Be on the Watch for Christ's Coming Again

Luke 21:34-36
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

We have to be on the watch for Christ's second coming, just like the watchman on the Titanic watching for icebergs. The thing is, like the watchman on the Titanic, we fail to keep watch. We weigh ourselves down with being drunk. We indulge in leisure to temporarily fill our hearts and neglect the Lord who is the only one who can truly fill our hearts.

We weigh ourselves down with the worries of this life. Worrying puts away our sight on God. And we can no longer keep an alert watch on the deck but rather look at distractions.

Thus, because of this, the coming of Christ to such people will be sudden and they will be unprepared.

Who will face Christ's second coming? For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Everyone.

Thus, how should we prepare ourselves?

1. But stay awake at all times, We have to be awake in Christ. Awaken to His Word. His Kingdom. His commands on us. His requirements on us. We have to be sensitive to His glory, His wrath, His coming.

2. praying that you may have strength We have to pray. We have to dear near to God daily in prayer. Prayer come with a promise. It gives us strength. Strength to live for Him.

3. Finally, know that we will one day stand before the Son of Man. We will one day have to account for ourselves before Christ. While we had the chance, did we serve Him, obey Him, love Him, proclaim Him? Do them now, to prepare yourself.

Reading the Bible

Reading the bible is a basic yet so important thing that a Christian has to do. Psalms 1:2 tells us that it is a source of blessing. Blessed are those who meditate on the words of the Lord day and night.

Psalm 119:105 tells us that its the light that shines forth and guides our path during times of darkness and uncertainty.

We need to read the bible to know God and His commandments for us. Its the source of our blessing, to be able to obey His commands for us as our highest standard of life, and through that, enjoy peace, hope and love in our lives.

Its also our shield against evil and temptations. With the understanding of His word, we need not tread unnecessary futile paths. We need not fall into the crevasses of ours and others' sin.

Read the bible daily. Read it often. Read it with understanding. Read it with application to our lives. Its a blessing.

Limited Lives

It is often worth knowing that our lives are limited. Not because I am a passive pessimist,
or that I am a defeatist, but because the bible says so. Psalm 90:12 teaches us, "teach us to
number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

When we know that our finances are low, we will be wise to spend on only the necessary
things that matter. When we know that we do not have enough ammunition for the
military operation, we will make every shot count. When we know that we only have a
week left before the exams, we will take time to revise and not go out. When we know
that our days are limited, we will not waste our lives.

The lead actor in Spartacus, Andy Whitfield, passed away last year, at the young age of
40. I am 30. What will I do with my life for the next 10 years? God willing, what will I
do with my life or the next 40 years?

James 4:13-15 says, "You who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, do
some business and make money.'Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.
You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say,
If its the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."

James goes on further in verse 16, "As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such
boasting is evil".

Are we boasting our arrogant schemes? Not afraid of tomorrow, so certain that we
will live till next year and earn a lot of money? Is the entreprenuer so certain that his
net profits will continue to pour in tomorrow? Is the stock investor so certain that his
portfolio will continue to grow next year? Are we so certain that we will live till next
year? Or are terminal illnesses or accidents just lurking behind us? Well isn't that why
we buy insurances?

But yet we are still living arrogantly. We do not seek the True and Living God. We reject
Him. We don't acknowledge Him. We form our own opinions about a vague god rather
than pursing His divinely revealed Word, the bible.

I am not a defeatist. I do not live fearing about when my life will end. I am not worried
about the expenses of life. For i have the promises of God as my assurance. I do continue
to work hard, and strive to be the best teacher, programmer, author or whatever role according
to the grace God has given me. But I know that i am not to be arrogant about all this.
Rather, if the Lord wills me to live for another day, may i do it for His glory.

I visited a cancer patient recently. A good friend of my mother's. Though he is in much
trial and suffering, yet he knows that God is good and all things are in his control and all
things happen for the good of those who love him. This is faith. This is testimony. This
is being a witness. I wanted to encourage, yet was encouraged. Wanted to comforted, yet
was comforted. Ah, the power and amazing ways of God.

Good Friday is coming. Have you acknowledge the Lord who died for you? Be arrogant
no longer. Come to Him in humility as your Lord and Savior.

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The Tenacity of Yanosuke Hirai

The Tenacity of Yanosuke Hirai

The nuclear spillout crisis which resulted from the Fukushima nuclear was largely because the breakwaters at the plant was only 10m and thus unable to defend against the 13m tsunami wave onslaught. Because the breakwaters didn't work, huge amounts of water overflowed into the low lying cooling generators which pumped water into the nuclear reactors to cool them down.

The generators soon stopped working and water was not pumped into the reactors thus causing temperatures in the reactor to soar and an explosion which cause the huge amounts of radiation to be spread all over.

Why did this happen only to nuclear plant in Fukushima? It so happened that the same killer waves crashed onto another nuclear plant at Onagawa. However, because its break waters were 14.8m high, it could effectively protect the plant from the 13m waves.

Now why were the breakwaters at Onagawa 14.8m high? It was due to the tenacity of one man. Yanosuke Hirai. He passed away in 1986. But his sense of responsibility and integrity saved Onagawa. When everyone was against building a breakwater at 14.8m high, he stood resolved. Other engineers felt that 12m was sufficient and the additional costs of extending the height was unwarranted. Yanosuke stood resolved. His responsibility saved the region of Onagawa from a similar one like that of Fukushima.

In the face of opposition, he knew to do what was right. You can read more of the story below.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/column/news/20120319p2a00m0na020000c.html?inb=rs&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

It reminded me of us Christians, to do what we know is right. Joshua and Caleb knew that obtaining the land of Canaan in spite of the enemy was the right thing to do for that was promised of God. Inspite of opposition from the ten other spies, they stood resolve to obtain the land. As a result, they were the only two men of that generation to enter the promised land.

Today, as Christians, we know of the impending judgement of God. If we are not washed in the blood of Christ, we will have to stand in judgement before God. However, the good news is that through Christ, we need not stand before this judgement. Instead, we are assured of a place, Christ himself has prepared for us, where we enjoy eternal rest. This is our faith. Are we willing to have the tenacity to hold on to, to spread, to defend this faith?

The tsunami of judgement is coming. We need to have the break water of Jesus. Are we willing to stand before others and say, that the existing breakwater of man's self help is not sufficient? That we need the breakwater of Christ? In the face of opposition, we have to do what's right. And only what's right, can save us.

Do you question if God is worth giving up your all?

Do you question if God is worth giving up your all?

Jesus told us that the most important command, is to love your God, with all your mind, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Paul tells us to offer ourselves as living sacrifices.

Do you ever struggle with this command? The bible tells us plainly that its a command. Non negotiable. Like an officer to a soldier, its an order. We struggle. We worry. We question if its worth it. But when we obey as such, we will be remembered by God and He will honor us. Perhaps, a story can help us. The story is told in Matt 26, Mark 14 and John 12.

It is only two days away from Jesus crucifixion. Jesus was in the home of Simon. Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, came with a jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard, broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

It is worth mentioning that the perfume was contained in a alabaster vial, made out of a special marble which is the best container for preserving expensive perfume and oils. The pure nard is oil derived from the nard plant native to India. That is was pure meant that it was genuine and unadulterated which made it so costly. The perfume was worth more than a year's wages, 300 denarii. In today's terms, i think it should be at least 30,000 USD.

Once you break the vial, it cannot be kept for reuse. It is meant only for a one time usage for a woman's most important occasion in her life, her wedding.

Mary then anointed Jesus feet with the perfume and wiped them with her hair. A woman's hair is her most prized possession. Washing a man's feet was the most looked down upon work.

This was an act of pure worship. A sacrificial act, yet done with a cheerful heart by Mary to our Lord.

Mary's symbol brings to live loving her Lord with all her heart, her soul, her mind, her strength.

In return, Jesus says, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.

This is an example for us to follow. Are we willing to give to our Lord our own alabaster vial of perfume, made of pure nard? Its worth it. For our Lord. Those who honors Him, He honors them.

Joy in Suffering

Psalm 31:7-8
"I will rejoice and be glad in your faithful love because you have seen my affliction. You have known the troubles of my life and have not handed me over to the enemy."

Being a Christian doesn't mean that we will not go through sufferings. But how can we have joy in them?

1. We have joy because of God's faithful love. Which means that in our sufferings, God has meant them to be beneficial for us even though we do not understand it. Think Joseph, almost killed by his brothers, sold to Egypt, maligned by Potiphar's wife, jailed, yet it was all in God's sovereign plan by God to make him prime minister for Egypt that through his God given wisdom planned for the coming famine.

2. We have joy because God cares for us in our suffering. Just as sick children who suffer in their illnesses, whenever their parents take care of them, wipe away their tears and embraces them, a smile breaks out on their face. Because they know that their parents care for them. Their parents know the pain they are going through. The same way, we are in the embracing arms of God who sympathizes and understands what we are going through.

Jesus cares for us. He cared for the little children. He care for the hungry people whom he taught. He care for a mother whose son was about to leave her. He care for the many sick and blind. He care for those whom had not God's truth. He cares for us till the point of laying down his life for us.

Content of Ministry

Mark 6:7-13 "And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. And he said to them, “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there. And if any place will not receive you and they will not listen to you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed uthat people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them."

Often, we talk about preaching. But what exactly is the content of our preaching? When Jesus sent out his disciples two by two, we note some contents of preaching:

Jesus has authority over evil spirits (7): We need not be concern of idol or deities suppressing us, for we have the true Son of God with us. We need not be fearful because we know the one true God.

Whoever believes in Him, will welcome him. (10): One who believes in Him, will welcome Him into his life, his house, his work, his life and subject everything to Him as Lord and Savior.

Whoever rejects Him, wrath will be on him. (11): One who rejects Him, awaiting him is the terrible judgement and wrath of God.

We have to repent. (12): We have to rid the things and thoughts that God does not approve in our lives.

Jesus is our healer. (13): In Christ, we are healed of our sins. In His will, He may choose to heal physical illnesses too.

Only by Faith, We Experience God

Mark 6:4-6 "And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief."

Without faith, we will not see God. Without faith, we will not please Him. Without faith, we will not experience His power, His blessing.

One might say, where is God? I will only believe when I see Him.

But just as we can only truly feel the power of electricity, love or air when we believe, we can only experience God, when we first take the step of faith.

Acceptable Sacrifices

Acceptable Sacrifices

Lev 21:20 "You are not to present anything that has a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf."


When we present offerings to God, we are to present our very best to God for it to be favored. Just as Abel offered his best and was honored by God, we are to offer our first fruits, first salaries, to Him.

Perhaps we only offer when we have met all expenses/savings and give only what's remaining. Perhaps we only serve God when we have convenient spare time. Perhaps we only serve God only after we have given the world the best of our years.

Give the best to God now. In your finances, in your studies, in your work, do it for His glory.

Abram’s Fall in Egypt

Abram’s Fall in Egypt (Gen 12:9-10)

V9, Abram continued toward Negev. This is a drier area (lesser rainfall, thus needed wells to be dug), less desirable for raising crops but better for his vocation as a herdsman, perhaps engaging also in merchant activity. 

In verse 10, there was a famine there and Abram went down to Egypt. Famine was not an unusual phenomenon in Canaan. Two other major food shortages also occurred during Isaac's time (26:1) and Joseph's time (41:56). In Israel, the only river that flowed all year round was the Jordan river. Yet, it is completely below sea level which means that irrigation from it was difficult. Thus the growth of crops was heavily reliant on rain. When there was no rain, it means a famine. Egypt was the best location with water supply. 

Did Abram fail here by heading to Egypt?

Still holding on to God's promise, he did not return to Ur, though matter were extremely difficult. Heb 11:15 says, "indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one."

Abram's faith was patient and endured great hardships because they believed God had something better. They had no desire to go back to Ur, but did long for Heaven.

The Lying Half Truth (12:11-16)

In verses 11 to 13, Abram tells Sarai to acknowledge him as his brother. This is because during then, it was a time where man with physical superiority if they fancied a beautiful woman, could just snatch her and kill her husband. At 65, Sarah was still young and attractive, being only half her age (she died at 127). The patriarchs lived long. Abram lived till 175. 

To protect himself, he asked Sarai to identify herself as his sister. This is a lying half true as they shared the same father, but different mothers thus making her his half-sister and not truly his sister.

However, a half truth is still a lie as the Egyptians still took Sarah away to Pharoah. Abram did not tell the more important other half of the truth that she was his wife.

  

Do we tell half truths and neglect the other more important half?

I serve God. But only when its convenient for me.

I offer. But only when I have excess money.

God is love. But God is also a God who judges.

Jesus saves. But His salvation will bear forth repentance and holy living for Him.

Abram's Attempted Self Protection and Failure to Protect his wife (12:17)

The separation of Abram and Sarai was critical enough for the Lord to personally intervene (17). Abram used this ruse to protect himself. (13, "that I may live") apparently without too much thought being given to Sarai. But God's reaction focused upon the protection of Sarai.

Through God's protection, Pharaoh escorted him away with his wife and all that belonged to him. The exit would probably have the servants talking about it amongst themselves with some loss to Abram's integrity and reputation in their eyes which perhaps led to quarrels between Abram and Lot's servants.

Abraham's Faith and Worship

God Reassures Abram in spite of Opposition (Gen 12:6-7)

Gen 12:6-9 tells us of Abram’s journey from out of Haran. He traveled as far as Shechem. It was about 15 miles west of the Jordan and 30 miles north of Jerusalem.

The Canaanites were in the land there which inevitably Abram would have been threatened by their occupation of the land. However God in verse 7 appeared to him to boost his faith and re-assuring him that He will give this land to his offspring. The seeds of divine truth were to be sown there for the benefit of all man kind. It was chosen as the most appropriate land for the coming of divine revelation and salvation for the world. 

The Response of Abram - Confession of Faith and Public Worship (12:7)

In a response of thanksgiving, Abram built an altar to the Lord. Abram made an open confession of his faith and established worship of the true God. This was the first place of worship ever erected in the Promised Land.

Moses was writing approximately 700 years after Abram entered the land. The Canaanites were soon to be opponents of Israel as they entered Canaan. Moses wrote this to encourage both himself, and the Israelites in the Lord.

It is Worth It!

When God calls for our obedience, He does not just leave us alone or as a traveller in the desert fending for himself. He will constantly encourage us, reassuring us the worthiness of reaching the heavenly goal, comfort us when we are down, and reminding us that we have not treaded down the wrong path.

Knowing the Importance of Worship and Thanksgiving (12:8)

In verse 8, he continued towards Bethel and pitched his tent. Again he built an altar and called on the name of the Lord. This is the second time Abram built an altar. He will continue to build two more later in Hebron and Mt. Moriah. Why did Abram build an altar? He knew the important of worship and thanksgiving to God. We might be involved in fellowship, prayer meeting, witnessing, but worship is an important time where we place all our attention on God.

I have seen people smsing, facebooking, using their handphones during worship. Some sleep. Some are too lazy to bring their bibles. Some sit there but are not actually attentive. In other words, being DISTRACTED. Let’s not do that. Jesus tells us to worship in truth and in spirit. What does that mean?

Worship in truth means we worship according to God’s truth. We preach the truth in worship, sing hymns that convict us of God’s truth in worship, the entire atmosphere helps infiltrate God’s truth into our mind, emotional and conviction.

Worship in spirit means we do not just worship in dead truth alone, but yet in truth, and also in a lively manner that involves our total selves to focus on God. It does not mean we jump around like a rock concert. Is that true liveliness? We can be lively, yet mindful of the respectfulness to maintain before our great Lord.

So let us not be distracted during worship. Treat worship as important. Be ready to worship. Actively worship. Live out your worship.

The Faith and Obedience of Abram The Faith and Obedience of Abram

The Faith and Obedience of Abram

In Gen 12:1-5, we see God calling Abram out of the idolatrous land of Haran and to enter the land which God Himself will show and give. His call does not come without direction or purpose. Though the exact when and where is not revealed to Abram, yet God promises to him in verses 2 and 3 that God will bless him

•      into a great nation,
•      his name will be great and be a blessing,
•      and all peoples will be blessed through him.

Heb 11:1 tells that faith is being confident in what we hope for and assured about what we do not see. As I was watching X-Men: United, Night Crawler himself a devout Christian said, “I pity the humans, because they believe only in what they see.”

Heb 11: 8,9 says that by faith, Abram obeyed God’s call even though he did not know where he was going. He made his home in a foreign land as a stranger. He lived in tents. Why could he do all this?

The answer lies in verse 10. Because Abram was looking forward to a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

That reminds us today that though we can’t see God, but by faith, we obey His words in our lives even though it may costs us a price, like Abram having to leave Haran. But obedience is leaving something for a better thing found in God. We can look forward to a heavenly city and being praised as a good and faithful slave.

Are We Out Of Our Mind?

Mark 3:21 "and when his family heard it, they went out to seize Jesus, for they were saying, 'He is out of His mind.'"

In the Christian walk, there will be many times to the faithful follower of Christ where his closest family and friends will not understand the actions of him, till to the point that they mistaken him as out of his mind.

This is not surprising as the same thing happened to Jesus. He allowed people to impose on Him, asking Him to teach them, to heal them, to minister to them. Thousands crowded around Him when the chance arises. And when his family heard Him returning home, they quickly seized Him out of love and protection, to protect Himself from others. This is the natural instinct of loved ones. Won't a mother tiger risk her all to protect her cubs? This is but love shown upon by the family.

However, Jesus knew that an even greater Father was in control. Yes, to the family, they indeed will not understand why Jesus spends so much time outside proclaiming an unseen Kingdom, will want to dine with sinners, tax collectors, willing to be humiliated by supposedly respected teachers of that time, and ultimately, be crucified on to the cross in the most tragic of capital punishment.

But Jesus obeyed His Father's will, that His Kingdom be seek first, His Kingdom be established. Many times, families do not understand why we allow others to impose on our time, money and energy. But this mis-understanding will not stay. In tens of years, in Heaven, all this will be made crystal clear. Why the Christian has been storing treasures in Heaven? Why has he been seeking the Heavenly Kingdom first?

Yes, misunderstandings will remain. However, just as His family did not understand sometimes, they still submitted because they saw the truthfulness and purity of His life. They knew that He was God and they must have faith in what was to be achieved by God Himself, just as Mary submitted and allowed herself to be made use of by God to bear the Son of God.

The Christian is to continue to love, honor his family though such misunderstandings exist. And through that testimony, bring to light what is unseen, to be clearly and soberly seen in faith.

Sin needs a Sacrifice

In Leviticus 4, we are taught about the sin offerings that God requires of man whenever he sins. When man sins, they have to sacrifice an animal before God for atonement.

When can we stop sinning? We sin every moment. If not in actions, then in thought. What a terrible tragic state we are. If we are to offer sacrifices for our sin, i think it would have to be non-stop offering,

But God sent His own sacrifice on behalf of us. His Son, Jesus. One the cross, He was the sacrifice once and for all man. In Him, we no longer have to make our own sacrifice for God gave His own sacrifice for us.

Are we still trying to offer sacrifices for our sin? We can never offer enough. We will always stop short.

Accept in faith, the divine sacrifice made for you by a loving God. Christ crucified.

新年立志

新年立志

1. 照顾好家庭
2. 有钱，奉献给神
3. 读完及明白圣经一遍
4. 传福音：一个星期至少传给一个人

求主帮助！

A Reflection of 2011

(i actually had this post completed earlier but it was in draft mode, hence the lag :D )

Time to count my blessings in 2011. I think this year has been one of the more exciting
years in my journey of life. First of, a new member has been added to our family. We
welcome Luke! Just the birth of Luke alone brings forth many thanksgiving.

The birth of Luke was a miracle of God. Due to certain complications, the fact that
Luke could be conceived was already a miracle. In fact, the entire journey of his birth
is a series of miracles. During the childbearing, Cat got to a point where she could push
no more as she has exhausted her strength. The midwife i could see was contemplating
whether to ask the doctor for a C-section. Luke's head was no where clear of coming out.
But just as the midwife and I stood wondering what to do next, Luke's head just started
coming out by itself! It was just like an angel pulling Luke out! It just continued till
the midwife could catch hold of Luke's shoulders and out he came. I think that was the
second miracle.

When Luke came out, the midwife directed us to look at the umblical cord. There was
a knot! It was then we realised that it was such a periless situation. Luke might have
deprived of oxygen due to the knot while still in the womb! But by God's grace, he still
came into this world, safe and sound, at a healthy 3.8 kilograms.

The third miracle came post pregnancy. Cat was still bleeding profusely. Bedsheets
and clothes were changed continously. Doctors came and monitored. Finally, she was
scheduled to have an operation at midnight. Till now, i think i still don't understand the
danger of the situation then. But by the grace of God, the operation went well and the
bleeding stopped. Two days later, she was discharged and today, both mother and Luke
are well and healthy.

Another thing i would like to give thanks for is that He has provided me with a house of
our own. We are the proud owners of a 4-room flat. Renovation and furnishing went on
fine. The location is good too being close to both my parents and in laws' place.

I also thank God that He has blessed me at work with the privilege of a good work life
balance.

I thank God too for my family. My mother, my father, my grandmother and sister. They
have looked after me and my family. Looking after two young kids is indeed a daunting
challenge but because of the great help from my family, it became a much easier task.
Many household chores were taken care off, meals for all members of my family were
prepared, transport, utility bills, many many others...

Lastly, i would like to thank God for my service this year. Be it chairing, translating,
speaking, evangelism, ministries of mercy, administration, i thank God that i can be a
contribution to His ministry and Kingdom. He gave me grace to live, grace to serve. And
through glorifying Him, i live a life of value. May God grant me more strength, grace and
blessing next year as i strive to serve Him better.

Well, that's all. 2012 is approaching as i am typing this blog entry. Blessed new year
everyone!

The Depravity of Man

The Depravity of Man (Gen 3:8-13)

What are the marks of fallen man?

1. We will hid from God. Just as Adam and Eve heard the sound of God after they sinned, they became afraid and tried to hide, man today hides from God as well. 

How does man hide from God today?

a. By not acknowledging His existence. Man professes, there is no God!

b. By re-defining Him according to man's standards. Man professes, God wants me to succeed, God is happy with my depraved life and doesn't need me to repent or change my life whatsoever according to His Word. 90% of man believe in God. But the God they believe in is their own definition of God. We need to know the God as revealed in the bible.

Are we hiding from God today?

2. We will not repent. We will find excuses and profess that they are not sinners. We will shift the blame. "Eve gave the fruit to me, the serpent deceived me."Man says, "I should indulge in sexual behavior because i am made like an animal." Man says, i do not have sin. I only have an illness of gambling addiction or sexual addiction. 

Are we attempting to repent today?

3. We blame God. Just as Adam blamed God by accusing Him of creating Eve who tempted, we blame God too for evil in the world. We blame God for suffering. We blame Him for almost anything. But we have to remember, He is absolute sovereign, and perfectly good.

Are we still blaming Him today?

On Guard Against the Devil's Deception (1) - Questioning

Be on guard against the deception of the Devil.

Satan will replace the period in God's command with a question mark. Replace a black with grey. Did God really say that you cannot...?

Did God really say that we cannot have other gods or have other priorities occupying more of our time than to Him? Today, many think having several gods is insurance. Many think career, family, should come before God, (not to say they are not important!) Are we deceived?

Did God really say that we have to spare one day away from work for Him? Isn't it alright? I don't have to conscienously plan time for Him?

Did God really say that we have to take care of our parents? Can't we just leave them on their own, leave them in a old folks home?

Did God really say that we cannot hate others? Can't we gossip abt them? 

Did God really say that we cannot see pornography or men's magazines?

Did God really say that we cannot steal intellectual property?

Did God really say that we cannot covet for more riches, assets?

The Devil's deception continues today and at an even more alarming phase. Be on guard against it.

Why did God plant the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden?

Why did God plant the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden? Could not He have just not planted it there and let Adam and Eve eat from any tree? Or why did God forbid Adam/Eve in the first place?

I think its just a simple answer. True obedience. Without a choice, man can never exercise true obedience. With a choice, if man chooses to obey God rather than to give in to temptation, that is true obedience.

Just as we know that a child is truly obedient to his father when he chooses to do his homework on time rather than continue watching tv.

Just as one makes the choice not to click on the link to a pornographic website for fear of committing adultery. Just as one makes the choice not to utter/post senseless idle words for fear of losing a Christian testimony. Just as one makes the choice not to gossip behind the backs of others for fear of spreading false lies.

True obedience comes not in man having no choices to make, true obedience comes in man knowing and being exposed to temptation, yet still chooses the God favoring choice.

Let's learn the example of Jesus.

When Adam and Eve gave into their lusts and temptation and ate the fruit, Jesus though having fasted for 40 days and nights, was hungry, hung on and obeyed the Word of God, "Man shall not live on bread alone."(Matt 4:4)

When Eve were doubting God's perfect goodness and sovereignty that He withheld something good from them, Jesus trusted absolutely upon His Father and did not put Him to the test. (Matt 4:7)

When Eve lusted to be wise, to know good and evil, and to be like God, Jesus refused all splendor, riches and worshiped the Father with a servant's heart. (Matt 4:10)

How can we strive to obey God better?
1. To hold on to the Word of God
2. To trust in God absolutely
3. To worship Him only with a servant's heart.