We Don't Need To Be The Best To Be Accepted; Jeremiah

By Ianpassion

Jeremiah had been chosen and consecrated since he was in his mother's womb. This is amazing! Regardless of his status or the transgressions inherited from his family and background, the Father accepted him.

However, this is not how the world today bases its approval. What is common is that you must be good, intelligent, or wealthy in order to be treated special. If at all possible, you must be perfect or conceal your flaws. This, however, is not the case with Jeremiah. The Father accepted him unconditionally.

What The Father Almighty Wants Is Intimacy

By Ianpassion

The picture was taken at the viewpoint in Manang, Satun Thailand

"We cannot shut off, stop, or in any way diminish the Almighty Father's flow of love towards us. No matter what we do, we cannot cause the Almighty Father to stop loving us. Nothing can change the way He feels us." - T.D. Jakes

Our Almighty Father shows us His love in a very different way than other people or our leaders do. Man's love is subject to many restrictions, especially if we are part of an organization or an institution rather than a family.

Say What You Heard To Keep The Right Attitude

By Ianpassion
Nemi feeding our chickens and ducks

It hadn't rained in the Promised Land in more than three years when the prophet Elijah heard The Father Almighty say to his spirit, "rain." But, no matter where he looked, there was not a cloud in the sky. It is impossible for it to rain.

 

Elijah could have reasoned, "I'm not going to tell anyone what I heard." They'll think I'm insane." But he was well aware of who Abba is. His ways are familiar to him. In a drought, Abba will talk to us about rain. In times of adversity, He will speak to us about provision. When we are weak, He will speak to us about strength. It is most of the time opposite of what we feel or think.

 

Embracing Mortality: A Journey from Fear to Freedom

By Ianpassion

I went to a funeral recently, and it was different from the funerals I'm used to. The way they did things was unique and showed the beliefs and culture of the person who passed away and their family. But even though there were differences, there was one thing we all had in common - we all realized that we won't live forever.

No matter who we are or where we come from, we all have to face the fact that one day we will have to say goodbye to the people we love or they will say goodbye to us. It's scary to think that we won't be able to be with our loved ones anymore or see our dreams come true.

Not Our Doctrines Or Dogmas, But Love

By Ianpassion
Photo was taken at my native chicken farm, Satun, Thailand

“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

The above statement is the Son's last prayer before His arrest. This is recorded in John 17. Only John could record this prayer as He was the only one who was so close to Him.

Chose Faith Over Fear

By Ianpassion

The book of Hebrews 12: 1 says: Seeing that we are surrounded by such a large cloud of witnesses, let us run the race ahead. 

Can I say that all who are already in heaven are cheering us? We are not alone in the race of life. Heaven is full of people who believe in us. When we are disheartened and induced to quit, let us head up to the heavens and by faith, we listen to the voices who are cheering us. 

Our Destiny Is Not In The Valley

By Ianpassion

Friends, Our destiny is not in the valley So don't settle there Don't say I think I am destined to be here Or it is over Our attitude is We have to keep moving Let go of all baggages Let go of anything that is holding us back

Enjoying My Stay In A Thai Village

By Ianpassion
Photo was taken at NaMi Farm

I have been in Thailand for some years now. A milestone on the journey of my life to feel at home in a new home which is a thousand miles away from my home country. 

I had gone through the ups and downs of life as part of the process to adjust to a new place. Thai culture and language are fascinating. I have learned humility, teachability, and flexibility in order to be connected. 

He Gives Us Rest

By Ianpassion
Light bulb, photo was taken at NaMi Farm

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (The Son).

Faith When Life Takes You to Unexpected Middle

By Ianpassion
@Picture taken late afternoon at Manang Night Market 

Now that I am a father I always find ways to read inspirational stories to my children. One of the many stories I found very interesting in the Scripture is the story of Joseph in Genesis 37.

If you can still remember the Father Almighty gave a dream to a young boy Joseph that one day His brothers would bow down before him. Abba unveiled to him the good end of His life and this promise took roots in Joseph's heart.

Fulfilling Your Destiny Matters Who Are With You

By Ianpassion
Photo was taken at the mangroves plantation, Tamalang, Satun, 2017 

King Solomon said that one who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 

Let us remember that we have a destiny. Often it is hard to fulfill this only by ourselves. However, the Father has already arranged for certain people to come along with us.  They believe and speak faith in us. 

Parenting: What Young Fathers Must Know?

By Ianpassion

The majority of today's problems are the result of fatherless children who have never experienced affection or praise from their fathers. Fathers are extremely important in our children's emotional development.

Many studies have found that children who are estranged from their fathers misbehave the most socially and academically, and are more likely to be depressed.

Happy Resurrection, Three Things Somewhat Overlooked

By Ianpassion 

This Easter Sunday, I am reflecting on the disclosure of the Father’s heart carried along throughout this event.

History tells us that in 2000 years ago during the Roman empire, Someone claimed He is the Messiah, followed by many people, and who was brought to trial and crucified even though He did nothing wrong. He died, buried, and on the third day, He resurrected. This is the beginning of the narrative of the resurrection. 

Fears Took Over My Life

By Ianpassion

My life changed when I encountered the Father’s love. I was like the eldest son in a parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). What I understood work is the benchmark for approval. 


I used to believe that if I work very hard and go to bed late then the Father would love me. I thought I would be accepted if I performed well and produced impressive results.

Boom: Sufferings, Pains, And Tribulations Can't Stop Us Doing What The Father Has Put In Our Heart

By Ianpassion 

I used to appreciate very profound theology. But recently, I found that the teaching about suffering especially by J.P. in his book “Don’t Waste Your Pain”, he failed to elaborate "Our Identity". We,  the children of our Almighty Father are unstoppable, overcomers, and victorious.

For every hardship that we are facing, there is an equivalent assurance of victory.  The Scripture told us that nothing in this world can separate us from the Father’s love. Even death can be our complete triumph over suffering and our passage for our next best life.

What Your Passion Is So Important?

By Ianpassion
The photo was taken at Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines.

Our passion is vital because it defines what truly excites us and makes us come alive. It is the core of our vision, affections, desires, ambitions, and dreams. As Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Our heart encompasses the entirety of our life's passions, shaping what we deeply love and care about.

Each of us has unique passions, much like our distinct fingerprints. What excites one person might seem mundane to another. It’s essential to recognize that our individual passions are valuable, even if they aren’t shared by everyone around us.

Thai Children Day and My Reflection- Nurturing our Children's Spirituality

By Ianpassion

Every January 13 is a Children day in Thailand. Kids wait for this day every year. Those who are near the Prime Minister Building in Bangkok can have a chance to sit the chair of the Prime Minister. Those who are in the provinces can enjoy amusements and gifts-giving organized by each local government.

As it was our schedule to be in Hatyai (the main city in the South of Thailand), we decided to go to the airfield of the Royal Thai Air Force. There were many people. Everyone cheered when a fighter plane got wild in the sky. It sounded very loud, like rumbling and echoing the entire atmosphere. Nana and Nemi pointed up - airplane, airplane, airplane...they were so happy. 

New Year 2018, Last Day in Langkawi, Malaysia, Cenang Beach, Fireworks Display, and Street food

By Ianpassion 

New Year 2018 in Langkawi, Malaysia, we were in Cenang Beach to see the countdown and fireworks display. Many travelers were there. Almost the 3 km shoreline of Cenang Beach was covered with tents, benches, mats, and people standing. 

Most of the crowd rounded the huge bonfire which was the main area of the beach. Everyone looks so excited. Minutes later the countdown began, followed by a fireworks display. It was beautiful to see the dark sky lightened as fireworks pierced up and popped like iron dome rockets. 

Jingle Bells Abroad: True Meaning of Christmas

By Ianpassion

When you are abroad especially in a far country, miles away from big cities, Christmas might not be an unimportant event. Villagers may think that Christmas is a western celebration about Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, and jingle bells. Having no theological foundation for Christmas may fall following unscriptural traditions or copying rituals from others.

Here I discuss three important basic points which Christmas is not all about. I hope that after reading this, you may reflect again on the true meaning of Christmas and realign yourself back to the real essence of the celebration.  

What Does Helping Others Rise Up Mean?

By Ianpassion

  

We would never reach our goals if nobody helped us. Someone pushes us up instead of pulling us down. This person might be our friend, our teacher, or someone who is highly respected in our society. Whoever they are, one thing is certain: this person is not just with us, but they are for us.

I emphasize "for us" because not everyone who is with us is genuinely supportive. Some are only with us because they can still use us. Often, such individuals are opportunists and manipulators.