it's the inside that counts

Out of the 1000000+ words in the English language, there is one word that is the most exquisite. It haunts us when we are asked it, it speaks volumes, it expressed the confused query of an anguished person. It is the question asked by all; Why?
We question many things in life: Why is the sky blue? Why do I exist? Why should I trust you? Why do innocent babies die just after they have been given the gift of life? Why is there suffering in the world? Why should I believe there is a God?
But think about this. God knows some things we don’t. Actually, I take that back. God knows everything. He is the artist of the universe, He has made no mistakes in his masterpiece. He knows the answer to all our whys. We just simply need to learn to trust Him.
That is what is called faith. The start of Hebrews 11 is a very encouraging passage in the bible that can reinforce our faith.
- Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see. [Hebrews 11:1]
- Faith convinces us that God created the world through His word. This means what can be seen was made by something that could not be seen [Hebrews 11:3] 

Your friends at school. You hang with them during recess and lunch. They share similar qualities with you. Your neighbour; you’ve lived next to them for a few years now. Every now and then you notice each other and give a little nod of recognition. None of them know God. But you do. Who’s going to save them? Your parents? Your siblings? Your pastor? A TV program about evangelism? Maybe. But what about you?

God has placed in their lives a special person, one who knows Him, has faith in Him, trusts Him and loves Him. You. Cool story bro? I think not. You share similar qualities with them, but hey, even if you don’t, get to know them! There’s always some way to relate to a person, and you’ve known them for a while. Get to know them, love life with them, understand their problems, see the world the way they do. 

In the book of Esther, we read the story of a young woman who is placed into royalty. She was too scared to step out and be used by God. But her cousin reminds her that maybe, just maybe, that she has been put in her position for a reason, for a time like this - [Esther 4:14].

We may not be royalty in the world, but you are in the situation, the position, the moment of life right now because God placed you there. For a time like this, maybe it’s time to stand up and say something, that maybe, might change someone’s life. For eternity. 

(Source: thepaulzone, via everydayforchrist)

It’s good to proclaim that we have no doubt that there is a God! But, if you ever doubt that God exists, don’t fret! We all do at some point in life, some less than others, some more than others. But, it is because of this doubt, that we have faith. Faith is only required when we have doubts, when we do not know for certain. When knowledge comes, faith is not needed anymore. Many people tend to think, “I can’t become a Christian because I still have doubts. I’m still not sure.” But it is at this point where, as long as the doubt exists, as long as the person is still uncertain, that faith is needed.

Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

But are you going to do anything about this doubt? I think you should. By making the atmosphere around you more secure, you can strengthen your faith. How? Surround yourself with people that don’t pull you down. Everything influences you somehow, so if you’re able to take away some of the worldy influences in your life, your spiritual life can grow easier. God gave us something called ‘free will’, that we can influence our own lives. God is a gentleman; He’s not going to just suddenly storm into your life and shout at you. No. He’s always beside you. He’s always there. All you have to do is look. All you have to do, is believe.

Don’t you just hate it when people you know are nice to your face but talk about you behind your back? I know I do. It’s a horrible feeling to find out your friend is two-faced.

However, we can be like that with God and our lives. Yes, we can call ourselves Christians because we believe in God, but how do we live our lives? Think about it. If we act completely different at school or work than we do at church or youth group, we’re being two-faced too. If we claim to have a relationship with God, we shouldn’t deny it around others.

It is so easy to fake it without realising it, to get into routine motions around other Christians - being open and friendly around them, talking about how much you love life, jumping during the praise song and lifting your hands during worship, saying ‘AMEN!’ when the pastor reaches the crux of the sermon. Maybe it’s time we looked over our lives and check if we are just doing it all by the motions.

Isaiah 29:13 - The Lord says, “These people worship me with their mouths and honour me with their lips. But their hearts are far from me, and their worship of me is based on rules made by humans.”

It’s like having your boyfriend or girlfriend tell your mates that you’re just their ‘friend’, or not knowing you. Your feelings would go downhill, you’d be disappointed. But isn’t that what we’re doing to God when we pretend that we don’t believe in Him, or don’t proclaim that we have a relationship with Him?
Who cares if people laugh at us when we say we love Jesus. You might have just saved one of them.

Make it or break it, just don’t fake it. 

hey guys! i haven’t been on tumblr in a LONG time, so i thought i’d come back with a post of an anecdote that every now and then helps me. maybe it can help you too.

The Hairdresser.

A man went to a hair salon to have her hair cut. As the hairdresser began to work, they began to have a good conversation about many subjects; cars, sport, women. Eventually, they came onto the topic of God. The hairdresser said, “I don’t believe God exists.”

“Why do you say that?” asked the man.

“Well, all you have to do is go out onto the street to realize God doesn’t exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can’t imagine loving a God who could allow all these things.”
The man thought for a moment. He didn’t respond because he didn’t want to start an argument. The hairdresser finished cutting his hair, and the man left the shop.
Just after the man left, he saw a man in the street with a long filthy mullet, waxy and uncombed. The man quickly turned and entered the hair salon again. He said, “You know what, hair dressers do not exist.”
“How absurd! How can you say that?” asked the hairdresser. “I am standing right here, and I am a hairdresser. I just cut your hair. I exist.”
“No,” replied the man. “Hairdressers do not exist, because if they did, there would be no people with filthy, waxy long hair that is uncombed and disgusting like that man outside!”
“Ah, but hairdressers do exist,” answered the hairdresser. “They problem is, not everyone comes to me.”
Exactly.
God does exist. But not everyone comes to Him. It is our job to show that He exists, and it is our job to bring others to Him, so that maybe, just maybe, they may start believing in Him.

Psalm 59:1-17 

Imagine a time when only good words are said about you. When all you get are compliments, thank you’s, heart warming words about positive things you did; being recognised. Someone could even spread a rumor about you, but it’d be good; people praising you, your efforts, you.
But what if someone tells lies about you, or makes downright ugly comments right in your face? Straight away, that person becomes your enemy; at least putting your patience to the test. What would you do?

David encountered many situations and enemies that drove him to look for God’s protection. One of these situations was when he was hurt by someone’s words (Psalm 59:7). David knew that these unkind words would hurt like swords; it against the saying sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

So, what would you do? David knew exactly what to do. He found protection from his enemies painful and destructive words behind God’s shield (Psalm 59:11). It was safe because it is a place where his enemies could not permanently hurt him; where he could grumble, cry and rest as long as he needed. And, why not?
God is our refuge, our strength, our God. If you ever become a target of someone’s hurtful words, maybe you should run back into the arms of God, where there is comfort and safety, and He will give you the strength to continue on and deal with that person.
Remember: God’s kindness and love is everlasting - there is always room for you behind his shield.

[God’s Word for Students Bible] 

From my heart, to the heavens, Jesus be the centre.
It’s all about You, yes it’s all about You. 

-Israel Houghton- 

Time is just a tool used to measure your life.
To show how successful you’ve been.
To prove you did something to move the world along.
To give back to God, what He graciously gave to you.

Imagine the stopwatch as a race,
Compete to see how many wonders you can create,
Think of it as a challenge,
To make those smiles appear,
To see who can reach the finish line first.

There is no need to rush,
But there is also no need to
Try to stop time.
For it will continue to roll
Just like it has for the past million years.

Don’t just sit back,
And watch the time go by
Without making a difference.

Time has the potential of being a
miracle.
Use it to your advantage.

Liz - http://speakingsilently.com/

Our time on earth is quite short. Frankly, around 70 years on average. So think about it. If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’ve been through at least 1/7th of your life. Maybe lots more. But hey, we don’t have much time here on earth. So lets make the most of it.

Even if its just doing little good deeds everyday; pushing your neighbours rubbish bin back to their house for them, helping someone pick up their books when they drop them, even just saying a simple ‘hello’ and little words of encouragement like ‘you’re a champ!’, can make someone’s day.

If everyone lived everyday like that, then the whole world would be such a better place. I know I love it when someone encourages me, especially when I’ve had a horrible day. So hey, you should do it too! Everyday, make someone’s day. Don’t waste your time; live life to the full, for both yourself and others.

And to us Christians out there. You might be the only Bible someone will ever read. Understand what I’m saying? If not; some people in life will never ever read a Bible, yet alone believe in God. So hey, if you’re a Christian, act like one. Spread the love of God and let them know how great life is living WITH God. There’s a difference between living life knowing there’s a God, and living life WITH God. Everyone deserves to go to heaven, so give them the chance to by showing them how great God is so they maybe, just maybe, might start believing.

Have Faith, God loves you.
Glenn Ng.