Tag Archives: trust

mmmm King Solomon mmmm

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mmmm Mum’s homemade Peach Cake mmmm

Mum lovingly baked a fruity cake for my family

Tastes delicious when served with ice cream

This light cake is moist and not too sweet

Perfect for dessert and a light snack

I have been reading about King Solomon recently:

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream,

and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.

Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David,

because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart.

You have continued this great kindness to him and

have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day.

“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David.

But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.

Your servant is here among the people you have chosen,

a great people, too numerous to count or number.

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and

to distinguish between right and wrong.

For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.

So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life

or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies

but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked.

I will give you a wise and discerning heart,

so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.

1 Kings chapter 3 verses 5 to 12

King Solomon made for himself the carriage

he made it of wood from Lebanon.

Its posts he made of silver,

its base of gold.

Its seat was upholstered with purple,

its interior inlaid with love.

Daughters of Jerusalem, come out,

and look, you daughters of Zion.

Look on King Solomon wearing a crown,

the crown with which his mother crowned him

on the day of his wedding,

the day his heart rejoiced.

Song of Songs chapter 3 verses 9 to 11

Solomon was the son of Bathsheba and King David

He became the king of Israel after the death of his father

Solomon was a young man when he became king

God spoke to him in a dream

Solomon asked for wisdom

God was pleased to give him a wise and discerning heart

Solomon became the wisest king of Israel

His wisdom is recorded in the books of Proverbs and Song of Songs

Solomon also became the richest king of Israel

He ruled over a peaceful and prosperous country

Solomon built the temple for the LORD

1 Kings records the construction of the temple in great detail

The Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon

She was impressed with his wisdom and wealth

Solomon loved many foreign women

He had 700 wives and 300 concubines

God had told the Israelites not to intermarry with foreigners

Unfortunately Solomon’s wives led him astray

He worshipped the foreign gods of his wives

God punished Solomon by splitting his kingdom after his death

Solomon is mentioned in the New Testament:

“And why do you worry about clothes?

See how the lilies of the field grow.

They do not labour or spin.

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.”

Matthew chapter 6 verses 28 & 29

Jesus referred to Solomon in his sermon on the mount

He compared the lilies of the field with Solomon’s robes

The riches of Solomon were no match for the beauty of God’s creation

Jesus reminds us that we are more valuable than the lilies of the field

We are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God

This Christmas we are reminded of the birth of Jesus

As a king, Jesus is greater and wiser than Solomon

His kingdom is eternal

Jesus came to bring people into his kingdom

His kingdom began with his death and resurrection

We enter his kingdom by grace

Jesus offers forgiveness for our sins

We now have peace with God

The promise of eternal life is what we hope for

This Christmas, who do you trust to save you?

Is Jesus your Lord and Saviour?

For believers: how can Jesus help you to be wise?

mmmm bible mmmm

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mmmm esther mmmm

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mmmm Mum’s homemade Apple Pie mmmm

Mum lovingly baked an Apple Pie for my family

Tastes delicious when served hot with ice cream

This pie is gluten-free for my coeliac nephew

He had 2 servings because he was extra hungry

Mum bakes many gluten-free treats for him

This reminds me of special food mentioned in the Bible

I have been reading the Old Testament book of Esther recently

This book is set in the time during the Babylonian exile of the Jews

Mordecai and Esther were Jews from the tribe of Benjamin

They eventually settled in the Persian capital of Susa

King Xerxes was looking for a new queen

He ordered that many young girls be brought to his palace

Esther was one of these young girls

The young girls received beauty treatments and special food

The king was attracted to Esther more than any of the other women

He crowned Esther queen and gave a great banquet in celebration

Later on, a royal official named Haman plotted to destroy the Jews

He persuaded the king to sign a decree to exterminate the Jews

The king agreed not knowing the Esther was actually a Jew

This decree caused much mourning amongst the Jews

Mordecai asked Esther to speak to the king about this decree

The Law stated that anyone who approached the king uninvited must be put to death

This is how Esther responded to Mordecai:

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me.

Do not eat or drink for 3 days, night or day.

I and my maids will fast as you do.

When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law.

And if I perish, I perish.”

Esther chapter 4 verse 16

Esther risked her own life to save her people

She approached the king and her life was spared

Esther told the king about Haman’s evil plot

The king was enraged and ordered Haman’s execution

Esther persuaded the king to sign a new decree

This decree gave the Jews the right to protect themselves against persecution

The Jews successfully fought against their enemies and won

Even though the book of Esther does not mention God:

God used Esther to save his people

This Easter, we remember an even greater saviour

At great cost to Himself, God sacrificed his own son Jesus to save us

God did not spare his own son from death on a cross

He spilt the blood of his son to cleanse and purify us

God opened up a new way for his people to have a relationship with Him

Through Jesus we now have forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life

This forgiveness and eternal life is now available to all who trust in Jesus

We do not earn salvation through good works

God graciously forgives us and adopts us into his family through Jesus

This is truly amazing grace!

This Easter, who do you trust to save you?

Is Jesus your Lord and Saviour?

For believers: how is Jesus the king of your life?

mmmm bible mmmm

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I do not endorse or receive payment for the advertisements that you may see above or below my blog. WordPress is the sole beneficiary and solely responsible for advertising on its own platform. If you see any inappropriate advertising, please report this to WordPress directly. Thanks & Happy Easter!

mmmm proverbs mmmm

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mmmm Char Kway Teow before Christmas mmmm

Earlier this year I blogged that Coronavirus has closed Sydney hawker stalls

Thankfully they have reopened and I’m able to enjoy this Asian noodle dish again

But Sydney is experiencing another Coronavirus outbreak

The state government has locked down the Northern Beaches region

There are new restrictions for all Sydneysiders

Other Australian states have banned travel from Sydney

This has thrown many Aussie’s Christmas holiday plans into chaos

My church cancelled all services today as a precaution

My friends cancelled a fellowship lunch today because of Coronavirus

In this time of great uncertainty I am reminded of my favourite Old Testament verses:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And lean not on your own understanding

In all your ways acknowledge him

And he will direct your paths

Do not be wise in your own eyes

Fear the LORD and shun evil

Proverbs chapter 3 verses 5, 6 and 7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom

And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding

Proverbs chapter 9 verse 10

This Old Testament book contains the sayings of wise kings including Solomon

A key theme is the fear of the LORD and the beginning of wisdom

Proverbs teaches us that God’s wisdom is invaluable

And that Man’s wisdom is foolishness in comparison

My favourite verses remind me to trust in the LORD’s wisdom wholeheartedly

And reject my own foolish human wisdom

I am reminded to seek guidance from God in all things

And He will show me which path to take

Another reminder to revere the LORD and worship Him

As He is the source of all wisdom and understanding

Learning more about God is worthwhile and fruitful

Reading the Bible reveals God’s love and mercy to his people

The world is gripped with fear and anxiety over Coronavirus

We see record numbers of cases and deaths in the USA and Europe

God is a refuge for those who are fearful and anxious about Coronavirus

God is wise and cares for those who trust in Him

He has provided a vaccine in response to many prayers around the world

The Coronavirus reminds us that the world is not our real home

We are only passing through on our way to heaven:

A paradise where there is no more sickness and sin

The Coronavirus reminds us that humans are not in control of the world

Only God is in wise control of the world and He is trustworthy

So despite all the bad news about the coronavirus

We can find peace with God through Jesus

He is a source of comfort for all those who trust in Him

We can pray and know that God listens to our prayers

Who do you trust this Christmas?

Can your government stop coronavirus from spreading?

What is important to you and your family this Christmas?

For believers: how does trusting in God guide your paths?

mmmm bible mmmm

Note about advertising on WordPress:

I do not endorse or receive payment for the advertisements that you may see above or below my blog. WordPress is the sole beneficiary and solely responsible for advertising on its own platform. If you see any inappropriate advertising, please report this to WordPress directly. Thanks & Merry Christmas!

mmmm 2 peter 1 mmmm

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Mmmm Fresh Japanese Sushi & Sashimi Mmmm

Australia has the freshest seafood to make awesome Asian food!

But that’s not the only delicious food on offer.

There is food for thought in what we read.

What book has been influential in your life?

Is there something you read in school that opened your mind to new ideas?

Was there a text you read at university that shaped your morality and behaviour?

Most followers of Jesus view the Bible as their ultimate authority in life.

Followers believe that God is speaking to them through the Bible.

But you may ask, “Wasn’t the Bible written by ordinary men?”

“How can God be speaking through words written by human authors?”

One of Jesus’ followers, Peter answered these questions.

He was writing to counter false teachers who had infiltrated the early church.

These false teachers were challenging the Old Testament prophets & authors.

Peter wrote,

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

2 Peter 1:20-21

Prophets wrote down exactly what they heard from God.

They did not interpret or write from their own imagination.

This is the same for the New Testament writers.

Many of them were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life including Peter.

They wrote down what they saw or heard from Jesus.

Some authors were not actually eyewitnesses including Paul.

The Holy Spirit enabled these men to see and hear God speak.

So the Bible is not a collection of fairy tales and mythical stories.

The Bible can be trusted as the Word of God.

When was the last time you read the Bible with an open mind?

Have you heard God speak through the Bible recently?

For followers: are you listening to God daily through his Word?

mmmm Bible mmmm

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mmmm 1 peter 1 mmmm

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Mmmm Chocolate Hot Cross Buns Mmmm

Aussie supermarkets desperately try to boost their profit margins:

Hot cross buns & Easter eggs appear earlier and earlier each year.

This year in January, supermarket shelves were already full with Easter food.

Christmas had only just finished and Easter was a distant 3 months away.

Retailers don’t waste time when money and sales are involved.

Beyond the chocolate, what is the real meaning of Easter?

Is there a deeper meaning behind the commercialisation of this season?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…

1 Peter 1:3

The bible verse above encapsulates Easter so brilliantly.

God the Father of Jesus showed his love to the whole world.

He mercifully sent Jesus to save us from the mess we were in.

We were powerless to save ourselves.

Jesus died on a cross – the cross in Hot cross buns.

He died in our place and took the punishment we deserved.

God raised Jesus to life again as King of the Universe.

The resurrection is proof that there is life after death.

Those who trust Jesus have new birth into a new life now and in the future.

The Easter egg symbolises new life and a new beginning.

The offer of new life is for everyone no matter how big a mess we have made.

We now have a real and living hope for eternity beyond the grave.

Death is not the end for followers of Jesus.

It is the gateway to life with Him in heaven.

At Easter we remember the sacrifice of Jesus dying to save us.

We also celebrate his resurrection and look forward to being raised to life in the future.

What will happen to you after you die?

Would you like to have a 2nd chance at life after the mess you’ve made?

For followers, can family, friends, neighbours & colleagues see Jesus in your life?

mmmm Bible mmmm

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mmmm philemon 6 mmmm

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Mmmm Chinese Noodles Mmmm

In Australia, we have the best multicultural food from all around the world!

But that’s not the only food that is mouth-watering.

At Bible College last semester, I was eating big mouthfuls of the New Testament.

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

Philemon 6

I join with many other Chinese in celebrating Chinese New Year.

  • What do you hope for in a new year?
  • What new good things would you like to try?
  • How would you like to actively change your life?

The Bible passage above was written by Paul to a fellow brother.

Paul was asking this brother to change his attitude towards a friend.

He encouraged this brother to forgive his friend.

Paul hoped his friend would be given a new chance and beginning in life.

What is this “good thing” we have in Jesus?

Followers of Jesus have been given a 2nd chance and a new beginning in life.

Once we were condemned and facing eternal death.

We had no hope and no way of saving ourselves.

But at great cost, God saved us by sending Jesus to die in our place.

God demonstrated great love by giving us a 2nd chance that we did not deserve.

We can never earn salvation or pay God back for this gift.

Can we ever fully understand the enormity of God’s love for us?

How do we respond to God’s love?

  • By accepting His gift of love with humility and thanks
  • By trusting Jesus to save us and putting our lives in his hands

God’s love is such great news that we want to tell everyone.

By telling others, we are sharing God’s love and light in our dark world.

  • What do you hope for in the new year?
  • Do you know the love of God?
  • Would you like to be given a 2nd chance and new beginning in life?

For followers:

  • How often do you pray for others?
  • Can those around you see that you are different to the mainstream world?
  • Have you ever shared the source of your hope with others?
  • Can others see that this hope is at the centre of your life?
  • Have you experienced forgiveness?

How do we actively share?

  • By praying for others regularly
  • By loving others so that they may ask why we are different to the world
  • By telling others the source of our hope
  • By showing others that this hope is at the centre of our lives
  • By giving others a 2nd chance in life through forgiveness

mmmm Bible mmmm

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mmmm hebrews 1 mmmm

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Mmmm Chinese Stirfry Mmmm

In Australia, we have the freshest produce to cook awesome meals!

But that’s not the only food that is mouth-watering.

At Bible College this semester, I’m eating big mouthfuls of the New Testament.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Hebrews 1:1-3

Would you like to predict the future?

Why are some people fascinated with astrology and tarot cards?

Some people look at ancient prophecies for guidance and wisdom.

We have a strong desire to control our destiny and remove uncertainty in our lives.

The Bible passage above was written to those wanting to know about the “last days”.

In the past, God spoke to people through prophets or messengers.

Old Testament prophets predicted that a Day of Judgement was coming at the end of time.

Naturally, many people wanted to know when and how this would happen.

In these last days, God spoke to us most clearly through his Son: Jesus.

God created the universe through Jesus and appointed him king.

Jesus is the exact representation of God.

God chose to enter the world in the form of a physical man: Jesus.

The world remembers the birth of Jesus at Christmas every year.

However, Jesus was no ordinary man and different to the prophets from the past.

So when people saw Jesus, they were actually seeing God Himself.

Jesus’ words and actions revealed God directly to the world.

This was much clearer than any previous or subsequent human prophet.

Jesus turned the Jewish world and their Law upside-down.

His powerful teaching and actions were unique showing that he was God.

Jesus claimed to forgive sins, something only God could do.

Why did God choose to enter the world?

God demonstrated great love in saving us.

We could not save ourselves by our own efforts.

Only Jesus was perfect enough to offer us purification for sins.

Jesus died on a cross in our place and took the punishment that we deserved.

God raised Jesus to life again as King of the Universe.

Jesus has completed the task of salvation and is now seated at God’s right hand.

Through Jesus, God has spoken the most important message in the world:

Eternal life is on offer to all who trust Jesus’ death & resurrection.

Followers of Jesus can look forward to a bright future in His kingdom.

We can be assured of our destiny after the end of the world and Judgement Day.

This is far better than career success, money, sex and any other temporary pleasure.

What do you hope for in your future?

What will happen to you after you die?

For followers, are you living in a way that shows your future hope?

mmmm Bible mmmm

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mmmm matthew 6 mmmm

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Mmmm Vietnamese Lemongrass Chicken with Tomato Rice Mmmm

In Sydney, we have delicious Asian Food thanks to multiculturalism!

But that’s not the only food that is mouth-watering.

At Bible College this semester, I’m eating big mouthfuls of the New Testament.

No one can serve 2 masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Matthew 6:24

There is an old saying “Money makes the world go round.”

Many people watch their bank balances & stock markets closely.

Everyone is worried that we don’t have enough money.

We just want more and more money.

Even when we are wealthy, we are never satisfied.

Our wealth and livelihoods are at the mercy of global stock markets.

We cannot predict with certainty when the next crash will occur.

The Bible passage above is a challenge to all who follow Jesus.

Jesus was teaching his disciples about how to live in his kingdom.

A large crowd was also listening to his teaching.

Jesus’ teaching was revolutionary and counter-cultural 2,000 years ago.

His teaching is still relevant and a stark reminder to us today.

It is impossible to serve 2 masters because they have conflicting demands.

Anyone who has ever worked for 2 bosses knows this.

1 boss wants something & the other wants the complete opposite at the same time.

Money can be very demanding if we constantly worry about our financial security.

Pursuing wealth through workaholism can damage our health & family relationships.

Instead Jesus reminds everyone to be fully devoted to him instead.

We are to trust him with our lives instead of worrying about money:

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33

We need to ensure that we are actually in his kingdom.

Do you know him as your King and Saviour?

He promises that if we follow him, he will look after us.

He knows that we need food, clothes and shelter in our daily lives.

So where do we place money in our lives?

  1. God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit occupy No. 1 place in our lives.
  2. Our relationships with family, friends and other followers are in 2nd place.
  3. Money is in 3rd place.

So if we trust Jesus, what does it mean to “seek first his kingdom”?

Here are some suggestions:

  • We spend time ensuring that our family & friends know Jesus.
  • We encourage other followers to pursue righteousness.
  • We may even give up our careers to tell the world about Jesus.

How are you seeking God’s kingdom?

Do those around you know that you are in His kingdom?

How can others see that God is in No.1 place in your life?

mmmm Bible mmmm

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mmmm john 3 16 mmmm

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Mmmm Sydney Italian Pasta Mmmm

In Australia, we have delicious European Food thanks to waves of migration!

But that’s not the only food that is mouth-watering.

At Bible College this semester, I’m eating big mouthfuls of the New Testament.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Sydney has been shocked by another radical terrorist attack:

A 15 year-old boy targeted a Police station and shot dead a civilian employee.

America has been shocked by yet another mass shooting:

A 26 year-old gunman targeted a College in the US state of Oregon and killed 9 people.

The Syrian Civil War has claimed more than 200,000 lives since 2011.

Death tragically robs families of loved ones, often unexpectedly.

Is there any hope in our world so stained by death?

The verse above is the most famous and most quoted in the Bible.

Why? Because it sums up the message of the entire book so succinctly.

The Bible tells us that God created the world and mankind.

The devil tricked Adam & Eve into rebelling against God.

God punished them with death.

God still loved mankind and gave us a second chance.

He promised that 1 of Adam’s descendants would defeat the devil in the future.

The Old Testament follows these descendants such as King David in Israel.

King David ruled over a peaceful kingdom, but did not defeat the devil.

Within 2 generations this kingdom was divided and eventually invaded by Babylon.

Prophets predicted that a Saviour would redeem his people.

The Jews desperately wanted freedom and the restoration of their own kingdom.

Jesus was born during Roman occupation of Israel.

He did not defeat the Romans as the Jews expected.

Instead Jesus came to save the whole world by dying on a cross.

His death gives us life and signals the devil’s defeat is imminent.

Jesus will finally defeat the devil and eliminate the stain of sin and death.

This Earth with terrorism, mass shootings, wars and death will be destroyed.

Jesus offers eternal life and entry into God’s kingdom.

This offer is open to everyone in the world including the Jews.

We have the chance to live again after we die.

God will create a new Earth that will be free from pain and death.

How can you have hope while surrounded by death in this world?

What will happen after you die?

For Christians, do those around you know your hope for the new creation?

mmmm Bible mmmm

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mmmm mark 10 mmmm

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Mmmm Japanese Beef Udon Noodles on a Freezing Day Mmmm

In Australia, we have awesome Asian Food because we are so close to Asia!

But that’s not the only food that is mouth-watering.

At Bible College this semester, I’m eating big mouthfuls of the New Testament.

Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45

If we believe our world’s news media, the goal for humans is to be rich, powerful and famous.

No one aspires to be a servant at the bottom of our social hierarchy!

The Bible takes a completely different view that is counter-cultural and anti-establishment.

The verse above is unique to Mark and Matthew’s gospel accounts.

It encapsulates Jesus’ mission so simply and yet so clearly.

Judea was under Roman colonial rule during the 1st Century AD.

The Jews hated Roman occupation of their land and paying taxes to Caesar.

They were hoping the promised Messiah would free them from foreign control.

They were looking forward to a mighty warrior like King David who conquered the Philistines.

They expected to live again in peace and prosperity under their own king.

Jesus was not the Messiah the Jews were expecting.

Jesus came from humble beginnings being born in a manger, not in a palace.

He liked calling himself the “Son of Man” to honour his human parents.

There was nothing about Jesus’ human appearance that was attractive or “kingly”.

He did not carry a sword or lead a rebel mob aiming to attack the Romans.

He was not a champion like King David who killed Israel’s enemies.

He was not surrounded by multitudes of servants, as most kings are.

Instead, Jesus was the complete opposite to everyone’s expectations of royalty.

Inexplicably, he came to serve, not to be served.

How many kings do you know who choose to be the lowest servant in society?

How did Jesus serve?

He gave his life as a ransom for many.

Everyone is captive to sin which results in death.

Jesus sacrificed his life to pay the price for our freedom.

He took the punishment that we deserved by dying in our place.

Jesus gave up his kingship and became a servant to save us.

God raised him to life again as King of the Universe.

Jesus offers eternal life with him after we die and exit this world.

Death is not the end for those who trust in Jesus.

No one can avoid death.

A common saying states that the 2 certainties on earth are death and taxes.

What will happen to you after you die?

Do you want to live forever after you die?

Who do you trust to save you?

mmmm Bible mmmm

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