Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and I’m sure many of us are caught up in the festivities - be it spring cleaning our homes, preparing to host reunion meals with our loved ones or even queuing up at the ATM for new notes. During Chinese New Year, there are several practices that are deemed to be auspicious, such as wearing red, giving hong baos, wearing new clothes, and avoiding sweeping in the New Year. These practices are done with the belief that it will bring i

The hymn “Higher Ground” comes to mind as the beginning lyrics “I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day” ring in my head when I begin writing this article. The Christian life is described by Paul as a race (2 Timothy 4:7) and one in which he continued to press on “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). This journey or race is not easy. Paul talked about fighting “a good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). Th

When we consider the closest friends we have in our lives, what are the “green flags” that we see in them? What are the qualities or traits that attract us to these people and make us desire their company? Just as we look for positive signs in relationships, there are encouraging indicators that reveal the spiritual health and maturity in a Christian's life. Here are three green flags that demonstrate authentic faith and Christ-like character. 1. A Heart for God's Word The fi

Oftentimes, non-believers challenge the Word of God with questions such as “if God is so merciful, why are so many people still going to hell?” or “will someone who has no access to the Bible for their entire life go to hell?”. I find that questions like these are given little thought beforehand and are an act of desperation to excuse themselves from the responsibilities of being a Christian. However, it is still important to know how to answer these questions so that our own

With Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm Smile at the storm, smile at the storm With Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm As we go sailing home Sailing, sailing home Sailing, sailing home With Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm As we go sailing home! “With Christ in the vessel” is a common children’s chorus that we sing in Sunday School.  I liked the melody and enjoyed the actions as I sang it when growing up. However, I did not really face