The UnConditional Love

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr Christianson,a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States . Dr.Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.

"How many push-ups can you do?"

Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"

Steve replied, "I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson.

"Well, I can try," said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.

Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it"

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"

Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"

"Sure." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"

Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten pushups for every person before they got their donut.

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.

When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"

Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own pushups?"

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"

With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten pushups.

Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr. Christianson said, "Look!, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"

Sternly, Jenny said, "No."

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?"

Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks.

Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these pushups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten pushups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Steve asked Dr Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your pushups. You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"

Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."

Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten pushups for him?"

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut"

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"

Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."

"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"

Steve did ten pushups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"

Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow pushups for Linda.

Then Dr Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"

Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone, I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."

"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"

As Steve very slowly finished his last pushup, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 pushups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said. "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid."

"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"

God is my Healer!

This testimony was written on 30th March 2006. At the time of writing, I was still experiencing some pain in my lower back although it was much lesser after the healing. Today, I am glad to say that I am completely healed by the power of God!

When I first came to Church of our Saviour (COOS) more than a year ago, I have been hearing lots of testimonies about the miracles God did in people's lives through divine healing over the pulpit. I am always amazed and grateful for what God chose to do for them and each time, I wished He'll do the same for me.

I have been suffering intermittently from lower back pain for the past 10 years. Before and during that stretch of long years, I did a fair bit of strenuous exercises in school activities as well as in many mission trips. In 2004, my back pain started to worsen one day and it never did leave me since. I have had severe lower back pain for more than a year. It was about that time too that I came to COOS and started to worship in the church.

The x-rays and hospital's diagnosis shown that I had a mild slip disc and recommended me to do physiotherapy. I completed the weeks-long sessions and was discharged since there is nothing else they can do for me. I was pretty discouraged initially. It is a pain that people cannot see with their naked eyes, and yet a pain that is excruciating and real to me. My job basically requires me to sit for 8 hours in the office and that was a real torment to me. My weight started to drop as I began to suffer pain incessantly everyday. It has also affected my sleep in the night and my appetite. The most frustrating thing is I was not able to do my daily chores as effortlessly as before. It hurts me to see that my mother has to start carrying stuff for me. Even to carry a bag of groceries from the supermarket has proven to be challenging on my lower back. My fiance would also come to my house to help me with household cleaning in order to ease me from the physical pain. Whenever the pain becomes so unbearable, I would need to lie down on the bed to rest. This pain becomes somewhat a “thorn in my flesh”. It never goes off but continue to hurt me quietly and affects my lifestyle. I couldn't even cope with window-shopping as before. Sitting, standing or walking for more than an hour has becomes very difficult for me.

For the first time in my life, I have to grapple with the realities of living with physical pain and the feeling of being a “handicapped”. I even felt so useless and worried over my future. I am still a young person. Many doubts and thoughts came to me particularly in the initial phrase of my pain. Subsequently, I decided to lean on God's grace for every new morning. The words in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 has been very significant to me - “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest in me.” I reckoned that nothing is impossible with God and He can heal me if He wants to. But even if He choose not to heal me (for His own reasons), I can depend on His abundant grace daily. It wasn't that easy then, although my mind was set. I literally bore the intense pain in my body everyday and for a long time, I have to abstain from sports. The joy of backpacking for mission trips seems to be a thing of the past also. I really long to be well once again and enjoy all the things I used to do.

Just 2 weeks ago, a friend called me to visit an Anglican church in Tampines on Sunday morning. She told me about a visiting pastor from the States is in town to preach there. He is “specialised” in praying for the healing of those with back pain and people who have leg-length difference. She shared to me how she has personally witnessed the instant healing of a woman with a shorter leg when this pastor prayed for her. When I first heard that, I find it too good to be true. But I can certainly trust this close friend of mine. I was reluctant to go to that church that Sunday morning. Incidentally we do have a healing service in COOS that same morning. The other church was too far for me too and the service starts at 9am! I have learnt to live with this pain by now and I was getting better anyway. But my friend said that getting better is still not good enough, I should be completely well. I felt very obligated to go and finally on Sunday morning, I woke up very early to make my way to that quiet church in Tampines with my fiance. The church service was somewhat quieter compared to COOS, and I was feeling rather uncomfortable there. Unknown to me, God is there in the quiet church.

For the next few moments, I constantly reminded myself to focus on God only and not on men. I shall put my trust in Him alone. The visiting pastor; Raymond Davey, was finally called to the pulpit to preach. He shared that he was a missionary in Taiwan for some years, and often God would heal those with leg-length difference when being prayed for. As a result of the miraculous healing, many Buddhist gave their lives to Christ in Taiwan. Then in the midst of the service before the traditional holy communion service started, Pastor Raymond began to call out people (through word of knowledge) with different ailments to step forward to be prayed for. I waited and waited to be called for, but apparently he did not mention about people with slip disc and back condition. I was disappointed and told God not to miss me out. I reminded Him repeatedly that I came all the way there that morning... and He must not missed me out! To my delight, Pastor Raymond said that many of us were still not being prayed for and he will do so after the entire service for about 30 minutes.

By the time the service ended, the next group of people were beginning to step into the sanctuary for the next service. My fiance and I promptly went to the front to stand in line for the pastor to pray for me. I was in the midst of about 15 people waiting to be prayed for. Pastor Raymond came to me half-way through and I told him that I have a mild slip disc and I also needed prayers for my family members who were not well that week. To my surprise, he immediately 'summoned' the rest of the people all around me to watch me as he sat me on the front wooden pew. I wondered what was going on. I had merely asked for prayers like those before me and they were being quietly prayed for. He specifically instructed me not to close my eyes throughout our time of prayer. I agreed and was still wondering what he is up to. I sat down and was feeling very nervous with all the people watching me. (Imagine I'm a visitor to that church first time!) Without warning, Pastor Raymond held up both of my legs and I was asked to push myself all the way back as I sat back leaning against the chair. I was shocked when it became so evident (for the first time in my life!!!) that my left leg was about 2-3cm shorter than my right. My fiance looked at me with shock as well. I was wondering why no one ever tell me or notice that my left leg is actually shorter than the other. He told the crowd and me that usually people with slip disc/or back problem has this leg-length difference. Wow, he knew more than and what I didn't know personally about myself. I just can't believe this.

Pastor Raymond went on to pray quietly for me and told me not to close my eyes. Nothing happened for the first few minutes. But soon there after, I felt something happening in my body. It is a sensation that is causing my left leg to grow slowly. It was so clear to my eyes and I was totally dumbfounded. My left leg continued to grow in length as the sensation flows in my body till it becomes the same length as my right leg. This was when he told me he could feel the anointing of God going in my body. Yes, I can certainly feel it too. It's the anointing to heal! I can't describe this fully in words but I know something was taking place wonderfully in my body. The crowd was dumbfounded as well.

When it was all done, Pastor Raymond put his hand on my lower back and prayed for a second. All these were just a matter of few minutes. He went on to pray for the others who were still waiting to be prayed for. My fiance and I were too stunned for words and we quietly left the church. As we were walking out of the building, we began to give thanks to God. During this exciting episode, no one clapped, no one said "amen" but everyone (who like me) were simply too stunned for words. My fiance told me thereafter, that some people were saying "hallelujah" softly behind him as they saw my left leg growing. This is a miracle that cannot be denied. I want to give God all the glory and honour due to Him alone. Pastor Raymond merely told me and the crowd to give God the glory and he continue to pray for others like nothing spectacular has happened. I'm amazed......... The way he prayed for us is as though it is only rightful for God to heal and perform such wonders.

Now I am enjoying the new length that God has added to my left leg. I asked my mother if she ever knows that I have a shorter left leg and she didn't know anything about it. But God knows. I've read up a little about leg-length difference thereafter and learnt that leg-length difference usually caused people to experience both back problem and various kinds of feet problem.

Many doubts came in that same day especially when my back pain returned. The same friend who encouraged me to go to the church told me a few days later, not to lose my faith. She said that I am like a sick person who have just gotten well and still need time to rest. Till today, I can testified that my lower back has improved and most importantly, I cannot deny what I have witnessed with my own eyes. Yes, my fiance and the rest who were there in the church can testified to the miracle God has performed in my body. My fiance was deeply moved by God's love and grace. He reminded me that I must share this testimony and give God the glory.

What a turn-about and what amazing grace to me! Who can be compared to our God who is the great Healer. Through this miraculous encounter, it becomes somewhat easier for me to contemplate how God created us supernaturally from the mere dust of the ground. That anointing which flows in my body at that instance and that power which stretched my left leg is marvellously unforgettable and sweet to me. I remember and I will not and cannot forget. Now I know that my Redeemer lives. He has done what man cannot do.

This healing has been a long wait for me. Now I can walk, sit and stand longer. God has healed me in His own time and ways. To Him alone be all the glory and praise!

I was healed on 19th March 2006 from a shorter left leg of about 2.5cm.

My lower back pain has subsided and I am now able to cope better

with daily chores and lead a normal lifestyle. - Jean

He Came to Give

Dear friends, have you ever wonder what Christmas is all about? What is the true spirit of Christmas? We hope that you'll enjoy the best Christmas ever as you listen to this 20mins message...

http://www.arrowsinstitute.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=100

Love, Agape House

Our Wedding Anniversary

Jonah and I had just celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. We bought each other an identical watch, cards and had a meal together at Swenson restuarant. Ice-cream is something I really enjoy and more so, during my pregnancy. Then Jonah surprised me on the following day with a bouquet of pink roses. How sweet! Indeed celebration of our love will go on and on... In fact, we are celebrating our love everyday.

It's certainly great to have gifts and flowers on special occassion. You feel appreciated and special, but it's even better when you do feel appreciated, wanted and loved by your spouse every day. That's how Jonah has made me feel every day for the past 2 years. I'm blessed to be his wife and to share our life journey together.

Rick Warren in his book, "The Purpose Driven life" mentioned that the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E. The best gift of love is not diamonds or flowers but focused attention. Time is your most precious possession because you only have a set amount of it. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life. It's something you'll never take it back. Your time is your life!

Friends, let's also remember that the best time to love is NOW. Don't wait till tomorrow or some days when you are feeling awesome. Love is a choice; an act of the will. We can seize the opportunity to learn how to love someone every single day.

The Gospel Truth on Marriage

"I am your leader. And in My kingdom, this is the way you lead. In the Gentile world, the leader lords it over the others. But in My kingdom, the leader will serve the others. The greatest leader will be the greatest servant" (see John 13:1-17).

God's desire for all of us is spiritual maturity, which means living like Christ. Nothing measures a Christian husband's true spirituality better than the way he treats his wife. When a wife sees the transformation of a man's heart, she is drawn to be intimate with that man. Being Christ-like means serving your spouse's needs, not demanding she meet yours. Christ alone is the model, and his method was service, even to the point of death. May God give all of us the attitude of Christ toward our spouses. Read More from here.

Joy unspeakable!

Jean is in her 2nd trimester now and her tummy is growing rapidly each week. I am simply thrilled when I was praying with her this morning and feeling our baby in her tummy. I just can't wait to hold our baby in my arms... but for now, I can only wait patiently.

"My beautiful wife, Jean, thank you for being such a joy and blessing to me. I believe you will be a wonderful and godly mum to our children. God, I am thankful to You too, for how You have added joy to our life. You've heard our prayers and given us a child."

God's unconditional love

There were 2 twin brothers named John and Jonah. They looked so alike that no one can easily identify who is the elder brother and who is the younger one.

John, the elder brother, is a righteous man and he became a righteous judge in his hometown. However Jonah is different from his brother. He is a thief and a robber. Then came a day when Jonah was caught by the police and was charged with robbery and murder. He killed a man while robbing him.

He was brought to the court and he stood before his brother John, who is the judge. John, a righteous and impartial judge, sentenced his brother Jonah to death accordingly to the law.

Before the day of execution, John went to the prison and visited his brother. Although John loves his brother, he needed to be impartial at the same time. He explained both his predicament and his love to Jonah. John then exchanged his clothing with Jonah's clothing and told him that he will take the punishment in his place.

The next day, John was executed and Jonah left the prison a free man.

I was deeply touched by this story told by a church pastor. He was illustrating the love of God in his sermon. The righteous judge John is like Jesus and all of us like Jonah the younger brother. Jesus is righteous and sinless but He loves us so much that He took our sins upon Himself and died in our place on the cross. Jesus who knew no sin became sin for us.

Dear friends, I pray that this story of God's love will touch your heart and you may experience His unconditional love today.