Remember the Cross January 3, 2019 bizadmin …“Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17 REMEMBER THE CROSS I don’t know about you, but I would say that Hebrews 10:17 is good news. God sees all our sins—past, present and future—and says, “Your sins I remember no more!” The words “no more” are a strong double negative in the original Greek text. In other words, God is saying, “Your sins I will by no means ever remember!” Has God lowered His standards? No, He is still perfectly holy. He did remember all our sins—2,000 years ago at the cross. Every sin which we have committed or will commit has been punished to the full in the body of Jesus Christ at the cross. That is why today, God remembers our sins no more. We should, therefore, not be sin-conscious. Each time we feel condemned for our past mistakes, God wants us to remember the cross and say, “Lord Jesus, you were sentenced for this sin I committed. You bore the judgment, so God will not judge me for this sin. You were condemned for this sin, so God will not condemn me for it.” If you don’t look to the cross, you will become sin-conscious and you will walk around with a certain expectation of judgment. And that expectation of judgment will give the devil a chance to get you thinking that God has something against you because of your sin. You must come to the place where you know and believe that all your sins are forgiven, and that you are saved eternally. Hebrews 10:12, 14 says, “But this Man [Jesus], after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God…For by one offering He has perfected forever…” You and I are perfected forever because of Jesus’ perfect work on the cross. We are perfected by God’s full acceptance and perfect delight in His Son’s work that has so glorified His holiness. Beloved, hear God say to you, “I will be merciful. Your sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more.” – Joseph Prince
30 Days to Understanding the Bible Review and Giveaway January 2, 2019 bizadmin <span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> “Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. The winner is subject to eligibility verification.” Good morning! Today is the 1st, a beginning of a new dawn of the year, 2019 … which I can hardly believe! Though since it has snowed several times already in central IL, it does seem that winter has already started! Do you want to learn the Bible but don’t have a lot of time? Do you need a quick refresher on what you already know? If so, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible is for you. With just fifteen minutes a day, for one month, you’ll learn the Bible’s key people, events, and doctrines. Using a proven study plan, author Max Anders breaks down the Bible’s structure so you can learn and remember the key points of the Bible’s text quickly. 30 Days to Understanding the Bible is the straightforward, easy-to-use guide to learning that Bible that’s been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for 30 years. Dr. Max Anders is the author of over 25 books. He has taught on the college and seminary level and is a veteran pastor. Max was also one of the original team members with Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. He provides resources and discipleship strategies at MaxAnders.com to help people grow spiritually. If you’ve ever confused the ark of the covenant with the ark of Noah, or Jericho with Jeroboam, Max Anders’ classic book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, is for you. In just fifteen minutes a day, you’ll learn the Bible’s key people, events, and doctrines to get more out of God’s Word. This simple-to-use, a straightforward guide has been recommended by Bible teachers and pastors for thirty years, and now it’s available in an expanded thirtieth-anniversary edition—with the most requested topics from the original edition restored and updated for today’s readers. You can buy the Bible here on Amazon >> or copy and paste the link http://bit.ly/30DaystoUnderstandingtheBible to your browser. Both the Kindle e-book copies and paperback copies are sold here on Amazon. If you love reading via your smartphone at night before bedtime, then you can choose the more economical Kindle version. Otherwise, if you love to carry around a paperback Bible, then the tangible copy may be your choice. Features include: The “Arc of Bible History” to help you visualize the Bible’s overarching themes The “Story of the Bible” summarizing Genesis through Revelation in just a few pages The core beliefs of the Christian faith, focusing on the teachings that have united Christians for the last 2,000 years 13-week plan that provides teacher’s creative and effective tool for teaching the Bible in 30 days Fan-favorite bonus content, previously removed, now restored from the original edition There are pictures too to illustrate the Bible even clearer with easy to understand diagrams. For instance, the Appendix shows the Great Doctrines of the Bible and there are easy self-tests to examine how much you understand the Bible after reading it. If you cannot remember, fret not, just go through again and look out for the key points to answer the few test questions. This Bible is suitable for small bible study groups where the members can discuss even further the contents of the Bible with the help of a veteran pastor, Dr. Max Anders. And if you like to get a FREE copy, (now who doesn’t like a free Giveaway?), simply comment in this blog post and the most creative comment will get a copy, (from the continental U.S. and Canada only). Sorry, I can only give away a free copy and the winner will be notified by email. So, remember to leave your details including your address or privately email me your home address and mobile number when your email is selected. The official website is https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/biblein30days/ or click HERE Happy reading of the “30 Days to Understanding the Bible” to start your new year in a positive way and immerse yourself with God’s scriptures for they are life to your body – as Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Yes, meditating on God’s word prolongs our lives for they are nuggets of gold to handling tough situations like financial distress, deteriorating health, relationship problems, and more. When the hurricane comes, those people who are firmly rooted in God’s word and meditate on them are like houses built on a firm foundation; they will not be blown away like houses of straw! Happy New Year in 2019 and Happy Reading 30 Days to Understanding the Bible! Have a good year ahead.
Count on God’s Forgiveness December 26, 2018 bizadmin And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore… Matthew 28:18–19 JESUS’ AUTHORITY HAS BEEN GIVEN TO US When God created man, He gave man authority to have dominion over everything on earth (see Genesis 1:26). But when man sinned, he gave this authority to Satan. And when man’s authority was transferred to Satan, Satan brought in diseases, poverty, strife, bitterness, pain, loss and death. He messed up everything on earth for man. “Pastor Prince, why didn’t God just grab the devil by the neck and throw him out of the garden?” God did not do that because He is a judicial God. It was a man who gave away his authority to Satan. So it had to be a man who would legally take it back. And God has done this through a Man. His name is Jesus! By His death on the cross, Jesus righteously restored all that man had lost. That is why, just before He went back to heaven, He said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore…” Those words tell us that He has transferred His authority to us. The same authority that He had over the storm, evil spirits, sicknesses, diseases, and even death is now ours to use. So when there are reports of a flu epidemic and of young children falling sick in the media, know that you have dominion over the epidemic. Declare, “By the authority given to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, this flu virus will not come near my children. I plead the blood of Jesus over them.” If you have been told that your family has a history of heart disease, take dominion and declare, “By the authority given to me in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I destroy every form, manifestation and hereditary cause of this disease. By His blood, my family has been redeemed from this and every other curse.” My friend, the authority which has been restored to us is not just the authority on earth which man had before the fall, but Jesus’ unquestionable and complete authority in heaven and on earth! – Joseph Prince
Christmas Greetings 2018 December 24, 2018 bizadmin This year, Christmas is nostalgic for me. It is not really merry in that sense as dad has gone to be with the Lord on 17th December 2018, on a Monday morning at 5:00 am. We had mass and his wake for 5 days before his funeral on a Friday where many of his church parishioners came to pay their last respects in The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, where dad served as a photographer and lector for many years. His church friends came to sing the Marion songs during his wake, requesting for my dad, the late Albert Tan Cheng Ban, to be with Mother Mary and Jesus. Dad is now in a better place, but I will miss his jokes and gregarious character. Many described dad as a gentle soul, ever ready to lend a helping hand and words of encouragement. When you meet him, you will feel happy and he has a tendency to please people. Our neighbors, friends, and relatives came from the UK, KL, and Singapore to attend dad’s funeral. Well, he is no longer suffering now in a nursing home, but gone to be with the Lord with a mansion in heaven where Jesus has prepared a place for him. Anyway, Season’s greetings to you all!
You are Next! December 20, 2018 bizadmin For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. Psalm 50:10 YOU ARE NEXT! Suppose you have just heard of someone whose financial debts have been miraculously cleared. Or your elated friend has just told you that despite being an average student in school, he scored straight As in all his subjects. Perhaps on Sunday, you heard a newlywed couple share about how they won an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Hawaii, or how a once-childless couple is now expecting their miracle child. When you see or hear of others being blessed, do you ever wonder when it will be your turn? Or do you even find yourself saying, “Oh, he got blessed with the very thing that I have been praying for. There goes my blessing.” Now, just because man’s economy operates on the principle of shortage, it does not mean that God operates in the same manner. So the next time somebody gets blessed, tell yourself, “I won’t be disheartened. I won’t be jealous. I am the next one to be blessed!” Always remember that God does not have to bless anyone at your expense. Nor does He have to bless you at anyone’s expense. We don’t have to be jealous of each other. There is a portion that God gives to you which no man can touch because it has your name on it—“A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven” (John 3:27). Our God is a rich God. He owns the whole universe. He has contacts and blessings you do not know of and which are reserved just for you! There is more than enough for everybody with plenty of leftovers. In fact, you will not be able to take it all because when the blessings start coming in, they will come in a net-breaking, boat-sinking style. You will have to call for your friends in the other boats to come and help you (see Luke 5:1–7)! That is the kind of blessings that our God gives. So get ready for your blessings and overflowing abundance! – Joseph Prince
Dad Passed On Yesterday Morning at IJN and Tribute by Chanlilian December 18, 2018 bizadmin Yesterday was a hectic day for me. Early in the morning, youngest sis received a call from IJN informing her of dad being unconscious. Well, he asked for Milo at around 3:00 am, after calling for the nurse. Shortly later, he had cardiac arrest and the doctors tried to resuscitate him for 30 minutes, but unfortunately, he had left us all in peace at around 5:00 am. My sister, relative and I were shocked! Dad was his cheerful self the day before, dining happily, enjoying the hospital food that comes with a menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and he was joking too. It was just too sudden that he left us to return to our Lord. He was 81 years of age and departed on 17th December 2018. The wake will be at St Joseph Luu (Prayer Room 2), Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 1 Tingkat Besi Satu, Island Park from 17th to 20th December 2018. The funeral mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on Friday 21st Dec at 10:00 am. We had to rush back to Setia Skypark to pack our bags when we had booked for 16 days till the end of December in anticipation of dad’s surgery and time for recovery. After packing and having a banana for lunch, my spouse (relative) drove us back to Penang as soon as possible, stopping only to relieve ourselves in the few restrooms along the highway as dad’s body had reached Penang at 2:00 pm, sooner than expected. Here is a tribute to dad which was written by Chan Lilian and cc to Susee: Woke up this morning to yet another sad news of another person’s return to the Lord. He was the welcoming smiling face, friendly ‘church people’ when I first joined the Catholic church way back in 2002. He was the photographer of my baptism and confirmation on Easter 2003. Back then, Uncle Albert would painstakingly develop the photos, labeled them and put them up on the notice board for us to order. Back in school, I used to be the photographer and I know how difficult that task of matching numbers on the photo to the number of orders and then, having to deliver to those who ordered and get the right payment which was merely in cents. (that means you need lots of coins). So I always admired and praised Uncle Albert’s dedication to serving in that way. His photos of my children’s every little step in the church were much treasured. Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation… Back then, before the DSLR, Uncle Albert took photos with the manual camera. It is not an easy task because events like these were sacred and the lighting is hard to adjust. Squirming babies at baptism are not easy to capture. But Praise the Lord, Uncle Albert was with each and every one of us all the way, through these years. Uncle Albert had asked me to fill in for him a couple of times when he was on holiday. He always thinks of me as ‘that Lim Guan Eng photographer and editor of Buletin Mutiara’. I made deal with him that I will only take the photos but not responsible for printing them. So I reluctantly volunteer as a photographer though I dislike going up the altar during big mass because it is unnerving to have church people tsk tsk tsk… The last time I met him, he was rather frail but as usual, he always encouraged me. Whenever he met me, we would discuss politics. Or rather how he dotes on Lim Guan Eng, who is a hero in many elderly people’s eyes. Uncle Albert had shown me what serving is. Doing the smallest things with the greatest dedication without expecting anything in return. Such a cheerful, helpful and welcoming soul. Heaven rejoices.
Practicing God’s Presence December 16, 2018 bizadmin “…and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 PRACTICING GOD’S PRESENCE God has promised you His constant presence (see Hebrews 13:5), but are you conscious of His presence every day? When you are conscious of His presence every day, you will experience a peace that gives you rest, joy inexpressible in your spirit and a power that nothing in this world can offer. In fact, you will begin to be peaceful and powerful like Jesus. You will speak and behave like Him. This is because you cannot be in God’s presence without His beauty, love, peace, power and glory rubbing off on you. But how do you practice being conscious of God’s presence? Start by seeing God with you in whatever you do and wherever you are. For example, at your board meeting, while deliberating on issues, see the Lord there in the boardroom with you, guiding you in your thinking. And you can be sure that His presence will bring clarity of thought and wisdom to you. You will find yourself flowing with great and sound ideas. If you are going for an interview, see the Lord there in the interview room with you, putting answers in your mouth. Your nervousness will melt away as you see His favor on you bringing on smiles and approving nods from the interviewers. Perhaps you are going for surgery. Well, see the Lord in the operating theatre with you, guiding the hands of the surgeons. Your worries will dissipate because nothing can go wrong in the Lord’s presence. If you are in the middle of an argument, see the Lord standing within earshot. Your words will change and your body language will become more reconciliatory as you see Him right there with you extending His grace to you. There will be a restraint which is not borne of willpower, but which comes supernaturally when you know that the One who loves you and watches over you is with you. Beloved, when you become conscious of God’s presence in your life, worries and fears will have no foothold in your mind. You will see Him maximizing your joy and fun, and prospering you in what you say and do! – Joseph Prince
You have a Strong Kinsmen Redeemer December 14, 2018 bizadmin Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is His name. He will thoroughly plead their case… Jeremiah 50:34 YOU HAVE A STRONG KINSMAN-REDEEMER! Ruth, a young, poor and childless widow in the Old Testament, lay at the feet of Boaz, her potential kinsman-redeemer (see Ruth 3:7). As a rich and close relative of her in-laws, Boaz had the power to redeem her from her plight. Ruth was simply obeying Naomi, her mother-in-law, who had told her to go and lie down at Boaz’s feet. In the Jewish custom of those days, this was a posture which said, “Please redeem me for you are a close relative.” Notice Boaz’s response to Ruth: “And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you request” (Ruth 3:11). Beloved, Boaz is a picture of Jesus who is our kinsman-redeemer. He is our kinsman, having been born into this world as one like us. And He is our Redeemer because He redeemed us at a great price when He shed His blood for us on the cross. As your Redeemer, not only is Jesus willing, but He also has the power to restore to you all that you have lost. That is why you can go to Him and say, “I blew it and now my family is suffering. My finances are dwindling fast. But I come to You, my kinsman-redeemer…” And you will find that He will redeem you because your Redeemer is strong. The Lord of hosts is His name. He will thoroughly plead your case, causing only blessings of wisdom, deliverance, restoration, provision, and liberty to come out of your situation! Just as Ruth lay at Boaz’s feet, the feet of Jesus is the place of redemption and blessings. Both Jairus the synagogue ruler (see Mark 5:22) and the Syro-Phoenician woman (see Mark 7:25–26) fell at Jesus’ feet. And there at His feet, they received healing for their daughters. When you take your place at Jesus’ feet, looking to Him for help, expect to receive His blessings. There is nothing to fear knowing that as Boaz did for Ruth, Jesus, your heavenly Boaz, will do for you all that you have requested! – Joseph Prince