some results or success out of your labor and hard work, but somehow deep inside you, there is still emptiness, and you’re not satisfied.

Haggai 1: 5, 6 say that “You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it”. How many of us can identify ourselves in that kind of situation?

There are many people today have lost the passion for God. One of the reasons is due to their heavy workload and studies. There are many people who are willing to skip church just because they claim they are busy with other activities.

In Haggai 1:9, it says “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away” It’s true that many of us have our goals and dreams. Everyone has. But it’s important how you work your way to it, and the outcome that your results bring will also have a big significance. Many people, because of the value they place towards their goals and dreams, have started working their own way to achieving their dreams. But in the end, although they might achieve them, but somehow there’s always something missing in their lives. They are always not satisfied.

The reason why many people have not found fulfillment in their achievements, is found in the second part of verse 9 : “Because of My house, which remains a ruin, while each of you are busy with his own house”. They neglected the most important element in their success: GOD. Many are working hard on their own, until they neglect God and God’s work. They neglect the commitment that God has once called them. They neglect the passion and the importance of doing God’s work.

Matthew 6:33, and we are all very familiar with this, it says “But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. The bible says we are to seek God’s kingdom first, and all the dreams and successes we long for will eventually come. And trust me; God always satisfies our needs the best. He always gives us the best. He knows all our every need, and He always fulfills them the best, leaving no sorrow, no regrets, and no dissatisfactions. We always hear people say: Take care of God’s business and He will take care of your business. No doubt this is absolutely correct.

Would you rather work your own way to achieve your desires? Or would you rather want God to help achieve it for you? Of course we want God to do so. It is as though you are asked to solve a very difficult mathematics question. It is said that you are allowed to use any way to solve this question, as long as you solve it. Which of you would rather search night and day to solve it? Skipping meals and play time, and being under stress all the time. And which of you would rather go ask your teacher or lecturer to help you? Of course we want to do so. Because they’re the teachers, and they know best the needs of the question, and how to solve it. It is likewise to us. Why wouldn’t we allow God to take care of our business, instead of we working on our own but are never satisfied.

In order to have God take care of our business, we must first of all take care of His business. Is there any ministry that God has called you to do? Are you losing the passion to serve because of the workload that you have? Are you too busy with your own house, that you have neglected God’s house? You will find that as you put God first in your priorities, your works and studies will become much easier. I have personally experienced this in many ways, and I can testify that God is never slow to promise that when we seek His kingdom first, He will bless all that we need.

Don’t be too carried away by the things around us. Don’t be too carried away by the work that we have. I did not say that we should neglect our work. Never at all. But remember, God’s ministry is more important than our own work. Take care of God’s business, and He will take care of your business. Scratch God’s back, and He will scratch your back.

Are You at the End of the Road?


Hopelessness is not a stranger to many of us, especially when things are getting tougher these days. Things change, people change, and situations change. At some point we have met a dead end, and at some point we will meet another dead end. No matter how old you are, what you are doing, we may face a hopeless situation. Working people find it hard to move up the corporate ladder, students find it hard to cope with subjects, relationships seem to break down, just to name a few. Instead of being strong and persevere, we give up and call it dead and hopeless.

Lazarus was dead and buried in the tomb for four days. Humanly speaking it was the end of it. Let alone he was buried four days. Martha and Mary had lost hope. To them the death of Lazarus was a dead end situation. They knew Lazarus was gone, and would not be arise again. That is what we often think of, that something that has happened to us we often think of it as hopeless. People in the working world find it hopeless when they face difficult situation. Students lose hope when they can hardly catch up in class. No matter what bad situation we might be in, we’re always negative about something. That’s just human, plain human.

But Jesus was exceptional. The answer He gave to Martha and Mary is simply the answer for many of us. “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, eventhough he dies” (John 11:25). Although many would see it as speaking to our soul, but it can be seen in a different perspective. Your dead end situation may be dead in your sight, but Jesus says He will resurrect your dead end situation. Many of us have hopelessness and as though things are dead, like Lazarus, but Jesus says whoever believes in Him shall see our hopelessness turn to life.

While many of us know that Jesus is the hope, will resurrect, and will give life to our hopelessness, I believe the harder part is found at the end of verse 26. “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). There is a difference between knowing and believing. Jesus asked both Martha and Mary if they believed Jesus would give resurrection. At the same time Jesus is asking you if you believe He would turn your hopelessness into hopefulness.

Your dead end situation can become alive once more. No matter you are working, studying, or whatever you’re doing, at some point we would face a dead end. When that time comes, “He who believes in Me will live, eventhough he dies” (John 11:25).

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

Too many times I’ve heard people asking that question. It is indeed true that everyone has been plagued with hardships and sorrows. Life has many pains and hardships to offer. I can assure you that we will face many more hardships in the near future.

But what does God say about hardships? “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.” (Hebrews 12:7). God knows we have hardships in life. In fact it was His plan that we face hardships. For which loving parent doesn’t discipline his or her children? Likewise God is a loving Father to us. He puts hardships in our lives to teach us, to nurture us, and to change us for the better. Every detail of your life is planned carefully by God. Even before you were born, God has already in store the things in your life.

Why did God plan hardships in our lives? “Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). God loves us. It is through teaching us and we learning from our mistakes that we can truly be changed and mature. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4).God uses hardships and difficulties to test our faith, to change our mindset, and to mould our dependency on God. “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; character, hope” (Romans 5:3). All this will contribute to the growth of our spiritual lives. Sometimes we think that these hardships are too big for us to bear, and they are very unpleasant. But it’s true. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

What do we do when we face hardships? “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Remember this, Jesus never said we will be free from trouble, but we WILL have trouble. The most important thing we need to do when we face hardship and trouble has been mentioned by Jesus, that is to trust Him. For Jesus has already overcome the world, and we are to put our trust in Him, the Overcomer of the world. Secondly we are to persevere when we face hardships. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trials, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12).

Therefore, do not lose heart when you face trials and hardships. See them as disciplines from the Lord. And we know that God will not harm you or let your burden be over what you can bear. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28). The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so He never allows the tests to be greater than the grace He gives you to handle them. Persevere in your faith, and trust in the Lord who will make you more than conquerors over your circumstances.

“In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us”
–Romans 8:37-

“Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.”
-Psalm 71:20,21-

Is There Really A Prince of Peace?

Open the newspaper and you will find different tragedies happening in the society. Tune in to CNN or any local news program and you will find all the cruelty of wicked men, the disaster, men rebelling against men and the authorities. While others suffer the difficulties externally, some may suffer the difficulties internally. Many people are always worried, always anxious about everything, being caught in a dilemma and many more. There is something that men have been trying to find in this world, and yet unable to find. Perhaps that something is peace.

Some find peace when they take a break from their hectic life and go for a vacation with family. Some find peace when they share the sufferings and burdens to another friend. All they want to do is to either escape, or share some with their friends. Although it works, but it is never a perfect way to find peace. The perfect peace can only come from God and God alone.

Perhaps you may ask what is so special about God’s peace. God’s peace is the only peace you can find that will go beyond your feelings, your thoughts, and all that you can understand. Besides, the peace of God can also be a guidance to you to overcome the struggle you are going through. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guide your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Which peace on earth you can find that can compare to the peace that God gives? For Jesus says: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Certainly the peace you find on earth only pleases your physical and your emotional/mental needs. But the peace of God not only pleases your physical and emotional needs, it also pleases your soul and your spiritual needs. “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) .

The success of finding the Heavenly Peace is just a trust away. If only you would trust God with your burden, and trust His everlasting abilities to handle your anxieties, you would find the peace of God. Simply trust and obey, and acknowledge that God is God. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46:10). Too many times we have difficulty trusting our problems to God, just because we can’t see Him. But what God wants is just simply your faith and obedience, and you will experience the true peace that God gives you.

Today, do you have difficulties and problems and you think they are too big for you? Or is there any disturbance in your heart, mind, and soul? Whether it’s physical or spiritual, external or internal, remember that God is the real perfect peace.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
–Isaiah 9:6-

O Lord, why me?

O Lord, why me?
Why me that is suffering all this pain?
All the pain that grips me n crushes me ;
Crushes me into the ugliest part of my life ;
Part of my life that I am ashamed of.
Ashamed of the things that happened to me.
O Lord, why me?

O child, you ask me why you?
All these I put into you for a reason;
A reason to change and nurture you,
Nurture you that you may grow
Grow and no more drinking milk, but to eat solid food,
Solid food that makes you more precious to me.
To me, you have conquered all,
All that happened to you because I was with you.
You who are weak, that I know,
I know, and that is why I’ll be with you.
Be strong, for I will bring you through.

Where Does Real Love Come From?

Almost everybody has shown and experienced love before. We say we love our families, our friends, our spouses, and even our pets. The young generation would definitely love this word. But do we really know the meaning of love? Or what does it take to love and be loved? Is love really blind? We hear break-ups and divorces happening in our society. Love hurts, as some people say. But can you find a person who loves you more than anything or anyone else, who willingly sacrifice the most precious and important thing in life for you? Everyone has been hurt by love in a way or another. The vast majority has felt the pain and the sorrow of being dumped by the one we really love, or we say we love. Is love really that insecure?

Where does real love come from? It comes from the Creator of love, and He Himself is love. He is clothed with love and compassion. His love was so strong that He willingly sent His only begotten Son, to die for you and me. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). We all know most parents love their children. And we know parents would not allow their children to be hurt, harmed, or killed. But does it make sense, that the Creator of love and who called Himself love, sacrificed His only Son, just for you and me? He did that, “Greater love has no one than this, that He lay down His life for His friends” (John 15:13) and “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9)

God has shown love to you, by sacrificing His one and only Son to die for you and me. Which greater love can you find besides the love of God? His love is forever. God doesn’t have short-term love for you, but a long-term, and I say, eternal love for you. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1). This is just one of the many verses in the bible that speaks of God’s love. His love never changes. For He Himself cannot change, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)

Sometimes I can’t help but be in awe and touched by the love that God shows towards me. Sometimes I think I don’t deserve to be loved so much, yet He still loves me. No matter how ‘unclean’ or how rebellious I am towards Him, He still loves me the same. I can guarantee you that God loves you just as He loves me. Although we sometimes fail Him, but He still loves us and is willing to forgive us and accept us. All we need to do is acknowledge Him as the God of love, and His love will be poured freely on you. Sometimes we feel as though people do not love us anymore, or the love of our friends or loved ones seem to fade as the time goes by, but God’s love for you is always the same. Never decreases, but increases instead. Therefore do not be discouraged when you can’t find love or don’t feel loved. The love of God is all that you need to go on with your daily lives. I hope you will find the real love that God has for you. May God bless you and love you.

“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him”
-1 John 4:16-

"No eye has seen,
No ear has heard,
No mind has conceived what God
has prepared for those who love Him"
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 -

If i could use one word to describe life, it would be - mysterious. Whether you agree or not, it's true. Too many times we think we know everything, and so familiar with this world, but there is certainly something out there that awaits us to find out.

Life ain't easy, it's true. Nonetheless life ain't that hard as well. If you could take some time and ponder with me for a moment, you would know why life ain't that hard. You must have gone through sorrow and pain, but do remember that you have also gone through happiness and joy. Reflect to those happy times. Many people tend to think only the sorrow part of life, and neglect our happy times. Challenge yourself, think of the happy times in your life. How did you feel at that moment of happiness? Were you feeling that you were the most successful and the happiest person on earth? Only you know.

What will happen tomorrow? We don't know. If tomorrow is too long, now put it anyhow you want. It maybe tomorrow, 1 hour later, 10 minutes later, or even one minute later. For older people or working people, this question generally has never come across their minds. But as students, without much stress as adults, this question would definitely hit our minds, at least it hit mine.

I was thinking of how to write this article, and use one word to describe life. Only one word that i thought would be the best - mysterious. It's not a fancy word that you have to check out dictionaries to look for its meaning, but only a common and simple word that brings such significance in our lives. There is nothing in life or in this world that we can truly explore, if so there wouldn't be anymore scientists or inventors. Life is a mystery. We don't know what happens in the future. There are only two ways to find out: 1) Wait until you get there, or 2) Putting your trust in God.

But we as humans, we aren't perfect. I can boldly say that the majority of people or population of this world lack one thing - patience. We always want to know and be curious about things. To ask a person to wait 10 years, 5 years, or even 1 year, is very hard. We always want to rush things off, and when we get to that point, we regret for what has happened and wish it never come to past. And if that is the case, you're too late to regret. You want to start all over again, to look for new life. You search and wait for another chance, and another, and another, until you reach a dead end that says: "Sorry, life is running short". In the end you never achieved what you wanted.

In Luke 12:22, Jesus says "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear". You must be thinking this is ridiculous. If you aren't going to worry or think about your life, food and clothes, you're saying you want to live a begger? I tell you the truth, even beggers earn more than many other people who have secure jobs. But that's not the point. God says He will not let His children go begging. But what i'm trying to say is, focus on what is eternal - real life, and not what is temporal - earthly life. By the way, our lives are far more precious than food and clothes.

If you read carefully, in the beginning this article talks about life, and what everyone thinks of life. But as you carefully go through the words, you would find that the path you are walking is slowly splitting, splitting into two different kinds of people who think of life. Those who haven't found the true life, would lean on the first way, which is - wait until you get there. But those who have found the source of life, would walk in the second way - putting your trust in God. Those in the second category, would know that life has a purpose, and not mystery. Frankly, many Christians in this world still do not know their future or purpose. But they live differently with those in the darkness. For they follow what the bible says: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Luke 12:31). Don't get me wrong, no one is saying that you shouldn't think and dream, and set goals in life. Do that! Those who do not plan are foolish people, Proverbs say. But set your goals, and leave them to God to set the approval, the time, and even the place. "Not my will but Thy will be done" as Jesus prayed before He was crucified. For the bible says: "Do not be afraid, only believe" (Luke 8:50)

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me"
-John 14:6-

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty"
-John 6:35-

"For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11-

Therefore, for those who have found the joy of salvation, they live a purposeful life. Unfortunately for those who live in the dark, their lives remain - a mystery.