The Word Is Our Defense
The portion of the Scripture below that speaks of the true knowledge of God is referring to the Word of God. God's Word is true knowledge of Him and His ways and character.
According to the Scriptures, our enemy, Satan, seeks to build strongholds in our minds. Strongholds are lies that are believed.
A person who believes a lie is deceived. When an individual believes that wrong is right, he has fallen into deception. Satan works through deception, but the knowledge of the Word is the believer's defense and victory.
Being a sincere student of the Word will enable you to live a truly victorious life.
For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,
[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
--- 2 Corinthians 10:4,5
My own reflection on this Thought:
* You may say that it's impossible to understand God 100%.
Of course, that's true... Because God is more than our understanding.
What we can do is just getting closer to Him by reading His Words to know : what would Jesus do if He encounters this kind of situation in His life?
So, reading His Words regularly would make us more ready to face the varieties of problems in this world... (-fon-)
Saturday, March 31, 2007
TOTD, March 30
A Time of Preparation
When God places a call on your life, it may come gradually or suddenly or it may be something you have somehow always known, but from the time you are called, you are in preparation. Even Jesus had years of preparation.
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work.
--- Titus 3:1
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Whatever you wish for, whatever you dream of, give those wishes and dreams to God!
It's OK to dream and to wish as long as we don't become an unrealistic dreamer. We believe that God will grant us our wishes according to His Will. The time is in His timing of course! What we need to do is just preparing ourselves and waiting patiently for His Time to come... (-fon-)
When God places a call on your life, it may come gradually or suddenly or it may be something you have somehow always known, but from the time you are called, you are in preparation. Even Jesus had years of preparation.
Remind people to be submissive to [their] magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do any upright and honorable work.
--- Titus 3:1
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Whatever you wish for, whatever you dream of, give those wishes and dreams to God!
It's OK to dream and to wish as long as we don't become an unrealistic dreamer. We believe that God will grant us our wishes according to His Will. The time is in His timing of course! What we need to do is just preparing ourselves and waiting patiently for His Time to come... (-fon-)
TOTD, Mar 29
Drink Joy
If we keep our mouths speaking positive words during difficulties, though it may look to everyone else that our circumstance should make us miserable, we can drink joy from the fountain of our lips.
From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good...
--- Proverbs 12:14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* You left home early this morning. Angrily.
And the last word you said to your mom was,
" I find it harder to cope with you as you're getting older!"
Not a good choice of words though...
How many times in our life, we unintentionally choose some bad words and hurt our loved ones?
Maybe our parents are getting older so that they become more annoying. Or maybe our children become teenager now, so that they need more freedom and less of our attention. Being afraid of that, we become so protective by scolding them all the time...
Lots of possibilities...
We know that we need to talk most of the time in our life. It's not easy to pick wonderful words all the time, because we got our own stressful world.
But, let's do it! It's natural that sometimes we become impatient and get angry easily.
Let's start to talk with love and choose positive words. Being negative is easy, but the challenge is: could we be more positive today? (-fon-)
If we keep our mouths speaking positive words during difficulties, though it may look to everyone else that our circumstance should make us miserable, we can drink joy from the fountain of our lips.
From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good...
--- Proverbs 12:14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* You left home early this morning. Angrily.
And the last word you said to your mom was,
" I find it harder to cope with you as you're getting older!"
Not a good choice of words though...
How many times in our life, we unintentionally choose some bad words and hurt our loved ones?
Maybe our parents are getting older so that they become more annoying. Or maybe our children become teenager now, so that they need more freedom and less of our attention. Being afraid of that, we become so protective by scolding them all the time...
Lots of possibilities...
We know that we need to talk most of the time in our life. It's not easy to pick wonderful words all the time, because we got our own stressful world.
But, let's do it! It's natural that sometimes we become impatient and get angry easily.
Let's start to talk with love and choose positive words. Being negative is easy, but the challenge is: could we be more positive today? (-fon-)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
TOTD, March 28
Get Off Your Case!
Since Jesus bore your sins on the cross, along with the hatred, rejection, and condemnation you deserved, you don't have to reject or hate yourself anymore.
Surely He has borne our griefs (sickness, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God...
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.
--- Isaiah 53:4,5
My own reflection on this Thought:
*Just like our body needs a regular medical check up, we also need to do spiritual check up. When we check ourselves and it seems that we don't have any progress in our faith, we need to ask this question, " Do we still hate ourselves because we've done-in our opinion- an unforgivable sin?"
If there are some areas that we haven't touched before because we have a huge fear and self-hatred in those parts, we need to open ourselves further for God, so that the Holy Spirit will come and heal us. No sin is too big for God, His mercy is enough! The problem is, HAVE WE FORGIVEN OURSELVES ? (-fon-)
Since Jesus bore your sins on the cross, along with the hatred, rejection, and condemnation you deserved, you don't have to reject or hate yourself anymore.
Surely He has borne our griefs (sickness, weaknesses, and distresses) and carried our sorrows and pains [of punishment], yet we [ignorantly] considered Him stricken, smitten, and afflicted by God...
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.
--- Isaiah 53:4,5
My own reflection on this Thought:
*Just like our body needs a regular medical check up, we also need to do spiritual check up. When we check ourselves and it seems that we don't have any progress in our faith, we need to ask this question, " Do we still hate ourselves because we've done-in our opinion- an unforgivable sin?"
If there are some areas that we haven't touched before because we have a huge fear and self-hatred in those parts, we need to open ourselves further for God, so that the Holy Spirit will come and heal us. No sin is too big for God, His mercy is enough! The problem is, HAVE WE FORGIVEN OURSELVES ? (-fon-)
TOTD, March 27
Living Epistles
Silently, without complaint, trusting God no matter how things looked, Jesus remained the same in every situation. He did not respond patiently when things were easy and impatiently when they were hard or unjust.
The Bible let us know that Jesus is our example and that He came to show us how to live. How we handle ourselves in front of other people shows then how they should live.
According to 2 Corinthians 3:2,3, we are to be living epistles read of all men --- lights shining out brightly in a dark world. (Philippians 2:15)
... For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps.
He was guilty of no sin, neither was deceit (guile) ever found on His lips.
When He was reviled and insulted, He did not revile or offer insult in return; [when] He was abused and suffered, He made no threats [of vengeance]; but He trusted [Himself and everything] to Him Who judges fairly.
--- 1 Peter 2:21-23
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Jesus is our example how to live our life in this world. Well, we might say that Jesus is the Lord, He is God, that's why He could live so holy. Unlike us, we're only human, we're very weak. When we use this as an excuse whenever we're guilty, our faith won't progress anywhere. I'm not saying we couldn't make any mistake, coz we will in each and every little thing we do. But, we ought to learn to be more like Jesus in handling problems in this life. It's not easy but worth to try... Coz we're His Disciples anyway, that's why we should try to be more like Him. More of You, less of me,God... (-fon-)
Silently, without complaint, trusting God no matter how things looked, Jesus remained the same in every situation. He did not respond patiently when things were easy and impatiently when they were hard or unjust.
The Bible let us know that Jesus is our example and that He came to show us how to live. How we handle ourselves in front of other people shows then how they should live.
According to 2 Corinthians 3:2,3, we are to be living epistles read of all men --- lights shining out brightly in a dark world. (Philippians 2:15)
... For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you [His personal] example, so that you should follow in His footsteps.
He was guilty of no sin, neither was deceit (guile) ever found on His lips.
When He was reviled and insulted, He did not revile or offer insult in return; [when] He was abused and suffered, He made no threats [of vengeance]; but He trusted [Himself and everything] to Him Who judges fairly.
--- 1 Peter 2:21-23
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Jesus is our example how to live our life in this world. Well, we might say that Jesus is the Lord, He is God, that's why He could live so holy. Unlike us, we're only human, we're very weak. When we use this as an excuse whenever we're guilty, our faith won't progress anywhere. I'm not saying we couldn't make any mistake, coz we will in each and every little thing we do. But, we ought to learn to be more like Jesus in handling problems in this life. It's not easy but worth to try... Coz we're His Disciples anyway, that's why we should try to be more like Him. More of You, less of me,God... (-fon-)
Saturday, March 24, 2007
TOTD, March 26
Choose Your Words Wisely
If there is any place in our life that we need to exercise discipline and self-control, it is in the choice of our words.
For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.
--- James 3:2
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Tongue is a little organ in our body that could be as sharp as knife. It could hurt someone very deeply only by the words we're saying. We really need to 'educate' our tongue and choose our words carefully. Don't talk to others the things we might not want to hear being talked back to us, such as the things we might regret to say or the things that offend other people. Talk with love... (-fon-)
If there is any place in our life that we need to exercise discipline and self-control, it is in the choice of our words.
For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.
--- James 3:2
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Tongue is a little organ in our body that could be as sharp as knife. It could hurt someone very deeply only by the words we're saying. We really need to 'educate' our tongue and choose our words carefully. Don't talk to others the things we might not want to hear being talked back to us, such as the things we might regret to say or the things that offend other people. Talk with love... (-fon-)
TOTD, March 23-25
Get on the Other Side of Fear
God has a good plan for your life, and the devil knows it. He will try to use fear to keep you in bondage and stop you from living in that plan. When you feel fear, don't run!
The only way you can get on the other side of it is to dig both heels in it, set your face like a flint, and say, " I know I've heard from God, and I'm going forward!"
Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
--- Joshua 1:9
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Fear --- who has never faced it before? Either it's just a fear of forgetting your best friend's birthday or as big as the fear of loosing the loved ones in your life.
All of us has experienced fear before. Minor or major ones, depend on our life's condition.
As we have to face it so often, we need to live with it and face it bravely. Because we know in whatever we do or wherever we go, God will never leave us alone. I know it's not an easy thing while some fears are really hard to handle. But to understand that God has a wonderful works in His plan for us, will make us feel relieved and safe... (-fon-)
Just Wait and See
It is a very natural thing to try to make things change that you do not like. But if you are "trying to do something about something you cannot do anything about" instead of resting in God, waiting on Him and His timing, trusting Him with the other people in your life and even with your own self, you will be frustrated and will not enjoy peace.
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation, of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: for not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
--- 2 Chronicles 20:17
My own reflection on this Thought:
* If I could change the world... What kind of world this would be?
Maybe you'd wonder about this. But due to our limitation, we can't do anything about things we do not like. We have to live with it.
Well, you might say that it's easier said than done, but that's the fact. I myself find it hard to accept lots of things in this world. And I might wonder, what if this and what if that... While those what ifs are on my mind while I communicate my feelings and thoughts to the Lord, a new understanding come within myself. It must be the soft whispering of the Holy Spirit, remind me that I can't change all things according to my will. I need to trust God in everything, let Him change my world and this world. I could never done it with my own strength. (-fon-)
Keep on Asking
God is able to do much more than what we know how to ask Him for. That is one reason why He gives us His Holy Spirit when we request that He do so. He gives us His Spirit to be with us, to live in us, and to minister to us --- so we will know what to ask.
I encourage you to open the channel for God to begin to move in your life, in a mighty and powerful way, by doing a whole lot more asking. Ask and ask and ask. Keep on asking so that you may receive and your joy may be full.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
--- John 16: 24
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Keep on asking... Sounds good! That's what you thought...
But actually what kind of request that we should ask? More wealth, more success, more pleasures in this life?
In order to ask God to grant us His joy, we need to ask what's His plan for us in this life. Ask according to what He wants to fulfill in our life.
Seems impossible? No, if we keep communicating with God. We won't ask something so selfishly, because we ask in the name of God and will use it for the better life at least for the people surround us. Ask according to whatever His Will is in our life, that would be perfect! (-fon-)
God has a good plan for your life, and the devil knows it. He will try to use fear to keep you in bondage and stop you from living in that plan. When you feel fear, don't run!
The only way you can get on the other side of it is to dig both heels in it, set your face like a flint, and say, " I know I've heard from God, and I'm going forward!"
Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
--- Joshua 1:9
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Fear --- who has never faced it before? Either it's just a fear of forgetting your best friend's birthday or as big as the fear of loosing the loved ones in your life.
All of us has experienced fear before. Minor or major ones, depend on our life's condition.
As we have to face it so often, we need to live with it and face it bravely. Because we know in whatever we do or wherever we go, God will never leave us alone. I know it's not an easy thing while some fears are really hard to handle. But to understand that God has a wonderful works in His plan for us, will make us feel relieved and safe... (-fon-)
Just Wait and See
It is a very natural thing to try to make things change that you do not like. But if you are "trying to do something about something you cannot do anything about" instead of resting in God, waiting on Him and His timing, trusting Him with the other people in your life and even with your own self, you will be frustrated and will not enjoy peace.
Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation, of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: for not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you.
--- 2 Chronicles 20:17
My own reflection on this Thought:
* If I could change the world... What kind of world this would be?
Maybe you'd wonder about this. But due to our limitation, we can't do anything about things we do not like. We have to live with it.
Well, you might say that it's easier said than done, but that's the fact. I myself find it hard to accept lots of things in this world. And I might wonder, what if this and what if that... While those what ifs are on my mind while I communicate my feelings and thoughts to the Lord, a new understanding come within myself. It must be the soft whispering of the Holy Spirit, remind me that I can't change all things according to my will. I need to trust God in everything, let Him change my world and this world. I could never done it with my own strength. (-fon-)
Keep on Asking
God is able to do much more than what we know how to ask Him for. That is one reason why He gives us His Holy Spirit when we request that He do so. He gives us His Spirit to be with us, to live in us, and to minister to us --- so we will know what to ask.
I encourage you to open the channel for God to begin to move in your life, in a mighty and powerful way, by doing a whole lot more asking. Ask and ask and ask. Keep on asking so that you may receive and your joy may be full.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
--- John 16: 24
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Keep on asking... Sounds good! That's what you thought...
But actually what kind of request that we should ask? More wealth, more success, more pleasures in this life?
In order to ask God to grant us His joy, we need to ask what's His plan for us in this life. Ask according to what He wants to fulfill in our life.
Seems impossible? No, if we keep communicating with God. We won't ask something so selfishly, because we ask in the name of God and will use it for the better life at least for the people surround us. Ask according to whatever His Will is in our life, that would be perfect! (-fon-)
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
TOTD, March 22
Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
Talking about a hurt and the person who caused it is equal to picking off a scab. It continually re-opens the wound and causes it to bleed again.
Forgiveness requires a discipline of the tongue. Proverbs 17:9 tells us, ... he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. But the verse begins, He who covers and forgives an offense seek love...
Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].
--- 1 Peter 4:8
My own reflection on this Thought:
* "I've forgiven him. What he did was really really hurt me. I was being cheated over and over again. Back to the year 1997..."
Maybe those are the sentences that you've been talking all these time. Today's word of God reminds us that if we want to forgive, we shouldn't talk about it all the time. The least we talked about it, the better. If there's someone that we should talk to, it's God. Because He's the Healer and He's Love. He'll heal us... Not our friends, nor our talking would heal us. He can do it! (-fon-)
Talking about a hurt and the person who caused it is equal to picking off a scab. It continually re-opens the wound and causes it to bleed again.
Forgiveness requires a discipline of the tongue. Proverbs 17:9 tells us, ... he who repeats or harps on a matter separates even close friends. But the verse begins, He who covers and forgives an offense seek love...
Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].
--- 1 Peter 4:8
My own reflection on this Thought:
* "I've forgiven him. What he did was really really hurt me. I was being cheated over and over again. Back to the year 1997..."
Maybe those are the sentences that you've been talking all these time. Today's word of God reminds us that if we want to forgive, we shouldn't talk about it all the time. The least we talked about it, the better. If there's someone that we should talk to, it's God. Because He's the Healer and He's Love. He'll heal us... Not our friends, nor our talking would heal us. He can do it! (-fon-)
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
TOTD, March 21
The Joy of the Lord
Joy and cheer give us the strength to carry on toward the goal that the Lord has set for us in life.
... And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.
--- Nehemiah 8:10
My own reflection on this Thought:
* In all the problems that we face, in the deepest and darkest valley of our life, we would wonder, how could we experience the joy of the Lord?
It seems impossible, doesn't it?
But as a true believer, we need to ask God to shower His Joy towards our everyday's life, coz we believe that He is the true Joy that can give us enough joy to face this stressful life... (-fon-)
Joy and cheer give us the strength to carry on toward the goal that the Lord has set for us in life.
... And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.
--- Nehemiah 8:10
My own reflection on this Thought:
* In all the problems that we face, in the deepest and darkest valley of our life, we would wonder, how could we experience the joy of the Lord?
It seems impossible, doesn't it?
But as a true believer, we need to ask God to shower His Joy towards our everyday's life, coz we believe that He is the true Joy that can give us enough joy to face this stressful life... (-fon-)
Monday, March 19, 2007
TOTD, March 19-20
Stand in Faith for Results
Timing is a factor concerning manifested answers to prayer. We can pray for something that is the will of God, but until His timing is right in our lives, we won't see the manifestation.
If you have the Word of God to back up your requests, stand in faith until you see the results.
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
--- Hebrews 11:1
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Faith is the assurance of the things we hope for, also the proof of things we don't see- that's according to today's word of God. While in reality, we always hear that seeing is believing, how come you can trust something that you haven't seen before?
That's the thing that we should do, because in faith we believe that God is able to bring the things according to His will in our life. Even we haven't seen it, but in faith we believe it... (-fon-)
Trust Marks Maturity
A believer who can trust the Father when things do not seem to make sense is a mature believer.
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord.
--- Psalm 112:7
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We have our reasoning. Our carnal reasoning is also one of the gift that God has given to us. But, what if we keep questioning whether God is making any sense or not? Of course in some ways, God is not making any sense because He's bigger that we could've think of. Exceedingly and abundantly, far above that we could ask or think, that's our God. So, whenever your mind is leading you to the question of " Are you making any sense, God?"
Trust me, the answer is NO. Because He's more than the limitation of our thinking. Don't ever try to limit His Power, because He's without limit! (-fon-)
Timing is a factor concerning manifested answers to prayer. We can pray for something that is the will of God, but until His timing is right in our lives, we won't see the manifestation.
If you have the Word of God to back up your requests, stand in faith until you see the results.
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].
--- Hebrews 11:1
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Faith is the assurance of the things we hope for, also the proof of things we don't see- that's according to today's word of God. While in reality, we always hear that seeing is believing, how come you can trust something that you haven't seen before?
That's the thing that we should do, because in faith we believe that God is able to bring the things according to His will in our life. Even we haven't seen it, but in faith we believe it... (-fon-)
Trust Marks Maturity
A believer who can trust the Father when things do not seem to make sense is a mature believer.
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord.
--- Psalm 112:7
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We have our reasoning. Our carnal reasoning is also one of the gift that God has given to us. But, what if we keep questioning whether God is making any sense or not? Of course in some ways, God is not making any sense because He's bigger that we could've think of. Exceedingly and abundantly, far above that we could ask or think, that's our God. So, whenever your mind is leading you to the question of " Are you making any sense, God?"
Trust me, the answer is NO. Because He's more than the limitation of our thinking. Don't ever try to limit His Power, because He's without limit! (-fon-)
Thursday, March 15, 2007
TOTD, March 16-18
God Will Perform It
God is working in secret, behind the scenes even when it looks like nothing will ever change.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
--- Philippians 1:6
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Reading today's TOTD made me imagining God as the Director of the movie.
He's the one who's controlling everything, even though we might not see Him in the movie of our life. In faith, we believe that He will do more than our thoughts. We might not see things changes, but when He comes and leads us in His time, it will change drastically if He wants to... JUST BELIEVE IN HIM! (-fon-)
Forget the Past
The past is the past. Whether the past had victory or defeat, it is still the past. It is gone.
Live today!
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
--- Philippians 3:13,14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Letting go of the past. Maybe this is not an easy thing to do. Many of us still live in the past experience. We still remember the glory that we achieved, and we also still remember the pain that we faced. I'm also one of those person, who's not easy in letting go my past. But, today's word of God reminds me to live on today. This day is the very day that I need to treasure, I need to face, because each and every day has its own joy and sorrow... (-fon-)
Set Your Mind and Keep It Set
So many people's problems are rooted in thinking patterns that actually produce the problem they experience in their lives. Our enemy, Satan, offers wrong thinking to everyone, but we do not have to accept his offer.
If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.
--- Colossians 3:1,2
My own reflection on this Thought:
* The easiest thing to be influenced by Satan is our mindset. How many times in one day, we keep believing that we're not worthy? That God won't forgive our sins because we're great sinners? Those thoughts don't come from God, but come from the evil one. We could ask God's favor to think through our mind, so that our mind will be filled with positive thoughts and love from God instead of the negative ones. Not an easy thing, but if we keep trying to do it all over again, I'm sure we'll make it through. Slowly but sure, we could face the negativity and change it with God's love... (-fon-)
God is working in secret, behind the scenes even when it looks like nothing will ever change.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
--- Philippians 1:6
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Reading today's TOTD made me imagining God as the Director of the movie.
He's the one who's controlling everything, even though we might not see Him in the movie of our life. In faith, we believe that He will do more than our thoughts. We might not see things changes, but when He comes and leads us in His time, it will change drastically if He wants to... JUST BELIEVE IN HIM! (-fon-)
Forget the Past
The past is the past. Whether the past had victory or defeat, it is still the past. It is gone.
Live today!
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
--- Philippians 3:13,14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Letting go of the past. Maybe this is not an easy thing to do. Many of us still live in the past experience. We still remember the glory that we achieved, and we also still remember the pain that we faced. I'm also one of those person, who's not easy in letting go my past. But, today's word of God reminds me to live on today. This day is the very day that I need to treasure, I need to face, because each and every day has its own joy and sorrow... (-fon-)
Set Your Mind and Keep It Set
So many people's problems are rooted in thinking patterns that actually produce the problem they experience in their lives. Our enemy, Satan, offers wrong thinking to everyone, but we do not have to accept his offer.
If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.
--- Colossians 3:1,2
My own reflection on this Thought:
* The easiest thing to be influenced by Satan is our mindset. How many times in one day, we keep believing that we're not worthy? That God won't forgive our sins because we're great sinners? Those thoughts don't come from God, but come from the evil one. We could ask God's favor to think through our mind, so that our mind will be filled with positive thoughts and love from God instead of the negative ones. Not an easy thing, but if we keep trying to do it all over again, I'm sure we'll make it through. Slowly but sure, we could face the negativity and change it with God's love... (-fon-)
Monday, March 5, 2007
TOTD, March 06-15
" God is Never Late"
We always say, " God is never late," but He is generally not early either. Why? Because He uses those opportunities to stretch out faith in Him. We grow during times of waiting.
Be still and rest in the LORD; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him...
--- Psalm 37:7
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Looking back my own life, this pregnancy's due date already overdued for 3 days. For some of the reasons, I also feel that God is always there. These words of God reminds me that He is always on time. Not too late, not too early but just in time. Not only in one matter in our life but also in everything in our life. He got His own time frame... (-fon-)
God Will Work It Out
So often in our lives, our enemy, Satan, thinks he is doing some terrible thing to us that will finish us off, and yet God has another plan entirely. He intends to take what Satan means for our harm and work it out not only for our good, but for the good of the many to whom we will minister.
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 on this Thought:
* God's working tremendously in our life. We might not see His marvelous work instantly, but sometimes it takes time and process. Even though something seems bad in our vision, but if God's willing to do so, He might turn the worst thing into the best one... All we could do is just trusting Him. (-fon-)
Accepted in the Beloved
God says you are valuable. He has chosen you, and He has defeated the devil for you. His Son Jesus defeated Satan by dying on the cross for our sins and then rising again on the third day. Believe what God says about you in His Word, not what other says or what the devil says when he tries to fill your mind with negative thoughts.
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
--- Ephesians 1:6
My own reflection on this Thought:
* God says we are valuable. But how many times we failed to believe that?
Some of us in some conditions might feel we're unworthy, we're sinners and we won't get any mercy from God. Those negative thoughts filled our mind. But those things aren't true. We're valuable because God loves us no matter what we do, no matter who we are, as long as we repent and build good relationship with Him.
(-fon-)
Little Things Mean a Lot
As believers, we are always heading somewhere spiritually, and we should be enjoying the journey. Many things are part of the journey of Christianity as we seek God's will for our lives: we desire to know God's call on our lives, and as we yearn to fulfill it, we allow Him to deal with us about attitudes and issues.
We must learn to seek the next phase in our journey without despising or belittling the one in which we currently find ourselves.
Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.
--- Job 8:7
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Never underestimate small things in our life. If God wants to even the smallest or the tiniest thing might lead to a miraculous leap of faith in Him. We'll never know, but He knows... (-fon-)
Check Your Thinking
When you feel depressed, check your thinking. It is not God's will for you to be depressed.
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious --- the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
--- Philippians 4:8
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Our thinking could be a source of sickness. If we tend to think negatively, lots of ailments will come from there. Depression is one of the example. We might overcome it with God's love. By believing that His Words are so true and His love is always be with us, so no matter what happened He'll stand by our side. He loves us so much, so no need to be depressed. (-fon-)
Climb the Right Ladder
Many people spend their lives climbing the ladder of success only to find when they reach the top, their ladder is leaning against the wrong building.
When we keep our priorities straight, we discover that everything we really need in life is found in the Lord.
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures evermore.
--- Psalm 16:11
My own reflection on this Thought:
* This world has got so much successful paths to offer. Money, fame, successful career, can be with you and you should be thankful for that.
But once you have already reached it have you ever felt that it's still empty inside? That's because there's a hole in our heart that can be filled only with God's love, so that we could feel an everlasting love in Him and feel the joy that only comes from Him... (-fon-)
Forerunners to Power
Thanksgiving, gratitude, and praise to God are forerunners to a life of power.
Now thanks be unto God; which always causeth us to triumph in Christ...
--- 2 Corinthians 2:14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* There's a song that I liked so much, it says:
In all things we give you thanks, we give you praise and thanksgiving...
At all times, in everything, we give you thanks, we give you thanks.
In the middle of the conflict, in the valleys of our life...
We will lift up songs for worship coz your goodness cannot be denied...
Let's sing this song as our offering of thanksgiving for all of the goodness that He's given to us... (-fon-)
Answer Fear with Faith
When fear comes knocking at our door, we must answer it with faith because nothing else is effective against it.
Prayer is the major vehicle that carries faith.
And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.
--- Matthew 21:22
My own reflection on this Thought:
* I'm not going to say that as a Christian we're fear-free. But as long as we got faith, as a believer, we know the tool to overcome our fear. With our faith through prayers. We'll have the new strength to fight the fear with God's power. (-fon-)
The Apple of God's Eye
One day God spoke to my heart and said," You're the apple of My eye." I didn't even know that Scripture was in the Bible. (See Zechariah 2:8)
The devil came in with a thought right behind that and said, " Isn't that a bunch of pride? Who do you think you are?" so I thought, I shouldn't be thinking like that.
It goes against our carnal thinking to realize that we are special; we are gifted; we are different. Each one of us is an individual, created by our Father to be different from the person next to us.
As I was thinking about it, God showed me a little mental picture of a lady standing in a supermarket by a large pile of apples. She looked all around and found one that was really super then reached in to get the very best one.
God was telling me that I was the best apple, the special one to Him. That doesn't seem right, but you see, God says that to every one of us. He isn't saying that everyone else is not good, except us. He is saying that we are all special. It is in the Word, and the Word is for every one of us.
You are the apple of God's eye!
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Every one of us is special, every one of us has our own unique talent in God's eye. Because He created us special. We're something special, so don't even bother about all the unworthy feeling because we know that in His eyes, we're the apple of His eye. Don't waste your time by telling yourself how pitiful you are. But instead be thankful of your condition. (-fon-)
The Author and Finisher
The Lord is the Author and the Finisher. What He begins, He completes. He will do that for us --- if we hold our faith firm until the end.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
--- Hebrews 12:2
My own reflection on this Thought:
* God is the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher. All we should do is just trust Him that He who has already done the good work, will finished it well. Trust and trust Him all the time, is just the thing that we should do. (-fon-)
We always say, " God is never late," but He is generally not early either. Why? Because He uses those opportunities to stretch out faith in Him. We grow during times of waiting.
Be still and rest in the LORD; wait for Him and patiently lean yourself upon Him...
--- Psalm 37:7
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Looking back my own life, this pregnancy's due date already overdued for 3 days. For some of the reasons, I also feel that God is always there. These words of God reminds me that He is always on time. Not too late, not too early but just in time. Not only in one matter in our life but also in everything in our life. He got His own time frame... (-fon-)
God Will Work It Out
So often in our lives, our enemy, Satan, thinks he is doing some terrible thing to us that will finish us off, and yet God has another plan entirely. He intends to take what Satan means for our harm and work it out not only for our good, but for the good of the many to whom we will minister.
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 on this Thought:
* God's working tremendously in our life. We might not see His marvelous work instantly, but sometimes it takes time and process. Even though something seems bad in our vision, but if God's willing to do so, He might turn the worst thing into the best one... All we could do is just trusting Him. (-fon-)
Accepted in the Beloved
God says you are valuable. He has chosen you, and He has defeated the devil for you. His Son Jesus defeated Satan by dying on the cross for our sins and then rising again on the third day. Believe what God says about you in His Word, not what other says or what the devil says when he tries to fill your mind with negative thoughts.
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
--- Ephesians 1:6
My own reflection on this Thought:
* God says we are valuable. But how many times we failed to believe that?
Some of us in some conditions might feel we're unworthy, we're sinners and we won't get any mercy from God. Those negative thoughts filled our mind. But those things aren't true. We're valuable because God loves us no matter what we do, no matter who we are, as long as we repent and build good relationship with Him.
(-fon-)
Little Things Mean a Lot
As believers, we are always heading somewhere spiritually, and we should be enjoying the journey. Many things are part of the journey of Christianity as we seek God's will for our lives: we desire to know God's call on our lives, and as we yearn to fulfill it, we allow Him to deal with us about attitudes and issues.
We must learn to seek the next phase in our journey without despising or belittling the one in which we currently find ourselves.
Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.
--- Job 8:7
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Never underestimate small things in our life. If God wants to even the smallest or the tiniest thing might lead to a miraculous leap of faith in Him. We'll never know, but He knows... (-fon-)
Check Your Thinking
When you feel depressed, check your thinking. It is not God's will for you to be depressed.
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious --- the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
--- Philippians 4:8
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Our thinking could be a source of sickness. If we tend to think negatively, lots of ailments will come from there. Depression is one of the example. We might overcome it with God's love. By believing that His Words are so true and His love is always be with us, so no matter what happened He'll stand by our side. He loves us so much, so no need to be depressed. (-fon-)
Climb the Right Ladder
Many people spend their lives climbing the ladder of success only to find when they reach the top, their ladder is leaning against the wrong building.
When we keep our priorities straight, we discover that everything we really need in life is found in the Lord.
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures evermore.
--- Psalm 16:11
My own reflection on this Thought:
* This world has got so much successful paths to offer. Money, fame, successful career, can be with you and you should be thankful for that.
But once you have already reached it have you ever felt that it's still empty inside? That's because there's a hole in our heart that can be filled only with God's love, so that we could feel an everlasting love in Him and feel the joy that only comes from Him... (-fon-)
Forerunners to Power
Thanksgiving, gratitude, and praise to God are forerunners to a life of power.
Now thanks be unto God; which always causeth us to triumph in Christ...
--- 2 Corinthians 2:14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* There's a song that I liked so much, it says:
In all things we give you thanks, we give you praise and thanksgiving...
At all times, in everything, we give you thanks, we give you thanks.
In the middle of the conflict, in the valleys of our life...
We will lift up songs for worship coz your goodness cannot be denied...
Let's sing this song as our offering of thanksgiving for all of the goodness that He's given to us... (-fon-)
Answer Fear with Faith
When fear comes knocking at our door, we must answer it with faith because nothing else is effective against it.
Prayer is the major vehicle that carries faith.
And whatever you ask for in prayer, having faith and [really] believing, you will receive.
--- Matthew 21:22
My own reflection on this Thought:
* I'm not going to say that as a Christian we're fear-free. But as long as we got faith, as a believer, we know the tool to overcome our fear. With our faith through prayers. We'll have the new strength to fight the fear with God's power. (-fon-)
The Apple of God's Eye
One day God spoke to my heart and said," You're the apple of My eye." I didn't even know that Scripture was in the Bible. (See Zechariah 2:8)
The devil came in with a thought right behind that and said, " Isn't that a bunch of pride? Who do you think you are?" so I thought, I shouldn't be thinking like that.
It goes against our carnal thinking to realize that we are special; we are gifted; we are different. Each one of us is an individual, created by our Father to be different from the person next to us.
As I was thinking about it, God showed me a little mental picture of a lady standing in a supermarket by a large pile of apples. She looked all around and found one that was really super then reached in to get the very best one.
God was telling me that I was the best apple, the special one to Him. That doesn't seem right, but you see, God says that to every one of us. He isn't saying that everyone else is not good, except us. He is saying that we are all special. It is in the Word, and the Word is for every one of us.
You are the apple of God's eye!
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Every one of us is special, every one of us has our own unique talent in God's eye. Because He created us special. We're something special, so don't even bother about all the unworthy feeling because we know that in His eyes, we're the apple of His eye. Don't waste your time by telling yourself how pitiful you are. But instead be thankful of your condition. (-fon-)
The Author and Finisher
The Lord is the Author and the Finisher. What He begins, He completes. He will do that for us --- if we hold our faith firm until the end.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
--- Hebrews 12:2
My own reflection on this Thought:
* God is the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher. All we should do is just trust Him that He who has already done the good work, will finished it well. Trust and trust Him all the time, is just the thing that we should do. (-fon-)
Sunday, March 4, 2007
TOTD, March 05
Worrying Steals Today
Worrying about yesterday or tomorrow steals today. you have been given grace for today. Grace for tomorrow will not come until tomorrow, and yesterday's grace is all used up. Grace is an enablement; it is the favor and power of the Holy Spirit to help you do whatever needs to be done. But you cannot get grace ahead of time and store it up.
Your Father in heaven wants you to trust Him for tomorrow. Live today!
So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.
--- Matthew 6:34
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Today's word of God teaches us to be a NOW person. It asks us to leave all the past behind, and put our future in God's hands. And live our today's life happily and full of rejoice. It's not that easy of course, since we got so many plans, so many wishes and hopes for the future, but if God is all the way with us, should we be worry? And about our past, the best thing is to let go and move on, also not an easy thing for some of us, but trust God to help you to get through it. (-fon-)
Worrying about yesterday or tomorrow steals today. you have been given grace for today. Grace for tomorrow will not come until tomorrow, and yesterday's grace is all used up. Grace is an enablement; it is the favor and power of the Holy Spirit to help you do whatever needs to be done. But you cannot get grace ahead of time and store it up.
Your Father in heaven wants you to trust Him for tomorrow. Live today!
So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.
--- Matthew 6:34
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Today's word of God teaches us to be a NOW person. It asks us to leave all the past behind, and put our future in God's hands. And live our today's life happily and full of rejoice. It's not that easy of course, since we got so many plans, so many wishes and hopes for the future, but if God is all the way with us, should we be worry? And about our past, the best thing is to let go and move on, also not an easy thing for some of us, but trust God to help you to get through it. (-fon-)
Thursday, March 1, 2007
TOTD, March 02-04
Emotion Is Not Wisdom
We all make messes in our lives through ignorance of God's ways. Even when we begin to learn His ways, it still takes a lot of time to see all the negative situations in our lives turned into positive ones.
We can benefit one another greatly by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading to help in various ways. Often He leads us by the Word, by having peace, or by a knowing in our heart. Just being moved emotionally is not being led by the Holy Spirit. Emotion should always be submitted to wisdom! If wisdom agrees, then we can go forward with our plan.
The wise also will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to sound counsel [so that he may be able to steer his course rightly].
--- Proverbs 1:5
My own reflection on this Thought:
* It's OK when we found our first impression of how good God is through our emotion. We felt His mighty hands hugged us with all the love that He got. We felt so much love from Him. Then, things might change when we're growing more mature in our faith. God is not about all the emotion we have for Him.
The emotion might gone, or might change, but God stays the same. Still as loving as He is. We need to get out of the emotions that we have in order to understand that God is more than just a feeling that we have for Him. He's everything for us just because He is God... (-fon-)
You Can Do It!
God asks you and me to put our faith in Him and to believe that we can do whatever He asks us to do. He is mighty to uphold us and to make us stand. He will support us and keep us from falling.
I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to do anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].
--- Philippians 4:13
My own reflection on this Thought:
* When I got a promotion from one department to another in my previous company, I got a feeling that it might be hard for me to cope with that new job. But then out of the blue after several months, I found that the new job has already become a part of me and was not as hard as I thought.
Many times in our life we thought that something's too big for us, or too hard to handle. But, if God has opened His ways, all we have to do is just believe that we can do it as long as He's with us. With His Guidance, it is mission possible
(-fon-)
Wishbone or Backbone?
Many people wish things were different in their lives. We need "backbone", not " wishbone."
I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary.
--- Revelation 2:3
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Some of us might think that our live would've been better if we had rich parents, if we had more money, if we had been living in another country, ifs and so much ifs, wishing things were different in our life.
Some things can be changed, while some other cannot. It's our duty to accept what God has already given to us, coz He knows the best for us. (-fon-)
We all make messes in our lives through ignorance of God's ways. Even when we begin to learn His ways, it still takes a lot of time to see all the negative situations in our lives turned into positive ones.
We can benefit one another greatly by being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading to help in various ways. Often He leads us by the Word, by having peace, or by a knowing in our heart. Just being moved emotionally is not being led by the Holy Spirit. Emotion should always be submitted to wisdom! If wisdom agrees, then we can go forward with our plan.
The wise also will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill and attain to sound counsel [so that he may be able to steer his course rightly].
--- Proverbs 1:5
My own reflection on this Thought:
* It's OK when we found our first impression of how good God is through our emotion. We felt His mighty hands hugged us with all the love that He got. We felt so much love from Him. Then, things might change when we're growing more mature in our faith. God is not about all the emotion we have for Him.
The emotion might gone, or might change, but God stays the same. Still as loving as He is. We need to get out of the emotions that we have in order to understand that God is more than just a feeling that we have for Him. He's everything for us just because He is God... (-fon-)
You Can Do It!
God asks you and me to put our faith in Him and to believe that we can do whatever He asks us to do. He is mighty to uphold us and to make us stand. He will support us and keep us from falling.
I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to do anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].
--- Philippians 4:13
My own reflection on this Thought:
* When I got a promotion from one department to another in my previous company, I got a feeling that it might be hard for me to cope with that new job. But then out of the blue after several months, I found that the new job has already become a part of me and was not as hard as I thought.
Many times in our life we thought that something's too big for us, or too hard to handle. But, if God has opened His ways, all we have to do is just believe that we can do it as long as He's with us. With His Guidance, it is mission possible
(-fon-)
Wishbone or Backbone?
Many people wish things were different in their lives. We need "backbone", not " wishbone."
I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name's sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary.
--- Revelation 2:3
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Some of us might think that our live would've been better if we had rich parents, if we had more money, if we had been living in another country, ifs and so much ifs, wishing things were different in our life.
Some things can be changed, while some other cannot. It's our duty to accept what God has already given to us, coz He knows the best for us. (-fon-)
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