Pastor started by saying that God does not look at your outer achievements/appearance/IQ/wealth/etc - but He is looking at your heart.
This jotted one of the memories I had deep inside, when I was a young Joy. (My name btw!) Like I mentioned in my previous posts, I grew up with some of the smartest, talented, kindest yet sociable siblings. I used to often try to see what I am better at, and I thought being sociable was my strength!
But, when my two brothers got into student council, officer, dance captain etc, It proved my naïve mentality that "oh well, some people are good at IQ but I am abit better at EQ" theory wrong, sobs*, and, my world crashed. Teehee nope it did not but you get the point*
To cover up the weakness at being not exactly good at anything outwardly, I decided that I shall be nice and funny, and try to improve whenever people gives me constructive comments. I mean - you don't really have to have any gifts to be nice right? That's my secret path out.
So I just clown around and lalala~ for most of my teenage years, making people laugh, saying some of the silliest and lamest thing ever, and I think it worked! This was also a period where I named my blog, LAMEBOWL (suggested by my best friend S). Because I am truly lame and like rainbow~ :)
I remember clearly once, when i was scolded by a teacher, because of my not serious outlook in life. (It is only outlook ok, I am quite mature, just that it is boring to be serious all the time!)
So I was the flag bearer representing girl guides that year. During practice, I kept smiling when the teacher ask me to be serious. What I was thinking is that this is only practice, I WILL be serious on actual day. (which I did!) But yea, he told me "MF, if you are going to be so not serious, you will get into trouble one day." Which I also did eventually. So yes, 听你的老师的話.......
Back to serious topic, so at that time, I wasn't a believer yet. I will often ask the heavens, at my balcony area, and wondered if anyone can see the heart inside instead of the outward achievements..
I know I have a good heart (though not sure anymore because recently I ate too much fried chicken).. But no one seems to be able to see that. Maybe then, God was already watching over me..because I find myself feeling very much consoled after.
Things has since change tremendously after I know Him personally. Life is still not a bed of roses, but I feel much more secured in His love, I no longer need to compare with others what I don't have, but instead focus on what I have!
<3 p="">
The closer we get to God, a greater degree of holiness is required. So if you are going through some tribulations right now, it's alright! You are being tested to become purer like gold! Let's Jiayou together everyone in this race, with Grace!!
Pastor then went on to James 3:8-10, and he caution us to be careful with what we say. Don't speak ill of people!!!
James 3:8-10New International Version (NIV)
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
OK so this is like the hardest thing ever right. Haha because it is so easy to just blahh blahh out especially when you are upset with someone, even though I try to be an angel most of the time. =) Something to take note of to improve, I shall give myself one year to practice this - shall catch myself if I do that next time!! :)
There is this video that is quite cool by Xandria Ooi, on a similar topic. CLICK HERE to watch, you won't regret it!
He then went on to share on John 8-10.
John 8-10New International Version (NIV)
3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
11 “No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
In summary, when people ask Jesus what should they do to the lady who has did something so wrong, He (the most Holy high One did not condemn her, but forgive her, and asked her to go and sin no more. (Because He loved her, but at the same time, He still has his high standards and do not want her to sin anymore).
*deep in thought* Who on this Earth is blameless and without sin? Definitely not me. Hmmm~
Anyway, have a good week ahead everyone!! Thanks for reading my humble blog! :)
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