https://odb.org/MY/2023/05/01/multitude-of-maples
I have just returned from my vacation travel to Taiwan, and it was indeed a tiring (we each walked about 17,000 steps most days) but refreshing trip, seeing how advanced and structured Taiwan is, with her efficient high speed rail, metro, inter-city trains and buses. The food was especially good, suited to our Malaysian tastes, and didn’t cost a bomb like in Europe. Although it was already warmer, we had a couple of chilly days due to rain and with humidity at around 10%, it was a very pleasant experience compared to the hot humid tropical weather we are used to over here. I think I’ll make it a point, if possible, to travel in the future to only 4-season countries for vacation – just to experience the cold again!
Peter makes a good point for us to ponder in 1 Peter 3:15, to always being ready to give an answer for the hope that we have in Christ Jesus. When people look at our lives and the testimony we bear, they may be curious to know why. Why do we live right side up, based on Godly principles that do not conform to the standards of this world? Why do we repay evil with blessings as advised by Peter in 1 Peter 3:9? Why do some of us willingly face persecution because of our faith and principles? Why do we want to do good, instead of evil?
I think as a believer, we must invest some time to formulate and articulate our own answer if anyone were to ask us the reason for our hope. It could be an object lesson in apologetics or just a summary of a few favourite verses, but whatever it is, it must be grounded on our own experience of the goodness of God. As much as we look to the eternal life as promised, we experience heaven here on earth now in terms of the spiritual blessings and the manifestation of His power and glory in our lives. Our faith is not only for eternity but also while we are yet sinners and pilgrims passing through. In our brokenness, we experience His blessings. In our weakness, we find strength in Jesus. In our sorrow, we find comfort in Him.
The takeaway today is not to be afraid to live for God. We will not lose out. We may suffer a little, but in the suffering that we endure, we will see the goodness and strength of God arising from within us to overcome and be victorious. In suffering, we develop perseverance and through perseverance character and character, hope (Romans 5:3-5). We must never be neither here nor there, living in the peripherals. If we are neither hot nor cold, Jesus will spit us out!
Ronnie's Thoughts 