Let's Glorify Lord

St. Paul part 2

Corry Surjawan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:45:41 +0000

Dear friends,

As promised, in this section I will discuss a little bit about Acts 9: 1-19. It says “Saul’s Conversion.”

1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest

2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

5″Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.

6″Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.

8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.

9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

11The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.

12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

13″Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.

14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

15But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.

16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,

19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

From the reading, there are many interesting things we could take, they are:

1. Had a change of heart

Let’s observe verse 1 and 2 carefully! Based on what has been written, Saul tried to shatter Jesus’ followers; man or women. He truly despised Christian people for believing in Jesus as their saviour.

On his way to Damascus, a bright light flashed upon him and a voice was heard. Starting from that moment, Saul lost his vision. He could not see and do a thing. Why did God do this to him? To punish him? To show His power? Nay!!!

Losing his vision, Saul then spent his time thinking, realizing, feeling and praying. For him, this was the moment he could then understand and believe in Jesus. This was what God’s want of him. Starting on that day on, he had a change of heart. He had chosen to follow Jesus and even suffer for Him. He burnt down his bridge and never returned to his past.

2. A double-edged sword

Following Jesus’ steps, he encountered billions of problems.

The first problem, he encountered, dealt with the Christian people. As stated, he previously did not believe in Jesus, yet after around few days or weeks, he decided to believe and follow Him. If you were one of the Christian people at that time, would you believe in Paul? Well, observe Ananias’ response when Jesus asked him to cure Saul! It was not easy for Ananias to say ‘yes’ noticing Saul’s treatments toward Christian people. Well, it was difficult to believe that Saul had truly changed. Many people at that time might think “He will just go back to his community once he was cured” or “He might be a traitor trying to sneak around and get bulks of information about us and later on crush us all.”

The second problem was the Pharisees. What do you think the Pharisees might think? Of course they considered Saul as a traitor. Leaving their pals behind and joined the enemy. Noticing how smart Saul was, they tried to clip his wings. However, God was by his side.

3. Slap on the face

The conversion of Saul has also become a slap on the Pharisees face. Their best weapon became a great enemy. As we all know, Saul was one of the brightest person at this time. Due to this, he also created great fright toward the Pharisees.

To be continued till I could have the time to read it again and again…

St. Paul part 1

Corry Surjawan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 07:43:46 +0000

Dear friends,

September has come and finally, Holy Bible Month has already started.

Our pope, Benedict XVI has stated that this year; starting from June 28, 2008 until June 29, 2009; would be considered as ‘St. Paul’s Year.’ Well, who is St. Paul and what could we learn from him?

Let’s take a look at the Holy Bible! St. Paul appears in several parts of the New Testament (a third of the New Testament is his); mostly in his letters. However, ‘the best moment’ that will capture your eyes lies in the Acts 9: 1-19a. However, I will discuss this part in the next posting due to the many things I would like to share about St. Paul.

Before we go further to the discussion, who do you think the writer of Acts the Apostles? Has this question crossed your mind?

There has been quite a long debate for this one; yet, up till this moment, nobody could really find out who the person was. Many scholars agreed that the writer was no other than St. Luke; St. Paul’s companion. However, later research stated that it was another person, also St. Paul’s companion, who kept his diary. Well, this person has successfully covered his tracks (maybe he wanted to say ‘You don’t need to know me but the lessons are the fundamental parts that you need to know and understand’).

Now, let’s discuss St. Paul and the facts a little bit!

1.Life (AD 3-62)

St. Paul was born to Jewish parents in Tarsus, an area in Kilikia (now, known as Turkey). From his parents, Paul inherited Rome citizenship – his being a Roman later on plays an important part dealing with the conflicts he encountered; especially with the government officials. A place, where he was born, was not a village. Instead, it was a big city where Greek’s trading and culture went in advance.

2.Paul and Saul

It is said that ‘After Saul, the Jew converted to Christian; he took the name of Paul.’ This sentence has made many people getting wrong impression of the name of Paul. They believed; you can see that not only do children believe this, but even some adults do to; that because he has repented his sins and has become a devoted Christian, he finally took the name of Paul (changing his name meaning leaving his sins behind and born as a new person).

This is the wrong idea about the name.

Actually, Saul and Paul are the same. Paul is the Latin name. His father gave the name Saul (taken from King Saul) but he was well known as Paul (his everyday name). In conclusion, both names are the same; it was just written in the two different languages. This one is almost the same with ‘Mary’ and ‘Maria’.

3.His life in the beginning and his study

He socialized well with the Pharisees and spent his life mastering Jew Doctrine/Jew Law in preparation of becoming a Rabbi. In his entire study, it was noted that he was one of the brightest students.

Saul learnt Jew Laws (Halakha) in Beith Hillel Academy and graduated as the best student. His advisor was Gamaliel. Gamaliel was not an ordinary lecturer, he was considered as professor in his field.

As the brightest student, he was a person with high logical thinking (ratio). Due to this, he found it hard to believe things without observing the fact carefully. That was also the reason why it was quite difficult for him to believe in Jesus as the Saviour.

Note: Rabbi (my teacher), Rabban (our teacher)

4.His view about Jesus’ followers

He used to hate the Jews who converted and followed Jesus. At that time, he would not feel hesitate to devastate all of them (Gal 1:14). Moreover, he had the power from the old councils.

5.After his vision

He became a devoted follower of Jesus and even established the first Christian’s Society in Antioch. His faith to Jesus could not be washed out even though he lived in a double-edged sword.

6.Execution

He was executed in 66 D during Nero’s time; just after the burning down of Rome by Nero himself. Yup, making St. Paul as the black sheep of the incident.

Any additional info, just write it!!!

Using others …

Corry Surjawan — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:57:53 +0000

Dear friends,

This is the topic that I highlighted when I did my morning devotion last Friday.

Taken from Amos 8: 4-7

4 Hear this, you who trample the needy
and do away with the poor of the land,

5 saying,
       “When will the New Moon be over
       that we may sell grain,
       and the Sabbath be ended
       that we may market wheat?”—
       skimping the measure,
       boosting the price
       and cheating with dishonest scales,

6 buying the poor with silver
and the needy for a pair of sandals,
selling even the sweepings with the wheat.

7 The LORD has sworn by the Pride of Jacob: “I will never forget anything they have done.

I was talking about many kinds of human being, which we call people of course.

The types are:

A person who keep on thinking about money and money. We can’t live without money and surely I will do everything for money. This kind of person is the most wicked one. Not only do they kneel down before money, but they will one day use people for their own sake. Let’s see the corruptors!!! They will never feel satisfied for the things they have. They get a lot of money from corrupting the country and they even use their power to take more and more; blackmailing is just one of thousands of ways they have.
A person who keeps thinking about money but never used another person hand to get his needs. This person may not be an evil human being. However, most of them turn out to be living without GOD. They mostly will think “I can do everything by myself. I live by myself. I don’t need anybody…..” In one side, it is ok, but in another side, this person is empty.
Some others may use others because they do not know what to do. Let’s see our country carefully. Do you think that discrimination has perished? Nay. This kind of situation still appears. For the people having some problematic situations – especially with the government officials – maybe the one and only answer is ‘bribery’. They may not have any intention to do bad things but tring to find the easiest way. However, this will later on create other bad corrupted people
The smallest amount of people may be honest, never use others and afraid of God. However, how many percents of those kind of people you can find? Rare.

In conclusion, there are types of people with many different characteristics and way of thinking. People may find their downfall for many things, and one of them is “money”. However, one thing to note is that “never use other” in every situation that you may find.

Actually, everybody should start since they were small. It reminds me on the situation at school when my students were using the cleaning service staff to do something and kept silent about it. I still remember clearly when I said not to do it. However, they didn’t listen and finally they got themselves into another big trouble.

Guys, what about you???

Cheers

This one is good to read but not at the ending. Enjoy…

Fr. John Main

Corry Surjawan — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 01:33:24 +0000

Dear friends,

Before I start my explanation about Christian Meditation, I would like to share a little bit about the founder; Fr. John Main. In my opinion, we could not suddenly believe or follow something without knowing the history or background first, therefore, I am going to share a little bit about Fr. John Main

…………….. bell rings……….. sorry

I’ve left my students now waiting for the meeting time. So, let’s start about Fr. John Main shall we!!!

Fr. John Main (1926-1982) was a Benedictine monk and priest who presented a way of Christian Meditation. The meditation utilized the practice of a prayer-phrase or we called it mantra.

The Life of Fr. John Main

Year	Life and Activities
1926	vBorn in London, England vNamed Douglas Main
1940’s	vJoined Canons Regular of the Lateran vStudied at the Diocesan seminary of St. Edmund’s College, Ware, England vChosen to pursue theology studies at Pontifical Athenaeum Angelicum in Rome vDoubting his vocation to the priest hood, he decided to leave Rome for Dublin, Ireland vStudied law at Trinity College
1954	vGraduated from Trinity College vJoined the British Colonial Service vAssigned to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia vMet Swami Satyananda who taught him meditation utilizing a mantra as the means to achieve meditative stillness. The Swami gave him a Christian mantra for meditation
1956	vReturned back to Dublin vTaught law at Trinity College
1959	vDecided to join the Benedictines at Ealing Abbey, London vTook the name of John, in honor of John the Apostle
1963	vOrdained as priest
1970	vAppointed as the headmaster of St. Anselm’s Abbey School in Washington D.C. vStudy the writings of Desert Father John Cassian for the first time vFound parallels between spiritual practice taught by Cassian and the meditative practice he learnt by the Swami
1974	vLeft St. Anselm’s Abbey, Washington vReturned to Ealing Abbey, London vBegan Christian Meditation groups at an old house on the monastery grounds vAssisted by Fr. Laurence Freeman (Benedictine at Ealing Abbey)
1977	vFr. Main and Fr. Freeman were sent to establish a new Benedictine monastery in Montreal, Canada vTaught meditation groups
1982	vDied of cancer

Fr. Freeman continued the work by travelling widely to establish Christian meditation groups. In 1991, the groups were linked together into the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM). Each year, the WCCM hosts the John Main Seminar.

The Teaching

Fr. Main’s teaching seems very simple. You just have to sit still and upright, close your eyes and say your prayer-phrase or we call this ‘mantra’.

The prayer-phrase is actually a sacred word or phrase which is repeated continually. Recite your prayer-phrase and gently listen to it as you say it. Think of nothing and as thoughts come, just switch back to your prayer-phrase.

In this way, you have placed everything aside; instead of talking to God, you are being with God. You have allowed God’s presence to fill your heart, thus transforming your inner being.

Fr. Main and Fr. Freeman recommended the word ‘Maranatha’ as the prayer-phrase. This word derived from the Aramaic word meaning ‘Come, Lord’ as in I Corinthians 16:22 and Revelation 22:20.

Dear friends,

This biography is a summary I made based on Wikipedia. Therefore, if you are not sure about it, you may check it. I just made it simpler in the form of table and simple writing.

There is a book about Christian Meditation, the one that I wanted to share later on, which is based on Fr. John Main teaching. However, it was sold off last Tuesday. Yup, one unfortunate event happened when I was sad and felt lonely.

Maybe this coming Tuesday I could get one copy. However, I could still write about the things I have learnt last Tuesday.

The Price of a Human Being

Corry Surjawan — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:29:20 +0000

Lately, we have heard so many things dealing with murder.

The latest one which is still popular up to this moment is “Very Idam Veryansyah – Ryan Mutilation”.

Previously, there were so may others incidents, say the one at Keputran Traditional Market (someone cut off a person’s head), two women were killed in a house, and the past stories dealt with terorism.

Sometimes, I wonder “What is the price of a human?”

Why? Because it seems that killing someone is as easy as killing an animal. Even the word “Death Sentence” means nothing.

Well, I would like to quote something:

Let’s look at Matthew 22 : 36-40

36″Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^[b] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[c] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

So the word “Love your neighbor” now is almost perish in this small world.

What do you all think??? Start loving everybody today??? Or wait until the judgement day???

Do you really KNOW JESUS???

Corry Surjawan — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:32:49 +0000

Dear friends,

Do you really KNOW Jesus?

It occurs to me today when we were talking about John 4:24.

Someone said that the Chinese people know God better than the others. Why???

As we all know, the old Chinese characters are written from top to the bottom. So it goes up and down and up again and it goes down again (as if you nod and say ‘Yes’ I understand); while, most of others’ characters are written from the left to the right or hitherto (as if you shake your head and say ‘No’ I do not understand).

JOKING guys

Yup, let’s go back, shall we?

When this one question was asked, nobody could answer. Why?

Mostly people ‘know’ God but they do not know Him (acquaintance). Why? Because they do not understand Him and try to know Him. Actually, God has opened Himself for all of us but we could only understand partially because He is ………. (Let’s look at John 4:24)

24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth”

So, how are we going to do this?

Do we have to go back to the Israel time, when people have to do “proskuneo” (what is this? Check the Greek Bible). The same with English term ‘worship’ but the word has a deeper meaning.

In my opinion, it is ok if we want to do that one. That’s wonderful!!!

However, looking at lots of changes lately, at least there are things you have to do during the mass or devotion; they are: be polite, be serious and show respect.

Cheers

Jatiningsih Source

Corry Surjawan — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:54:42 +0000

The one who loves devotional visit, I truly recommend this one to be visited.

Jatiningsih Village is a nice small place located in Klepu, Jitar Hamlet, Sumberarum Village, Moyudan Subdistrict, Sleman Residence, Yogyakarta. Even though the area is not big, the place is very comforting and far from city noisiness (quiet and cool).

Arriving in the area, we could directly park our car at the wide parking area (maybe because there was only one car there).

At the side of the parking area, we could see one or two street vendors (maybe because it was in the evening – but I doubt that there are many street vendors; nice isn’t it) and some rest rooms (clean and nice).

When we got out of the car, we were directly welcomed by a person. We were quite surprised by his friendliness. During the talk, my mom and I knew who he was.

This friendly old man name is Ignasius Purwowidono. He is a clergyman in the area. He is very well known in the village due to his generosity in sharing part of his land (200 metres) – next to his own house – to build a chapel.

He shared a little bit about himself and the area. Here, I would like to share bit about the historical story of the area.

This Mary’s Cave, well known as Queen Mary’s Reconcilement, previously named Sendang Pusung (Sing ngapusi busung) – Pusung Source (the one who lied is the one who got the calamity). It was taken from the original name of the cave location. Later on, it was changed into Jati (ning) sih Source meaning source from God’s Blessings which truly bring peacefulness.

Walking and talking for not more than 5 minutes, we could directly found ourselves in a quite wide area with some gazebos.

To be continued …

Srowolan Village

Corry Surjawan — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:09:11 +0000

Hi guys,

I would like to talk about some devotional visit I’ve made (but it mostly talks about the area).

Srowolan Village is located in Jogjakarta in Middle Java. It is known as tourism area, even though in my opinion, this area is still not suitable to be called one (some areas in Jogjakarta got the name as ‘Tourism Area’ but it does not resemble the meaning of tourism itself).

Yup, let’s start discussing about this village.

Srowolan Village is a small village. It is not well-known, at the moment, whether as tourism area or devotional area.

The first time we arrived in the area, we were a little bit confused. Why??? Because we did not know where to park the car. Moreover, some of the people sitting and chatting outside seemed as if they were looking at strangers or weirdo.

Finally, we parked the car in the middle of an empty field.

When we got out of the car, some people were still staring at us. Then, my mom and aunt start to ask some questions about the village to one of the people. While they were talking, I observed the surrounding and took some pictures.

The small area consisted of one small church and a small area for Via Dolorosa. However, the Via Dolorosa reliefs are truly good and interesting. Therefore, hereby I put some of the pictures.

I spent few moments there praying.

After praying, we went a little bit to the back. There was a small traditional market (could not see many people there) and by going a little bit further, we found a small campsite, restaurant and outbond area (still being renovated).

In my opinion, the campsite was way too small and near the village. The outbond area was very wide but still being renovated (don’t know how long will it take, coz nobody seems to work on it). The restaurant was quite nice (on the pool); maybe they’ll soon make a fishing area (though I doubt it). The other problem is that the restaurant was also empty. I wondered whether there were people living in this village (how many of them?).

In my opinion, being appointed as tourism area, they should have many people being friendly and helpful. Moreover, they really should take a good care of the area (stay in the area and try improve it).

Yup the only thing that I admire about the area is the Via Dolorosa Reliefs.

Vivere (Dare to Live) – Andrea Bocelli

Corry Surjawan — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:48:45 +0000

Dear friends,

Here I would like to give you the lyric of Vivere (Dare to Live). This song was sung by Andrea Bocelli and a woman; sorry can’t remember the name (Laura Pausini). This has become one of my favourite song since I have heard it for the first time during his concert. For this song, I’ll give my opinion and correlates it with my belief and my struggle. This is one of the song that will help me in worshipping the Lord!!!

Vivere (Dare to Live)

Andrea Bocelli

Try looking at tomorrow not yesterday
And all the things you left behind
All those tender words you did not say
The gentle touch you couldn’t find

In these days of nameless faces
There is no one truth but only pieces
My life is all i have to give

Dare to live until the very last
Dare to live forget about the past
Dare to live giving something of yourself to others
Even when it seems there’s nothing more left to give

Ma se tu vedessi l’uomo
Davanti al tuo portone
Che dorme avvolto in un cartone,
Se tu ascoltassi il mondo una mattina

Senza il rumore della pioggia,
Tu che puoi creare con la tua voce,
Tu, pensi i pensieri della gente,
Poi, di Dio c’e solo Dio.

Vivere, nessuno mai ce l’ha insegnato,
Vivere, non si pu? vivere senza passato,
Vivere ? bello anche se non l’hai chiesto mai,
Una canzone ci sar?, qualcuno che la canter?

Dare to live searching for the ones you love
(Perch?, perch?, perch?, perch? non vivi questa sera?)
Dare to live no one but we all
(Perch?, perch?, perch?, perch? non vivi ora?)
Dare to live until the very last
(Perch?, perch?, perch? la vita non ? vita)
Your life is all you have to give (Perch?)

non l’hai vissuta
Vivere!

Dare to live until the very last
(Perch?, perch?, perch? Ia vita non ? vita)
Your life is all you have to give (Perch?)
non l’hai vissuta mai

I will say no (I will say yes)
Say dare to live
Dare to live

The first time I heard this song and the voice of Andrea, I was amazed and said “Such a beautiful melody and such a pure voice”. When I heard the lyric, I was speechless. Marvelous and meaningful.

Let’s see, lately, many people shortened their lives. I believe that all of us have seen many articles in newspaper and newsletters.

Some people did suicide for many reasons. Let’s check it together:

1. No reason at all, look expressive maybe.

Many people in Japan did mass suicide. Knowing each other while surfin in the internet. Make an arrangement to die together on the same time, different place, different way of killing themselves or the same. Worthy? NAY.

Others think that they might get depressed. Do they?Nobody knows, they are no longer here anymore to be questioned.

2. Some other for getting into economic problems.

Well, poverty still haunts Indonesian people. Never know when it ends.

However, doing suicide because of thiswill also be useless. Not onlywill you go to hell, but you will also leave many people to carry out your burden.

3. Love reason

This is the most popular, I guess. Many women, especially, did this when somebody broke their heart. This is never the last, useless. Look at your parents, friends and others. Don’t they mean something compare to one person only???

Well, no matter what the reasons are, suicide will never finish your problems.

Look at Andrea’s lyric, everybody should be able to live their life. Face their problems and fight it. There are times when we may lose the game but when we keep on trying and when we stand until the very last, we are the winner.

Never run away.

Once, I also want to end my life. I was thinking whichone to choose and what things to prepare. My choice was jumping from Petronas tower. So expressive, I guess. However, I realized one thing “What about my family and friends? What’s the use? Can’t I change anything?” Well, no effort, no change.

I decided to keep on going with it and it turns out to be nice.

By the way, I would like to put the song here in this blog so everybody can hear. How to do it???

Cheers!!! Dare to live until the very last!!! Enjoy!!!

The Wrong Form of Friendship

Corry Surjawan — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:27:08 +0000

Dear friends,

Lately, I have such a burdening problem. This problem makes my feeling so troubled and miserable. The only one who can help me is just God and Hail Mary, therefore, I have spent two whole days praying to receive Their guidance and forgiveness.

This morning, God really has sent me an answer through “Perspektif”. A small book which is made for daily reading and shelter for all of us who is searching for Him; quite the same with Our Daily Bread. Thanks Lord for you have given me new perspective.

Perspektif

Edition: 146

June 2008

Publisher: BPH Majelis Umum GKA Gloria Surabaya

The readings come in two languages: Indonesian and Mandarin

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Topic: The Wrong Form of A Friendship

The reading today is taken from 2 Chronicles 18: 1-19

It says:

1Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab.

2And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead.

3And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.

4And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.

5Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king’s hand.

6But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?

7And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.

8And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla.

9And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.

10And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the LORD, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed.

11And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.

12And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of their’s, and speak thou good.

13And Micaiah said, As the LORD liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak.

14And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand.

15And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?

16Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

17And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil?

18Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the LORD; I saw the LORD sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.

19And the LORD said, Who shall entice Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one spake saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.

20Then there came out a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will entice him. And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?

21And he said, I will go out, and be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And the Lord said, Thou shalt entice him, and thou shalt also prevail: go out, and do even so.

22Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil against thee.

23Then Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?

24And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

25Then the king of Israel said, Take ye Micaiah, and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s son;

26And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.

27And Micaiah said, If thou certainly return in peace, then hath not the LORD spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, all ye people.

28So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead.

29And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and I will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.

30Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel.

31And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

32For it came to pass, that, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from pursuing him.

33And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: therefore he said to his chariot man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.

34And the battle increased that day: howbeit the king of Israel stayed himself up in his chariot against the Syrians until the even: and about the time of the sun going down he died.

Things to remember and things I have learnt:

Talking about friends, I have to admit that I am such a naive person. If you are my friend, no doubt that you will get 100% of my trust. Even a fortuneteller once told my parents that they should pay attention closely to me because I was considered as a person who would willingly give my head in an exchange of my friends. At that time, I could only say “Is that wrong?” Well . . . now, I realize that it was truly wrong idea.

Having friends or best friends is such a fun; because we have will not feel alone and abandon in facing our life problems. However, not all kind of friendships is good; it all depends on how we understand the meaning of friendship and respect it the way it should be. From the reading, we learn about Jehoshaphat’s wrong friendship which finally cause God’s fury.

Wrong friendship is friendship where you put your friends as the first or before God. Moreover, this friendship drives you away from God’s will and the truth.

The reading tells about Jehoshaphat and Ahab, King of Israel. Ahab plans to take over Ramothgilead and he persuaded Jehoshaphat to come and fight with him. At first, Jehoshaphat felt hesitate and told that he would willingly help if God’s permit. Therefore, they called lots of prophets (false prophets) who told them that they would surely win because God would be on their side. Still feeling hesitate; Jehoshaphat called Micaiah, son of Imla who said that all Israel would scattered on the mountains.

However, they still went on war and not even listening to God’s words.

In the war, Ahab asked Jehoshaphat to put on his robes while he would disguise in the battle. Once again, Jehoshaphat did what his friend asked. Then, he became the one being after by the enemies. Fortunately, God did not leave him. God helped him and in the end, Ahab died as being told.

God has punished Ahab and so has Jehoshaphat. He might have released Jehoshaphat from death but He also has reprimanded him.

This reading and understanding have opened my eyes that we cannot believe in others 100%. The one that we should trust is God.

At the moment, I’m struggling with my biggest problem. God has reminded me several times but I ignored Him. Now, He reprimands me but thing has gone worse and worse and only Him who could save me from this misery. I have promised Him that I will glorify His name from now on and forever.

Virgin Mary, mother of God, is nevertheless my savior. These days, I recite Novena or Devotion to Hail Mary to give me strength and ask for Her help to untie my problems.

Even though I still feel so unstable at the time being but I do believe that everything will just go back as it is one day.

For my friend, I am really sorry that now I could no longer keep my promise. It is not because I want to but it is because I have to. I will still believe in you forever and ever. You have been my best friend these days. Listening to me and comforting me. However, I knew that I was wrong and some of the moments were just nice and real but will never be eternal. Hope that you still read what I wrote. You’ll always stay in my deepest heart. God Bless You always in all of your life, family, job, and service. Keep smiling!! Smile and the world will smile with you. Especially because your smile is still the cutest.

For these few days, I have learnt many things and therefore, I will share what I have larnt here in my next writings. I also would like to say thank you for my ex student who has been a good friend and my other friends who support me. This is the sms that I recieve from my ex student and also my friend:

Life ends when we stop dreaming …..

Hope is lot when we stop believing ……..

And ….

Love fails when we stop caring ………

Jesus cares and He never fails

There is another one I recieved last night:

If I’m an angel, I’ll protect you and lend you my wings

But what can I do???

I omly hav an Angel Face but I’m not an angel.

God night ….. my sweety ……

Thanks a lot guys, I feel so much better due to all of your supports through your prayers, sms, calls and anything. May God Blessings live eternal in your life.

Message:

2And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.