"A Rich Man Refuses to Follow Jesus.

 A religious leader asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what must I do to get eternal life?”Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? Only God is good. And you know his commands: ‘You must not commit adultery, you must not murder anyone, you must not steal, you must not tell lies about others, you must respect your father and mother .But the leader said, “I have obeyed all these commands since I was a boy.”When Jesus heard this, he said to the leader, “But there is still one thing you need to do. Sell everything you have and give the money to those who are poor. You will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me.” But when the man heard Jesus tell him to give away his money, he was sad. He didn’t want to do this, because he was very rich. When Jesus saw that the man was sad, he said, “It will be very hard for rich people to enter God’s kingdom. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.”

Who Can Be Saved?

When the people heard this, they said, “Then who can be saved?”Jesus answered, “God can do things that are not possible for people to do.”Peter said, “Look, we left everything we had and followed you.”Jesus said, “I can promise that everyone who has left their home, wife, brothers, parents, or children for God’s kingdom will get much more than they left. They will get many times more in this life. And in the world that is coming they will get the reward of eternal life.”
Luke 18:18-30 – Glory to GOD!

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

The Great Father

Many of us born with a father beside them and there are some who never met their father in their lifetime. My letter for today is about knowing God as the Great Father. I remember in my teenage life there are times when I’ve felt abandoned and left alone by my father. There are experiences and situations that though my father is near and yet he’s so far away. I guess many of us felt and experienced the same way too. But good thing my father did not throw me in the garbage can or else I will end up as a garbage man. Kidding aside, I know there are times when we ask the question “WHY”. But going back with my life I realized there is another Father who loves us and cared for us for a very long time. He said in Psalms that He knit us in our mother’s womb. He even knows how many bones we have or our hair. He knows whose parents we will have. And he is God....

John said for God so loved the world, God loved us. He sent His begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will have Eternal life. That is the love of the Father our God to us. He even gave and sacrificed His Son for us. That we may become co heirs of Christ, brothers.

I myself experienced how great He is as a Father and I see it in everyday of my life. I am a back slider Christian a long ago, loses my faith and run away from God.

Jason Mraz - I Won't Give Up

When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold
And just like them old stars

I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul?
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love

I'm still looking up
And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find
'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn

God knows we're worth it
No, I won't give up
I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools and gifts we got yeah, we got a lot at stake

And in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I've got, and what I'm not

And who I am
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
Still looking up.

I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)
God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)
We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)
God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

God’s perfect timing.

2 Peter 3:8 

" But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. "

Have your dreams been delayed? Or are you unemployed for a long time and it’s hard looking for a job. Do you pray for something and it doesn’t come yet and you are tired of waiting? Sometimes we push things on our own strength and sometimes we are almost there and suddenly everything is messed up. My letter for today is about waiting for the perfect timing of God. When we are still a child we don’t like waiting when we ask for something or we get mad when our mother insist to buy the toy that we want. Because we like the short cut way of life. Living in a modern life where everything is short cut and sad but true life also runs in short cut.

The Lord say’s in Psalms 1: I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2: He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3: He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.
God is in control. Yes He is. If we put our faith and believe, release all the doubts and put your trust in God. Sometimes we ask God but we doubt apostle James said that those who ask but doubt will be given nothing for if we ask we must believe that is faith in God. God wants us to believe. Recently I have a trouble, a difficult situation. 

10 Steps to Avoid Backsliding

The Christian life is not always an easy road. Sometimes we get off track. The Bible says to encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ daily so that no one turns away from the living God. If you have found yourself backsliding, or drifting away from the Lord, these practical steps will help get you back on course today.
Time Required: A Lifetime

Here's How:

1.Examine your faith-life regularly.

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?
2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)
2.If you find yourself drifting away, turn back immediately.
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV)
 3.Come to God daily for forgiveness and cleansing.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
Revelation 22:14 (NIV)

CRIMES OF THE HEART

Crimes of the heart cause us great injury. Hurt feelings, harsh words, nasty misunderstandings leave deep imprints in our minds and hearts. We dwell on the cruel and unkind violations against us. Letting go of anger about things that have occurred in the past is difficult and sometimes feels insurmountable. We get stuck and hold on to our anger, and the wounds grow deeper and fester. The pain keeps us from finding peace within ourselves. When is it time to let go? 

 It is time to let go when holding on to the anger no longer serves us. When carrying the burden of our anger keeps us from moving in the direction of our ideals. When the anger keeps us from growing and becoming the person we seek to be. How do we begin?
We begin by letting go. Just letting go. We begin by no longer allowing ourselves to dwell on the negative and relive the injustices. We focus on recovering from the injury. We recover by surrounding ourselves with loved ones we can trust and by moving on. Forgiveness comes much later.Finding peace within ourselves doesn't mean we forget about the crimes. Rather, it means we choose to release them. To learn to live and love in a place where past grievances no longer touch us deeply brings wisdom. A life where harmony resides.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

God Heard Your Prayer

This is God's immediate and sure answer to Hezekiah's prayer for healing: "I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you."

Sometimes, however, when we pray for healing, the answer doesn't come, or at least that's how it seems. We can be confident that God sees our tears and hears our prayers, but the problem enters when we don't believe he's answered.

I assert that God answers every sincere prayer. In fact, I would even state that there is no such thing as an unanswered prayer. He just doesn't always answer in the way we expect. Sometimes the answer is wait. We won't always get an immediate response like Hezekiah. And sometimes God has something else—something better—that he's working out, and the answer we seek is not the answer we truly need. If we're patient, if we wait and trust, in time we'll see that God has heard our prayer, he's seen our tears, and he has answered.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

A BROKEN HEART

We have all had are hearts broken at least once in our lives. There has been that one person that we have loved with all our heart and has not returned that love. When you wake up to that reality you feel like your world has shattered. You feel like you will never love that way again. He/She is all you think of and becomes your world. It feels like you will never love that way again. You ask yourself why is this happening to me? Am I not good enough? What's wrong with me?

Then, as time goes by, you get the answers to your questions. You begin to realize that it all happened for a reason. You realize the he/she is not the one for you. The more you analyze the person you begin to see the differences. You realize that you don't know that person like you thought you did and they don't know you. Then comes the understanding that you deserve someone who will love, cherish, appreciate you and never take you for granted.

My Heart, Your Home

Come and make my heart Your home
And come and be everything I am and all I know
And search me through and through
Till my heart becomes a home for You
Come and make my heart Your home 

And come and be everything I am and all I know
And search me through and through
Till my heart becomes a home for You
A home for You Lord, a home for You, Lord
Let everything I do open up a door for You to come through
And that my heart would be a place where You want to be
Come and make my heart Your home 

And come and be everything I am and all I know
And search me through and through
Till my heart becomes a home for You
A home for You Lord, a home for You, oh Lord
Let everything I do open up a door for You to come through
And that my heart would be a place where You want to be
'Cause you are my portion, filling up everything 

You are the fortune that's causing my heart to sing
That it's amazing, that You could make Yourself at home with me
With me Lord come and make my heart 

Come and make it Your home
And come and be everything I am and all I know
And search me through and through
Till my heart becomes a home for You
Till my heart becomes a home for You
Till my heart becomes a home for You Lord
For You, You You oh Lord

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

God save me

Take me away from the pain.
I'm losing my faith.
My life. My vision. My passion.
There's no compassion.
This pain is forever lasting.
I'm fasting,
Trying to find grace.
Get my mind out of this place.
My soul cries out.
I want to scream.
Trying to get redeemed.
The devil is in disguise,
Being fake, and trying to act wise.
All his lies.
Trying to tempt,
As he pretends.
He is picking at my brain.
Straight driving me insane.
I'm going crazy.
Trying not to let him phase me.
Look him in the eyes,
I see the hate.
I look to the Light,
I see true praise.
Please, Lord, let this be a phase.
Make him go away.
I want him to decay.
Please make him fade.
I can't take it any more.
My heart I pour,
As I'm trying to ignore.
He is coming at me hard core.
Worse than before.
Lord save me.
Embrace me.
I have faith in Thee.
Come on, Jesus,
Set me free.
My soul pleads.
I beg Thee,
For you are my trustee.
I count on Thee.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

12 Signs of a Healthy Faith-Life

 How fit is your faith? Do you need a spiritual check-up?

If you sense something might be wrong in your spiritual life, perhaps it's time to examine your Christian walk. Here are 12 signs of a healthy faith-life.

1.Your faith is based on a relationship with God, not religious obligations and rituals. You follow Christ because you want to, not because you have to. Your relationship with Jesus flows naturally out of love. It is not forced or driven by guilt. (1 John 4:7-18; Hebrews 10:19-22.)

2.Your sense of security and significance is centered on God and who you are in Christ, not on others or your accomplishments. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-6; Ephesians 6:6-7.)

3.Your faith in God is strengthened as you walk through life's troubles, trials and painful experiences, not weakened or destroyed. (1 Peter 4:12-13; James 1:2-4.)

You' are not alone

At times like these it's hard to find the right words to say,
And I know that words alone won't take the pain away.
But, I know a man who sits high, and looks low,
And He is saying, "My child, you're not alone."

He is saying, "I love you and I am concerned about you,
And all the pain and hurt that you are going through."
He is saying, "Lean on me, I will be your comfort through this time.
And although it’s dark now, the sun again will shine."

Even though it’s hard to see through tears that you now cry,
Just know that there will come a day when your tears, He will dry.
And though words alone won’t ease the pain that you now feel,
Just know that in time, your heart, He will heal.

I pray that God will give you peace, and strength in your heart
As He holds you in His arms, and from you, He won’t depart.
May you always be encouraged, may you ever hold on.
And remember, "My child, you're not alone.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Nick Vujicic on Why God Made Him Limbless

This article was blessed and inspired me..^_^. I love to share it to other people who read my blog.

sourced from : www.christianpost.com/news/nick-vujicic-on-why-god-made-him-limbless-80996
Evangelist Nick Vujicic, who spoke at Saddleback Church in Calif. on Sunday, was born with neither arms nor legs, and questioned God for eight years why it was so. The answer changed his life, and through him that of tens of thousands of others.

Nick Vujicic, a man born without arms or legs, is the author of the new book Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life.

For the now 30-year-old Nick, founding president and CEO of the nonprofit organization Life Without Limbs, the most important thing in life was to understand why God made him without arms and legs.
Speaking at Pastor Rick Warren's church in Lake Forest on Sunday evening, the inspirational speaker said he spent eight years asking God, "Why? Why was I born this way? I don't understand how can You say You love me when You allow me to stay in this pain."

5 Traits of True Christian Friends

So, what does a true Christian friendship look like? Let's break it down into traits that are easy to identify.

1. Christian Friends Love Sacrificially

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (NIV)

Jesus is the finest example of a true Christian friend. His love for us is sacrificial, never selfish. He demonstrated it not only through his miracles of healing, but more fully through the humble service of washing the disciples' feet, and then ultimately, when he laid down his life on the cross.

If we choose our friends based only on what they have to offer, we'll rarely discover the blessings of a genuine friendship.

 Philippians 2:3 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." By valuing your friend's needs above your own, you'll be on your way to loving like Jesus. In the process, you'll likely gain a true friend.

2. Christian Friends Accept Unconditionally

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (NIV)

Lying on God's Couch; Loneliness Therapy for Christian Singles

 Have you ever felt that nobody understands what you’re going through—including God?

If you’re unmarried, you may feel that way most of the time. You haven't yet found another person you can share your deepest, most intimate secrets with.

In the midst of our loneliness, we forget that Jesus Christ understands us even better than we understand ourselves. Jesus knows about loneliness.
Why Jesus Understands Loneliness
Jesus' disciples didn't really grasp his teachings. He was constantly at odds with the legalistic Pharisees. He bristled when people came only to see miracles and not to hear what he said.

But there was another side to Jesus' loneliness that was even more poignant. He had all the feelings and desires of a normal human being, and it's not far-fetched to believe that he also wanted to have the love of a spouse and the joy of a family.

Scripture tells us about Jesus: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin." (Hebrews 4:15 NIV)

Wanting to be married is not a temptation, but loneliness can be. Jesus was tempted by loneliness, so he does know what you're going through.
Therapy that Gets to the Heart of the Problem
We don't take our loneliness to God as often as we should. Because it's not an audible, two-way conversation, we may wrongly assume that he's not listening. We also have the odd notion that God can't relate to our fast-paced, information-overloaded 21st century.

It Will All Pay Off. :)

"God, I know it will all pay off… I know good things come to those who wait for you, and I’m sure that you know my heart far better than I do, and you know what you are doing. It’s hard to be patient and obedient Father; especially when I see something that I always wanted pass me by, chase me, but I didn’t grab it because you told me not to. It hurts, but I do delight in letting go of myself to give way for more of you in this life. I never realized how much you wanted me until I found myself today, making a choice, maybe a choice that was not that hard, but a choice that led me to realize that my journey is not getting any easier anymore… It led me to see that I really cannot hold on to myself if I wanted to follow you. Though I have always known that, I only came to understand it when I felt the pain of slowly opening my hands and giving up even my dreams to wait for you and for your will to be unfolded before my eyes, It’s hard to not know what would be next, knowing that my dreams could possibly not be fulfilled anymore, But I trust you Father that you know what’s best, even if it means forgetting what I’ve always wanted.

This could be a turning point for me, and I would definitely not forget this, the moment when I learned to really let go of something good for the first time with no reservations at all. I really have no idea of what could be in store next for me, but instead of doubt, it gives me more security and peace; if only I knew from the start that trusting you this much would lead to this kind of contentment, then I could’ve not wasted myself trying to hold on too much on things and trying to make them work on my own. You truly make me love you more each day Lord. As I look on how I’ve walked this life so far, I can never have enough words to describe how good you are to me. Even this whole life cannot fill the gratitude I have towards your faithfulness you’ve shown me through the years. And today Father, I am not afraid to tell the world that I’m not afraid to let go of anything because I know you’re not letting me go, I’m certain that you have everything in your hand and I shouldn’t be afraid of missing anything in this life, for I know that when I have you, I have everything I need, and everything I wanted is found in you. Even if I lose anything in this life, regret won’t fill my heart because you are enough. Even if no one recognizes, cares, honors, helps, believes or looks after me, I know you do; and whenever, wherever, whatever and however I may be, I know you never change. I know it won’t be easy, but I know better how you hold everything in your hands, nothing would be too hard for you.
Once again I will say, “God I know it will pay off” I know you see my heart and my faith. I want to do your will Father, though I haven’t completely Fathomed where you’re leading me, but I want that. Wherever it is, be it.

A Poem Written In the Park

Lord, my God,
the Creator of the heavens and the earth,
and all the things both seen
and unseen,
I thank you for Your eternal love,
for your faithful and everlasting presence
in my life...

My Lord Jesus Christ,
You died on the cross
in my place
so I would be saved from all my sins,
and delivered from
the fire of eternity.

I thank you for letting me see
the beauty of the earth,
the majesty of Your creation,
and for allowing me to listen
to the silent language of the trees around me
in the coolness of this park,
though my eyesight is temporarily blurred,
and the faces of strangers
have been misty for me.

There are many things I wish
to thank you for
in the past two days since I arrived here
in Saigon...

Thank you, dear Lord,
for protecting me
in my travels,
for Your daily provisions,
for the new friends You gave me on my way
who help brighten my day...

Thank you for the soft breeze
in this park,
where I can rest for a while,
under this green shade
where I can hear
the soft melody of the birds
in the park
of this ancient city...

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

SPIRIT AND LIFE

Jesus said, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63, ESV).

Consider the part that says, "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."

His words are "spirit and life." They are not just ordinary words that we, human beings, speak.

His words are words of the Living God!

Those words are the words we read in Genesis, "Let there be..." and physical things appeared out of nothing.

God declares:

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:10-11).

His words will surely accomplish the purpose that they are sent for. When Jesus called for Lazarus, "Lazarus, come out," he came out (John 11:43-44) though he was already dead for four days!

Now, during our time, what's the purpose why we have His words?

GOD IS IN CONTROL

YOU HOLD THE STARS IN THE SKY AND BRING FIRE TO THE BURNING SUN
YOU FORMED THE EARTH WITH YOUR MIGHTY HAND AND THE UNIVERSE IS YOUR MARVELOUS WORK...

FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING YOU ARE SO AMAZING
THE BEAUTY OF YOUR CREATION AND GOODNESS IN EVERY SITUATION
THERE IS NO TIME FOR FEAR, FOR YOU ALREADY WIPED MY TEARS
IN THE SKY I WILL FLY AND THIS WINGS YOU GAVE I WILL GLIDE

LIKE AN EAGLE IS WHAT I AM FOR I WAS CREATED TO EXCEL
IN THE AIR I WILL SOAR FOR YOU HOLD MY VICTORY IN EVERY CORNER OF THE ENDLESS HOLE

WHY SHOULD I’D BE ANXIOUS OR WORRY ABOUT WHAT TOMORROW WILL BRINGS
WHEN ALL I HAVE IS YOU MY GOD THE OWNER AND CREATOR OF LIFE
EVEN IN MY MISTAKES YOU NEVER LEFT OR IN THE BATTLE OF ADVERSITIES YOU NEVER SLEPT AND IN PERFECT TIMING I’VE BEEN SAVED

GOD IS IN CONTROL, JUST LET GO OF THE WHEEL AND LET GOD STEER
GOD IS IN CONTROL, HE IS FAITHFUL AND HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER....

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Risk

“RISK” We often think of danger, failure, bankruptcy, losing big-time! Believe it or not there are some who love Risks. It builds up excitement, unlimited potential, and reward. To remove risks from our lives leaves us stagnant, complacent, safe and maybe sorry. Don't live with regrets!

Living by ‘Risk’ is a Leap of Faith! We don’t know what God has in store for us every time we obey Him. Trusting God is risking our reputation, our future and our lives. The truth is when we ‘Leap’ when God tells us, He will always catch us. Believe Him with all our heart! Let’s not live by sight – where’s the fun in that? JUMP with JESUS!

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Forgiven, Reconciled and Saved?

By Paul Ellis Escape To Reality (http://escapetoreality.org) The world sure is a strange place. Just when you think you’ve seen everything, something new hits you on the side of the head. When I was growing up, the number one theological question was this one: “Once saved, always saved?” People who asked this question wanted to know whether it is possible for a Christian to lose their salvation. Well if bullfrogs and butterflies can turn back into tad-poles and caterpillars, then I guess it’s possible.  But now there’s a whole new question being asked, which is this: Is everybody saved? Many are saying yes: “Jesus is the Savior of the world. Therefore everyone is already saved, they just don’t know it.” Now before you write this off as universalist heresy, let me add that those who preach this brand of historical reconciliation do not believe everyone is going to heaven. It’s just that everyone is in until unbelief kicks them out.  Since this is a popular teaching today, I think it would be good for us to take a closer look. Let’s start with an oft-heard statement: “All are forgiven, reconciled, and saved.” To these three points I respond: (1) it’s true (we are forgiven), (2) it’s sort of true (God has reconciled the world but you still need to be reconciled), and (3) it’s not true (not all are saved).

When we wait on God

Well i have learned what it is to really trust in God's timing for what i have been going through.Today there was victory over a prayer that i have been praying,trusting that God was going to give me the victory.I waited patiently for this day and trusted that God was going to get me through.

 God's direction and the timing is always perfect but we need to have faith and obedience in his calling.Sometimes we want things to go our way but in some way God always wants our good.

Why do you think that He had called us so like that when we pray we can see His glory.Just like the patriach Abraham had gone to a land that was foreign to him,he trusted in God's timing when it came to the sacrifice of His son,Joseph trusted in God while in prision for something that he did not do and to the baker and the butler,God's timing was made perfect cause the result was He became governor of Egypt.There are many examples in the Bible that had resulted in God's timing being right and sometimes the consequences of following our own timing.

When we wait on God no matter what it is then we see the blessings that he wants to bring on us as His children.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

if tomorrow never comes

If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep, I would tuck you in more tightly and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time that I see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare an extra minute or two to stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming, you would know I do.

If I knew it would be the last time I would be there to share your day, well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance to make everything right.

There will always be another day to say our "I love you's", And certainly there's another chance to say our "Anything I can do's?"

But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you and I hope we never forget, Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day, That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear, Tell them how much you love them and that you'll always hold them dear, Take time to say "I'm sorry," "please forgive me," "thank you" or "it's okay".

And if tomorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today

 
Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

The Window

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.
One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue. . . .There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy. "Today is a gift, that's why it is called the PRESENT".

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

I Don’t Want To Be Alone

Life is so uncertain that makes me think what would lie ahead of me
Many times I’ve been thinking what would be my life after here
Will I be able to get the crown of glory or will I be in doomed?
The idea of being uncertain is frightful and dreadful
That makes me restless and weaker

I tried to find the answer of all my questions
Yet the more I seek to know the answer the more I don’t understand it
And all the more my heart becomes desperate yet I could find nothing
I can’t hold on the idea of being alone, being neglected, being left behind
It makes me cry every time I’ve come to think of it

I needed someone so desperately, so intense, so greatly
I don’t want to be alone in this life because I don’t know how to live
I don’t know how to take things rightly without someone guiding me
I don’t know how to walk without someone supporting me
I don’t know how to love without someone loving me

Although I could not see you and feel you by my side, I know you are here
Though I could not touch you, I know you are holding me tightly
Your presence is always around me, helping me
So I have a special request from You
Please don’t let me go
Hold on to me because I don’t want to be alone
 


Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

God can be Glorified through human suffering

Ephesians 1(10-11) In Him also we have obtained an inheritance being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. In john 11, jesus was going to the tomb of Lazarus, he saw Mary weeping there and He must have felt a deep anger. He questioned where the tomb was, once there Jesus called him out from the grave. Imagine Lazarus in heaven, enjoying his time then someone saying sorry you have to go back now, to a life filled with suffering and pain. Would you want to come back to this life, Well lazarus didnt have that choice because Jesus was the one that was calling him back,what a sweet voice to surrender to,when He calls we should answer Him. Jesus called by name and lazarus still wrapped up came walking out of the tomb. God can be glorified through human sufferings and bring the good from the bad. The thing for Lazarus is now he would die twice instead of once. But God wpuld glorify himself through the life of lazarus and all of tge family. God's glory through the gospels was truly on display.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

In the Valleys We grow

Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then we have to remember
That it's in the valleys we grow.

If we always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
We would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

God forgives and forget

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

God forgives and forget that is one of the amazing qualities of our God because He is a merciful God.
The moment we come of repentance God already forgiven us. Because He is omnipresence God knows our thoughts. 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14. Not only God will forgive us but will also bless us.

 That is how great our God’s love for us not only to forgive but also to bless us or heal our land. God did not send His Son Jesus Christ our Lord for nothing. He sent His Son that our sins will be cleansed. God paid our sins by blood. If we could imagine the situation God Himself paid it not a special person or country but He Himself paid our transgression at the Cross.

RECONCILIATION

 “RECONCILIATION” Making amends, settling disputes, forgiving hurts and pain is part of the process of reconciliation. When restoring a severely damaged relationship many times we hold back and struggle because we think that forgiving that person means we have to be immediately reconciled.

The truth is forgiveness is not reconciliation. It is possible to forgive an offender without being reconciled to him. Reconciliation is often a process that requires rebuilding of trust in the other person. Reconciliation is forgiveness in action. It takes time and a lot of patience. Christ is the ultimate example who bridged us to God thru complete forgiveness and reconciliation.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Trust God for Your Future

Life is full of surprises—some of which take life in unwelcome directions. I still remember the shockwave that hit our family several decades ago when my father lost his job through no fault of his own. With a house full of kids to feed, it was a jarring blow. But as certainly as Dad’s job loss was beyond his control and unexpected, he still knew he could trust God for his future.

As Jesus’ followers, we must recognize that there are things in life that are the “uncontrollable unexpected,” as I call them. To help us in those moments, James 4:13-15 offers this wisdom: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. . . . Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ ” The people to whom James was writing were making plans while excluding God’s prerogative to direct their lives.

A Carrot, An Egg and A Cup of Coffee

This is the very nice story that I've read .I’m not sure who the original author is, so please comment below if you know, appreciate it. thanks-Rose.

 You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling.
It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.

God Working in Us Both to Will and to Do

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (Phi_2:12-13)

Again, our meditation is from Phi_2:12-13. Yesterday, we saw that God must be allowed to work within our hearts, if we are to walk in obedience. "It is God who works in you . . . for His good pleasure." Today, we will consider the extent to which He desires to work: "both to will and to do." In order to fully obey the Lord, we need His work within us for both the willing and the doing.

GOD'S MOTIVES

 "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." (2 SAMUEL 22:20)
__________________________________________________________________


God has a motive for every one of His children. His desire is to bring us into a spacious place. He wants us to go beyond our borders of safety and security so that we might experience life at a level that goes beyond ourselves.

What do you think of when you think of a "spacious place"? No limitations? A large, grassy field? Open air? These are positive images. Sometimes these spacious places encourage us to step out in faith into areas where we've never ventured.

Sometimes we need to be rescued by the Lord. When Peter walked on the water, God was inviting him to a spacious place. He went beyond the borders of his boat and ventured into a whole new world. He didn't have complete success in his venturing out, but it was a process that would lead him to the next victory in his faith walk with Jesus.

Sometimes failure is what is needed in order to move us to the next level of faith with God. However, we must be willing to fail and let God rescue us.

The Lord delights in this process. His motive for His children is always love. It is always to bring us to a new level of trust and dependence on Him.


TO GOD BE THE GLORY(",)

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

OUR INHERITANCE

When Elijah went up to heaven, he left Elisha his cloak (2 Kings 2:13). Likewise, when Jesus went up to the Father, He left us His own garment — His perfect righteousness. He cast it upon us, as surely as Elijah cast his garment upon Elisha. The prophet's action was a type and shadow of what was going to happen when Jesus was translated to the Father. Indeed, we are heirs to a wonderful garment of righteousness that covers us completely, making us acceptable in God's holy presence!

This garment is our inheritance and God expects us to value it. He expects us to seek after it, to be willing heirs to His legacy. You may remember what happened when King Ahab came against Naboth, coveting his vineyard. Naboth valued his vineyard so much, he rejected Ahab's offer to buy it, saying, "The Lord forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee" (1 Kings 21:3). He was saying, "God forbid that anyone should take my inheritance from me. It's mine!"

GOD'S TIME TABLE.

There are times we feel like giving up

But remember that GOD is teaching us to trust in HIS timing.

Don’t be in hurry.

Don’t be impatient.

Don’t try to force doors to open.

Don’t make things happen in your strength.

Let GOD do it HIS way.

HE has a time table for all our heart’s desires…


TO GOD BE THE GLORY(",)

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

My God and My Heartache ♥

We all have those heartaches and heartbreaks, those moments which are truly necessary for growth and strength, those of which you cannot skip in life. They come in different ways, some come lightly as if they never happened and some come as though when they leave, they would take away all of us. People see pain in different manners, different perspective and point of view. Many make their own principles and resolutions after as if they had to hide their bitterness in an image of toughness and full recovery.
There are those ‘expected’ moments when you try avoiding them despite the fact that you know you would really go through it. You try to prepare yourself somehow inside of you, yet in the end, when you’re into it, you still put yourself wholly at stake. Then, there it goes, another heartbreaking moment, you finally belong to the club.

Love is Passion

I think I would some sparkle in the eyes of my reader as I put that title on the top of the page. Love is something we always wanted.

They say Love is something relative, it may mean something else for you, or for other people, or even for me. Media says love is when two people ‘feel’ something about each other (I guess this is the first thing that comes into the mind of the young people when they hear love) those were the stories shown in movies, dramas and the lives of those stars; the good-willed people say that love is in charity, that when you have ‘pity’ for those in need help them; others say that love is when you are fond that you want it very much. But I think those are just icing of the cake, beautiful but they don’t dictate the real thing. The cake is the bread, we all know that.

IN OR OUT?

Is everyone reconciled to God?
Some claim that it is so!
Even the one who is bad
And goes to hell had been reconciled too!

But why would he go there,
If God has reconciled him?
They claim that he chose to be there
For he did not reconcile himself to Him.

Could we believe that teaching
That when God made the reconciliation
The other party is still rejecting?
Would God fail to bring it to completion?

Will God start a good work in you
and fail to finish it?
Will He make a reconciliation to you
that in His Kingdom you'll be out of it?

God's Word, however, teaches,
That whom He gave reconciliation (Rom. 5:11)
He had given not probation, but faith, joy, peace,
Hope, endurance and justification (vv. 1-9)!

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Different Is Good

The sun is glorious in one way, the moon is glorious in another way, and the stars are glorious in their own [distinctive] way; for one star differs from and surpasses another in its beauty and brilliance. —1 Corinthians 15:41

Like the sun, the moon, and the stars, God has created us to be different from one another, and He has done it on purpose. Each of us meets a need, and we are all part of God’s overall plan. When we try to be like others, we lose ourselves, and we grieve the Holy Spirit. God wants us to fit into His plan, not to feel pressured trying to fit into everyone else’s plans. It is all right to be different.

We are all born with different temperaments, different physical features, different fingerprints, different gifts and abilities. God gave us gifts and wants us to focus on our potential instead of our limitations. Our goal should be to find out what we individually are supposed to be, and then succeed at being that.

We should be free to love and accept ourselves and one another without feeling pressure to compare or compete. Secure people who know God loves them and has a plan for them are not threatened by the abilities of others. They enjoy what other people can do, and they enjoy what they can do.

Lord, I am so glad that I can be free to love and accept others rather than compete with or compare myself with them. Thank You for making me unique. Amen.
Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Love letter to God

From everlasting to everlasting
Lord in this life you are the meaning
Even if we are not deserving
Still you are the God of caring

I am worthless but paid priceless
Blood of Jesus the God of all the ages
Born in flesh that you can bless
People who undeserved you’ve given rest

Mountains tremble at the sound of your voice
Thunders roar and the storm falls but your rainbow controls
Control this life that it may not fall
For you are the God of my very soul

Lord this is my love letter
For everything you make it better
My love for you grows deeper
Lord this is my prayer

Dreams became reality
My goals I can see
The future is all about me
How can I not thank Thee?

Lord thank you for everything
My heart forever will sing
Declaring and glory I will bring
For you are my God my King...

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

Statement of Faith

Section 1: The Bible
We believe the Bible, comprised of the Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God (Matthew 5:18; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). In faith we hold the Bible to be inerrant in the original writings, God-breathed, and the complete and final authority for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). While still using the individual writing styles of the human authors, the Holy Spirit perfectly guided them to ensure they wrote precisely what He wanted written, without error or omission (2 Peter 1:21).

Section 2: God
We believe in one God, who is Creator of all (Deuteronomy 6:4; Colossians 1:16), who has revealed Himself in three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14), yet who is one in being, essence, and glory (John 10:30). God is eternal (Psalm 90:2), infinite (1 Timothy 1:17), and sovereign (Psalm 93:1). God is omniscient (Psalm 139:1-6), omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-13), omnipotent (Revelation 19:6), and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), just (Deuteronomy 32:4), and righteous (Exodus 9:27). God is love (1 John 4:8), gracious (Ephesians 2:8), merciful (1 Peter 1:3), and good (Romans 8:28).

Section 3: Jesus Christ
We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is God incarnate, God in human form, the expressed image of the Father, who, without ceasing to be God, became man in order that He might demonstrate who God is and provide the means of salvation for humanity (Matthew 1:21; John 1:18; Colossians 1:15).

- Psalm 25:15-18

As believers, we have a Father who loves us. He desires the best for us. We're part of a large spiritual family with many brothers and sisters. But sometimes we still feel lonely. This can happen even when there's no major crisis in our lives.

Our greatest loneliness comes from a separation from the Father. This is a spiritual problem. The source is sin. We experience a break in our close fellowship with the Lord when we disobey Him and go our own way.

The remedy is confession. Confession leads to restored intimacy with God. If we refuse to admit our sin, the separation grows worse.

Busyness and preoccupation with earthly affairs also cause this isolation. Sometimes we push aside time with God to fulfill our obligations. We might focus so heavily on daily living that we ignore Him. To overcome loneliness, spend time reconnecting with God through His Word. Take in the knowledge of His deep, abiding love. Meditate on His great promises.

Being in harmony with God renews our purpose and energy for life causing that sense of isolation to lessen. Hope replaces discouragement. Our focus turns from "self" to others.

It's important to reconnect with people. So, look for opportunities to encourage, serve, love, and support those around you. Intimacy with the Lord is both the antidote to loneliness and protection from it.

Thanks (^_^)

Ocha Samohito

F R E E !

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36, ESV).

Several years ago, a man expressed his gratitude that he was imprisoned, because he was able to have time in reading the Bible. I would say he was behind bars, but he was "free indeed"!

Paul wrote, "For freedom Christ has set us free..." (Gal. 5:1.)

Others would claim that Christ has set everyone "free." But, many who are even outside the prison bars were enslaved by wrong habits, sinful desires, evil practices, or by teachings or ideas of man.

There's a tendency for the natural man to believe that he's free -- even promoting more the idea that we are free to determine our final end than to emphasize the need to have our faith in Jesus to secure our glorious end.

During the time of Christ here on earth, the Jews told Him: "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?" (John 8:33.)

Is there mouse in the house?

Most all Christians go through some sort of spiritual warfare in life. The intensity of an attack can temp us to run and hide in fear. Jesus faced several incidents of spiritual warfare during His earthly ministry, such as His encounter with the devil in the wilderness.
Before His ascension into heaven, He descended into hell, took the keys out from Satan's hand, and set captivity free. So why are some of us running in fear from a devil that doesn't even have the keys to his house any more?

BIG GOD.

Two men went fishing. One was an experienced fisherman, the other wasn't. Every time the experienced fisherman caught a big fish, he put it in his ice chest to keep it fresh. Whenever the inexperienced fisherman caught a big fish, he threw it back. The experienced fisherman watched this go on all day.

God Of This City (Japanese)

LIFE IS A SERIES OF PROBLEM-SOLVING OPPORTUNITIES

The problems you face will either defeat you or develop you - depending on how you respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives. They react foolishly and resent their problems rather than pausing to consider what benefit they might bring.