Investing towards eternity

Time is the most tricky property that every human possesses. Everyone has 'time' living on earth, and we spend it for things that we love and value! Earning money, shopping, watching movie, dancing, cooking, and the list keeps going... We can look at time being invested for other things that are important to us, and when the bible tells us to invest for the Kingdom of God, that includes our time, and it says,

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, ... But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." [Matt 6:19-20]

So, this is what I think when I read this verse: we are to invest our time for eternity, not the just things of this world, like food, fashion, game,etc etc...

What does it really mean? First of all, where is heaven, how can I store treasures in heaven? 

At first I thought it meant that I should spend my time, money, energy, any possessions on things that will lead to eternity with God, so it's like a long-term investment to gain heaven... But then when I read what I wrote, it sounded so wrong within me, this isn't it, so what is?? it's either this world, or Heaven.. It did not mention 'hell'

So maybe it's not talking about 'heaven' where we go after death but 'heaven' when we are still on earth? How does it work?

Hmm... To think about it, death is not as scary if it's not because of the thought of judgement and suffering that is gonna happen after death itself. BUT, these things are happening on earth too, some people do live like they are in hell, suffering and persecution, slavery of greed and pride..

So laying up our treasures 'in Heaven' maybe would be to invest into the 'goodness of God' in this corrupt world, rather than investing in 'goodness' of this world?

I am just thinking about myself, yesterday when I was so obsessed by the pair of shoes that I saw in Rivers, and I pursued them from Southern Cross->South Warf->Camberwell->Bridge Road.. That's an example of 'treasure in this world' and yes it was beautiful and I was happy when I get it, but it didn't make much difference in my heart if or not I have them. It does make a difference in outward appearance when I wear them of course, but it won't be as good unless my heart is at peace.

Proverb 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life"

and my heart is at peace only when I know God is not mad at me.. 

I'd rather not have that shoes and be in peace with God than have that shoes but being cast out from His presence. So, I know I have been distracted every now and then by fear of failing PhD, and I tried to comfort myself with sweet treatment and shopping and trying to chillax! But I they don't last long...  I feel dry within me and no treatment from the outside can't drench my thirst for peace within from the Spirit of the Lord, and I need to stop treating my 'brain power', and start working on the 'spirit power'.

I think the best formula for the remedy of my broken heart is this:

Jesus heals, Holy Spirit comforts, and the Father approves.

And that leads me into DEEPER - prayers and fast - 2012

Stay sober

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit..."

[Ephesians 5:18]

I have always wondered how it felt to be under alcohol, is it really that good to be 'high'? Today, I finally tested it and all I felt was dizziness and a little bit of easiness. I thought I'd lost control but no, I managed to stay in control because when I wanted to relax and just go with it, there's a thought in my head that warned me, "Do not let the flesh to take control, let the Spirit reigns over your body and mind!" And it said,"Stay alert!" So I tried not to stay awake, not to lose my mind and I didn't! 

 I knew Minh said I talked a lot and so I stopped talking... Although I wasn't clearheaded coz the alcohol's effect started to kick in, but it was still fine, I thank God for protecting me from drunkenness... I never drank liquor before so I don't know my limit and Sarah (the researcher) said there was a lady who passed out after drinking the alcohol, so I thought it would be so strong and I probably would lose my mind, but I didn't, thank You Lord for answering my prayers and strengthen me physically and mentally to stay sober. 

 And, this experience has affirmed my opinion: ALCOHOL SUCKS! (at least for me) Headache, dizziness, neck-pain, and funny stomach for the next day(s), what's the benefit of these?