Monday, September 11, 2017

Reflection - A farewell note

Source (book): "Faithful to the end", Chapter 1, Question 3, Page 10.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


A farewell note
PHOTO: A farewell note
A dying man's words are very significant. He would say the most important things. The focus would be on the key truths and messages. It is easy to be distracted in a world that is rushing into destruction with most of the human race not realising it. People are busy pursuing a significance that is not enduring, a happiness that is elusive, and a peace that is absent in the world. The needs are all gathered around the central spiritual need to know and to be known by Christ. Salvation, Relationship with Jesus Christ and storing treasures in heaven remain some of our main focus. By the grace of God, it would be wonderful if each of us would end our earthly race in the celestial city as graced people who had been faithful to the end. [1a]
Picture posted by Jonathan Goldstein
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https://i.cbc.ca/1.3196183.1439998813!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_1180/a-farewell-message-from-wiretap.jpg
http://www.cbc.ca/radio/wiretap/a-farewell-message-1.3195305


Imagine you are in a situation where you have to write a farewell note. To whom would you write it and what would be the contents? Try writing this farewell note. After the exercise, reflect on what it reveals about yourself.

Imagine you are in a situation where you have to write a farewell note. To whom would you write it and what would be the contents? Try writing this farewell note.

My dear family (niece, nephew, brother, sister and sister-in-laws), relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues (new or former) and people of the world (whoever you are),

Allow me to share with you the following. Please note that they are not in order of importance.


Store treasures in heaven
PHOTO: Store treasures in heaven
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20)
Picture posted by Rick Warren on 30 August 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVmdsXTyD95CvmMjcKcZU0HaO_68HbX_6p594CwrLVMB4x4hZLkSBk9JgdXWTPvZ-YFRBmASHsz6I7ut1q-AgqCBHUESV0vNzdmcwcFVVoXDMWHIobOcKQkXuyEqBPW9sMDcUQP_L9nk/s1600/02-21-15-financial-fitness-how-can-you-store-your-treasure-up-in-heaven_mini.jpg
https://i2.wp.com/rickwarren.org/images/default-source/Devotional-Images/02-21-15-financial-fitness-how-can-you-store-your-treasure-up-in-heaven_mini.jpg
https://walkingwithmysaviourchrist.wordpress.com/2015/08/30/motivate-me-how-can-you-store-up-treasure-in-heaven/


Store treasures in heaven
Treasures do not only refer to money but also our gifts, talents, skills, time, relationship, and other resources God entrusted to us.

Our worldly concept regarding wealth has been to put in our best efforts to earn as much as possible for our daily bread and butter. Investors will tell us to invest in long-term and value-based products to acquire more wealth so that we can have more to spend. Still others may encourage us to set up business to earn big so that we can have long holidays and more comfortable lifestyles. Many others are not satisfied with the current position, and would like to climb up the ladder so as to achieve higher status and to enjoy other worldly powers. Maybe it is alright to strive to become better and better, but whatever acquired and accumulated would still be  for our usage in this world which we would one day leave behind. We have totally neglect to save for the future and eternal home in heaven. How to do this? Warren Buffett, the world’s greatest investor and richest person has the answer. [2]
 

Whatever wealth acquired and accumulated would still be for our usage in this world which we would one day leave behind.
PHOTO: Whatever wealth acquired and accumulated would still be for our usage in this world which we would one day leave behind. We have totally neglect to save for the future and eternal home in heaven.
Picture by Deyveone, shutterstock.com
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http://image.shutterstock.com/z/stock-photo-greed-for-money-skeleton-389192887.jpg
https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/greed-money-skeleton-389192887


Warren Buffett at age 20 saved $9,400 (about $100k in today’s money), set out to invest it using his  "Warren Buffett Way" philosophy. He increased his net worth to $62 billion, making him the richest person in the world followed by the Microsoft mogul, Bill Gates. On 25 July 1996, Warren Buffett held a press conference and announced without any hesitation that his intention was to give 99% of his net worth to the second richest man in the world, Bill Gates. It was always Buffett and his wife Susan’s plan for him to make as much money as he could, and then for her to not spend it, but give it all away to worthy causes. [2]
 

Warren Buffett and his wife Susan planned for him to make as much money as he could, and then for her to not spend it, but give it all away to worthy causes.
PHOTO: Warren Buffett and his wife Susan planned for him to make as much money as he could, and then for her to not spend it, but give it all away to worthy causes. Susan joined the board of directors of the holding and became the head of the Buffett Foundation, where she was engaged in charity. Susan Buffett died in 2004 due to laryngeal cancer. A few years later, at the end of the summer of 2016, Warren Buffett decided to marry long-known Astrid (Susan's friend, born in the USSR). Warren Buffett has three children from Susan. Daughter Susan Alice (born in 1953), the older son Howard Graham (born in 1954), and the younger Peter Andrew (born in 1958).
Picture posted by Hoang Hanh
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https://phamleuyen.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/buffett-couple.jpg
https://phamleuyen.wordpress.com/2011/08/24/warren-buffet-nh%E1%BB%AFng-cu%E1%BB%99c-hon-nhan-khong-binh-th%C6%B0%E1%BB%9Dng/


Buffett’s unwavering philosophy was to put his money where it will do "the most good" for the long term, and put it with the people who have the same definition of "the most good" as he do. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation had already proven that they knew what money was for, and how to use it as a force for good in the world, by donating hundreds of millions and billions of dollars to a long list of charities, including the global eradication of polio, child vaccination efforts, HIV research, and neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy.  Buffett’s wisdom is in line with biblical principles. The gifts, talents, skills, time, money, relationship, and other resources God entrusted to him were invested for His kingdom work. Buffett were laying up treasure in heaven, and being rich toward God (1 Peter 4:10-11). [2]
 

Bill and Melinda Gates control more than $40 billion under the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
PHOTO: Bill and Melinda Gates control more than $40 billion under the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Gates’ net worth today sits at $87.4 billion (on 28 January 2016). Since stepping down as CEO of Microsoft in 2000, Gates has shifted his focus to global philanthropy. He and his wife Melinda run one of the most powerful charitable organisations in the world, controlling an endowment of more than $40 billion. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation regularly donates millions to causes in agricultural development, emergency relief, urban poverty, global health, and education. The foundation made its largest single donation ever in 2014 — a $50 million gift to fight the spread Ebola in West Africa.
Picture posted by Tanza Loudenback on 28 January 2016 at 6:29 AM
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https://static.businessinsider.com/image/56a8f07fc08a8017028bce46/image.jpg?_ga=2.138466225.341920853.1504691015-1418077405.1504691015
https://www.businessinsider.com.au/bill-gates-richest-2016-1


Whatever we invest in the kingdom of God will be waiting for us when we get there, along with the commendation that we all desire: “Well done good servant!” (Luke 19:11–27).

When we live sacrificially for Jesus’ sake or serve Him by serving the body of Christ, we store up treasure in heaven. Even seemingly small acts of service do not go unnoticed by God. "And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42 NKJV). [3]
 

And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.
PHOTO: "And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42 NKJV)
Picture posted by Daily Scriptures and Good Thoughts on 21 May 2013 - A Cup of Cold Water
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaOco_eKgKGLacBXZsH3hBdhvZhtNWojtyuEzP54WRPFzEWgIxDioxw16PXY0SUBLQTZkbvNGAd4c3G9X9ygoGpdKciNtUu_F4E1qyggYurz2MLXzminOkUeyGee6F8l_4Cu_l183h8o/s1600/cup-of-cold-water-bp.jpg
https://theunfoldingofthyword.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/cup-of-cold-water-bp.jpg
https://theunfoldingofthyword.wordpress.com/category/disciple/


Some with more visible gifts (1 Corinthians 12) such as teaching, singing, or playing a musical instrument might be tempted to use their gift for their own glory. Those who use their talents or spiritual gifts coveting the praise of men rather than seeking God’s glory receive their "payment" in full here and now. The applause of men was the extent of the Pharisees’ reward (Matthew 6:16). Why should we work for worldly plaudits (praises), however, when we can have so much more in heaven? [3]
 

The applause of men was the extent of the Pharisees’ reward (Matthew 6:16).
PHOTO: The applause of men was the extent of the Pharisees’ reward (Matthew 6:16). Jesus told them: "Inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (wickedness)." (Matthew 23:27, 28).
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
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https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/502014188/univ/art/502014188_univ_cnt_1_xl.jpg
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/kingdom-in-heart/


"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20)


Store treasures in heaven
PHOTO: Store treasures in heaven
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20)  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Picture posted by Steve Mickelson, Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship – BLCF Church Message for Sunday on 03 May 2015
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-DVaKHLtBefEPe5e_hU7MVo8d3cOfgGYU_1VxHwPbyhsTZnQWcrCSrto6uOPYJUR2N3JK0qNcG7efiCh6bkosE1nzzpteFZT8Yx4zuhtiP-Irzjl9S7oSQoVw1nRkxXmGtOxsStqKk4/s1600/heavenly_treasures.jpg
https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/heavenly_treasures.jpg
https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.wordpress.com/tag/matthew-619-20/


Obtain the passport to heaven (salvation)
It is understood that we need a passport to travel out of our country and enter freely into another country. Some countries may demand for other documents, like Visa. We need to meet certain criteria before we can have the travel documents. One of the requirements is that we are not a wanted criminal with outstanding arrest warrant. We would not be issued with a passport if we are "convicted of a federal or state drug felony and used the passport to cross an international border or if the passport was used in some other way to further the offense. . . .This restriction only lasts while the convicted criminal is imprisoned or on probation/parole." [5] That means if we commit a crime, we need to be punished before we are free to travel again.


Passport to heaven (salvation)

PHOTO: Passport to heaven (salvation)
We must not be a wanted criminal with outstanding arrest warrant before we are eligible for travel passport. We would not be issued with a passport if we are "convicted of a federal or state drug felony and used the passport to cross an international border or if the passport was used in some other way to further the offense. . . .This restriction only lasts while the convicted criminal is imprisoned or on probation/parole."
Picture posted by regalzonophone.com
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http://www.regalzonophone.com/images/NCC%20-%20Passport%20to%20Heaven%20Cassette%20Cover%20Front.jpg
http://www.regalzonophone.com/Player%20New%20Zealand%20-%20NCC%20-%20Passport%20to%20Heaven.htm


This is true for anyone who wants to be in heaven someday. We can never enter heaven unless we have what is required to enter God’s holy and eternal dwelling place. Because God is holy, and hates all sin, He cannot accept anyone into heaven who is defiled by sin. That should make us pause and consider if we are fit to enter into heaven, for all of us must admit that we have sinned. Who says?

God said, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV). If we just look at God’s commandments, which include not lying, not stealing, not committing adultery, and honoring our parents, we would all have to admit at some point we have failed to keep God’s righteous standards, and are guilty sinners.  Some people have been convinced that if they do some good things, like going to church, reading the bible, praying, and helping others, it can earn them a place in heaven. The problem is that none of our good works can take away the guilt of our sin. That means each one of us is guilty before God. No one can claim to be sinless and ready to enter into heaven on their own. [4] So how to go to heaven?


God said, 'For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23 KJV)

PHOTO: God said, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV).
Picture posted by Berean Bible
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https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4cd90b_16772e05ec0e40909d373f62bf3d4f9d.jpg/v1/fill/w_893,h_450,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/4cd90b_16772e05ec0e40909d373f62bf3d4f9d.jpg
https://www.bereanbible7.org/the-bible-way-to-heaven


Some people have been convinced that if they do some good things, like going to church, reading the bible, praying, and helping others, it can earn them a place in heaven.

PHOTO: Some people have been convinced that if they do some good things, like going to church, reading the bible, praying, and helping others, it can earn them a place in heaven. The problem is that none of our good works can take away the guilt of our sin. That means each one of us is guilty before God. No one can claim to be sinless and ready to enter into heaven on their own.
Picture posted by The Gospel of Jesus Christ
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqH4l1-SbcPzN92NFYBXftKHQpa3_kgY4cKoRaotRhyphenhypheniTZrjLfoF_q7zu9fFQpI7wKqby3U8R5x1NWqJCjWNmefW6jQm6NPVdjgqePUygJ4Li29ysyelzVzTNyvq1WWcqLnSQMoR5oz8/s1600/bridge03.gif
http://www.chienworks.com/kelly/gospel/bridge03.gif
http://www.chienworks.com/kelly/gospel/

Salvation (or having the passport to heaven) is actually very simple. The Bible says we must place our trust in Jesus Christ as Lord. "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9 ESV). God sent Jesus, the Son of God, to suffer, receive our punishment for sin, and die in our place. (1 Peter 2:24 NKJV)  By recognizing our sinfulness before God, and accepting Jesus’ sacrifice as payment for our sins, we can have our sins forgiven. [4]




PHOTO: God sent Jesus, the Son of God, to suffer, receive our punishment for sin, and die in our place. (1 Peter 2:24 NKJV)  By recognizing our sinfulness before God, and accepting Jesus’ sacrifice as payment for our sins, we can have our sins forgiven.
Picture posted by The Gospel of Jesus Christ
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http://www.chienworks.com/kelly/gospel/bridge04.gif
http://www.chienworks.com/kelly/gospel/


Man must follow God's path by having faith, And they said, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household.' (Acts 16:31)

PHOTO: Man must follow God's path by having faith, And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31) and believing in Him. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
God will honor man's faith with His goodness. He will give man eternal life. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. (John 6:47) The believer will also become one of God's family. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe His name, (John 1:12).
Picture posted by The Gospel of Jesus Christ
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http://www.chienworks.com/kelly/gospel/bridge05.gif
http://www.chienworks.com/kelly/gospel/


So to enter heaven, take this opportunity to apply for our passport. Accept the free gift of salvation that God offers us through His Son. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." (Acts 16:31 NKJV). [4]


How we can become 100% sure we are going to heaven. Pray the following prayer.
PHOTO: How we can become 100% sure we are going to heaven. Pray the following prayer. [7]
"Dear Lord, I believe in my heart that you raised Jesus from the dead as evidence that you paid the full price for all of my sins. I repent of my sins and I ask you to forgive me for every sin I have ever committed. I confess that Jesus Christ is now the Lord of my life. I invite you to come into my heart now. I surrender my heart and my life to follow you, to live for you, and to obey you from this day forward for the rest of my life. And now, I have done as your word instructed me to do to be saved. So right now, by faith in your word I confess and I believe I am saved. By faith I now know I am saved and going to heaven when I die. By faith in your word I am now 100% sure of it. Thank you Lord God! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.!" [7]

God’s Five Step Plan:
Hear (Romans 10:17), Believe (John 3:16), Repent (Acts 17:30), Confess (Romans 10:10),  Be Baptized (Mark 16:15; Acts 2:38).
Picture posted by Anjali Herford
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http://images.slideplayer.com/12/3580698/slides/slide_8.jpg
http://slideplayer.com/slide/3580698/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2016/11/reflection-preparing-for-end.html
 

We are now promised with certainty, and 100% guaranteed of a place in heaven.


Have a relationship with Jesus Christ

PHOTO: Have a relationship with Jesus Christ
"See! I will not forget you; I have carved you on the palm of My hand." (Isaiah 49:16) As soon as we have the passport to heaven, we become children of God. The Holy Spirit will begin to work on our hearts. The Holy Spirit became available to all who earnestly seek to receive Him. He is the one who lives in the hearts of believers and never leaves. He counsels us, teaches us truths, and changes our hearts. [6]
Picture saved by geny hazan to Holy Words
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https://i.pinimg.com/originals/83/aa/1a/83aa1ad6fdb2362bf03815c3e4caced9.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/477451997969254924/?lp=true


Have a relationship with Jesus Christ
As soon as we have the passport to heaven, we become children of God. The Holy Spirit will begin to work on our hearts. The Holy Spirit has been given to us as our Counselor."If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you" (John 14:15-17). Jesus said this before He died, and after He died, the Holy Spirit became available to all who earnestly seek to receive Him. He is the one who lives in the hearts of believers and never leaves. He counsels us, teaches us truths, and changes our hearts. [6]


If it is only as much as a baby step today. He does not cease this work.
PHOTO: If it is only as much as a baby step today. He does not cease this work. He does not neglect us. We are in God’s hands and he is working to will and to do of his good pleasure in us. He will change us into the glory of Christ. He has made up his mind.
Picture saved by Jose Roberto Lopez Arzate to Fauna from Photobucket
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https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/33/f7/5a/33f75ae4c2cf05f556bae73f3d1283ef.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/483644447462798763/
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/08/reflection-how-to-consecrate-our.html


What other benefits with having the Holy Spirit? Without this divine Holy Spirit, we would not have the ability to fight against evil and temptations. But since we do have Him, we begin to produce the fruit that comes from allowing the Spirit to control us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). [6]


Fruit of the Spirit

PHOTO: Fruit of the Spirit
What other benefits with having the Holy Spirit? Without this divine Holy Spirit, we would not have the ability to fight against evil and temptations. But since we do have Him, we begin to produce the fruit that comes from allowing the Spirit to control us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Picture saved by Kelly Shoff to Life on 18 May 2011
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https://www.pinterest.com/explore/galatians-5-22/?lp=true


What many people do not know, realize, or care about, is that Jesus gave us the most amazing gift—the opportunity to spend eternity with God if we trust in Him. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). God became a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ to take on our sin, be killed, and then be raised to life again, proving His victory over sin and death. "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). If we accept this gift, we have become acceptable to God and can have a relationship with Him. [6]


God became a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ to take on our sin, be killed, and then be raised to life again, proving His victory over sin and death (Philippians 2:5-9).

PHOTO: God became a human being in the Person of Jesus Christ to take on our sin, be killed, and then be raised to life again, proving His victory over sin and death (Philippians 2:5-9). Jesus gave us the most amazing gift—the opportunity to spend eternity with God if we trust in Him. If we accept this gift, we have become acceptable to God and can have a relationship with Him.
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http://ubdavid.org/advanced/new-life2/new-life2_6.html


We should pray without ceasing, read the Bible, and join a Bible-believing church; all these things will help us to grow spiritually. Trusting in God to get us through each day and believing that He is our sustainer is the way to have a relationship with Him. Although we may not see changes immediately, we will begin to see them over time, and all the truths will become clear. [6]


The way to have a relationship with Jesus Christ

PHOTO: The way to have a relationship with Jesus Christ
Pray without ceasing, read the Bible, and join a Bible-believing church; all these things will help us to grow spiritually. Although we may not see changes immediately, we will begin to see them over time, and all the truths will become clear.
Picture posted by hortencia gonzales on 20 June 2016 - You will never walk alone.
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https://plus.google.com/110834408431608951329


A Glorious Homecoming
What is true success? When is one considered to have lived life successfully? The world often provides answers measured in terms of wealth, influence, achievements, and power; but, the Bible shows us otherwise. When someone reaches the end of his life, how would we know whether his life has been a success? The Bible's answer is that one is truly successful if he has lived life faithfully for Christ, loving and obeying Him. The verdict belongs to Christ who will welcome His servants with "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21, 23) and "come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world" (Matthew 25:34). [1]


A Glorious Homecoming

PHOTO: A Glorious Homecoming
The verdict belongs to Christ who will welcome His servants with "Well done, good and faithful servant!" (Matthew 25:21, 23) and "come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of ther world" (Matthew 25:34).
Picture posted by Esamary69 on 08 September 2011
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http://imikimi.com/main/view_kimi/QxSZ-14Y


After the exercise, reflect on what it reveals about yourself.
After doing the exercise by writing the farewell note, I discover the following about myself.

Relationship
From the starting of the farewell message, I have been addressing almost everybody and to nobody in particular. That means I do not have that special somebody even till now or possibly till the end. Relationship may come very fast or may take some time to develop. Some may last, while others only relevant for that period of time together. Some leave fond memories making us very eager to engage again interactively. There are some which we wanted to forget or get over with as fast as possible. Relationships can be complicated, complex and exhausting. It can be simple, meaningful and wonderful.

As you may have suspected, I am still embarrassingly single, a failure in relationship. It is not that I do not love anybody before, but it is that nobody seems to like me since long time ago. But my relationship with Jesus Christ changes all these. I am now not alone in the world, and the constant fear of loneliness slowly vanishes.


Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
PHOTO: "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
Walking through those years since He opened my eyes has taught me many things. When pain comes, I can let my arms fall by my side. I don’t have to tense up and pull up my shoulders ( like I used to do ALL THE TIME ). I don’t have to build walls to protect me, because, that’s what He does. He keeps me safe, walks with me, and my loved ones, through the valleys. He heals our pain, carries us when necessary and leads us back into the light.
Although saddened at the time acknowledging that when that day would come, when our loved ones would pass from here to being with Jesus, that this was when they would finally be happy again.
As could be expected, striving for wealth and riches did not bring the happiness it promised. The price that had to be paid for all this was far too high. The emptiness was staring at us in the face. Heartbreak and sickness had taken away all the illusions.
Even in the valley of the shadow of death He is there. For there to be a shadow, there has to be a light. And for that I am eternally grateful.
Surrenderedobedience, Mother’s Day without her…, posted on 5 May 2016, https://surrenderedobedience.com/2016/05/05/mothers-day-without-her/
Picture posted by Psalms About Death Quotes
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http://quotesgram.com/psalms-about-death-quotes/
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/03/reflection-mothers-day-without-her.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/06/reflection-key-lessons-learned-from-2.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/07/reflection-pauls-feeling-and-temptation.html


Achievement
While going through the exercise I remember about my job resume. Although I listed many of the so-call achievements and skills in proper chronological order, nobody was impressed. All the skills which I have picked up through my earlier years were no longer relevant. There were many job application letters sent out but no favourable response. Maybe I am not what I am suppose to be, but this is the best I can be.

Now in my retirement years, I focus on being healthy physically and spiritually. I am fortunate to meet some elderly people during the morning walk along the Park Connector Network (PCN). During the early dawn before sunrise, they are happily talking with me about everything under the sun. Talkable friends can be found at the most unexpected place and time. Maybe it is not coincidence, but another beautiful plan of our Creator for our benefits. "However inadequate as I may be, I hope that I can fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7, Tan Chuan-Jin, Singapore Speaker of Parliament, 08 September 2017)


On the darkest days when I feel inadequate, unloved, and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my crown!


PHOTO: On the darkest days when I feel inadequate, unloved, and unworthy, I remember whose daughter I am and I straighten my crown!
 "However inadequate as I may be, I hope that I can fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7, Tan Chuan-Jin, Singapore Speaker of Parliament, 08 September 2017)
Maybe I am not what I am suppose to be, but this is the best I can be.
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Writing is not easy
I found out that writing a farewell note was very difficult; especially the contents had to be meaningful and interesting. I was unable to start writing immediately because I never seriously thought about it before. I looked at others and decided to start simply by writing the main headers and then started to gather details to fill it up. After a while I managed to search and find some relevant information to include in the note. It was like God was directing, prompting and supplying me with what to write.

I was very grateful and prayed for His continual guidance and provision not only in writing but in all aspects of my life. I also prayed that He would prevent me from writing inappropriate contents that confused people. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, I felt the protection and love. Seeing the disasters and natural catastrophes that were happening in this world, my problems were insignificant. Writing although difficult, was not frightening compared to running from attacks, wars and natural disasters.


Writing is not easy

PHOTO: Writing is not easy
Seeing the disasters and natural catastrophes that were happening in this world, my problems were insignificant. Writing although difficult, was not frightening compared to running from attacks, wars and natural disasters.
Picture posted by Annie Ion 04 September 2017
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https://thecontentfair.com/


Mission (my hope)
As a disciple of God, one of our duties is to spread the gospel to as many, and as far as possible. Writing the farewell note make me realise that simple messages can also be good news to those who have not heard it before. Simple messages about Salvation, Relationship with Jesus, and Accumulating treasures in heaven, hopefully are able to attract people's attention follow by their sincere conversion to new believers. We have the satisfaction of spreading the faith and making disciples. It is also utilising another channel that shows the kindness and glory of God.


Jesus issued the Great Commission to His disciples, that as they obey Him by making disciples of all nations, they could rest in the promise of His presence
PHOTO: At the end of the gospel of Matthew, Jesus issued the Great Commission to His disciples, that as they obey Him by making disciples of all nations, they could rest in the promise of His presence: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of age" (Matthew 28:20).
Picture posted in Gospel on Pinterest
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https://www.pinterest.com/verletta/gospel/
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/03/reflection-gods-presence-purpose-and.html
http://veryfatoldman.blogspot.sg/2017/04/reflection-doing-ministry-out-of.html


Dear Lord, Please help us to focus on the key truths and messages and not be distracted in a world that is rushing into destruction without realising it. We are busy pursuing a significance that is not enduring, a happiness that is elusive, and a peace that is absent in the world. But our actual important needs are all gathered around the central spiritual need, to know and to be known by Christ. Salvation, Relationship with Jesus Christ and storing treasures in heaven should be our main focus. By the grace of God, it would be wonderful if each of us would end our earthly race in the celestial city as graced people who had been faithful to the end. Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!

PHOTO: "Dear Lord, Please help us to focus on the key truths and messages and not be distracted in a world that is rushing into destruction without realising it. We are busy pursuing a significance that is not enduring, a happiness that is elusive, and a peace that is absent in the world. But our actual important needs are all gathered around the central spiritual need, to know and to be known by Christ. Salvation, Relationship with Jesus Christ and storing treasures in heaven should be our main focus. By the grace of God, it would be wonderful if each of us would end our earthly race in the celestial city as graced people who had been faithful to the end. Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture posted by theresewahlgren on 02 September 2016 @ 09:28
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http://theresewahlgren.blogg.se/

Reflection - A farewell note
Question from the book "Faithful to the end", by Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012
Reference
[1] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART FOUR: FAITHFUL TO THE END, Chapter 13 "Faithful To The End" (2 Timothy 4:16-22), Page 184-185.

[1a] From "Faithful to the end" A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, Copyright © 2014 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-1-62707-241-0, PART FOUR: FAITHFUL TO THE END, Chapter 14 "Conclusion: A continuing Challenge", Page 190-192.

[2] Clint Archer, pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church since 2005, Investing the Warren Buffett (Biblical) Way, posted on 24 February 2014, http://thecripplegate.com/investing-the-warren-buffet-biblical-way/

[3] Got Questions Ministries, How can we store up treasures in heaven?, https://www.gotquestions.org/treasures-in-heaven.html

[4] Moments With The Book, Passport To Heaven, https://mwtb.org/products/pmt-passport-to-heaven?variant=27603031239

[5] FreeAdvice staff, Obtaining a Passport with a Criminal Conviction, https://criminal-law.freeadvice.com/criminal-law/criminal-law/obtaining-passport-criminal-record.htm

[6]  Got Questions Ministries, What does it mean to have a personal relationship with God?, https://www.gotquestions.org/personal-relationship-with-God.html

[7] James Bailey, Z3news.com, How to Know You Are Going to Heaven, https://z3news.com/w/how-to-know-you-are-going-to-heaven/

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