Pray Fervently: Daniel In The Lion's Den

How are you my loyal readers? Lol.. For those who are new readers, I welcome all of you to my spiritual, nor religious blog. Today's post is created when I taught Sunday School children at my local church on October 19, 2014.

To be honest, I do not study deeply on The Book of Old Testament, especially The Prophets parts. You may agree that Old Testament is truly boring and difficult-to-digest book. However, as I read attentively and try to fully comprehend the book of Daniel--especially chapter 6:1-29 about "Daniel In The Lion's Den, I begin to understand the power of Faith and Prayer. It is a life-changing God's instrument.

If you read thoroughly from the first chapter, you will find that Daniel is a strong prayer man. He loves God and comes before Him regularly (three times a day). In chapter 6:1-29, you will find more about his unfailing faith and his amazing prayer life.

Please read this exciting passage because I will only emphasize on some important things. In this chapter, you will find Daniel still prays to God, eventhough he hears the bad news stated "whoever does not obey King Darius's commands, he or she will be thrown into the lion's den." He prayed even harder and put his faith to God alone. What a total submission we see.

In climax, Daniel was thrown into the lion's den. There, he did not feel afraid at all, instead he prayed fervently to God for protection. As you may guess, Daniel was totally saved by God's angel and came out from the lion's den flawlessly.

The passage tells us that God is able and willing to set His people free from fear. Daniel's way of life will hardly be found in today's world where people are getting busier and busier, however, God will empower and strengthen to do so. Daniel showed his loyalty to God despite in the midst of problems and challenges.





The crucial point of today is we can learn together that Daniel kept praying faithfully although he did not know what would lay ahead in his future. He did not know that he would be safe and sound in the lion's den. He did not know how God can save him from those roaring lions. He did not know anything about God's divine plans, yet one thing to be true is that he knew exactly that God would never leave him nor forsake him. He knew that God is there and is fighting for him.

Here is a great song that God is as far as a prayer, yet it is in Bahasa.

Questions to you now are:

1. Do you pray regularly (day and night)?

2. Do you pray because you long to communicate with God?

3. Do you pray by faith and trust His perfect plan?

4. Do you pray at night and say Amen in the next morning?

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"

(Psalms 34:8 - ESV)

Have a nice day!

God bless you!

Brian Bernadi

brian.bernadi@yahoo.com

Bible = Love Letter from God

How are you? I hope you are doing great this weekend.
Welcome to October and goodbye to September! Time flies so quick, doesn't it?
Let us start this month with joyful heart! Make your day worth it to live!

Today I will share about God's love letter or Bible. I am going to share with you from a prophet of Nehemiah 8:1-9. The story will mainly discuss about Prophet Nehemiah and Ezra who share Words of God in front of men and women before the Water Gate. 







As you read carefully through the whole verses, you will find that those men and women respect the Words of God. It was clearly indicated by worshipping and bowing their face to the ground, lifting their hands, and trying to understand the Words of God.


From Nehemiah 8:1-9, we can learn how people respect Words of God at that time. They have right attitudes towards Words of God. 

There is a Sunday school song in Bahasa--named "Bible, The Most Beautiful Book" and it says "Bible is the most beautiful book. It is a love letter from God." That proves that people have considered Bible as a beautiful and extraordinary book long long time ago.

You may question how an "ordinary" book can become a love letter and how to respond correctly towards Words of God like people at Nehemiah's time. To make it more simple, allow me give a real example of my life.

I ever got a love letter from a kind girl in 2011, almost four years ago. At that time, she gave the letter because we will study at different place. It means we cannot communicate very well. She says many motivational words to encourage and support me. She ever said,

"Don't be so emotional.." 

"Please let me know if you need my help. I will be very happy to help you.."

"Eventhough we are far physically, I hope we can keep in touch.."

and many many sweet and lovely words. Even I still remember almost all her words.

That was so memorable indeed. It is very touching as well, isn't it? 

It goes the same way as her love letter to me. As Christ had died for us and raised again, He entrust His love letter as a remembrance for you and me. His love letter will encourage and spur you more than you can ever imagine! As you may know, He made this gorgeous world in Book of Genesis through His own Words alone. His words is truly alive!

Reading Bible is a special moment, because God talks about His own heart and desires to you face-to-face or heart-to-heart. Nevertheless, the most important thing is, how would you respond to His words?

Will you get touched by His Words, even until your tear-drops fall down on your face?

Will your heart be so joyful when you hear Words of God or be so bored?

Will you remember His Words as your encouragement and motivation or just forget anyway?

Watch this heart-awakening video, named "His Love Letter to You" with Indonesian subtitle.

As a true acknowledgement that you love His words, please remember and exercise this short verse into your daily lives,

"Oh how I love your law!

    It is my meditation all the day."

(Psalms 119:97 - ESV)

God bless you!

He loves you :)

Brian Bernadi

brian.bernadi@yahoo.com

From Thirsty to Be Filled!

As The Deer

"As the deer panteth for the water

So my soul longeth after thee

You alone are my heart's desire

And I long to worship thee"

I hope you are in a great condition.

Do you ever feel so thirsty and exhausted after you have done some sports? I bet you do.

What will you be looking for to satisfy your thirst?

Yes... You will drink a lot of water for sure!

However, you will stop drinking when you are already filled up or satisfied, right? Otherwise, you will vomit everything.

On my today's share, I would like to share with you my own experiences and His truths about three types of "THIRST":

1. Thirst from Empty Soul

This soul is for those who have not repented and known God. They are seeking something outside there that can only be found in God, but they are still not looking for God.

I accepted God when I was in first-grade of my high school. Before I accepted Him, I  just played around like an "innocent" child. What a "messy" life, isn't it? Seeking happiness without knowing what the true meaning of true happiness is.

2. Thirst from Dry Soul

Dry... it means this soul has been poured out by water once, but it becomes dry later. This soul is for those who ignore God and think that God has forgotten and forsaken them.

After I accepted God, I felt a little bit different--a little but life-changing. It seems I can see this world from a brand new and better perspective than before. As day goes by, I felt nothing special anymore. FYI, this period of time I had finished my bible reading from Genesis to Revelation, but I felt it's only an obligation or a "terror" to be a "new" Christian.

3. Thirst from Satisfied Soul

This soul ever feels satisfied by God and they want God more and more.

Right now, I feel so thirsty for Him. :D

Once, friend of mine ever told me "I do not like "worldly" songs." And I asked, "Why?" "Well, I just do not like it. No words I can explain it." he uttered.

For the first time, it does not make any sense for me. What came to my mind is "OMG!! He is so nerd and so religious" or whatever you may call. However, believe it or not, I feel the same now. Day by day I need more of Him. I cannot say it in words as well, it just comes naturally.

He is the eternal and living water. As you come and be thirst for Him, He will satisfy you like never before. As you may know, you need to drink pure water at least 8 times a day. It applies the same as you need God more and more.

I do believe you will be happy around your lovely people or friends because you know your friends will comfort and "satisfy" your inner needs.

Do you feel so "thirsty and hungry" of your spiritual life today?

All Who Are Thirsty - Kutless

"All who are thirsty

All who are weak

Come to the fountain"

Do try this at home!

Have a great week ahead!

Jah Bless!

BB

brian.bernadi@yahoo.com

©GKY

True Story: Overwhelmed with His Words

Hi! Hi! Hi!

I hope you are on your perfect day today :)

What will come across your mind after seeing the title of my post? You may question and respond, "How come? Bible is so dull, or it is incomprehensible, or it is irrational."

Yes, you may utter something like that. However, I wish you will sense the same experiences I had through this post.

In this special opportunity, I would like to share one of my best experiences in my whole life. Let's get started!

I would like to begin with a story when I became a Christian and received Jesus Christ as my only Saviour.

I received Jesus when I was in first-grade of high school. I became on fire with Him. I read the whole Bible from Book of Genesis to Revelation once, I served as an usher and worship leader at my local community, and 

I broadcasted God's message through social media. Yet I did not feel overwhelmed with His words at that time. It seemed I serve God as an OBLIGATION not OBEDIENCE. I got nothing!

Three years later I graduated from my high school, and I pursue my bachelor degree in Jakarta. I joined as an usher at English Worship Service. 

Three years later, I am involved as a Sunday School Teacher until now. As a Sunday School Teacher, I was trained for almost six months. 

I was prepared on how to be a good teacher, how to understand children's behaviour, and most importantly how to understand God's words and explain them comprehensively.

While I was trained, there was a pastor said like this, "Please read your Bible. Bible is so interesting. You will find out many interesting things and prophetic messages. It is so beautiful"

At that point, I thought "Oh my God! He said interesting"? It seems I do not believe his words, until I proved it by myself. 

As time goes by, I read Bible deeper and some commentaries or trustworthy resources to sharpen my understanding. Boom! I got it now! After I know His prophetic messages, now I feel that God speaks to me clearly. I was so overwhelmed with His words, and it feels so pleasant and peaceful deep inside my heart.

In conclusion, I encourage you to immerse yourself with His words. Learn from Him because He will guide and show and reveal His perfect yet mysterious plan. Let us slide back and heed to Him. In the end, you will find a peaceful life like never before.

Surrender and let God take control of your life.

Have a great day!

God bless :)

BB

brian.bernadi@yahoo.com

Spiritual Discipline

"And after he (Jesus) had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,"

(Matthew 14:23 - ESV)

"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed."

(Mark 1:35 - ESV)

"And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place." 

(Luke 4:42 - ESV)

As a man of prayer, Jesus shows us great examples of spiritual disciplines. If we look at the Scriptures carefully, we will see many verses on how Jesus maintains His spiritual walk with His Heavenly Father. Three above-verses are some example to show us clearly that Jesus prays early morning, day, and night--all the time. Therefore, He wants to show us that we need God in every moment of our life, even to the smallest moment.

If you do not have enough time and proper place to go to a desolate or private place, you actually can pray everywhere and everytime you want quietly. However, it would be better or I would highly suggest you if you can find a quiet place to come to His holy presence. Trust me! You will feel His presence comes so strong.

You can do your spiritual disciplines individually or together with your community. Individually, you can read and meditate on His words, praying, fasting, quiet time, or reading any Christian journals like my blog :)

Together with your community, you can join regular Sunday service, local community, Holy Communion, and other church events.

By practicing spiritual disciplines we also keep our eyes on God more often. When we focus on God, we stop letting other things get in our way or cloud our vision. Our lives find a clarity when we become more disciplined in our faith.

It does not matter how long you can pray or worship Him, but the most important thing is they should be fruitful and influential to your life. Trust me! Your time with God will never be wasted. 

Enjoy your time with Him!

Have a great quality time with Him!

God bless!

BB

@brian_bernadi

brian.bernadi@yahoo.com

Independence Day: The Truth That Sets You Free

Yeayyy!!! It is Indonesia Independence Day! :D 

But...

Unfortunately, it is on Sunday which means no extra holiday. T.T

Anyway...

Congratulation Indonesia on your 69th birthday!

When I was in high school, Independence Day reminds me about many traditional and unique games. That was so pleasant and fantastic. Moreover, I am also involved in flag-hoisting forces, named Falcon, to exhibit my high school at district level.

When I did my exchange program to Thailand, I met many people from different country and with different background. I contended with Thai, American, Canadian, German, French, Japanese, Chinese, Singaporean, Australian, and many more. Every student will be a representative or an ambassador of their respective country indirectly. At that time, something went across my mind,

"What makes Indonesia so exceptional? What can I be proud of?"

Frankly, even I felt embarrassed to represent my own country.

Briefly, I transformed my mind and straighten out my vision for Indonesia. I dream to change Indonesia someday. At least, I wish to be a successful entrepreneur and reduce unemployment in Indonesia (7% unemployment rate).

Later when I came back to Indonesia, I bought DAMN! I LOVE INDONESIA jacket. Yes, it is simply because I love Indonesia. Lol.

Through this patriotic opportunity, I would only remind you as God's people that God has died for you and me 2000 years ago to set us free from eternal death to eternal life.

As Indonesia has been set free from slavery for almost 350 years, God wants His people to be free from slavery of Satan as well.

As God has given freedom freely, let us strive for it!

The truth (God alone) has set you free! Jesis is the way, and the truth, and the life.

Never ever be a slave of Satan anymore!

Break your chain with him! Break up your relationship with evil.

Jesus has fought for your freedom, now it is your time to fight the good fight of the faith.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come

Last but not least,

If you are Indonesian...

I truly encourage you to pray for Indonesia!

Pray for president, vice president, minister, governors, and other leaders! Let God grants them wisdom and fear of God.

You can transform Indonesia! We can transform Indonesia! 

Once again,

Happy Independence Day Indonesia!

God loves Indonesia!

Have a great week ahead!

God bless!

BB

Guilty Pleasure

If you know me thoroughly, you may find out that I love an amicable relationship, or a phlegmatic person if you will. Believe it or not. :)

The very reason I do like that is simply because I want to maintain a long relationship with every person I encounter or meet up.

The most simple manner is just say "Sorry" every time you make faults. It is not difficult, is it? Even to the smallest matters, I often say this "magical" word because I am too scared to break the relationship with people whom I love.

I do believe we are taught to say "Sorry" since we were a kid by our parent.

However,

Do you say sorry to God when you make mistakes? Do you feel guilty when you make blunders?

Or...

Do you feel comfortable with your mistakes?

Do you think it is OK?

If you tend to feel the second statements, then it will be an immense and serious problem.

Today's post instructs us on how to respond to our mistakes or sins or transgressions rightly. Customarily, I would like to associate my story with God's words. The bible story is taken from Psalms 51 and 2 Samuel 12:1-7. The story is about King David's repentance on his enormous sins. Please read the whole story conscientiously, so you can have a a better understanding.

The main idea of this story is how Nathan, the prophet, reminded King David on his sins. However King David felt comfortable and did not feel guilty until the illustration given to him about rich and poor man.

I would say this story is still relevant up to now. I found friends of mine did not want to serve God because they feel unworthy before God.

They felt that they do not deserve God's mercy and forgiveness.

King David is a great role model of this situation. David teaches us on how to feel guilty for our sins and transgressions. He also advises us to say "Sorry" to God sincerely. As long as you confess your sins honestly before Him, I really believe God will see your deepest hearts and will forgive you. Moreover, He has died for you on the cross and He has paid everything for your sins. Right?

Feel guilty and say sorry to God!

Let us confess our sins frankly and ask God to change our heart and mind!

Ask for His mercy and forgiveness!

Listen to His voice through every medium He may use such as your friends, your families, and your surroundings.

Have a great day!

God bless!

BB

Credited to Benny Solihin (Bahasa).