New Year Special Edition: Trusting the Lord

Thanks God we are in January 2015. Let us be grateful for His kind guidance and unfailing love in 2014. Whatever challenges and obstacles happened, God was there for you because He is Immanuel. The good news is He will be there for you in 2015 as well because He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever.

In 2014, I got a special message from God on how I should fully surrender and totally submit everything to Him. 

I felt that I was so afraid to take my own steps. It is like I am put in a dark place, and I need God to be my light and to direct my steps. I felt like I am so confused and I need Him to show me the way. 

At that time, I always try to invite Him and let He takes control everything. In every prayer, I always ask Him, "God, please open my eyes, my ears, and my hearts. Help me to see from Your perspectives. Help me to hear Your whispers. Help me to feel with Your heart. I need you Lord."

My message will be very simple, "Trust the Lord!" Trust His perfect plans! No one knows their future, even what will happen tomorrow.

Today is a brand new day in 2015. Let us start with our Almighty God. It may not be easy, but God promises He will be there for you and me.

When we raise our hands up to the Heaven, God will reach His hands down to us. He loves us!

When everything seems impossible, He can turn it around. Nothing is impossible with God. He is the creator of universe.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Jeremiah 29:11 - ESV

God bless you!

Brian Bernadi

brian.bernadi@yahoo.com

@brian_bernadi

Ig: brian_bernadi

FB: Brian Bernadi

Christmas Special Edition: Why Should He Come to The World?

Time flies so fast, doesn't it? I believe some of us may say, "Oh my God, it is already December." In addition to that, we will step into a brand new beginning and a brand new "chapter of life" in 2015. Are you ready for that?

How are you? I hope you are great today!

Yeeeaaayyy! Christmas is coming... Christmas is coming...

It is always my great joy to celebrate Christmas. Why? I do not know. I just fall in love with this sweet atmosphere. Beautiful decorations, lovely songs, splendid Christmas tree, and joyful Christmas service enliven this amazing moment.

I would like to share with you about a story of why God should come to the world as an ordinary human.

There was a man who did not believe Christmas. He was a kind-hearted and faithful man to his family. He ever questioned to his wife,

"I do not understand why extraordinary God wants to be an ordinary human. That does not make any sense for me."

At Christmas eve, his wife and his children attended a Christmas service. The man rejected to accompany them. When his family was in the point of leaving the house, snow started to fall down. A few minutes later, he was shocked by a knock on a window. When he checked it out, he found out a flock of birds fell down helplessly in the midst of cold snow. They were trapped in blizzard and stroke the window when they wanted to find a shelter. 

"I cannot not let them in coldness", the man thought. "But, how can I help them out?" After that, he remembered a stable of his child's pony. "The stable must be able to give warm protection. 
He opened the door widely and turned on the light. However, the birds did not come into the stable. 




"Food may be able to direct them", he assumed. So, he ran into his house, took breadcrumbs, and spread them to the snow in order to make trails to the stable. However, he was very shocked because the birds neglected the breadcrumbs and kept jumping in coldness. 
The man tried to herd them as a dog herds a flock of sheep, yet they spread here and there and went away from the stable.
"They consider me as a strange and frightening man", uttered the man under his breath. "And I cannot come up with any other ways to tell them that they can fully trust me. If I had been a bird just for a few minutes, I might have brought them to a safer place." 
At the same time, a church bell rang and the man knelt down and cried out "Now, I know why extraordinary God wants to become an ordinary human."

This message shows us clearly about the importance of Christmas. God shows up himself through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to this world and became human, so He can help us, sinners. He understands our needs, your feeling, and everything. HE COMES FOR YOU AND ME!
What is our response to His birth? 

Merry Christmas! Have a great holiday!

Jesus Bless You!

Brian Bernadi

brian.bernadi@yahoo.com

"Keep On Sharing"

I wish you are doing great today. In Indonesia, the weather is not friendly currently. The weather keeps changing inconsistently from hot to cold and vice versa. For my Indonesia pals, please please be more careful with your condition and stay healthy :)

"Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have"
Winston S. Churchill

Today's post will mostly tell some of my closest friends' experiences on how to keep on sharing Words of God to others. However, I would like to associate it with Paul's story in Corinth. If you open Acts 18:1-22, you will see how Apostle Paul kept sharing God's Words in the midst of many challenges.

Corinth is a quite strategic place for trading. It is flanked by two seas, Sea of Adria and Mediterranean Sea,
Nevertheless, Corinth is knows as a place of worshipping idols. In addition, the Jews did not like Paul's teachings.

As an ordinary person, Paul felt worry and afraid due to those challenging situations. One night, Jesus spoke to him in a vision, says 

"Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent." (v.9)

Nowadays, Paul's feeling seems to be very true. What I know so far, some of missionaries or my acquaintances are facing the same things, both internal and external challenges. But, I found some interesting sayings of my friends about why they keep sharing the Gospel to others, despite those challenges. I am sorry I cannot show you their pictures due to privacy issues.

1. Villyana Rosadi (Sunday School Teacher partner, Indonesia)

"I keep on sharing the Gospel because I have a passion on it. I feel like I owe His goodness, so I want to keep on sharing His amazing story."

2. Christopher Wijaya (Christian brother, Indonesia)

"I keep on sharing the Gospel because I love God. By knowing Him, we will know His goodness, and we will love God for sure."

3. Ridwan Kurniawan (Christian friend, Indonesia)

"I keep on sharing God's words because it is a light that will guide you. His words are alive."

4. Andrew Francis G. (Christian friend in a community, Indonesia)

"I keep on sharing God's words because I want the world to know that I have been saved by His grace, and it's not just for me, but for them too. So, I will keep on telling the Gospel to all nations with everything I have."

5. Ms. Evi (English teacher, Indonesia)

She told me her evangelical journeys. She experienced ignorance from her "disciples" to joyfulness because her "disciples" repent and serve God. I do apologize I just quote some of her essential words, due to space limitation, "Don't let those around us perished because of ignorance and deceitfulness. Let us "work" while we still have the opportunity."

6. Caroline (Cousin, Indonesia)

She told me her ups and downs during her evangelical journeys. Again, I do apologize I just quote some of her essential words. "I keep on sharing Words of God because I am blessed and their (negative) comments are not my business. I just want to be a pleasing God's instrument through sharing His words."

The last two stories come from my friends in Thailand. I met and knew them when I did my exchange program. As you may know, it is very difficult to find Christian fellows there, however, I was lucky to met them there.

5. Mind (Christian friend, Thailand)

"It is like a delicious apple I found in the desert. What would keep me away from sharing a great fruit with my beloved people?" God has mercy on me, as well as everyone out there in the world, so I want them to at least notice that there is still Someone who loves them."

6. Gale (Christian friend, Thailand)

"I personally think that if you have infinite amount of free candy like God's love. Why do you not want to share it with others when you see that they have none and have never tasted the sweetness."

"Personally, I will keep on sharing God's words because it is like a delicious food (you can name it). For me, I will tell my friends or closest one (you can name it as well) to try or taste how delicious the food (the Gospel) is. I do believe if it is a truly delicious food, your friends will love it and share it to another friend automatically."

(Brian Bernadi)

Have a great day!

God bless you :)

Brian Bernadi

brian.bernadi@yahoo.com

The First Christian

I hope this post will find you well. 

Before I share His words, please allow me to share my scary story beforehand. Currently, I am doing internship in a company in Jakarta. To reach the company, I usually ride my faithful motorbike and park it at Joseph Wibowo Center (JWC) campus. After that, I need to take Transjakarta bus in order to arrive at the company. Suddenly, while I was walking across the street carefully to the bus station, I was hit by a careless motorbike driver. Miraculously, I am still alive. Haha. It merely caused some small wounds around my ankle and sprain at my left thigh.

What I want to share with you is, at that time, I automatically reached out the rider's hand to help him to get up. Well, in my opinion, the mistake should go to the rider; however, I just automatically reached out the rider's hand. A classmate of mine said, "Wow, you really apply your faith"

What comes up in your mind when you are called "Hei Christian"?
Are you proud? Are you embarrassed? or Nothing?
Before I continue my story further, I just want to really emphasize that Christian that I shared today is not merely a religion, but it is about an intimate relationship with God.

Today's topic is about Antioch people, who then be called as The First Christian. The passage is quite short, you may read on Acts 11:19-26 thoroughly.There was a terrible persecution on God's followers in Jerusalem after Stephen's death. Stephen is one of many great martyrs at that time because he defended his Christianity before persecutors. He died because of stoning. 

After that, God's followers were scattered, and some of them went to Antioch, speaking God's words to no one except Jews. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The story is very tough, isn't it? What amaze me is the scattered people still share God's words after persecution. What a spirit we see! They still keep their faith.

I also had an experience in this area. When I did my exchange program, I had to pray in the rest room because there is no room available at that time. What a sorrowful story.
The point is wherever I am, even in another city or another country, I want to keep my faith to God. No available room will not hinder me to pray before Him.






My last story comes up when I become a Sunday School teacher. Every Saturday, I have to meditate and prepare my teaching materials on Sunday. While some of friends will enjoy their weekend, I have to "study" very hard on this serious "subject". Again, the point of this story is to keep sharing God's words and my faith. 



No matter how difficult your challenges, keep being a LIGHT of the worlds!
Show your light through your words and deeds!

Have a nice day!
God bless!

Brian Bernadi
brian.bernadi@yahoo.com

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