The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37

The incident that happened in China yesterday in regards to a tragic story of a 2 years old who was ran over by a van and a truck with no one willing to get involved to save her, reminded me of what happened to me as I tried to be a good Samaritan once in my own hometown in Singapore.

As some of you know that I have a passion for people and children with disabilities. While I was working as a special education teacher in Singapore, I would often pass by a busy sidewalk from Tampines MRT Station to the shopping mall on my way home from work. I would notice this man, often in a squatting position, quiet and in a corner with his cane. As I came forward to take a closer look, I noticed he was blind. I also noticed practically every one around him ignored his presence. Hardly any one would buy anything from him. My heart went out to him, wishing I could do something for him.

One day, I plucked up my courage and talked to him. After knowing his plight, I decided to assist him to help sell some of the stuffs to earn a living. I started helping creating signs to get people’s attention toward him and that seemed to work. More and more people started noticing us and bought stuffs from him. It went well for a while until a man who addressed himself as an officer working for the government decided to arrest me for assisting in an illegal criminal group trying to use this blind man to work for the organization. “Oh wow.. me involving in an illegal activity??” That was the last straw for me. I fell apart and started weeping.” Was this fair for trying to do some good deeds?”

Fortunately, a couple decided to speak up on my behalf. They argued with the officer and in the end, decided to go with me to the office and they testified in favor of my innocence. I was eventually warned and released. At the end of the day, I asked myself: “Does it pay to do good these days?”

The horrific story of the 2 years old in China sparked off a very similar discussion on this issue. People are much less willing to get ‘involved’ in helping others in need especially when it comes to children. According to Shanghaidaily.com, it was reported:

“The notorious “Nanjing Peng Yu” incident is fresh in people’s minds even after five years. In 2006, in Nanjing City in east China, a young man named Peng Yu who had just gotten off a bus went to aid a 65-year-old woman who was knocked down by a fellow passenger. The woman eventually sued Peng, claiming he was the one who knocked her down.”

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/?id=484913&type=National

As for the blind man I’ve helped.. Much later, I would continue to quietly watch out for him whenever I passed by that area. As time went by, I noticed he was losing much of his weight and felt helpless to do anything. Over time, I had grown like any one else forgot he existed. What have our societies become? Would you despite the fear, help someone in need today? Would you continue to let the fear rule you or would you let your heart and the Holy Spirit lead you? Something needs to change today!

Author: Felecia Wong

God’s Revelation Through Today’s Devotion

This message was written awhile back by Felecia. She is going through a difficult time of her life right now. But, she is filled with courage and strength by the God she loves. In a way, through the posting of this message, I hope to remind her of the strength she posses deep within her. I know God is with her and her children today. As this message strengthens me today, so I hope it would be likewise for you as well. May God bless you and keep you as the apples of His eyes, hide you under His Mighty wings and may His favor be upon you this day, and forever more.

IT DOESN’T MAKE SENSE!

The past weekend, I had a privilege to meet three men of God who’ve been serving God faithfully.  They gave their hearts, lives, time, plans, money, families, to God and serve Him for the expansion of His Kingdom.  My husband got to spend a lot of time with them and the experience had changed him tremendously.  These 3 men constantly think about God and what can they do for Him.  They see each opportunity as a way to bring glory to His name.  They are ordinary people just like us who dare to do things beyond ordinary.  If I hadn’t known Christ, maybe I would say that these people are out of their mind, and their live doesn’t really make sense!

This morning through my bible reading, I learned once again about somebody whose life doesn’t make sense.  His name was King David.

II Samuel 6:16-23 (NLT)
 16 But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.

 17 They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. 

18 When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 

19 Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates,[b] and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes.

 20 When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”
 

21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 

22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 

23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.

See how David was not making any sense to Michal (his wife).  Even though Michal, being king David’s wife for so long had witnessed God’s great works in his life. For Michal, the way David worshipped God was foolish, it seemed that for Michal God doesn’t deserve to be worshipped as David did.  David was doing something beyond ordinary; he worshipped God beyond his regular worship gesture, rejoicing because the ark of God was finally brought up back to the city of David.

Jesus himself on His time on earth was doing things that do not make sense, Feeding 5000 people only with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread, healing a blind man with His spit & mud, walking on water, finding 2 coins inside a fish mouth, and many more.

John 14:12-14 (NLT)
12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 

13 You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 

14 Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!

The Bible clearly says that children of God will do the same works Jesus has done even greater. But we need to ask Him to do it for us while all we need to do is to make ourselves available and obey.
Friends, today, God wants to remind us once again that we as His children will do things beyond ordinary, things that do not make sense to others. Our part is right now to get out from our comfort zone and just do it.

Be blessed today~

Ever wonder where some of these phrases come from? For examples, ‘It’s raining cats and dogs.’ and ‘Don’t throw the baby out of the bath water.’ And how about the custom that brides have to carry a bouquet of flowers on her special day.. where does that come from? My mother-in-law sent me this email and I thought it’s worthwhile information to share and pass on. Hope you will enjoy these facts and gain something new today.  God bless you all!

Here are some facts about the 1500s

Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June.  However, since they were starting to smell, brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor.  Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married. Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water.  The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, Then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children.  Last of all were the babies.  By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water!”

Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood  underneath.  It was the only place for animals  to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the  roof. When it rained it became slippery  and sometimes the animals would slip and fall off the  roof. Hence the saying, “It’s raining cats and dogs.” 

Sometimes they could obtain pork, which made them feel quite special.  When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man could, “bring home the bacon.” They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and chew the fat.

Those with money had plates made of pewter. Food with high acid content caused some of the lead to leach onto the food, causing lead poisoning death.   This happened most often with tomatoes, so for the next 400 years or so, tomatoes were considered poisonous.

Bread was divided according to status.  Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust. Lead cups were used to drink ale or whisky.
The combination would sometimes knock the imbibers out for a couple of days. Someone walking along the road would take them for dead and prepare them for burial.  They were laid out on the kitchen table for a couple of days and the family would gather around and eat and drink and wait and see  if they would wake up. Hence the custom; “of holding a wake”.

England is old and small and the local folks started running out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and  would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave.  When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized  they had been burying people alive.  So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell.  Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift.) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be, “saved by the bell” or was  “considered a dead ringer”.

Roses are my favorite flowers besides sunflowers. I have a dream to grow all variety of roses in my rose garden. In Adelaide, where I studied and lived for seven years before I was married to Dan, I would often look forward to my regular visits to the Botanic garden in the City of Adelaide. One of my favorite past time was to visit the rose garden. It had a great variety of roses I could find in one single place. I spent at least a couple of hours just walking around the rose garden trying to remember the names of all the roses, which turned out quite impossible to remember all. I was never tired of such an activity.

In California, Fresno, when I first settled down in this city. One of the joy I had, living in our rented house near my parents-in-law was taking care of a couple of roses in our front yard. They were rather miserable looking initially, needed much love and tender care. I did a major trim and pruning to the roses and watered them regularly. It turned out that I had a pretty show of roses that summer.

Pruning – Object Lesson #3 In Gardening

In our previous lessons, we learned the very first sign of life produces a refreshing hope that can only be  experienced at the arrival of  spring. Refreshing hope comes from knowing Jesus in our object lesson about hope. Then, we learned in our second lesson that garden weeds are like sins, they are attractive but not place as intended. Through our object lesson #2 we learned the need to repent if we desired to be freed from sins. And only Jesus is able to save and set us free. Our object lesson in gardening today is knowing the purpose and the importance of the pruning process of plants and fruit trees in relation to what the Bible teaches about pruning.

Why Is Pruning Necessary?

Pruning is necessary if you want a healthy plant or fruit tree, that is well balanced and free from disease infestation. If you are interested to know some important  facts about pruning, click on facts to learn more. One of the important fact I need to know about tending roses, is how to prune a rose plant correctly. To prune roses I need a good tough pair of garden gloves if  I do not want my fingers pricked by the thorns. After learning the how to prune the roses, and watching the magnificent results, I always prune my roses every year in the season of winter when the roses are dominant.

What Does The Bible Say About Pruning?

The Bible talks about the importance of being pruned in the lives of the disciples in John 15: 1-17. Now according to the Bible, it says in John 15:1-8:

The True Vine

¹ “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. (New King James Version)

Every beloved disciple of Jesus Christ will go through a process of being pruned by Him. Jesus says He is the vine, and His disciples are the branches. Every disciple that does not abide in Jesus and bear fruit, He will take away. And every disciple that bears fruit, He will prune that he/she may bear more fruit. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit on its own without abiding in the vine, so is a disciple of Jesus Christ who lives without abiding in Him.  In verse 8, it is implied that it is God’s intention that we as the disciples should bear much fruit because in doing so, we glorify Him. Therefore, the pruning process in the life of a true disciple is necessary for greater growth and bearing much fruit.

Sometimes it is easy to forget that the pruning process is good and necessary in the life of a disciple. It is painful it seems to undergo pruning, and often one forgets and thinks God does not love nor care for him/her. If we recall in verse 2, it says every branch that bears fruit He prunes. Why? That it may bear more fruit. Every disciples that are going through the process of being pruned, have to remember that YOU are precious and valuable to Jesus. He wants to see greater fruit in YOU. According to John 15:16, the Bible says in New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Have you heard of Martin Luther? A man who called for a reform, not of man but of God’s. Can one man change the world? Can God use a man to change an entire world? Yes, it is possible. Martin Luther was an Augustinian monk whom God used to disrupt a way of life in his generation and challenged others not to conform to a norm but to seek God above that norm. Are we willing to rise up and be counted as different? Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone when God calls? Or will we rather keep our seats cozy and warm in church sundays after sundays and never experience a touch of God that transforms our lives? Something to think about while we focus on the life of Martin Luther and the story behind the great hymn he wrote also known as the ‘Battle hymn of the reformation’ – A Mighty Fortress is our God.

A Mighty Fortress is our God

(1) A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;

Our helper He amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe-

His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not His equal.

(2) Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing,

Were not the right man on our side, The man of God’s own choosing.

Doth ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He-

Lord Sabaoth His name, From age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

(3) And though this world with devils filled, Should threaten to unto us.

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.

The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him-

His rage we can endure, For lo, his doom is sure:

One little word shall fell him.

(4) That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through Him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also-

They body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still:

His kingdom is forever.

The Story Behind ‘Battle Hymn Of The Reformation’

Martin Luther (His life & Bio)

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five theses to the door of the Cathedral of Wittenberg, Germany. That date was sometimes called the “4th of July of Protestantism.” It symbolized the start of the Protestant Reformation.

And the single most powerful hymn of the Protestant Reformation Movement was Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” based on Psalm 46. This hymn became the battle cry of the people, a great source of strength and inspiration even for those who were martyred for their convictions. Its majestic and thunderous proclamation of our faith is a singing symbol of the reformation.

Inspired by Psalm 46, Luther caught up in the hymn the very essence of faith, and the fervor and flavor of patriotism which he found in the Psalm.

This hymn has been translated into practically every known language and is regarded as one of the noblest and most classic examples of Christian hymnody.

The first line of this national hymn of Protestant Germany is fittingly inscribed on the tomb of the great reformer at Wittenberg,

Luther had strong convictions about the use and power of sacred music.  Once he wrote, “I would allow no man to preach or teach God’s people without a proper knowledge of the use and power of sacred song.”

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/a-mighty-fortress-is-our-god-richard-jumper-sermon-on-descriptions-of-god-79466.asp

Ever have one of those days,
When something seems a bit “off”
But you just can’t put your finger on it…

Or it seems like all the people around you are grouchy and just want to butt heads…

Or just, get into some kind
Of weird tug of war?


Sometimes, you just need to take a freshnew look and get a different perspective on things.



Remember, to try your best
To show kindness to others…cuz
It just feels so good!


(Sometimes looking at things
From their perspective
Might help…..)

So, when life gets you down…

Remember to just keep going,
And keep your head above water.

And you’ll get by
With a little help from your friends!

To all of my Family and Friends .. Have a nice day.
Make Someone Smile

An email I received from my mother-in-law that I thought it is worthwhile sharing with you.
Have a great day!

NOTE: Taken by a post from BOB.

Author: Felecia Wong

God’s Revelation Through Today’s Devotion: 05 23 2011

This morning in my quiet time with God, I felt like I need to exalt Him more than ever.  So I started to open my mouth and worshiped Him. I started declaring “I exalt You above anything, above my life, my dream, my problem, my situation, my challenges, that His name is the Name above all names, His name is higher than any problems with names, any sickness with names, any disasters with names, anything with names” 

Then I turned to Romans 8
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?

Then the next verse is when He revealed more about Him and us:
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

We have been made more than conquerors THROUGH Him. Only through HIM, we shall conquer any challenges in life. Then He gave me a revelation in the phrase “through HIM who loved us”. Unless we know & believe that He loves us, we will not be a conqueror.

So I closed my eyes and started whispering in my heart “I know YOU love me” many many times, tears started to run down, suddenly I felt His love was poured over my body, I felt the warmth of His presence and at that time I knew that HE LOVES ME ….
The revelation of He loves me more than anything set me free from all fear and doubts and enable me to see myself as a conqueror, even more than conquerors!

The real truth about He loves me enable me to see my situation as something really small because who am I? James 4:14 What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes
Because my God LOVES me, I have been made His children and His best friend while my problems & challenges are still small, smaller than a mist.

My situation might not change yet, but my spirit has be rise up by this revelation: HE LOVES ME.

This revelation was given to me and I want you to experience the same revelation.
You can close your eyes right now and start saying “I know You love me”, say it over and over again and let Him reveal it you just like what He did to me.

Be blessed today~

Dear Readers,

http://www.af.mil/weekinphotos/031114-10.html

It is our honor to welcome our latest contributors and writers to DOTA, Felecia Wong and Emily Hostetler. As we look forward to their contributions to DOTA (Daughters Of The Almighty) and making DOTA a better collection of inspirational blogs that brings glory to God. DOTA is continually searching for women of God to arise from the obscurity.  The hidden vessels that need to be brought to the light so others can see the glory of God’s work in and through their lives.

Since early this week, I have a deep burden to cry out to God for those who are yet to be saved in our family.  Seeking God to be merciful to our next generation and their children and generations to come. I want God to pursue them in the same manner He pursued us many years ago. For those of us who are saved, aren’t you grateful, honored and feel blessed that God in His compassion chose you to be His people and His beloved? What about your children? Your sister or brother and even parents who have not yet known God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Will you allow them to go to Hell without hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ while you enjoy the blessing of eternity without those whom you love? Wake up Christians! God is calling us to rise up and take on this battle with the evil ones and change the future of our beloved.  In Ephesians 6:10 – 20, the Bible says:

Prayer Warrior Strategy For Saving Your Family

http://godsblogs.com/salvation/prayer-warrior-strategy-saving-family/

¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,^[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
¹⁴ Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ¹⁸ praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— ¹⁹ and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

As God calls and charges us to take on this battle with Him, He reveals great mystery as it happens in the Heavenly. However, do not be afraid as He reveals even more mystery to us as we continue to seek Him and finds time to hear from Him. It is knowledge we need to know to be ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus, the second time. This is the best time to dig into the Word of God (Bible) and starts to read the Book of Revelation about what’s going to happen in the end time.  I charge you to seek and hear from God today!

Is The World Coming To An End?

Judgment Day 21st May 2011

Have You Heard Of This Man Harold Camping?

Over the years, Harold Egbert Camping made a couple of predictions in which he first claimed September 1994 to be the Final Judgment Day. As we all know, that it did not turn out the way he predicted. Most recently, he was at it again predicting that May 21st 2011 would be the Final Judgment Day.  Is the world truly coming to an end on the 21st of May 2011 as he claims again after his first prediction failed?

Today, I would attempt to provide some answers to this ordeal that many have keen interest in. I hope with the answers, you will have a better understanding of what is in store through the Biblical perspective.  Do you enjoy a roller coaster ride? Ready or not, tighten your seat belt and here we go..

Is It Possible To Know When Jesus Would Come Again?

The Bible does mention about Jesus Christ’s return to the earth the second time.  In the JesusIsComing.com it gives several Bible references to the second coming of Jesus Christ. Particularly in the Book of Matthew 24:36-39, the Bible says:

“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.   As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.   For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;  and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.  That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.”

Can we possibly know the exact day and hour, Jesus would return? The answer is No. The Bible mentions that not even Jesus Christ Himself knows except God the Father. Therefore in Matthew 24:42, the Bible says:

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

However, the Bible also talks about the many signs of the end time which would provide some warning and details of what to look for as the end draws near.

What Warning Are You Talking About?

Many false prophets will arise as the end time draws close. In the Books of Matthew, Mark and 2 Peter, the Bible warns the believers of Jesus Christ not to fall into the trap and be deceived by the false prophets who would claim themselves as the Messiah, yet lead many away from the truth.

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:15-20)

“And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He’, and will deceive many.” (Mark 13:5-6)

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” (2 Peter 2:1-2)

http://dota.godsblogs.com/2011/04/28/preparing-heart-revival/

Signs Of The End Time

From the video above, you will read some of the end time signs taken from the Bible. The best book to read in the Bible about End Time, is the Book of Revelation. As you read what’s about to take place, there will arise a sense of excitement and gradually excitement will turn to fear.. Do not be afraid. God will protect His people. Knowing the signs of the end time is great. However, let not your focus stay on the events that follow and the Anti-Christ, rather keep your eyes on Jesus Christ alone and patiently awaits for His coming to bring us home.

I do not personally believe that Harold Camping is a prophet. The truth is no one will know for sure what day and hour our Lord Jesus Christ will return. Only God knows. However, looking at the signs of end time, don’t you think we are living out many of the signs in our present age? Do not be caught off guard when Jesus Christ comes again the second time. If you have not give your life to Jesus to serve Him, do not miss out, do it today and do it now before it is too late. May this journey with me, lead you to the path toward the day of your salvation. God bless!

Author : Charles G. Finney

Taken from Chapter 3 of : “How to experience Revival”

“Break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you” — Hosea 10:12

Because the Jews were a nation of farmers, Scripture often refers to their occupation to illustrate its points. The prophet Hosea employed this strategy to tell the Jews they were becoming a nation of backsliders. He reproved them for their idolatry and threatened them with the judgments of God.

A revival consists of two parts: that which concerns the Church and that which concerns the unsaved. Here I will speak about a revival in the Church. Fallow ground is ground which has once been tilled bout which now lies waste. It needs to be broken up and mellowed before it is again ready to receive grain.

Softening Your Heart

If you want to break up the fallow ground of your heart, you must begin by looking at yourself. Examine and note the state of your mind. See where you are. Many never seem to think about this. They pay no attention to their own hearts, and they never know whether they are doing well in their faith or not. They do not know whether they are gaining ground or going back; whether they are fruitful or going to waste.

Now is the time to divert your attention from other things and look into this. Make a point to do this. Do not be in a hurry. Thoroughly examine the state of your heart and see where you are. Check to see if you are walking with God every day or with the devil.

Self-examination is looking at your life. It is considering your actions in the past and learning its true character. Look over your personal history. Examine your individual sins one by one. I do not mean for you to glance at your past life, see that it has been full of sins, then go to God and make a general confession. That is not the way. You must look at each sin one by one. It is a good idea to take a pen and paper as you go over them and write each sin down as they occur to you.

Go over them as carefully as a merchant goes over his books. Each time a sin comes to mind, add it to the list. General confessions of sin will never do. Now, begin and review what are commonly, but improperly, called sins of omission.