A spring is a water resource formed when the side of a hill, a valley bottom or other excavation intersects a flowing body of groundwater at or below the local water table, below which the subsurface material is saturated with water. A spring is the result of an aquifer being filled to the point that the water overflows onto the land surface. They range in size from intermittent seeps, which flow only after much rain, to huge pools flowing hundreds of millions of gallons daily.
Still other springs are the result of pressure from an underground source in the earth, in the form of volcanic activity. The result can be water at elevated temperature such as a hot spring.
Springs are often classified by the volume of the water they discharge. The largest springs are called “first-magnitude”, defined as springs that discharge water at a rate of at least 2800 liters or 100 cubic feet (2.8 m3) of water per second.
Fontaine de Vaucluse or Spring of Vaucluse in France discharges about 470 million US gallons (1,800,000 m3) of water per day at a rate of 727 cubic feet (21 m3) per second.
Wow. This Spring of Vaucluse makes “never thirst” sound very possible indeed.
13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
First of all, verse 6 and 7 was in my mind this morning. I’m not really doing well emotionally these days. I’m upset. I don’t have faith in myself. I’m failing in certain (big important) areas in life. But here I’m reminded that I’ve got to pray and put my trust and faith in a God that is in control and who wants ONLY the BEST for His children. I’m really really looking forward for this peace of God, not just any peace, that is more than all that we can imagine. These few things I’ve got to face right now, sigh… is not too easy. Career, other humans to deal with, responsibilities. I want to be in control. But I’m more glad that God is in control. That’s the simple faith I have now. And it’s all I have.
Secondly, verses 4 and 5 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”
That’s a great reminder for me to be joyful and hopeful in God no matter what I’m facing. To refocus not on the tiny details that seem scare me, but on the weight of Glory of Jesus who has overcame, and will come back again soon. Changing my selfish, human, carnal mindset, to a kingdom-expectant mindset. And to remember that we are on God’s winning side! He picked us and allowed us to share in this glory. That’s reason enough to rejoice.
Thirdly, after being reminded to put my faith and trust in God and to pray, and after being reminded to change our mindset and rejoice! Then there is verse 8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ”
It’s like Paul is telling me “No matter what you’re going through, whatever you’re thinking, whatever you’re worrying about or wondering, STOP THINKING IT.”
I need to spend my time looking to God’s face and glory. And seek His presence. And look for evidence that He is real, because He is always showing His glory and truth and miracles but I’m not always looking out for it. Just like a man who just needs to spend every last second he can with his lover. Just like a son who wants to enjoy the presence of his father on the dinner table. I want to enjoy the presence of my wonderful and beautiful God again.
It’s like God is saying, “Think about Me! Think about things that matter! Know that I love you. Be sure that Jesus has saved you for a greater purpose. Be sure that I will send my angels to protect you. Be sure that you have the Holy Spirit to guide to give you life and power. Be pure and compassionate in your thoughts towards others. Take my wisdom and instructions seriously. I have revealed to you and your brethren what I have not revealed to others, meditate on it.”
Aaron, be at peace, because God is your focus.
Kekuatan di jiwaku, ketenangan batinku
Ada dalam hadirat-Mu, kumenyembah-Mu
Tersungkurku di kaki-Mu, rasakan hadirat-Mu
Tak ‘kan kumelepaskan-Mu, Kau cahaya bagiku
Mengiring-Mu seumur hidupku, masuk dalam rencana-Mu Bapa
Pikiranku, kehendakku, kuserahkan pada-Mu
Harapanku hanya di dalam-Mu, kukan teguh bersama-Mu Tuhan
Jadikanku bejana-Mu untuk memuliakan-Mu
Spoiler Alert: I am not talking about Marvel Inhumans in any way. (Spoiler Alert II: I may in the future though)
Acts 1:3 During the forty days after [Jesus] suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.
Joey has challenged me to blog my devotion again. So here it is.
Acts 1 is quite interesting. It reminded me that it was Dr Luke and not Apostle Paul who wrote this book. And that it’s written to an individual named Theophilus, not written to the early church. A common Aaron misconception.
This particular verse got me thinking 1. This really is Jesus who came back from the dead. Before Jesus died (you can find His story in the book of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John), you can’t stop Him from talking about the Kingdom of God / Kingdom of Heaven. And now that He’s back from the dead, what do you find Him talking about? The Kingdom of God. Yup, it’s Jesus alright.
But from that thought came this pretty opposing question: don’t people who come back from the dead become quite different people? At least that’s what I’ve learned from years of tv and movies. You’ve got to change after experiencing the horror of death and the grace of life. Also your perception of life and limited time will definitely change certain characters and attitudes you have. And I have read that when people have died and come back to life, even for a few seconds, most of them do remember some sort of otherworldly experience. That’s gotta change you somehow. Yet, Jesus didn’t change. My conclusion is, either He didn’t die. Or 2. He’s was God. Being God means He’s had the right perspective from the start. It wasn’t new to Him, nor it didn’t change His plan, nor did it shake His faith.
This again sparked another thought that 3. The Kingdom of God must be something worth understanding if you can’t shut Jesus up about it. I don’t know about you, but the Kingdom of God is not something that is easy for me to understand. I’m still learning, and I hope to know more and more each day. For now, I do know it is about God’s original plan for us to be in God’s house and in His presence, worshiping and being in His path and His plans. And being Kingdom minded is to be like Jesus. Always doing things for the benefit of God, and always loving people from God’s perspective, and doing everything written in the bible to be an effective and powerful Christian. No pressure. I’m pretty sure that’s why Jesus kept talking about it. Because it’s hard to understand (since it’s against our natural mindset), and it’s hard to do (so He had to be the living human example).
This Kingdom mindset concept has been in my mind these few weeks. I have to say, really having a Kingdom mindset means changing everything about ourselves. We will technically be superhuman. Do comment and let me know what you think about this.
Acts 1 is so interesting even at the first 3 verses. I hope to share my thoughts more often.
1 Timothy 6:6-12 (NKJV)
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timotius 6:6-12 (AVB)
6 Kesalihan yang disertai dengan rasa puas membawa keuntungan besar.
7 Kita tidak membawa apa-apa ke dalam dunia ini, dan pasti sekali kita tidak dapat membawa apa-apa apabila kita meninggalkannya.
8 Oleh itu, jika kita ada pakaian dan makanan, kita harus berasa puas.
9 Orang yang mahu kaya tergoda dan terperangkap oleh pelbagai keinginan yang sia-sia dan berbahaya, yang menjerumuskannya ke dalam kerosakan dan kemusnahan.
10 Cinta akan wang punca segala kejahatan. Sesetengah orang memburu wang dengan begitu tamaknya sampaikan tersesat daripada iman dan akhirnya menanggung berbagai-bagai kesengsaraan jiwa.
11 Tetapi kamu, wahai hamba Allah, jauhilah segala ini. Amalkanlah kebenaran, kesalihan, iman, kasih, kesabaran dan sikap lemah lembut.
12 Berjuanglah dalam perjuangan iman yang benar. Berpegang teguhlah kepada hidup kekal; kepada hidup itulah kamu telah dipanggil ketika kamu membuat pengakuan yang benar di hadapan saksi yang ramai.
Hope I’m not too lovey dovey over here. Don’t want to offend anyone.
Wait.
Nah I don’t care.
I’m so happy that Joey’s mom has finally accepted me into her family and allowed me to date her daughter officially.
It’s really scary. To meet and talk to the family over dinner (22 Feb 2016) about this relationship and what it means to me. To announce to ministry leaders (5 days after that) that we want to be accountable and be responsible for our decisions and actions (proves that we’re over the puppy love stage) (or maybe not haha).
God has definitely been with us and I pray that He will continue to be with us throughout.
This two weeks has definitely been a roller coaster of craziness. But it’s really great to see that people who mean alot to me really do love me and support me. I guess God is really with me on this one. Joey has been a really great great support in life, and a great prayer partner for getting closer to God. And I’m really happy to see the even our family members are supportive of us. I’m so shy! But yeah, it’s great.
I had to overcome lots of fears and do lots of things I’ve never done before these past few months (since she’s my first girlfriend, ever). It has been really great.
And right when we are officially together, we get physically separated. She’s joining a 3 month bible and ministry program in Tung Ling Seminary in Subang. I did it 3 years ago. I met lots of great friends for life through this. So I know she will too. It’ll be great and awesome! She’ll love it. I know she will.
How am I doing, some of you are asking. Thanks for asking. Well. I’m okay for now. I guess reality hasn’t sunk in yet. Other than that, I’m really excited for Joey to get closer to God than she already is.
(if I seem emotionally unstable these few days, you know why)
For those of you who still read this blog, thank you so much!
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.
6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.7 Don’t participate in the things these people do.8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.
10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them,14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,
“Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”
Living by the Spirit’s Power
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I’m picking up the pieces
I’m trying out adhesives
I’m trying to fix a place that feels broken
All my words they fail me
My voices don’t avail me
I’m trying to say the hope that’s unspoken
Is this the world you want?
Is this the world you want?
You’re making it
Every day you’re alive
Is this the world you want?
Is this the world you want?
You’re making it
The world feels so malicious
With all our hits and misses
Feels like we’re in the business of rust
It’s when I stop to listen
All the moments I’ve been missing
I finally hear a voice I can trust
Is this the world you want?
Is this the world you want?
You’re making it
Every day you’re alive
Is this the world you want?
Is this the world you want?
You’re making it
Every day you’re alive
You change the world
You change the world
You change the world
Every day you’re alive
You change the world
Honey, you change the world
You change my world
You start to look like what you believe
You float through time like a stream
If the waters of time are made up by you and I
If you change the world for you, you change it for me
What you say is your religion
How you say it’s your religion
Who you love is your religion
How you love is your religion
All your science, your religion
All your hatred, your religion
All your wars are your religion
Every breath is your religion yea
Is this the world you want?
Is this the world you want?
You’re making it
Every day you’re alive
Is this the world you want?
Is this the world you want?
You’re making it
Every day you’re alive
You change the world
You change the world
You change my world
Every day you’re alive
You change my world
Honey, you change my world
You change my world
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 1:1
Romans 12 has always been a special chapter for me. Mostly because it houses a few of my all time favourite verses. Here’s what I think of the first verse.
Beseech
Beseech is like a pleading. Imploring. An urgent and deep request.
Mercies of God
‘By the mercies of God’. For me this is like saying ‘according to how much God has allowed you to be blessed to’ or ‘to endure’ or ‘to give’.
Living Sacrifice
Here’s a typical war movie scene. A small team of good guys are being chased by an army of baddies with big guns. One of the good guys get injured and says ‘don’t bring me along, I’ll only be a burden. Leave me here. I’ll slow them down’. After the emotional scene, the good guys leave and turn the corner just in time as the bad guys turn up. They have a shoot out with this hero. But the hero gets killed. And as the baddies rush past the hero’s dead body to catch up with the good guys, the hero unclenches his fist with a grenade in his hand. It explodes and kills off even more of the baddies.
This hero is the sacrifice. He sacrificed himself. But he had to die. A death sacrifice.
A living sacrifice actually sounds like an oxymoron. Yet, I think it makes sense. Because God deserves more than just a death sacrifice. A death sacrifice is easy. You just feel for the people you leave behind – for a short moment – then it’s all gone.
A livingsacrifice demands more out of us. Our life involves a lot more than our death. In life there is growth. There is learning. There are responsibilities. There are people. There’s time. There are wants and desires. There’s love. There’s abilities and skills. There’s health. There’s emotion. There are worries and fears. There are beliefs and ideas. There’s personality. There’s wealth and material things. There’s hope. Well, that’s a lot to constantly let go of.
How do we then become a living sacrifice? For me, it’s to be constantly aware of what we do. And to constantly decide to obey God. Now that is what I call difficult.
Imagine your time, your relationships, your priorities, your energy, your skills, your personality, your actions, your thoughts, all spent on someone else. It’s almost like when you have a girlfriend or a baby. Your whole life will be devoted to this person that you love. Except, for God, it’s more complete. Our whole life is required. Everything? Everything. Now that’s tough.
Then, if devoted properly, if what we decide and do is what God desires, we will be holy. Holy just means right before God’s eyes. Clean. Sin is the opposite which means wrong before God’s eyes. When we are holy, it will be acceptable to God.
Reasonable Service
In Greek, the word ‘reasonable’ is ‘logikos’. As in Rational or Logical. Being a living sacrifice is the logical thing to do. After what Jesus has done, after knowing who God is, knowing what an amazing life and path He has set us on right now, and knowing that His love for us is the reason for everything, it will be irrational and illogical to not give your whole life and being as a sacrifice to God! It will be irrational and illogical not to love God!
If you’re asking ‘So who is God?’ and ‘What kind of path did He set us on now?’, you’re asking the right question. The bible is filled to the brim with God’s character and God’s promises and God’s plan for us. And also very importantly, who we are to God. So start reading the bible now! If you need help, drop me a message or just comment below.
So these are thoughts I have when I read this verse. That’s all for now.
There is hope. We can be fixed. 