Tuesday, January 30, 2007

TOTD, Jan 31

The Power of Grace

There is nothing more powerful than grace. Everything in the Bible --- salvation (asking Jesus to be our Lord and Savior), the infilling of the Holy Spirit (being filled with inner strength from God), fellowship with God (talking to Him and meditating on His Word), and all victory in our daily lives --- is based upon it.

But he [the Lord] said to me, " My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
--- 2 Corinthians 12:9


My own reflection on this Thought:
* How many of us believe that His Grace is sufficient for each of us?
When things are normal and seem OK or tend to improve in favor to our wish, we might believe that easily... But, what if things seem totally go wrong and it's a declining trend of life that we're facing? Sometimes, we'll ask: " Where are you God? Why you let this kind of situation is happening to me???"
Today's word of God reminds us to believe once more that even in the greatest storm, even in our deepest weaknesses, His Grace would be there for us. His Grace would see us through, because His Power will be more glorified in our weaknesses... (-fon-)

Monday, January 29, 2007

TOTD, Jan 30

Declare the Word

The written Word of God is His formal decree. When a believer declares that Word out of his mouth, with a heart full of faith, His faith-filled words go forth to establish God's order in his life.

When the Royal Decree is pronounced, things begin to change!

I will declare the decree of the Lord...
--- Psalm 2:7


My own reflection on this Thought:
* Have the Bible's verses touched you, moved you, and changed you? If those verses have already changed you, maybe you won't stay still, you will declare the Word of God and be His true disciple wherever you go...
The question is, have you read the Bible's verses and how much impact that they've given you? (-fon-)

TOTD, Jan 29

A New Day!

As a Christian, according to the Bible, you are a new person now. As a "new creation" you don't have to allow the old things that happened to you keep affecting your new life in Christ.
You have become a "new creature." Rejoice! It's a new day!

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (The Messiah) he is a new creation ( a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!
--- 2 Corinthians 5:17


My own reflection on this Thought:
* We all have old habits that can hardly changed. Some are good ones, some are bad ones. Today's word of God reminds us to be a new creature and don't allow the old things that happened to us keep affecting our new life in Him. So, what we should do about those bad old habits in our life? We need to change, either it's gradually in a process or radically, but overall we know that need to change them...
Leave all the past and all the bad ones behind, since this is a new day! Change and rejoice in God always! (-fon-)

Thursday, January 25, 2007

TOTD, Jan 26-28

Enjoy the Journey

Whatever your present station in life, whatever you are called to do, whatever you are called to go, enjoy the journey. Don't waste one day of the precious life God has given to you.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).
--- John 10:10


My own reflection on this Thought:
* Maybe it's just another bad day for you. You wake up in a rush, late again to go to the office. Traffic jam is making you crazy, it's raining cats and dogs outside, and you are stuck in the middle of the jam. And today's TOTD reminds you to enjoy the journey, is it possible? In the midst of bad day, could you still feel the enjoyment along the journey?
It's not easy, we all know about that. But at least we should give it a try, to rejoice in every situation, even though the worst part of it, because we know that God works even in the worst of our situation. Trust Him today and enjoy the journey, coz sometimes the worst part is the part that lead our leap of faith in Him (-fon-)


Scars Become Stars

Sooner or later, we must come to the place where we stop feeling bitter, resentful, and sorry for ourselves. There must come a time when we stop living in the past and asking why. Instead, we must learn to let God turn our scars into stars.

Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
--- Isaiah 43:18,19


My own reflection of this Thought:
* Everyone has a past. It might be a condition that we'd like to bury, to forget it forever. Or maybe there's something in our past that we wished had never happened at all... But if we remember there's a verse in the bible that said, all things work together for good... Why those things happened in our life? Because God allowed them to happen to us. And if God allows, He might have an unrevealed plan for us. Even a scar can be made into star if He wants to, so accept our past, trust Him once again to guide us in this life (-fon-)



The Power of Thanksgiving


Part of the power of prayer is the power of thanksgiving because there is no powerful living apart from a life of thanksgiving.

Do not fret any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
--- Philippians 4:6


My own reflection on this Thought:
* In this stressful and depressed world, it might be hard to offer a thanksgiving to God. Or it's even harder to say good things in a negative or sarcastic environment. While things are getting harder, it's really really hard to be thankful.
But as God's Children, we have to make a difference. Even in our worries or anxieties, we need to offer a thanksgiving and stay positive. Because we know, that if He wants something good to happen to us, there's nothing, I repeat NOTHING could ever change that. So, in all things we give Him thanks-praise-and thanksgiving...
(-fon-)

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

TOTD, Jan 25

Our Times Are in God's Hands

Trust requires us to accept that some questions will be unanswered and to place our times in God's hands --- believing that even though we do not know all the answers, He does.

But I trusted in, relied on, and was confident in You, O Lord; I said, You are my God.
My tunes are in Your hands, deliver me from the hands of my foes and those who pursue me and persecute me.
--- Psalm 31:14,15


My own reflection of this Thought:
* Today, how many questions that haven't been answered in this life?Maybe you've waited so long for a real soul mate but haven't got one... Maybe you really want to have a child, trying so hard to do so, but still the result is disappointing... Or Maybe you wonder when will you stop this job of yours and go into your own business? Lots of things on your mind, lots of unanswered questions...
Today, the bible reminds us to trust HIM once more. TRUST HIM means that we have to accept some questions remain unanswered but we still live in our faith, because He only gives the best for us in His Time. Learn to trust Him once more with all of our faith today... (-fon-)

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

TOTD, Jan 24

Rejoice Now!

Despite your problems, your trials, and your temptations, be assured that you will benefit in the end. So look to the end and rejoice now!

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
--- James 1:2-4


My own reflection on this Thought:
* Most of us will say: " I'll be happy when... or I'll be happy if..."
And when we have already reached that kind of condition, we'll wonder once more, " Am I happy now? " Because it seems that we still feel some emptiness inside.
God ask us to rejoice in whatever condition we're facing now. Not an easy task, but it is a mission possible because He's with us all the way...
Rejoice in all our problems, trials, or miseries because we believe, these all will lead us to be a better person, knowing that God will give enough strength for us to endure, as long as we cling to the Lord... (-fon-)

Monday, January 22, 2007

TOTD, Jan 23

Repentance Releases Power

Be quick to repent; don't try to hide anything from God. He will never reject you. He knows everything anyway, but repentance releases the power of the Blood in you behalf, the Blood His Son Jesus shed on the cross for our sins.

In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor.
--- Ephesians 1:7


My own reflection on this Thought:
* Why we need to repent, though God knows everything anyway - because He's the Almighty God? Repentance, in my opinion, is an act of honesty. Because we want to build an honest relationship with God. So the power of His Blood will fill our hearts and make us have the strength from Him to live a better life... (-fon-)

Sunday, January 21, 2007

TOTD, Jan 22

The Word Transforms

Take hold of God's Word, and plant it deep in your heart by reading it and meditating on it everyday. As you look into the Word, you will be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
--- 2 Corinthians 3:18


My own reflection on this Thought:
* Our goal in this life is to be more like Jesus in our every day's life. But how can we do that if we don't know what Jesus thought or what He did in His day to day life? That's why we need to know Him more by praying and meditating His Words so that we could be more like Him in every aspect of our life... Of course, it's a journey and needs a process... But, the 1st step should be praying and meditating His Words... (-fon-)

Thursday, January 18, 2007

TOTD, Jan 19-21

God Has a Plan for You
If you truly want to be happy and successful, then you must begin to believe that God has a plan for your life and that He will cause good things to happen to you as you put your trust in Him.

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
--- Romans 8:28


My own reflection of this Thought:
* God's Plan is perfect for us. Sometimes we don't believe that He got a picture perfect plan for each of us, until we realized and found that His Plan is the best for us. We might search our own ways, do things according to our own will, but then it seems that everything goes wrong... If it is God's plan, even if it's the worst thing in our opinion, can turn out to be something good at the end. Amen... (-fon-)


God Is Good

God is good, and several times a day we should tell Him that we realize that fact.

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
--- Psalm 106:1


My own reflection on this Thought:
* Doe Moen's song reminds me of how good God is... God is good all the time, and all the time God is good...
The thing is, do we realize that? Can our busy daily routines in this life still give us the chance to realize that ? Today, let's tell Him that He's so good to you and me... (-fon-)


You Are Valuable

Once I learned that my value and worth are not in what I do, but in who I am in Christ, I no longer felt that I had to perform for people.

Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy [consecrated and set apart for Him] and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
--- Ephesians 1:4


My own reflection on this Thought:
* If the thought of you're not valuable suddenly comes to your mind, you should think about this...
If you're not valuable, will Jesus died for you on His Cross just to give you mercy?
If you're not valuable, will He write down your name in His Palm before you were born in this world?
If you're not valuable, will He plan everything in detail for each of you?

You are valuable, so don't waste your time keep thinking and asking about that. Just believe that you are worthy of His Love and live your life peacefully... (-fon-)

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

TOTD, Jan 18

Opinion Is Not Worth

There will always be those who do not like the way you do things. Don't let someone else's opinion of you determine your worth.

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
--- Isaiah 54:17

My own reflection on this Thought:
* Don't try to please everybody, or else you'll feel very tired. It's almost impossible to please everyone. There will always be some pros and cons about you. So, what value should we carry on in this life? In my opinion, I think the most important thing to do is doing something that pleases God. Not human. Because by doing so, it will bring us closer to Him. It's OK if we're not the same with this world, because God Himself is very different from it. Please God and not human, it's our motivation today onwards... (-fon-)

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

TOTD, Jan 17

The Way to Fulfillment

God has satisfaction, fullness; and completeness in mind for us. Fullness only comes through being in the center of His will. When we get into agreement with Him, we make progress toward the end fulfillment of our destinies.

Oh, that men would praise [and confess to] the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good.
--- Psalm 107:8,9

My own reflection on this Thought:
* Our life can't be full unless we come to agreement with the will of God. We might do all things with our own ways, but it might seem that things don't work out the way it should be. Pray and ask, what's YOUR WILL for me God? So that we could live this life to the fullest in His Guidance... (-fon-)

Monday, January 15, 2007

TOTD, Jan 16

A Change of Heart

For change to be lasting, it must come from the inside out. Only God can effect that type of heart change. Let God be God!

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
--- Ezekiel 36:26

My own reflection on this Thought:
*Back to the years before 1999, I thought that I was going to be Buddhist forever... Since I was very committed with my faith, that's what I thought... I was so sure that nothing could ever change my faith at that time.
But then, one step closer to Jesus when I went to a church with my friends, I was being touched and I felt suddenly God worked tremendously inside of me, I felt being loved, more than ever...
So, that was the starting point, I was baptized at the year of 2000, and here I am living my daily life and faith devoted to Jesus.
I believe a change of heart needs to come inside out, so it will last longer not to mention forever.
Need an everlasting change of heart? Pray that God will guide us with a pure heart of His...

(-fon-)

Sunday, January 14, 2007

TOTD, Jan 15

Accept God's Love

No matter what else you learn and how hard you study and seek the things of God, if you can't accept the fact that God loves you, you are not going to get very far.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
--- 1 John 4:10

My own reflection on this Thought:
* If you feel that God doesn't love you, that means there's something that hasn't been settled yet in your life. Why am I saying so? Because if you don't feel that way, you're going around and around with the question, " Am I worthy of God's love?" And to think that our faith will grow fast within that period of time seems impossible.
God's love is for real. Don't think too much, just accept it and feel it. By doing so, we will live a more peaceful life and will enable us to do lots of things in His Plan for us... (-fon-)

Thursday, January 11, 2007

TOTD, Jan 12-14

Grace for the Test

One time an old saint and a younger believer were in prison awaiting their execution the next day when they would be burned at the stake.

As the younger man stuck a match to light a candle, he burned his finger. Yelling in pain, he began to weep in agony and doubt, saying, " If it hurts this much now to burn my finger, how can I possibly stand to be burned at the stake tomorrow?"

The old saint, filled with the wisdom of God, answered, " Son, God didn't ask you to burn your finger, but He is asking you to die for His glory. In the morning when it is time for you to face the fire, His grace will be there to see you through that test."

As we live one day at a time, His grace will always be sufficient.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
--- 1 Corinthians 10:13

My own reflection on this Thought:
* Temptation in daily life can happen to everyone. But God is assuring us that His Grace is enough. His Grace will enable us to get through all the suffering and the temptation in this life. It's our duty to face every single temptation with our faith and draw our strength from His Grace so that we could be a winner in this battle of life... (-fon-)

Do the Impossible!

Most of the things that are truly worth doing are never easy. When we ask God to fill us with the Holy Spirit, we are not filled with the Spirit of God to do easy things. He fills us with His Spirit so we can do impossible things!

May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].
--- Ephesians 3:16

My own reflection on this Thought:
* What is your mission impossible today? You thought it's impossible, but don't worry if God says that He'll be with you all the way, He'll fill you with the Spirit to do it...
So, what's your mission impossible today? Bring it to God and if His Plan is to make you do the impossibles, He'll be there to see you through... (-fon-)

Seasons of Life

As we continuously mature in the Christian life, we learn to believe for things not now, but in God's perfect timing.

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven.
--- Ecclesiastes 3:1

My own reflection on this Thought:
* Have you ever tried to do the very best of your exams, of your job interviews, of maintaining relationship with your loved ones and yet failed to do so??
You might have tried so hard, so that you become frustrated with the result...
In this case, just bear in mind that God has His Own perfect timing for everything.
Pushing yourself too much won't be a solution.
Of course, we have to do our best in every single thing we do, but we also need to remember that God has His Own Perfect SEASON that can't never be thought by our own thinking...

(-fon-)

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

TOTD, Jan 11

Draw Your Strength from God

Learn to quickly follow the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit. Come apart with Him privately before you come apart publicly. Spend time with God by talking to Him and reading His Word, so you can remain stable as you deal with the daily affairs of life.

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
--- Ephesians 6:10

My own reflection on this Thought:
* Daily affairs of life could be very stressful... So little time and yet so many things to do. Maybe we find it hard to cope with so many things: working mom as an example needs to cater for her children's needs as well as perform in her work and not to mention have enough time for herself (praying, her own privacy time with God). We got to remember that God is the source of the strength. He will give us enough strength to pass the stressful daily routines, what we should do is just spending some time in our busy life to pray and talk to Him personally and read His Word... (-fon-)

TOTD, Jan 10

Patience and Attitude

Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.

Wait for the LORD;
Be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD.
--- Psalm 27:14

My own reflection on this Thought:
* Waiting is something that's unavoidable, every one of us must face it.
Some of us grumbling in waiting, even getting angry or getting frustrated. But, as the Children of God we need to make a difference in this world. How can we make a difference? By waiting patiently because He knows the best in His Time for every single thing in our life... Let's wait in faith, ok! (-fon-)

Monday, January 8, 2007

TOTD, Jan 09

Do It Afraid!

When God tells you He will be with you, that means no matter what the circumstances, everything will work out all right. That's a good reason to do whatever you are afraid of even though you are afraid --- do it afraid!

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
--- Joshua 1:5

My own reflection on this Thought:
* How many times we're afraid of new situation or new environment? Either when it's the 1st time we're entering a new school, a new office, a new stage in our life?
Or maybe a new ministry that God has planned for us and we thought we lack of knowledge about it? God's words today remind us to do it even though we're afraid... Because if He calls us to do it, He will equip and empower us with all the tools needed to achieve it. It's our thought and our mind who told us time and time again, we're not able because we're afraid of it...
Do it, even though we're afraid. He will show us the way coz' He will be with us all the way...

(-fon-)

Sunday, January 7, 2007

TOTD, Jan 08

Get Moving!

When God speaks, we are to mobilize --- not rationalize.

But be doers of the the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].
--- James 1:22

My own reflection on this Thought:
* We're thankful that we're higher than other creations of God because we have our rational thinking. But we should remember that it comes from God. We're supposed to surrender our thoughts to Jesus, to God, so that we could do whatever He wants us to do. Rather than keep thinking about it, it's time to 'do it' in action... (-fon-)

Thursday, January 4, 2007

TOTD, Jan 05-07

God's Guidance and Provision

Where God guides, He provides.

And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
--- Philippians 4:19

My own reflection on this Thought:
* In some stages in our life, we believe that God guides us. But do we believe that He also provides us everything we need? Sometimes no, due to the condition that we've seen with our own very eyes.
God's word today ask us to believe, not only He will guide, but also He provides.
(-fon-)

Feelings Are Deceiving

The pain of emotional rejection is one of the worst kinds of pain a person can feel. When a person feels he has been rejected, there is intense emotional pain! It hurts!

Always remember to check your perception when you feel rejected. Just because you feel rejected or perceive rejection doesn't mean you are really being rejected. It may be the result of past problems; and if so, it is time to receive healing.

He sends forth His word and heals them and rescues them from the pit and destruction.
--- Psalm 107:20

My own reflection on this Thought:
* Most of the problems we're facing today and feel emotionally bothered by them are usually problems that haven't been settled in the past. We might feel we solve the problem already, but maybe in our unconscious mind, we still have hurt of the traumatic experience. Our reaction today might come from unsolved past hurt. Pray to God to heal us the wound, so that we can life rejoicefully today...
(-fon-)

Press On

I don't have to get up every day trying to be perfect! I just need to get up every day, determined to press on.

I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.
--- Philippians 3:14

My own reflection on this Thought:
* Perfection belongs to God. Even a perfectionist can't be perfect all the time, but God is able... We don't need to be a perfectionist, coz' it's really stressful... But we can do the best to focus on the goal of God's plan for us... Ask in prayer, what's your plan for me, God? (-fon-)

Wednesday, January 3, 2007

TOTD, Jan 04

The Power of the Tongue

Do you know that you have the power to do something about your future? That power is located right under your nose.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall not eat the fruit thereof.
--- Proverbs 18: 21

My own reflection on this Thought:
* Tongue... Is a very small part of our body but can do a lot of things. Its sharpness will lead others to misery if we use it wrongly by saying bad things or gossiping or uttering nonsense or lies...
Tongue, can be a source of blessing if we speak lovingly to others. If we speak good things about others instead of cursing them.
What have your tongue done lately? Does it share love to others? Does it make other people peaceful when they hear what we're saying?If it hasn't, it's not too late to start today! (-fon-)

Tuesday, January 2, 2007

TOTD, Jan 03

Love Is a Decision

Love is not a feeling we have; it is a decision to treat people the way Jesus would treat them.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
--- John 15:12

My own reflection on this Thought:
* On wedding sacraments, I often see how the couples smile lovingly to one another, how full of love they are in the beginning of the journey.
But then, what's next? When the feeling, the spark, the chemistry or whatsoever you call it... has gone and the relationship turns out to be sour or bitter? They've seemed forgetting their vows that they've made before God in the house of the Lord.
Love is a decision. I'm not going to say it is an easy thing to do, but at least if we got Jesus within our hearts, we should remember this question: what would Jesus do if He were in our position? What would Jesus do towards His family, His friends, or even to a stranger that He has just met?
Let's decide to love today! Spread your love to the people around you, people that you meet today... (-fon-)

Monday, January 1, 2007

TOTD, Jan 01-02

Start the New Year Right

The best way to start every day is with gratitude and thanks-giving. Be thankful and say so ---- it opens the door for God's blessings to flow in.

Praise the LORD!
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart,
In the company of the upright and in the assembly.
Great are works of the LORD;
They are studied by all who delight in them.
He has made His wonders to be remembered;
The LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He has sent redemption to His people;
He has ordained His covenant forever;
Holy and awesome is His name.
--- Psalm 111:1,2,4,9

My own reflection on this Thought:
* Maybe previously it's really hard to give thanks to the Lord, but since it's a very beginning of the new year. Why don't we try to make a change and start it well by offering a thanksgiving and praise to the Lord??? (-fon-)


Good Morning!
Welcoming the year 2007 with new spirit, new hope, within God's guidance.
Have a nice day!

God bless...
-fon-

In God's Time

Be encouraged that in God's time you will see the dreams and visions fulfilled that God has given to you. Don't ever give up!

And so it was he [Abraham], having waited long and endured patiently, realized and obtained ... what God had promised him.
--- Hebrews 6:15

My own reflection on this Thought:
* What is your dream? Maybe a dream since your childhood but has never come to reality? I've got my own dream, to study abroad. But God seemed neglecting my dream for years... And there I was in Jakarta, took my college there.
I almost buried my dream to live in other country outside Indonesia. I thought maybe it's God's will that I had to stay in Indonesia all of my life...
But... Suddenly, there's a news on this relocation from my husband's company. So, here I am, living abroad, the thing that I could never imagined would happen to me, but God fulfilled it in His Time, not mine.
So, what is your dream? Don't ever give it up, pray it to God, in His due time, He will fulfill it according to His Will... (-fon-)