We All Deserve To Die...

We all deserve to die, but in what manner and how soon.

As I was watching Scorpion King 2 the other day I caught this quote from the evil Sargon as he was about to fight his enemy. I couldn’t help but to agree with what he said that “we all deserve to die.”

Having realized that my life here on earth is not permanent and that death is certain, I am encouraged to live every second of my life and to make it count for something. I know that everyone will die one day and then move on to judgment but I didn’t know that we all actually deserve to die until now.

Yes, we deserve to die.

Why?

Simple, because our permanent residence is not here on planet earth, it is in heaven with God.

Once we truly truly know and accept this truth, I can guarantee that you will be living your life a whole new different way. Many things won’t matter anymore and certain things will matter more than before. Little and petty stuff won’t bother you anymore and your concern will be more towards stuff that really matters. Silly affairs won’t dwell in your mind no more and you will treasure every good memory. Losing certain things won’t cause you pain and hurt anymore and gaining certain things will be of higher priority.

Once you know this simple truth that is shadowed by the things not of God, you will live your life differently and you will say, “There must to be more to life than this.”

But in what manner and how soon.

We can actually choose the manner we want to die but not the time. The time we die is in the hands of God but in our hands is how we die. Whether we die having accomplished what needs to be done or not is up to us. I want to choose to die having known that I have served my purpose in my generation and my time.

I want to die saying in the words of Jesus, “It is finished.”

I want to die saying in the words of Paul, “I am already poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Embrace Change

Whether we like it or not, change is coming upon us, upon the whole world, and change is always around and always doing its work.

Yesterday the world watched as the most powerful man on earth was sworn in as Mr. President of the United States of America at the presidential inauguration. As he gave his speech, the world watched and listened intently. The Americans were lifted up with new hope when Barack Obama became the 44th President of America and the first black president in history.

The world now lies in wait at what Obama will do in the coming days, months and years. We are hoping for world peace, for love and justice, for mutual understanding and communication. We are looking towards this man to do and give us what we hope for.

Many, if not all, of us are hoping for Obama to change this world into a better dwelling place for all humankind.

But will the world be a better place?

For as long as man has his own dreams, desires and passions, the world will still be in chaos.

However you have your part to play to make a change, or at least to try to make a change. The President of the United States can only do this much, the things that he cannot do you can do. All of us play a role in transforming this world into a world where love is the centre of living things. You may not be a big man to do big things. If you believe in a big God you will be able to do big things bigger than a big man can do.

Change, for better or for worse, has come, is here and will be coming. You are part of every little factor that causes these changes. Whether you rise up to answer your true calling in life or you continue to do what you want and desire, change will still come and change will come as a result of your choices.

A famous quote goes;
“You have to be the change you want to see in the world.”

Barack Obama Is Now President

God bless the United States of America...

I watched the Inauguration ceremony live just now. So thrilled.

KAKA, A Testimony Not To Be Overlooked.

KAKA may be the man to fire Manchester City to glory but it will be nothing compared to the impact he has already had on millions of people.

The AC Milan star has given the green light to a staggering £243million switch to Eastlands.

But the Brazilian says football plays second fiddle in a life which has been devoted to Christianity.

Just weeks ago he became involved with the Billy Graham organisation in a TV campaign which had an astonishing effect in his homeland. It was nationally reported that:
- Hundreds of people were freed from demonic possession.
- Hardened criminals turned to Christianity in their thousands.
- Many more were cured of booze and drug addictions.
- A former voodoo princess turned to Christ.

As the campaign launched, Kaka told millions: “I truly cannot imagine my life without Christ."

“Everything I have accomplished, everything I have done in my life was because God has a plan and purpose for my life.

“The Bible says He will do more than we ever thought or imagined, and this is truly how it has been.

“If God wasn’t in my life, then my life certainly would not be like this.”

The Brazilian’s faith in God has been broadcast across the world via an iconic picture of him on his knees celebrating a goal and showing a T-shirt which proclaims, ‘I belong to Jesus.’

Kaka, 26, has won a World Cup and the Champions League as well as been named FIFA World Player of the Year.

But he told 10 million fellow Brazilians that nothing compared with the peace of knowing and serving Christ.

He said: “I have been named best soccer player in the world. This for me was a great honour. But the greatest honour is serving Jesus Christ, because he gives me hope.”

Such is the depth of the star’s faith he refused to have sex before his marriage to Caroline.

He said: “I am a great example. The majority of people say after marriage, they don’t like jumping into bed with their partner because there is no desire.

“However, this is not true, my wife is the person I love and it was worth waiting.

“A lot of people were surprised and shocked with me but I think it’s the best decision. I am an evangelist and I believe in those values.

“I think people need to prevent themselves from making love before marriage. Everyone has their opinion but I think it was worth the wait.”

The Brazilian’s faith in the Almighty was strengthened immensely in 2000 when he fractured his neck after cracking his head on the bottom of a swimming pool. Kaka said: “That helped shape me, principally as a person, but as a player too.

“It was a time in which I learned you have to give your best every single day because the next day you might not be able.

“The doctors said I was very lucky, that I could have been paralysed. But I think it was God — He saved me from something worse.

“I had gone to visit my grandparents in Caldas Novas in Brazil and I slipped on a swimming pool slide.

“When I fell into the water I hit my head on the bottom of the pool and twisted my neck, which caused a fracture of a vertebra.

“All I knew was that anyone with a broken neck would be disabled for life. The doctor told me I would not be able to play for at least three months, then they would be able to tell if I was going to fully recover.

“But after two months the injury had healed and I was able to resume my football career. That was when I knew God was looking after me and that He was on my side.”

Kaka says one of the chief influences on his footballing life has been Chelsea boss Phil Scolari.

He said: “When I was just 20 he took me to the World Cup in 2002 and gave me the opportunity to be a champion which was very important.”

And Kaka believes if he is to move to City, it will be thanks to a higher power.

He said: “If things happen it’s because God has prepared me. God has great things for us. If it’s God’s will that I be there, there I will be.”

Taken from http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article2141368.ece

For the previous devotional topics posted recently this month, click on the links below.

1. Be The Best Violet You Can Be
2. Storm Shapes The Mighty Oak
3. Time To Stop
4. Leave Your Tents And See The Stars

Blessed Birthday, Dear Friend.

My good buddy Simon Kong celebrated his 19th Birthday last week on the 7th of January. Jolene and I gave him a "surprise" visit and brought him a 2kg cake chocolate cream cake haha. So sweet of us =) just kidding hehe.

After singing and eating cake we went to the movies and watched Outlander. Not bad la the movie but very similiar to one movie that came out not too long ago.

Simon is a an irritating and sometimes annoying guy. But I admire his love and passion for God. We will both be taking Psychology degree in HELP University College, Damansara this year after we finish our Foundation Stuidies in HICT Klang. So yea, there is like another 2-3 more years with this King Kong (this is the nickname we gave him in college)

Simon, Blessed Birthday and may we celebrate more in the coming days. Be strong and courageous and do what you think is the right thing to do. Only one life, remember.

God bless.

The 2kg cake.

Happy Birthday to ME... =)

Aww so sweet... Mother and son =D

Zlwin promoting GY Camp 2008 T-Shirt haha. Anyone wants to buy one? There is still some available! =D

=)

Eating like a monster haha.

Be The Best Violet You Can Be...

This little story that I am going to share and expand was taken from a book, Streams in the Desert by J.B. Cowman.

A story is told of a king who went to his garden one morning, only to find everything withered and dying. He asked the oak tree that stood near the gate what the trouble was. The oak said it was tired of life and was determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine tree. The pine was troubled because it could not bear grapes like the grapevine. The grapevine was determined to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and produce fruits as large as peaches. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac.

And so it went throughout the garden. Yet coming to a violet, the king found its face as bright and happy as ever and said, “Well, Violet, I’m glad to find one brave little flower in the midst of this discouragement. You don’t seem to be the least disheartened.” The violet responded, “No, I’m not. I know I’m small, yet I thought if you wanted an oak or a pine or a peach tree or even a lilac, you would have planted one. Since I knew you wanted a violet, I’m determined to be the best little violet I can be.”

Others may do a greater work,
But you have your part to do;
And no one in all God’s family
Can do it as well as you.

__________________________________________________________

God has given us abilities, skills and talents to do things that He wants us to do. He has given us the capacity to add more knowledge into our arsenal. We are called to do one thing but to do that one thing in different ways. So do not be envious of others who seem to have “more” and who seem to be able to do “more”. You have your own ability to work at your own capacity.

Philippians 4:11
I have learnt to be content whatever the circumstances.

Paul wrote that above sentence while being locked up in a prison cell. He was a simple man; he had neither riches nor special talents. He was your ordinary guy and if he was here today you could actually mistaken him for a beggar or maybe a retard because of his outer appearance. But what he had in him made him stood up among the rest in ministry. He was the forefront man who spearheaded missions and also church planting. He was the man who wrote more than half of the New Testament books. He was the man who met kings and queens and was hunted by oppositions group. He was basically THE man.

But how many of us recognize those who were with him and supporting him throughout all the years of ministry?

There were people in the background doing what they were good at. Paul had friends who helped him to flee from his enemies. He had friends who were in the prison with him praying and singing. He had friends who spend hours at home praying and intercessing for him. He had people providing him with money to eat and continue his ministry.

Whatever Paul accomplished, he did it with the help of other people who were doing what they were called to do. At the end of the day when they meet God, those who did the background work will still get their rewards and praises.

So be what you are called to be and do what you are called to do.

In His Service,
Zlwin Chew

Storm Shapes The Mighty Oak

Life’s troubles and challenges may sometimes sweep over us so suddenly like a storm. And most of the time it takes us by surprise when we are most vulnerable and not prepared. Some sees the formation of little storms but to them it is insignificant because of its size but it will soon be so large it overwhelms us and covers the whole sky above us.

Let’s admit it, we do not like storms. We know that physical storms causes massive damages to buildings and in the sea, it destroys ships and vessels and tears them apart if the ship is not strong enough. We pray for all kinds of good things to happen to us but how often do we pray and allow God to create storms in our lives.

Is it necessary?

Storms are God’s way of equipping us for greater challenges. A ship that is presumed to be strong can only be tested when the storm comes. And when the storm comes, she will know her true strength and only then will she make herself stronger. When no storms come, the ship will remain as it is, thinking that she is strong.

Take a look at the mighty oak tree. When God wants an oak tree, He will plant it where storms will shake it and where heavy rain will pour down on it. It is only in the midnight battle with the powerful elements that the oak tree develops its rugged fiber and becomes the king of the forest. Through the storms and rains, it beats itself to stand under such pressure. In the storm, the tree pushes itself to plant its root deeper into the ground to gain more strength and stability. The storms and rain will then form and shape the mighty oak tree.



When a storm sweeps over an area, it destroys all the things that are weak and useless. The storm reveals both the weakness and also the strength. The things that survive the storm have then proven its strength. The storm cleanses.

When God wants to make a person, He places him into storms. It is in the storm that he gets beaten and brought down and it is in the storm where he learns to stand up under it and to overcome the element. It is in the storm that his weakness is made known to him. It is when the storm is too overwhelming that he will learn to cry out to God and say, “Lord, I can’t do this on my own. I need You!” and it is in the storm where he feels the warmth of God’s embrace. It is in the storm that he looks up to see God’s hand creating a shelter for him. It is in the storm where he learns to trust in God and to rely on God. It is in the storm that he is shaped.

It is through the storm that he comes out strong, mighty and powerful.

Job 23:10
But He knows the way that I take, when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

1 Peter 5:10
After you have suffered a little while, God will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

When the oceans rise and thunders roar,
I will soar with You above the storm,
Father, You are King over the flood,
I will be still and know You are God.

Click here to hear this beautiful song entitled Still.

*The pictures in this post were not taken by me. I grabbed them from Google.

Time To Stop

A little girl and her father went out for a bicycle adventure one day. The little girl has been riding for quite awhile now and she loves the bicycle. So that day they decided to tackle the hill behind their house with their bicycles.

Father and daughter sat atop the descent and looked down it. To that little girl, it was Mount Everest. “You sure you want to try?” the father asked.

“I think so,” she gulped.

“Just put on your brakes when you want to stop. Don’t forget your brakes.”

“Okay.”

Her father went down midpoint and waited. Down she came. The bicycle began to pick up speed. The handles began to shake. Her eyes got big. Her pedals moved in a blur. As she raced past her father she screamed, “I can’t remember how to stop pedaling!”

And she crashed into a curb.

If we do not know how to stop, it can be disastrous. It is true on bicycles. It is true in life.

Sometimes doing something seem to be okay and alright because “It has always been like that. So why bother changing?” We are rather stubborn. We could see that our cycling thus far has achieved nothing. We are still on the same bicycle and on the same track and we do not have the skill to tackle challenging tracks like hills and mountains. But we are stubborn. We continue doing what we want because it has always been done like that.

Until we realize that we need to stop in challenging times like this, we would never be able to achieve anything. All we are doing is just having some fun and enjoying the ride downhill. And once it is time to put on the brakes, we would have forgotten how to. And we would crash. Whether we get up after the fall or not is another matter to think about.

We are going downhill now. It is time to stop and listen. It is time to stop and compromise. It is time to stop and learn. It is time to stop and change course.

It is time to stop before we crash.

2009 Theme

FRUITFUL IN THE MIDST OF AFFLICTION

John 15:16
You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you to bear fruits - fruits that will last.

Genesis 41:52
The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

About Zlwin Chew

He is a person who is sold out for Jesus. Nothing can move him once he has set his mind on doing and achieving something. Once he is set for one thing, no one can tell him otherwise. He blogs, but he blogs differently. The world blogs about themselves, nothing but me, myself and I. But Zlwin Chew blogs his God. He believes that a blog is a powerful medium in which one can tell the world about what He, Himself and God has done in me, meself and I. God needs to be glorified, even online. The world needs to hear what it does not want to hear but need to hear. The world need to know what it does not want to know but need to know.

Zlwin Chew is also a magician who has a heart and passion to enhance his Gospel sharing with the aid of magical effects and illusions. His magic portfolio can be found at www.zlwinmagic.blogspot.com

He loves photography as well. Stopping time is everyone's dream but only the camera can do it. Capturing every moment in pictures is Zlwin's passion. His photography blog can be found at www.zlwinchew.blogspot.com

He is radical. He wants to be radical. He wants to be different. Because everyone thinks outside of the box, he thinks inside of the box. He is different. And he does not care how people view him. He only cares how God views him. Zlwin Chew is a Jesus Freak.

And he dare you to do something radical. He dare you to...

BLOG GOD...

.