Author Archives: Ronnie Lim

Righteousness

https://odb.org/2023/12/31/the-righteous-city Once we have believed in Jesus and accepted Him, our pursuit in life becomes a pursuit for righteousness. We are made righteous before God because of the blood of Christ shed on Calvary, and we want to be righteous henceforth in the things we do, the words we say, and the thoughts we think.Continue reading “Righteousness”

Crown of life

https://odb.org/2023/12/29/keep-running-2 A recurring theme in these pages is that of perseverance, something common in the New Testament letters of the Apostles. This is because during the 1st century era, just after the death and resurrection of Christ, believers of the Way were under tremendous persecution. In the early days, it was mostly economic persecution, andContinue reading “Crown of life”

Meeting the needs of others

https://odb.org/2023/12/28/phillips-wish When we look around us, we will always find people who dedicate their lives to helping others, whether formally via an NGO or as a volunteer somewhere. They are not the norm. An exception to the general populace, but nevertheless, they are sincere and genuine. Many are non-Christians. What drives them? Probably their compassionContinue reading “Meeting the needs of others”

Magi and the Star of Bethlehem

https://odb.org/2023/12/24/finding-home As we read the account of the Magi from the East following the Star of Bethlehem and finding Jesus and giving Him the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (see Matthew 2) – the thing which speaks to me is not just the Magi but also the Star of Bethlehem. To me, it wasContinue reading “Magi and the Star of Bethlehem”

The Berlin Wall

https://odb.org/2023/12/22/a-wall-torn-down The Berlin Wall fell on 9 November 1989 and was a historical event unimaginable then. I remember thinking how impossible it was, and yet it happened. Two years later, in 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed. The difference was that with the fall of the Berlin Wall, East and West Germany were genuinely reunited. ButContinue reading “The Berlin Wall”

Christmas memories

https://odb.org/2023/12/21/the-light-of-hope I recall that as a family, we used to celebrate Christmas even when we were yet true believers. We had always identified ourselves as Christians even though we knew very little of the faith then. So we will set up the Christmas tree, my father will buy and wrap up presents and my mumContinue reading “Christmas memories”

Forgetting what’s behind

https://odb.org/2023/12/20/forgettable Isaiah 43:25 speaks of God forgetting the sins of Israel and Judah. He remembers them no more. In verses 18 and 19, He urges them to forget the former things, not to dwell in the past. Instead, see that the LORD is doing a new thing amongst them. As humans and even believers, weContinue reading “Forgetting what’s behind”

Wrestling with God

https://odb.org/2023/12/19/the-meaning-of-a-scar The story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32:22-32 was a breakthrough that changed Jacob from a cunning and conniving man (who tricked his father Isaac to give to him the blessings of his brother Esau) to one who prevailed in persistence. Jacob named the place he wrestled with God as Peniel becauseContinue reading “Wrestling with God”

Our God is near

https://odb.org/2023/12/18/my-god-is-near I think if we are facing some major crisis or an important exam or presentation like a board meeting or a performance like singing in an event or preaching in church, it is difficult not to be anxious. We are anxious because we are worried that things will not be smooth or will notContinue reading “Our God is near”