The Journey to Reconciliation

Letting go of grudges isn't simple, yet it's a liberating path to tranquility and lightness. The Higher Path of Forgiveness as Jesus Illustrated In His pivotal Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasted the old retributive justice of "an eye for an eye" with a revolutionary call for forgiveness, urging us to love our foes and turn the other cheek. This profound shift from retaliation to reconciliation embodies the essence of Christian love and mercy. The Liberation of Letting Go Grasping onto grievances shackles us with perpetual discontent. These unresolved issues claim precious mental real estate, disrupting our peace and straining our relationships. In contrast, the liberating act of forgiveness is advocated in sacred texts like the Book of Mormon, which asserts that life's purpose is joy. By forgiving, we unburden ourselves, making room for happiness and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Our joy becomes independent of others' actions and worldly justice, rooted instead in the freedom and lightness of forgiveness. Choosing to forgive, particularly in the face of grave transgressions, is undoubtedly challenging. Yet, with faith in the Savior and earnest supplication for the strength to forgive, we can overcome the barriers of resentment. As Church leaders like Elder Kevin R. Duncan have articulated, we should not be perpetual victims of our past afflictions and grievances. Instead, we should rise above them through the transformative power of forgiveness.  Distinguishing Forgiveness from Trust Forgiving doesn't equate to immediate restoration of trust. It's perfectly reasonable to forgive someone yet remain cautious about fully trusting them again. This is particularly pertinent in situations of betrayal or harm. While forgiveness is a universal imperative, trust is earned and often requires time and evidence of change. Emulating the Supreme Forgiveness of Christ In our own struggles to forgive, we find an unparalleled exemplar in Jesus Christ. Amidst His excruciating crucifixion, He embodied divine forgiveness, pleading for mercy on behalf of His persecutors. His atoning sacrifices and understanding of our deepest pains assure us that through His grace, not only can we receive forgiveness, but we are also empowered to extend it to others, even in our most trying moments.

The Path to Divine Pardon: Embracing Repentance and Joy

Finding divine pardon involves sincere reflection and transformation through the grace of Jesus Christ. Understanding True Repentance True repentance goes beyond mere acknowledgment of wrongs or verbal apologies. It involves a profound transformation of mind and spirit, a shift from sinning to seeking divine aid and pardon. Through repentance, one can attain enduring joy and contentment. Repentance offers an opportunity for improvement. As you strive to shed negative habits, dependencies, and enact positive changes, God remains patient. Such transformation, achievable through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is worthwhile regardless of the duration. The Necessity of Repentance Despite the prevalent belief in moral relativism, God sets definite standards and commands for us. Imperfection is a universal trait, necessitating everyone to seek repentance. As the scripture in Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"; our transgressions hinder our return to God's presence. Jesus Christ's atonement provides a pathway to forgiveness. By bearing our sins, He enables us to cleanse ourselves and live without remorse. The Joys of Repentance Sin burdens the soul with regret and grief. Through repentance, these feelings are supplanted by joy and relief. Alma, a prophet from the Book of Mormon, vividly recounts the joy of redemption: "There can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy" (Alma 36:21). Full repentance brings forgiveness, healing, peace, delight, liberation, and assurance. The Process of Repentance The power to absolve sins lies with Jesus Christ. Though repentance can be challenging and sometimes painful, it's a journey towards liberation and renewal. The Lord assures, "He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more". Repentance is a deeply personal journey with Jesus. It may take varying times to repent for different sins. While not merely a series of steps, certain principles can guide those uncertain of how to commence or gauge their progress. Is My Sin Beyond Repentance? Jesus Christ's sacrifice covers all sins. You might feel overwhelmed by the gravity or frequency of your sins, but no one is beyond the reach of repentance and forgiveness. Regardless of the sin's nature or frequency, complete absolution is possible through Jesus Christ, who awaits to grant forgiveness eagerly.

Unraveling the Myth of Work-Life Balance: A Modern Perspective

The concept of work-life balance is a prevalent topic in today's fast-paced world, where the lines between professional and personal life are increasingly blurred. The term typically refers to the ideal state where an individual allocates the right amount of time and energy to both work and personal life activities, aiming for a sense of harmony and fulfillment. However, the notion of work-life balance is often labeled a myth due to its elusive and subjective nature. Critics argue that the concept implies a perfect equilibrium is achievable, setting unrealistic expectations for individuals striving to attain it. The critique is multifaceted, focusing on the changing nature of work, individual differences, and the societal implications of pursuing such balance.   Firstly, the evolving nature of work with technological advancements means that people are more connected than ever, with the boundaries between work and home becoming increasingly porous. The rise of remote working and the "always on" culture exacerbates this issue, making it difficult for individuals to switch off from work and fully engage in personal life. This constant connectivity challenges the traditional 9-5 workday concept, making the idea of a perfect balance seem more unattainable.   Secondly, the pursuit of work-life balance is highly individualistic, with each person's ideal balance looking different based on their life stage, career, personal values, and responsibilities. For some, work might be a source of fulfillment and a central part of their identity, while for others, personal life activities and relationships hold more significance. This subjectivity means that a one-size-fits-all approach to achieving balance is ineffective and can lead to feelings of inadequacy and stress when people fail to meet these generalized standards.   Moreover, the quest for work-life balance is often criticized for not taking into account broader societal and economic factors that influence individuals' ability to achieve it. Issues such as job insecurity, work demands, and socio-economic status significantly impact the feasibility of attaining a balanced life. For many, particularly in lower-income brackets or demanding jobs, the luxury of balancing work and life is a far-fetched dream, overshadowed by the need to meet basic financial and job security needs. The myth of work-life balance also overlooks the dynamic nature of life, where priorities and responsibilities shift over time. What might be a balanced life at one point can quickly become unbalanced due to unforeseen life events or changes in personal circumstances. This fluidity suggests that balance is not a fixed state to be achieved but a continuous process of adjustment and renegotiation of priorities.   In response to these criticisms, many advocate for a more realistic and flexible approach to managing work and life. Concepts such as work-life integration or harmony are gaining traction, emphasizing the integration of work and personal life in a way that aligns with individual values and circumstances. These approaches recognize the complexity of modern life and advocate for a more personalized and fluid understanding of how work and personal life can coexist.   In conclusion, while the idea of work-life balance is aspirational, labeling it a myth acknowledges the complex reality of modern living. It prompts a reevaluation of what balance means and encourages a more nuanced approach to managing the competing demands of work and personal life. As society continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which individuals seek to harmonize their professional and personal lives, moving beyond the myth towards a more individualized and dynamic understanding of balance.

Church Seekers & Gamblers’ Heaven in Macau

Gambling is illegal in Hong Kong. Then where should the fans of this fate fight? Macau with an area of ​​29 sq km was transformed into a heaven on earth for them.  Gambling is indeed legalized in Macau, so those of you who come there only need to invest money and hope to the god of luck. Macau is indeed quite far for those who want to gamble, fortunately now there are trusted online gambling in Indonesia. No need to go far to Macau, just use your cellphone, you can directly access the live casino on your cellphone and bet freely there. Choose a trusted online gambling site, which usually has the most complete gambling options such as online casino, judi slot, poker, and sportsbook.

Macau is the Portuguese pronunciation of the local dialect A Ma Gao which means temple of A-Ma. This is a place of worship for local people before the Portuguese colonizers came in the 1550s. The people themselves call this area Ou Mun. Since being handed back to China in late 1999, Macau has been transformed into a gambling location to rival Las Vegas. With 29 giant casinos and hundreds of nightlife spots, Macau is a magnet for those who want to try their luck from Hong Kong, mainland China and other parts of the world.

Macau has an international airport, but Hong Kong residents usually go to Macau using the fast Turbo Jet Ferry from the Hong Kong Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan. The ticket price is HK$172. The ferry departs every 15 minutes for 24 hours. However, between 00.00-06.00, the ferry departs once an hour.

When we bought tickets, it turned out that many people gave hand codes. Apparently, a lot of touts were standing around the counter. They offer tickets at a discounted price, HK$150, but who can guarantee, we don't even care. After an hour's journey, we arrived in Macau at 20.00 local time.

The glitter of the giant casinos makes the night sky in Macau turn red. Casino buildings vary in shape to attract gamblers. Some look like emperor palaces, giant light bulbs, Tibetan palaces, or dragon mouths. Just got off the ferry, and some people were handing out flyers. The content is an offer of plus-plus entertainment packages, ranging from striptease which is priced at HK$ 300 to advertisements for commercial sex services starting at HK$ 800.

chow-yun-fat

Do not be surprised, apart from gambling, prostitution is also legal in Macau. It seems actor Chow Yun Fat has a special place for Macau. The face of the actor who is famous for the film Gods of Gambler (God of Gambling) appears at the taxi doors with a gambling style. All information signs are in two languages, Portuguese and Chinese.

After we filled our stomachs, we decided to head to the end of Avenida Street, Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues. Here there is a fairly large open space and we can look out over the many large casinos around us. The night is getting late, but this city is showing no signs of going to sleep. Hundreds of people back and forth in and out of the Casino. Enter the casino with cheer, and many leave with limp faces. I can't imagine how many people come here on the weekends.

Macau-Ruins

Tired of the hustle and bustle of the gambling world, we retreated to the old city of Macau. The atmosphere is in stark contrast to the distance of less than 2 km, it was as if we were thrown into the 16th century. The colonial buildings that are still well-maintained, the streets with stone tiles, brought directly from the Portal, have survived to this day. We headed into the hills to see the ruins of the church of Santo Paulo.

Igreja de Santo Paulo, that's his name. Located in the hills, this church is a memory of Portuguese rule in the past. Built between the years 1602-1640, this church burned down in 1835. Only the facade remains today. The remains of the ruins of this church became an icon of Macau. It was early in the morning. We went back down to downtown Macau. The gambling city that never sleeps.

The Life Improvement that You Can Get by Reading Bible 22 Days Non-Stop

The Bible is a book that contains many words of God. Every command, every will, every testimony about God, everything is written in the Bible. As people who claim to believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we must read the Bible. The Bible is not only intended to be read during Sunday worship, but the Bible should be read every day. There are various benefits to reading the Bible every day. These benefits are certainly good for us to get. Here are various benefits of reading the Bible every day.

The Word of God strengthens us from trials.

The Bible was written to give us strength in defeating the forces of evil. We can break every temptation through the truth of God's word. This is like the benefits of reading the Bible every day that Jesus did when tempted in the wilderness after fasting 40 days, 40 nights. We can also do this when we read and meditate on God's words every day. The Word of God, especially in the Scriptures for life motivation, helps us to be able to overcome every trial that comes to us, however heavy it is.

The Word of God strengthens our faith in the power of prayer.

In addition to reading the Bible, we are always encouraged to communicate with God through prayer. One thing we can say in prayer is our petition. However, we often feel doubt that our prayers will be answered. Another benefit of reading the Bible every day is that it helps us to believe that God hears our prayers. He promises to give us what we ask for, and we trust that He will fulfill it.

The Word of God can please the heart and give peace.

God's Word can give us joy, even when we feel we have no hope. God's Word also gives us peace when we feel we have so many problems. The Bible contains a variety of real motivations, not mere motivations. For example, when we feel broken-hearted, we will become strong and recover quickly after reading the Bible verse about heartbreak. Reading the Bible also helps us not to bear everything alone, but learns to surrender it to God as the Bible says about surrender.

The Word of God confirms our faith about salvation and the eternal life we ​​have received.

As Christians, of course, we know that Jesus came to provide salvation and promise eternal life after death. All Christians know this, but not all Christians are convinced of it. At a minimum, they are not sure that they have received that safety. Regular reading of the Bible will help strengthen our faith in salvation. The Bible helps us get closer to God and believe in the promise of salvation, according to the Bible's verse about trust. That is the benefit of reading the Bible every day. The benefits of reading the Bible every day are not only in our spiritual lives but also in our daily lives. The critical thing to remember is that it is not enough for us to just read the Bible. We need to really reflect on it and also do it in our lives. Ask the Holy Spirit always to guide us to benefit from reading the Bible every day. All glory to the name of God. God bless.

7 Most Unique Christmas Traditions in the World

Everyone in various parts of the world makes Christmas a very special day every year. Apart from Christmas celebrations that are conducted by worshiping at church, in other countries, especially Western countries, almost all people celebrate Christmas — starting from dinner together, the distribution of Christmas gifts to friends and family, to other habits. Here are 7 countries in the world that have unique ways to celebrate Christmas.  

POLAND

Poland has a dinner tradition that is so unique. People who celebrate Christmas will return to their hometowns to gather with their families. No wonder if you visit Poland at Christmas, the city center in this country will look so empty. The tradition of eating with family is called the Wigilia tradition. When doing this tradition, dinner is held at a table lit only by a candle, with a white tablecloth. They will also put straw under a tablecloth as a symbol of the birthplace of Jesus. An empty chair is prepared as a preparation for sudden guests who are looking for food or a place to stay. This was done so that no one would celebrate Christmas Eve alone in Poland.  

SWEDEN

In 1966, residents of the city of Gavle in Sweden once made a statue of a male goat as high as 13 meters made of straw, which was placed in the town square. Strangely, every midnight Christmas, there are always people who try to burn the goat statue. But even though that happens often, the townspeople keep remaking the goat statue every year so that it becomes one of the Christmas traditions in Sweden. So far, he said the statue of a goat that had been burned had reached 27 times.  

IRELAND

Irish residents celebrate Christmas with a tradition of lighting candles and giving snacks to Santa Claus. Candlelight itself is a natural tradition for Christmas. Every Christmas service in the church will surely include a candle lighting event accompanied by the song of the Holy Night. But the difference is, lighting a candle in Ireland can only be done by small children, and the candle is placed in the window. Irish residents will also prepare snacks in the form of minced meat pie and drinks for Santa Claus.  

FINLAND

In Finland, the Christmas event is celebrated on St. Lucia, which is December 13th. On this date, the eldest girl from each family must wear a white robe and a candle crown and then serve her family with bread, cakes, coffee, and wine. Then on Christmas Eve, Finnish residents will visit the sauna to relax and make a pilgrimage to the funerals of those nearby. Lunch at Christmas is made by eating porridge with almonds in it. Those who find the almonds are believed to have good luck for the rest of the year.  

SPAIN

Christmas tradition in Spain, which is unique, is the presence of 'Caga Tio.' In Spanish itself, ‘Caga Tio’ means dirt from tree trunks. But in the Christmas tradition, ‘Caga Tio’ is a name given to a smiley-faced piece of wood with a red hat that brings laughter and excitement to the Catalonian children. The tree trunk is also loved by children because there are many gifts stored in it. Children must take care of 'Caga Tio' from December 8 until Christmas Eve. They will give ‘Caga Tio’ a blanket, even feed them orange peels every meal. They believe that the more 'Caga Tio' is cared for, the more gifts they will receive at Christmas.  

AUSTRALIA

Unlike other sub-tropical countries that are identical to snow at Christmas, December in Australia is not snowing at all. This makes Christmas celebrations in Australia seem more different from other Western countries. Christmas celebrations in this kangaroo country are mostly done in swimming pools, beaches, to shopping centers. Various competitions are also held in an open area where people will also visit family, relatives, friends, and other friends to eat together.  

CANADA

Canada also has a unique Christmas tradition because it almost resembles a Halloween party. Of course, the celebration is not as scary as Halloween parties in general. The public will only wear many cloth masks without paint. With this mask, they visit each other's neighbor's house, and if others can guess the face of the wearer of the mask, it is they who will buy food and drink to their heart's content. This tradition is called Mummering.

These 5 Verses of Bible can Strengthens Your Faith Before You Sleep

There are many Bible devotional verses before sleep that can be used as material for Christians to do in quiet time. This is a crucial thing because doing quiet time, especially before going to bed helps as one of the defenses of our faith. Therefore always ask for the help of the gift of the Holy Ghost at night and meditate on the word of God as best you can. This will help us as Christians to be closer to God and increasingly able to be examples of behavior as the light and salt of the world. If you want to know what Bible prayer verses before going to sleep are the most appropriate material for quiet time, look at the following verses below. Bible Devotional Verses Before Sleep and Their Meditations:  

Psalm 3:5

  This verse tells about how great is God's love for humans so that God always gives His inclusion. Therefore it fits for us to contemplate that the law of love in the Bible that God applies to humans is unlimited. So that even when we sleep, God does not escape His view of mankind. Therefore we should give thanks for the love and gift of God on this one. Because with God's help alone, even in sleep, we will remain protected. By surrender to God, of course, every second of our lives are in His grasp.  

Psalm 4:8

So it is with the verse mentioned above. This indicates that as Christians, it is not necessary to feel anxious or afraid when they want to sleep at night. Because God always gives His inclusion at all times and at all times. Even when we are sleeping, God is still on guard to make sure His children sleep soundly and experience nothing without His permission. This is the thing that makes us have to give thanks entirely to God. Because God's inclusion and love are unbroken, so that whenever and wherever there is always a God who takes care of us and keeps us from danger.  

Psalm 127:2

The above verse is no less essential to be fully considered just before bedtime. Because from that verse, we can express extraordinary gratitude from God's love for the lives of people who believe in Him. We should understand that our lives are not determined by how much we try, but also because of God's grace. Because blessings only come from God alone, that determines the good and bad of our lives depends entirely on God.  

1 Thessalonians 5: 9-10

  In the above verse gives us a very important understanding, that is when we declare our trust in God, then our life will fully belong to God. Therefore we must fully understand how God's role in our lives and how we respond to it. It is good to realize that through God's promise of salvation in the Bible, we have obtained a very expensive penance. So that in whatever we do, then God is always there for us, and we are always with God.  

Job 11:18

One verse of the Holy Bible before going to sleep is as written in the above verse. Where is written that even in sleep, humans still get hope from God? So that we as Christians need not be anxious and continue to believe in the benefits of praying for Christians. Because this is what leads us to believe in the hope that God gives. So that when there is no anxiety, we can sleep peacefully and not feel uneasy. No need to worry anymore because there is God's help for those of us who believe in Him. Those are some Bible devotional verses before sleep that can be used as material to do quiet time. Both privately and together with other family members. Through quiet Christian times and brief meditations that meditate on God's words in the Bible, surely this helps us God's people to continue to love and do what pleases before Him. Therefore try tips on diligently reading the Bible that helps us to have a little time to meditate on His Word, especially at night before lying down to rest. Surely this has become one of our actions that brings us to know God deeper.

5 Bible Verses About Your Self-Image That You Should Know!

Self-image is an understanding aimed at oneself. Understanding each other's self-image will affect many things, including what will be the effect as well as how each person will be in this world. Apart from understanding the self-image, another thing that needs to be considered is how the views of the Bible assess the self-image of every human person on earth today. In general, self-image refers more to a person's character, where the intended character resembles the character that the Lord Jesus wants from his children. So from that, we need to know our self-image or know our character, whether it is in accordance with the integrity of the Lord Jesus while in this world. Here are some Bible verses about self-images that can be understood and studied:  

Proverbs 15: 31-32

Another way that God uses to form good character in someone's personality is by giving a warning through the people around us today. It is clearly said in the Bible Verse above that hearing criticism will make us feel good right now.  

Galatians 5: 22-23

In that verse explains how the character of the Lord Jesus has. That is what God wants in each of us today, which has the same nature as Himself, which has a perfect nature and always follows from the teachings that He has given to all His children as believers and believers.  

Deuteronomy 8: 2

This verse teaches us a way to shape the character that God wants in each person. Indeed, humans are inseparable from a mistake, but from that, we are required to continue to learn and perfect or eliminate bad habits to have the character that is pleasing before God.  

James 1: 1-3

To teach us to have the best character, there are various ways that God does in our lives today. One of them is by giving a trial in life. From this trial that we experience will form a character like the Lord Jesus wants and make us more mature in the faith and more confident in all His actions that occur in our lives today.  

Hebrews 12:11

This Bible verse refers to a Holy Spirit sent down on us, which will later give a spirit and can make our character change and become a more positive character and in accordance with the character of God. The character that exists in every human person is a gift that God has given previously to all of His children. Different characters also do not mean to make us disagree but rather make similarities between us, which are the same characters in the Lord Jesus.   Character is also actually a gift that God wants even though it is different from each person's personality. The character will also indicate a man's maturity, especially spiritual maturity for everyone. So from that, learning to form characters in accordance with the teachings that God has given is very necessary to do, which is indeed required in the teachings of the Bible. The good and positive character can be used as a useful thing in doing God's service work, which is by evangelizing the people around us today.

4 Bible Verses About Self-Evaluation

Many times God's people always feel right. Though there are many Scriptures that directly ask that God's people are always ready for self-evaluation. Therefore there are a number of Bible verses on self-evaluation so that God's people remember not to be arrogant, keep doing the characteristics of humility according to the Bible and always see their own mistakes and try to correct them. This will help us to become better people. For more details, just consider the following a few Bible verses about self-evaluation that should be applied in everyday life.  

2 Corinthians 10:12

It is better to always look to God if you want to be introspective. Always see what God says and always make what God says as a reason and basis for self-evaluation. So that we can see whether our actions are in accordance with the word or not. Avoid the characteristics of the snob according to Christianity or arrogance because this is something that is not liked by God.  

Revelation 3:19

Introspection means wanting to see our shortcomings, including what are the various kinds of sins according to the Bible and our mistakes. It is better to surrender to God and leave God alone to remind us of our mistakes. So that our lives will be justified by Him alone. Because that's a sign that God loves us.  

Revelation 2:5

This clearly says that God wants us to evaluate our actions and practice Christian ways to repent so that God does not anger us. Because if God doesn't like it, then God can give us punishment.  

Matthew 7:3

It's best to always pay attention to our own actions. Do not easily judge others but forget yourself and try to change for your own good. Good people of God are those who try hard to understand their actions whether they are in accordance with God's wishes or not. So that then it can change better according to the words of the characteristics of people who are filled with the Holy Spirit in our lives.