Living under open heaven

As I meditate on Hebrews 11, it shows those with a truly biblical faith is trusting God, relying on God when looking to the future, and obeying despite not knowing all of the details. The passage described many examples of this perspective, including Abel, Noah, and Abraham. These men obeyed God, though they could not see all of the twists and turns ahead in their futures. Abraham, in particular, did not live to see the complete fulfillment of God's promises. And yet, Abraham, like the rest, was not limited by an earthly perspective. This part of Hebrews specifically tells us that men like Abraham were "looking forward" to something eternal (Hebrews 11:10).   "Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations,  a city designed and built by God." - Hebrews 11:10 “If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out,  t hey would have had opportunity to return.  But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly...

This has been a hot topic that was frequently surfaced to me from my friends and mostly the youths. I felt there is a need to openly discuss this.  Most might feel this is such a taboo topic and is often sweep under the carpet, and thus we allow the world and media to portray what love and sex should be.  Below are a few general statements that I have commonly heard from those I care for: 1. "Who the hell is still a virgin in this 21st century?! If the majority is not putting in any effort to value chastity, why should I?"  2. "Why shouldn't I just have fun while I am still young and have it all? What is the value of keeping my virginity/purity?" 3. "Our self-worth should not be tied to our virginity. There is nothing wrong with being intimate with our boyfriend/girlfriend. Why must I exhibit self-control over my passion/desire?" Firstly, before I may share my true genuine thoughts over this topic, if you are a brother or sister, or even a non-christia...

"I'm not as great as you think I am." is what commonly slips out of my lips to my friends when I am reminded of my sin and weaknesses. Though it is sort of true, but I was prompted that the way we continually talk about our own inabilities is an insult to our Creator. To complain over our incompetence or fallenness is to accuse God falsely of having overlooked us. It might sound humble to men, but it isn't examining yourself from God's perspective. Such thoughts and statement might even be inappropriate and disrespectful to Him. We say things such as, “Oh, I am not a saint. I am a sinful man.", or for my case "I still fall and I am not as good as you think I am" might seem to mean “No, Lord, it is impossible for You to save and sanctify me; there are opportunities I have not had and so many imperfections in me; no, Lord, it isn’t possible.” That may sound wonderfully humble to others, but before God it could be an attitude of defiance and pride; tha...