Surrender
SURRENDER IS BOTH a definite decision and a lifelong process that happens day by day. It starts when we consciously decide to hand over our will and life to God. But it does not end there. It is never a one-shot experience. Each new day we will need to renew our act of surrender and offer ourselves to God again. Shifting from a self-centered lifestyle to a God-centered one takes a lifetime.
-Trevor Hudson
One Day at a Time: Discovering the Freedom of 12-Step Spirituality
When I read the above paragraph about Surrender, I found how true those words are!
Surrender is a decision as well as a process that happens day by day and that’s why we need to be renewed in our mind, in our act of surrender, including shifting the center of this life from me-myself and all about me- to God-centered lifestyle.
Many times in my life, I’ve seen that people are struggling hard to accept life as it is. They’re struggling hard to get what they want or to do what they like, but eventually they have to face the disappointments. But surrender means we hand over our will and life to God by trying to accept everything as it is. That’s the way it should be.
Renew ourselves today so that we can surrender ourselves more and more. More of Him and less of us. (-fon-)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
---Romans 12:2
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
TOTD, April 29
Growing in Him
As a new mom for my 13.5 months toddler, I feel an excitement as I watch how my baby grows each day. How she learns new things in each day of her life brings more pleasure and joy to me as a mother.
Taking care a baby is really tiring indeed but I can feel the contentment in it.
It’s amazing!
Then, I’m thinking of my relationship with God. Hey, we’re all God’s children, aren’t we?
And I know that He longs to see us growing each day in Him. And like what’s being written in Colossians: we need to live and please Him in every way. And that includes growing in the knowledge of God, bearing fruit in every good work, and of course a never ending grateful attitude in Him.
Today, I want to see more excitements in my life because I know that I’m learning something new and something good to make our Father proud. He’s keen to see our progress in each stage of our life. How about you? Let’s grow in Him!(-fon-)
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
--- Colossians 1:10-12
As a new mom for my 13.5 months toddler, I feel an excitement as I watch how my baby grows each day. How she learns new things in each day of her life brings more pleasure and joy to me as a mother.
Taking care a baby is really tiring indeed but I can feel the contentment in it.
It’s amazing!
Then, I’m thinking of my relationship with God. Hey, we’re all God’s children, aren’t we?
And I know that He longs to see us growing each day in Him. And like what’s being written in Colossians: we need to live and please Him in every way. And that includes growing in the knowledge of God, bearing fruit in every good work, and of course a never ending grateful attitude in Him.
Today, I want to see more excitements in my life because I know that I’m learning something new and something good to make our Father proud. He’s keen to see our progress in each stage of our life. How about you? Let’s grow in Him!(-fon-)
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
--- Colossians 1:10-12
Sunday, April 27, 2008
TOTD, April 28
Suffer for Righteousness
Of course all of us want a smooth life. No one expects for problems in their life.
But unfortunately, problems are unavoidable. And those problems can make us suffer.
But today’s word of God is really encouraging. It is said “Who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?”
Yes, we’re Christ’s followers and it’s a real good thing to become one. And even if we should suffer for righteousness sake, we are blessed.
Christ’s followers may face suffering for following Him and yet no doubt, we are blessed.
So today, if we still suffer for righteousness, let’s endure the suffering in Him. Don’t be afraid nor be troubled, but stand still because we know that Christ is still with us always and forever.
And those sufferings could be a wonderful thing if we devote it to our God and they won’t be wasted. (-fon-)
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
---1 Peter 3:13-14
Of course all of us want a smooth life. No one expects for problems in their life.
But unfortunately, problems are unavoidable. And those problems can make us suffer.
But today’s word of God is really encouraging. It is said “Who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?”
Yes, we’re Christ’s followers and it’s a real good thing to become one. And even if we should suffer for righteousness sake, we are blessed.
Christ’s followers may face suffering for following Him and yet no doubt, we are blessed.
So today, if we still suffer for righteousness, let’s endure the suffering in Him. Don’t be afraid nor be troubled, but stand still because we know that Christ is still with us always and forever.
And those sufferings could be a wonderful thing if we devote it to our God and they won’t be wasted. (-fon-)
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
---1 Peter 3:13-14
Saturday, April 26, 2008
TOTD, April 27
Stay Diligent
It’s very common, if we’re just being promoted in our job, we’ll be more diligent.
We’ll do everything in a new spirit, in a new hope.
But what if everything seems so wrong? Let say whatever we do, nothing much has changed, everything stays the same and our life seems getting stuck in one point only?
God’s words still remind us to stay diligent, to show the same diligence to the very end, no matter what happens, in order to make our hope sure. And don’t become lazy but we need to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
If things don’t change much, if everything seems slowing down at the moment, don’t lose our motivation. Don’t lose hope. We need to stay diligent and never give up. One day, when the time of the Lord has come, we will get what He has promised us.
Our part is only stay diligent, fight our laziness, and keep the faith. The rest is in His mighty hands. (-fon-)
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
---Hebrews 6:11-12
It’s very common, if we’re just being promoted in our job, we’ll be more diligent.
We’ll do everything in a new spirit, in a new hope.
But what if everything seems so wrong? Let say whatever we do, nothing much has changed, everything stays the same and our life seems getting stuck in one point only?
God’s words still remind us to stay diligent, to show the same diligence to the very end, no matter what happens, in order to make our hope sure. And don’t become lazy but we need to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
If things don’t change much, if everything seems slowing down at the moment, don’t lose our motivation. Don’t lose hope. We need to stay diligent and never give up. One day, when the time of the Lord has come, we will get what He has promised us.
Our part is only stay diligent, fight our laziness, and keep the faith. The rest is in His mighty hands. (-fon-)
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
---Hebrews 6:11-12
Friday, April 25, 2008
TOTD, April 26
All the Earth Bows Down
Imagine that this morning you woke up in such a sleepy face. You woke up late and you were not in a good mood, for sure it’s really hard to think of the goodness or the greatness of God in such a day.
But in such days that happen quite often in our life, maybe we need to start it with singing the praise to the Lord (Psalm 66:4).
And realizing that He is in control and His greatness made all the earth bows down. He is amazing. He is good. He is great.
And imagine once more…
Even in your bad mood day, all the earth still honors Him and exalts Him, so why would you stop from doing so?
In good mood or bad mood, in good times or bad times, all the earth bows down to the Lord. And that’s exactly what we should do. Praise Him and exalt Him in all time.
(-fon-)
All the earth bows down to you;
they sing praise to you,
they sing praise to your name.
--- Psalm 66:4
Imagine that this morning you woke up in such a sleepy face. You woke up late and you were not in a good mood, for sure it’s really hard to think of the goodness or the greatness of God in such a day.
But in such days that happen quite often in our life, maybe we need to start it with singing the praise to the Lord (Psalm 66:4).
And realizing that He is in control and His greatness made all the earth bows down. He is amazing. He is good. He is great.
And imagine once more…
Even in your bad mood day, all the earth still honors Him and exalts Him, so why would you stop from doing so?
In good mood or bad mood, in good times or bad times, all the earth bows down to the Lord. And that’s exactly what we should do. Praise Him and exalt Him in all time.
(-fon-)
All the earth bows down to you;
they sing praise to you,
they sing praise to your name.
--- Psalm 66:4
Thursday, April 24, 2008
TOTD, April 25
Redeemed by the Blood of Christ
For some time in your life, you might think that it’s worthless.
You’ve tried everything you could, but it failed. You don’t know what to do or where to go. You’re in a very confusing stage of life.
Then you wondered does life have any meaning? Because it seems that everything goes wrong and nothing goes right.
But let me share the word of God from 1 Peter 1: 18-19. We are not redeemed with perishable things such as silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. In other word, He’s perfect.
He’s been so good to us especially by the time He redeemed us. He’s the true Redeemer. And never ever think that our life is meaningless. Just remember that we’re so worthy to have Jesus Christ who’s perfect as our Redeemer. And it’s our duty to do our very best in this life. (-fon-)
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
---1 Peter 1:18-19
For some time in your life, you might think that it’s worthless.
You’ve tried everything you could, but it failed. You don’t know what to do or where to go. You’re in a very confusing stage of life.
Then you wondered does life have any meaning? Because it seems that everything goes wrong and nothing goes right.
But let me share the word of God from 1 Peter 1: 18-19. We are not redeemed with perishable things such as silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. In other word, He’s perfect.
He’s been so good to us especially by the time He redeemed us. He’s the true Redeemer. And never ever think that our life is meaningless. Just remember that we’re so worthy to have Jesus Christ who’s perfect as our Redeemer. And it’s our duty to do our very best in this life. (-fon-)
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
---1 Peter 1:18-19
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
TOTD, April 24
Different
Today, as I read 1 Corinthians 4, I saw a very interesting verse.
It says that when we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.
It makes me realized that we need to be different from this world. Because, what is a common thing to do when we are cursed? We’ll curse back. When we are persecuted? We’ll make a revenge.
But as God’s disciples we need to be different. We need to distinguish ourselves from this world.
Of course, it’s not easy. It will take a lot of faith to work it out. But, imagine that if we can make it, it will be a real blessing for our life as well. Because we have shown our qualities and virtues as God’s children.
Dare to be different in a positive way will be our goal, starting today. (-fon-)
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.
---1 Corinthians 4:12-13
Today, as I read 1 Corinthians 4, I saw a very interesting verse.
It says that when we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly.
It makes me realized that we need to be different from this world. Because, what is a common thing to do when we are cursed? We’ll curse back. When we are persecuted? We’ll make a revenge.
But as God’s disciples we need to be different. We need to distinguish ourselves from this world.
Of course, it’s not easy. It will take a lot of faith to work it out. But, imagine that if we can make it, it will be a real blessing for our life as well. Because we have shown our qualities and virtues as God’s children.
Dare to be different in a positive way will be our goal, starting today. (-fon-)
We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.
---1 Corinthians 4:12-13
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
TOTD, April 23
Peace
In this lots of arguments world, all of us is actually longing for peace. While so many misunderstandings and miscommunications along the journey in this life, we’re long for having a peaceful heart and mind.
And that peaceful heart only comes from God. Because He said in John 14:27, “ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” And whatever He gives will be different with what the world can offer. The peace in this world could come from money or relaxation massage in a spa. But will those things bring real peace inside of us?
Today, knowing that the true peace only comes from God Himself, let’s seek Him further and ask Him to grant us more peace to face this world with smile. (-fon-)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
--- John 14:27
In this lots of arguments world, all of us is actually longing for peace. While so many misunderstandings and miscommunications along the journey in this life, we’re long for having a peaceful heart and mind.
And that peaceful heart only comes from God. Because He said in John 14:27, “ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” And whatever He gives will be different with what the world can offer. The peace in this world could come from money or relaxation massage in a spa. But will those things bring real peace inside of us?
Today, knowing that the true peace only comes from God Himself, let’s seek Him further and ask Him to grant us more peace to face this world with smile. (-fon-)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
--- John 14:27
Monday, April 21, 2008
TOTD, April 22
Being Content
When I read the newspaper which said that there would be a mass starvation due to the increasing food prices all over the world, I was then wondered.
Was the condition so serious? Unfortunately, it was and it still is. In many parts of this world, people will get hungrier and some will die due to starvation.
Then it made me reflect. How about me? Am I so easily complaining about the food, how awful the taste of the food that I’m eating today? Is it a proper thing to do while lots of people can’t even have enough food to eat for this day?
How about other things in life? Am I complaining easily as well? Today’s verse is perfect for us who complains easily. God asks us to be content in all condition. As we need to learn the secret of it. We need to be content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
Being content is the secret of being happy. Being content is the secret of living a joyful life in Him.
Just try our best to do it. Try to be content. (-fon-)
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
--- Philippians 4:12
When I read the newspaper which said that there would be a mass starvation due to the increasing food prices all over the world, I was then wondered.
Was the condition so serious? Unfortunately, it was and it still is. In many parts of this world, people will get hungrier and some will die due to starvation.
Then it made me reflect. How about me? Am I so easily complaining about the food, how awful the taste of the food that I’m eating today? Is it a proper thing to do while lots of people can’t even have enough food to eat for this day?
How about other things in life? Am I complaining easily as well? Today’s verse is perfect for us who complains easily. God asks us to be content in all condition. As we need to learn the secret of it. We need to be content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)
Being content is the secret of being happy. Being content is the secret of living a joyful life in Him.
Just try our best to do it. Try to be content. (-fon-)
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
--- Philippians 4:12
Sunday, April 20, 2008
TOTD, April 21
Faithless Vs Faithful
Many of us are faithless. We’re untrue to God and sometimes we lost our faith in Him. We want to see evidence first, and then we could believe Him. While we know that walking in faith means: keep on trusting Him even though we can’t see it yet, but sometimes we forget to do that.
But God is really different. He is faithful. And He will remain faithful now matter what. It’s hard to describe the length, the width, or the depth of God’s love and faithfulness in our life, because His faithfulness exceeds all words. No word can express how faithful He is. He has a righteous character and faithful to His Word. Something that’s really scarce nowadays.
We need to develop this ability. We need to be more faithful in each day of our life. The world may become more and more faithless, but we need to do it differently. Keep the faith and be faithful in all things in our life. Be faithful, as He has already shown us all our life. (-fon-)
if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
--- 2 Timothy 2:13
Many of us are faithless. We’re untrue to God and sometimes we lost our faith in Him. We want to see evidence first, and then we could believe Him. While we know that walking in faith means: keep on trusting Him even though we can’t see it yet, but sometimes we forget to do that.
But God is really different. He is faithful. And He will remain faithful now matter what. It’s hard to describe the length, the width, or the depth of God’s love and faithfulness in our life, because His faithfulness exceeds all words. No word can express how faithful He is. He has a righteous character and faithful to His Word. Something that’s really scarce nowadays.
We need to develop this ability. We need to be more faithful in each day of our life. The world may become more and more faithless, but we need to do it differently. Keep the faith and be faithful in all things in our life. Be faithful, as He has already shown us all our life. (-fon-)
if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
--- 2 Timothy 2:13
Saturday, April 19, 2008
TOTD, April 20
Slow To Anger
What is the typical of modern people?
They want to have everything instantly, as quick as they can get. It’s not an unusual thing, since we are getting used to the instant noodle, instant coffee, or even instant hair cut. Everyone is competing against time. The fastest will win. And I can tell that most of us are quick to anger and slow to forgive. I sometimes do that too… It’s so very human, isn’t it?
But today’s word of God reminds us how great our Lord is. The Lord-the compassionate and gracious God- is slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness.
Well, it made me realize that I need to make a difference. I don’t have to be the same with the trend in this world. I need to imitate God’s character especially when it comes to manage the anger itself.
Of course it’s not easy. It will be so easy to blow up and dump our emotion to the people surround us. But hey, if we can make a difference in order to become His good disciples, why don’t we do it?
Let’s try it today. We make a promise to ourselves, “God, I’ll be slow to anger today. Teach me to be more patient. Amen.” (-fon-)
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,
---Exodus 34:6
What is the typical of modern people?
They want to have everything instantly, as quick as they can get. It’s not an unusual thing, since we are getting used to the instant noodle, instant coffee, or even instant hair cut. Everyone is competing against time. The fastest will win. And I can tell that most of us are quick to anger and slow to forgive. I sometimes do that too… It’s so very human, isn’t it?
But today’s word of God reminds us how great our Lord is. The Lord-the compassionate and gracious God- is slow to anger and abounding in love and faithfulness.
Well, it made me realize that I need to make a difference. I don’t have to be the same with the trend in this world. I need to imitate God’s character especially when it comes to manage the anger itself.
Of course it’s not easy. It will be so easy to blow up and dump our emotion to the people surround us. But hey, if we can make a difference in order to become His good disciples, why don’t we do it?
Let’s try it today. We make a promise to ourselves, “God, I’ll be slow to anger today. Teach me to be more patient. Amen.” (-fon-)
And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,
---Exodus 34:6
Friday, April 18, 2008
TOTD, April 19
Hold Our Tongue
When I was younger, I talked sharply. Especially when I was a teenager, I didn’t realize that I was very sharp-tongued and very stubborn.
But then, after I grow more mature and after I know God more, there’s a sudden change. I watch my words. I pick them more carefully. Because I know, sometimes the words from our tongue are even sharper than a knife. And if they hurt the people around us, they’ll be left in bitterness.
Of course, I’m not perfect. Many times I’ve said something wrong until now . But, as soon as I realized that I made mistake, I apologize and I try to speak in better tone and better words next time.
Today, let’s watch our words. Let’s talk in God’s loving atmosphere. We need to remember as the Proverbs tells us, he who holds his tongue is wise. (-fon-)
When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
--- Proverbs 10:19
When I was younger, I talked sharply. Especially when I was a teenager, I didn’t realize that I was very sharp-tongued and very stubborn.
But then, after I grow more mature and after I know God more, there’s a sudden change. I watch my words. I pick them more carefully. Because I know, sometimes the words from our tongue are even sharper than a knife. And if they hurt the people around us, they’ll be left in bitterness.
Of course, I’m not perfect. Many times I’ve said something wrong until now . But, as soon as I realized that I made mistake, I apologize and I try to speak in better tone and better words next time.
Today, let’s watch our words. Let’s talk in God’s loving atmosphere. We need to remember as the Proverbs tells us, he who holds his tongue is wise. (-fon-)
When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.
--- Proverbs 10:19
Thursday, April 17, 2008
TOTD, April 17
The Garment of Praise
Today, I read a very inspiring writing of Joyce Meyer, the person whom I didn’t know but has somehow become my inspiration to start writing TOTD (Thought of The Day).
Here it is, I want to share with you all:
In His Word God has given us the tools we need to help us through each new day. He has given us “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3). So, when you wake up in the morning, decide that no matter what happens, you will not be depressed today.
(Taken from Joyce Meyer’s writing).
It’s very interesting. Once again, I was reminded that it’s our decision that we want to be depressed or not. It’s our decision to stay happy and rejoice. It’s our decision to put on the garment of praise everywhere we go.
It’s our decision!
Let the garment of praise be with us always, so that we could praise Him in all condition. (-fon-)
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
--- Isaiah 61:3
Today, I read a very inspiring writing of Joyce Meyer, the person whom I didn’t know but has somehow become my inspiration to start writing TOTD (Thought of The Day).
Here it is, I want to share with you all:
In His Word God has given us the tools we need to help us through each new day. He has given us “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3). So, when you wake up in the morning, decide that no matter what happens, you will not be depressed today.
(Taken from Joyce Meyer’s writing).
It’s very interesting. Once again, I was reminded that it’s our decision that we want to be depressed or not. It’s our decision to stay happy and rejoice. It’s our decision to put on the garment of praise everywhere we go.
It’s our decision!
Let the garment of praise be with us always, so that we could praise Him in all condition. (-fon-)
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
--- Isaiah 61:3
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
TOTD, April 17
Where Is Your Faith?
While imagining ourselves as His disciples, made me realize that we sometimes tend not to trust Him with all our heart.
In facing difficulties in this life, we sometimes forget about how great our God is. We’re too focused on the problem and forget to put more trust in Him.
Like the disciples on the boat when they were facing such a big squall (storm), their lack of faith statement said that they were going to drown. But Jesus turned everything in such an easy way and then all was calm. He asked them, “Where is your faith?”
Today, He’s still asking us the same question, especially when we have doubt about our future, about our financial situation, about our soul mate, about our children’s future, about our job’s security, etc.
He won’t stop asking, “Where is Your Faith?”
So, my dear friends in Christ, let’s show God that we are His good disciples. It’s simply by trusting Him more in times of trouble especially when the reality seems so wrong and seems contrarian with our expectation. Stand still with our faith no matter how stormy our life is. (-fon-)
The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
--- Luke 8:24-25
While imagining ourselves as His disciples, made me realize that we sometimes tend not to trust Him with all our heart.
In facing difficulties in this life, we sometimes forget about how great our God is. We’re too focused on the problem and forget to put more trust in Him.
Like the disciples on the boat when they were facing such a big squall (storm), their lack of faith statement said that they were going to drown. But Jesus turned everything in such an easy way and then all was calm. He asked them, “Where is your faith?”
Today, He’s still asking us the same question, especially when we have doubt about our future, about our financial situation, about our soul mate, about our children’s future, about our job’s security, etc.
He won’t stop asking, “Where is Your Faith?”
So, my dear friends in Christ, let’s show God that we are His good disciples. It’s simply by trusting Him more in times of trouble especially when the reality seems so wrong and seems contrarian with our expectation. Stand still with our faith no matter how stormy our life is. (-fon-)
The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!"
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, "Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him."
--- Luke 8:24-25
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
TOTD, April 16
Open My Eyes, Lord
When I was at the church on Sunday, suddenly I was a bit distracted by a loud sound of a walking-stick. And when I turned around, I saw a blind man walking, trying to find a place to sit.
And then a man helped him to find a seat. And there he was, sitting few meters in front of me.
I saw his willingness to attend the mass at the church and I was moved. He didn’t feel that his blindness was a problem. He didn’t think that it prevented Him to get closer to God.
Amazing!
How about us? Maybe we can see perfectly through our vision. We’re not physically blind. But our attitude shows that sometimes our heart is blind. We fail to see the good things in others, ourselves, and God.
My prayer today: open my eyes, Lord, so that I can see through the eyes of Your love.
(-fon-)
Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
---Psalm 119:18
When I was at the church on Sunday, suddenly I was a bit distracted by a loud sound of a walking-stick. And when I turned around, I saw a blind man walking, trying to find a place to sit.
And then a man helped him to find a seat. And there he was, sitting few meters in front of me.
I saw his willingness to attend the mass at the church and I was moved. He didn’t feel that his blindness was a problem. He didn’t think that it prevented Him to get closer to God.
Amazing!
How about us? Maybe we can see perfectly through our vision. We’re not physically blind. But our attitude shows that sometimes our heart is blind. We fail to see the good things in others, ourselves, and God.
My prayer today: open my eyes, Lord, so that I can see through the eyes of Your love.
(-fon-)
Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
---Psalm 119:18
Monday, April 14, 2008
TOTD, April 15
Give, And It Will be Given to You
We have our own selfishness inside of us. We seldom give and tend to receive. Because receiving means we gain something.
Today, the word of God reminds us to give. Give doesn’t necessarily have money connotation. Give your smile to the people surround you might be a blessing too!
Give, and it will be given to you. We believe that only by giving to others and to God, we could become His light in this world.
If we want to start a new day, let’s start it with giving our best into it. (-fon-)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
--- Luke 6:38
We have our own selfishness inside of us. We seldom give and tend to receive. Because receiving means we gain something.
Today, the word of God reminds us to give. Give doesn’t necessarily have money connotation. Give your smile to the people surround you might be a blessing too!
Give, and it will be given to you. We believe that only by giving to others and to God, we could become His light in this world.
If we want to start a new day, let’s start it with giving our best into it. (-fon-)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
--- Luke 6:38
Sunday, April 13, 2008
TOTD, April 14
Lost and Found
In an airport, usually there’s a section that you could report your lost luggage and if they found it, they will let you know.
The department is called lost and found.
Today, I realize that we’re all has been lost. For a period of time in our life, we have been lost. And yet, God has found us at the moment we receive Him in our heart as our Savior.
We’re like the sheep going astray, we’re lost. But now, we have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).
Like the famous song Amazing Grace’s lyrics, it says that I was once lost, but now am found. Yes, we’re all once lost, but now we’re found by God, The Shepherd. Let Him guide us so that we won’t be lost anymore. (-fon-)
For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
--- 1 Peter 2:25
In an airport, usually there’s a section that you could report your lost luggage and if they found it, they will let you know.
The department is called lost and found.
Today, I realize that we’re all has been lost. For a period of time in our life, we have been lost. And yet, God has found us at the moment we receive Him in our heart as our Savior.
We’re like the sheep going astray, we’re lost. But now, we have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25).
Like the famous song Amazing Grace’s lyrics, it says that I was once lost, but now am found. Yes, we’re all once lost, but now we’re found by God, The Shepherd. Let Him guide us so that we won’t be lost anymore. (-fon-)
For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
--- 1 Peter 2:25
Saturday, April 12, 2008
TOTD, April 13
God, You Are the Potter
Many people feel that God can't use them because they’re not perfect—this is a lie. God (the Potter) uses cracked pots (that's us) to do His work. As Christians, we are containers that God wants to fill with His goodness and light. Then we’re to carry that goodness and light to a dark world, sharing it with people everywhere we go. Don't be afraid of your flaws; acknowledge them and allow God to use you anyway. Quit worrying about what you're not and give God what you are.
(source: Joyce Meyer’s Article).
An interesting article from Joyce Meyer told us that even we’re cracked pots, He’ll use us in this world.
Sometimes, we’re worried to much of our flaws and we can’t even think that God will use us. We think that we don’t deserve all the honor of serving Him, because we’re not perfect. Because we’re cracked.
But, let us be reminded once more by the verse from Isaiah, that our Father, is the potter. We are the clay and the work of His hand. So, even though how cracked our condition right now, it’s within His knowledge. He knows every single crack that we have and yet He still loves us and not to mention longs for using us to serve Him more and more.
God, You are the Potter. Even in our imperfection, even in our cracked condition, You have the ability to turn whatever that seems bad into goodness. We are only the clay and we trust You. Amen.
(-fon-)
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
--- Isaiah 64:8
Many people feel that God can't use them because they’re not perfect—this is a lie. God (the Potter) uses cracked pots (that's us) to do His work. As Christians, we are containers that God wants to fill with His goodness and light. Then we’re to carry that goodness and light to a dark world, sharing it with people everywhere we go. Don't be afraid of your flaws; acknowledge them and allow God to use you anyway. Quit worrying about what you're not and give God what you are.
(source: Joyce Meyer’s Article).
An interesting article from Joyce Meyer told us that even we’re cracked pots, He’ll use us in this world.
Sometimes, we’re worried to much of our flaws and we can’t even think that God will use us. We think that we don’t deserve all the honor of serving Him, because we’re not perfect. Because we’re cracked.
But, let us be reminded once more by the verse from Isaiah, that our Father, is the potter. We are the clay and the work of His hand. So, even though how cracked our condition right now, it’s within His knowledge. He knows every single crack that we have and yet He still loves us and not to mention longs for using us to serve Him more and more.
God, You are the Potter. Even in our imperfection, even in our cracked condition, You have the ability to turn whatever that seems bad into goodness. We are only the clay and we trust You. Amen.
(-fon-)
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
--- Isaiah 64:8
Friday, April 11, 2008
TOTD, April 12
Shout To The Lord
Today, as usual I watched The American Idol, and to my surprise, the contestants sang Shout to the Lord, a famous song, that I’m sure all of us are familiar with.
Actually, this isn’t a new song for me, in fact I heard it and also sang it together with my prayer group quite a number of time.
But as the song was sung once more by all the remaining contestants, my heart was trembling, and I also sang that beautiful song together with them. (Of course being watched by my daughter :)).
The verses are:
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and Majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.
Yes, God! Forever I’ll love You and forever I’ll stand. And nothing compares to the promise I have in You. He has promised to bless us.
And here’s my wish for you:
May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!
---Deuteronomy 1:11
(-fon-)
Today, as usual I watched The American Idol, and to my surprise, the contestants sang Shout to the Lord, a famous song, that I’m sure all of us are familiar with.
Actually, this isn’t a new song for me, in fact I heard it and also sang it together with my prayer group quite a number of time.
But as the song was sung once more by all the remaining contestants, my heart was trembling, and I also sang that beautiful song together with them. (Of course being watched by my daughter :)).
The verses are:
Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing
Power and Majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of your hands,
Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.
Yes, God! Forever I’ll love You and forever I’ll stand. And nothing compares to the promise I have in You. He has promised to bless us.
And here’s my wish for you:
May the LORD, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!
---Deuteronomy 1:11
(-fon-)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
TOTD, April 11
A Little Bit Kinder To Ourselves
Our heavenly Father is kind to us. And since he is so kind to us, can’t we be a little kinder to ourselves? (Taken from: Max Lucado’s writing).
Many times, our heavenly Father has already forgiven our sins. But we haven’t.
We keep thinking that we’re at fault every time. We are trapped by the guilty feeling that won’t go away.
I know how it feels.
But today, Max Lucado reminds us to be kind to ourselves. Well, if we can’t do that much because of such a huge self-guilty inside of us, we might do it a little at a time.
We need to be a little kinder to ourselves. We need to forgive ourselves and not to give too much pressure to ourselves.
Of course this isn’t an excuse to repeat the sins over and over again. We just need to realize that even God Himself has already shown His mercy to us. Can we be more merciful to ourselves? (-fon-)
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
---Ephesians 4:32 __________________________________________________
Our heavenly Father is kind to us. And since he is so kind to us, can’t we be a little kinder to ourselves? (Taken from: Max Lucado’s writing).
Many times, our heavenly Father has already forgiven our sins. But we haven’t.
We keep thinking that we’re at fault every time. We are trapped by the guilty feeling that won’t go away.
I know how it feels.
But today, Max Lucado reminds us to be kind to ourselves. Well, if we can’t do that much because of such a huge self-guilty inside of us, we might do it a little at a time.
We need to be a little kinder to ourselves. We need to forgive ourselves and not to give too much pressure to ourselves.
Of course this isn’t an excuse to repeat the sins over and over again. We just need to realize that even God Himself has already shown His mercy to us. Can we be more merciful to ourselves? (-fon-)
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
---Ephesians 4:32 __________________________________________________
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
TOTD, April 10
Radiance
I love talking about nature, because from the nature itself, we can see the glory of the Lord.
Imagine that we’re in a rainy day, either it’s only drizzling or it’s raining cats and dogs, but it is raining.
Then after the clouds on a rainy day, the appearance of a rainbow afterwards adds a breathtaking beauty of the nature. It’s colorful. It’s radiant. It’s really nice to see such a beautiful view, especially after the rain.
The glory of the Lord was described in such a beauty. Words could never enough to express it.
The radiance itself makes the glory shown.
So, how about us? Have we shown God’s glory in our life? Have become a rainbow after a rainy day that gives a special radiance in this life?
If we haven’t, it’s not too late to start now.
Let’s shine and show this world our radiance to reflect His glory. (-fon-)
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
--- Ezekiel 1:28
I love talking about nature, because from the nature itself, we can see the glory of the Lord.
Imagine that we’re in a rainy day, either it’s only drizzling or it’s raining cats and dogs, but it is raining.
Then after the clouds on a rainy day, the appearance of a rainbow afterwards adds a breathtaking beauty of the nature. It’s colorful. It’s radiant. It’s really nice to see such a beautiful view, especially after the rain.
The glory of the Lord was described in such a beauty. Words could never enough to express it.
The radiance itself makes the glory shown.
So, how about us? Have we shown God’s glory in our life? Have become a rainbow after a rainy day that gives a special radiance in this life?
If we haven’t, it’s not too late to start now.
Let’s shine and show this world our radiance to reflect His glory. (-fon-)
Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.
This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
--- Ezekiel 1:28
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
TOTD, April 09
God Loves To the End
Just wanna share what I got from my internet search. A valuable writing of Pope John Paul II which is really worth to read… (-fon-)
God is always on the side of the suffering. His omnipotence is manifested precisely in the fact that he freely accepted suffering. He could have chosen not to do so. He could have chosen to demonstrate his omnipotence even at the moment of the Crucifixion. In fact, it was proposed to him:
"Let the Messiah, the King of Israel come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." (Mark 15.32)
But he did not accept that challenge. The fact that he stayed on the Cross until the end, the fact that on the Cross he could say, as do all who suffer,
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15.34)
If the agony on the Cross had not happened, the truth that God is Love would have been unfounded.
Yes! God is Love and precisely for this he gave his Son, to reveal himself completely as Love. Christ is the One who "loved...to the end." (John 13.1) "To the end" means to the last breath.
Pope John Paul II from Crossing The Threshold of Hope
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
--- John 13:1
Just wanna share what I got from my internet search. A valuable writing of Pope John Paul II which is really worth to read… (-fon-)
God is always on the side of the suffering. His omnipotence is manifested precisely in the fact that he freely accepted suffering. He could have chosen not to do so. He could have chosen to demonstrate his omnipotence even at the moment of the Crucifixion. In fact, it was proposed to him:
"Let the Messiah, the King of Israel come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." (Mark 15.32)
But he did not accept that challenge. The fact that he stayed on the Cross until the end, the fact that on the Cross he could say, as do all who suffer,
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15.34)
If the agony on the Cross had not happened, the truth that God is Love would have been unfounded.
Yes! God is Love and precisely for this he gave his Son, to reveal himself completely as Love. Christ is the One who "loved...to the end." (John 13.1) "To the end" means to the last breath.
Pope John Paul II from Crossing The Threshold of Hope
Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.
--- John 13:1
Monday, April 7, 2008
TOTD, April 08
Crucified with Christ
It’s really nice if we could live this life the way we want it to be where we put all our hopes and great expectations, and they all come true.
But in reality, so many times we have to accept things as they are. We can’t change anything. And nothing can be done except accepting them. And the acceptance itself requires a lot of work. Sometimes it makes us physically and emotionally exhausted because we’re struggling hard to accept them.
I have been through that and I know that each day of my life will be a battle of struggles. But I also know that at the very time I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior, I have been crucified with Him and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).
Now, let’s try to be more patient each day, realizing the fact that Christ lives in us. We have been crucified with Him. And that unity is a sweet one. Imagine: Christ and you? Wow, that’s terrific! (-fon-)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
--- Galatians 2:20
It’s really nice if we could live this life the way we want it to be where we put all our hopes and great expectations, and they all come true.
But in reality, so many times we have to accept things as they are. We can’t change anything. And nothing can be done except accepting them. And the acceptance itself requires a lot of work. Sometimes it makes us physically and emotionally exhausted because we’re struggling hard to accept them.
I have been through that and I know that each day of my life will be a battle of struggles. But I also know that at the very time I accept Jesus Christ as my Savior, I have been crucified with Him and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20).
Now, let’s try to be more patient each day, realizing the fact that Christ lives in us. We have been crucified with Him. And that unity is a sweet one. Imagine: Christ and you? Wow, that’s terrific! (-fon-)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
--- Galatians 2:20
Sunday, April 6, 2008
TOTD, April 07
Directed By the Lord
WHAT DO WE EXPECT in our spirituality? God loves us and comforts us. But God also challenges and directs us. God changes us, if we allow it; and change is never easy. When Moses stood on holy ground, the experience was frightening and life changing.
---- Paul E. Stroble
You Gave Me a Wide Place: Holy Places in Our Lives
If we think that becoming God’s disciples will be easy, I think we’re wrong. He loves us and comforts us. Yes, it’s true!
And like what’s being written by Paul E. Stroble, He also challenges and directs us. And we know that change is never easy. Maybe we are going to fill our days with tears, worries, and anxieties. Or even full of fear and frightening like what Moses has already been experienced few thousands years ago.
God’s message is still clear. He will eventually direct us to where He leads us. He will direct us to His Plans and His Wills for us. And to make the process easier, we need to allow Him to take control. We need to cooperate with Him to let the changes take place and make us a better person in His eyes. (-fon-)
A man's steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand his own way?
--- Proverbs 20:24
WHAT DO WE EXPECT in our spirituality? God loves us and comforts us. But God also challenges and directs us. God changes us, if we allow it; and change is never easy. When Moses stood on holy ground, the experience was frightening and life changing.
---- Paul E. Stroble
You Gave Me a Wide Place: Holy Places in Our Lives
If we think that becoming God’s disciples will be easy, I think we’re wrong. He loves us and comforts us. Yes, it’s true!
And like what’s being written by Paul E. Stroble, He also challenges and directs us. And we know that change is never easy. Maybe we are going to fill our days with tears, worries, and anxieties. Or even full of fear and frightening like what Moses has already been experienced few thousands years ago.
God’s message is still clear. He will eventually direct us to where He leads us. He will direct us to His Plans and His Wills for us. And to make the process easier, we need to allow Him to take control. We need to cooperate with Him to let the changes take place and make us a better person in His eyes. (-fon-)
A man's steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand his own way?
--- Proverbs 20:24
Saturday, April 5, 2008
TOTD, April 06
We Live For Him
As we received Jesus Christ as our Savior, we need to realize that starting that day we don’t live this life of ours merely for ourselves. But, we need to live for Him.
He, who has done the biggest thing for all human being, died for all of us, deserve our commitment as well.
We need to dedicate our life to Him.
That means even though our life is going completely different with our expectation or even far from that, we need to stay faithful.
That also means we have to carry our cross of life without complaining and trying to accept everything as a part of our life.
Today, maybe we’re still grumbling and complaining for the situation that we don’t like. But if we think one step further that we have to live this life for Him, things might be different. We need to endure in hardship for Him and Him alone, simply because we live for Him. (-fon-)
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
--- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
As we received Jesus Christ as our Savior, we need to realize that starting that day we don’t live this life of ours merely for ourselves. But, we need to live for Him.
He, who has done the biggest thing for all human being, died for all of us, deserve our commitment as well.
We need to dedicate our life to Him.
That means even though our life is going completely different with our expectation or even far from that, we need to stay faithful.
That also means we have to carry our cross of life without complaining and trying to accept everything as a part of our life.
Today, maybe we’re still grumbling and complaining for the situation that we don’t like. But if we think one step further that we have to live this life for Him, things might be different. We need to endure in hardship for Him and Him alone, simply because we live for Him. (-fon-)
For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
--- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
Friday, April 4, 2008
TOTD, April 05
TMTH
As I watched the American Idol Season 7, there was one time when one of the 24 finalists, Daniel Noriega, said something interesting. He said, “ TMTH” which is the abbreviation of Too Much To Handle.
In this life, in some stage of our life we might think that the whole problem is too much. We can never handle it. We think that those problems are so BIG that become Too Much To Handle (TMTH). And we easily forgot how BIG our God is…
And now, don’t ever say TMTH anymore because we got our God who can handle everything easily, just because He is God. Nothing is TMTH for Him.
He can handle everything properly. We are safe in His hands because He is trustworthy and He has promised the good things for all of us. (-fon-)
O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.
---2 Samuel 7:28
As I watched the American Idol Season 7, there was one time when one of the 24 finalists, Daniel Noriega, said something interesting. He said, “ TMTH” which is the abbreviation of Too Much To Handle.
In this life, in some stage of our life we might think that the whole problem is too much. We can never handle it. We think that those problems are so BIG that become Too Much To Handle (TMTH). And we easily forgot how BIG our God is…
And now, don’t ever say TMTH anymore because we got our God who can handle everything easily, just because He is God. Nothing is TMTH for Him.
He can handle everything properly. We are safe in His hands because He is trustworthy and He has promised the good things for all of us. (-fon-)
O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.
---2 Samuel 7:28
Thursday, April 3, 2008
TOTD, April 04
Fix Our Eyes on Jesus
Nowadays, while there are so many ways to get out of our problems that are being offered by this world, what should we do?
Of course as a good Christian, we need to fix our eyes on the Lord. He is-like what’s written in Hebrew 12:2- the author and perfecter of our faith. He left His joy to endure the cross for us. What a wonderful Lord we have. A real Majesty He is!
Right now, whatever our circumstance is at the moment, we need to focus on Him. We need to fix our eyes on Him. Especially when we feel very weak and we don’t have enough strength to go on in this life. Because if we try to find other ways, in the end it might be too late to realize that there’s no other way, except Jesus Himself.
Let’s us fix our eyes on Jesus and let’s do it right now! (-fon-)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
--- Hebrew 12:2
Nowadays, while there are so many ways to get out of our problems that are being offered by this world, what should we do?
Of course as a good Christian, we need to fix our eyes on the Lord. He is-like what’s written in Hebrew 12:2- the author and perfecter of our faith. He left His joy to endure the cross for us. What a wonderful Lord we have. A real Majesty He is!
Right now, whatever our circumstance is at the moment, we need to focus on Him. We need to fix our eyes on Him. Especially when we feel very weak and we don’t have enough strength to go on in this life. Because if we try to find other ways, in the end it might be too late to realize that there’s no other way, except Jesus Himself.
Let’s us fix our eyes on Jesus and let’s do it right now! (-fon-)
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
--- Hebrew 12:2
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
TOTD, April 03
You Are Precious
I’ve just recently read Bo Sanchez’ inspiring article about self-portrait: how other people treat us and how we treat ourselves.
The second one is also important, because it’s connected with the way you look at yourself.
We all have ever experienced a downturn in our life. We all have felt neglected, abandoned, rejected, and humiliated in some of the stages of our life. Life isn’t perfect. Life isn’t always going exactly like what we want.
But, even if this world rejected us, we need to remember that God has got our blueprint, because He created us in the first place. There’s no one else.
I think most of us have ever been experiencing the self-portrait problem. And right now, we need to do something about it. Keep believing that God -our creator- is the God who thinks highly of us. We are precious and honored in His sight and most importantly He loves us.
Whenever we look down on ourselves while remembering the failures of our life or how this world abandon or even hate us, seek God. Seek Him who thinks highly of us and created us in the first place with perfect planning even before each of us entered our mother’s womb.
We are precious and honored in His sight. Never have any doubt about it. (-fon-)
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life
--- Isaiah 43:3-4.
I’ve just recently read Bo Sanchez’ inspiring article about self-portrait: how other people treat us and how we treat ourselves.
The second one is also important, because it’s connected with the way you look at yourself.
We all have ever experienced a downturn in our life. We all have felt neglected, abandoned, rejected, and humiliated in some of the stages of our life. Life isn’t perfect. Life isn’t always going exactly like what we want.
But, even if this world rejected us, we need to remember that God has got our blueprint, because He created us in the first place. There’s no one else.
I think most of us have ever been experiencing the self-portrait problem. And right now, we need to do something about it. Keep believing that God -our creator- is the God who thinks highly of us. We are precious and honored in His sight and most importantly He loves us.
Whenever we look down on ourselves while remembering the failures of our life or how this world abandon or even hate us, seek God. Seek Him who thinks highly of us and created us in the first place with perfect planning even before each of us entered our mother’s womb.
We are precious and honored in His sight. Never have any doubt about it. (-fon-)
For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you,
and people in exchange for your life
--- Isaiah 43:3-4.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
TOTD, April 02
I'm God's Friend
In a new mall, when you can see and meet a lot of people, there's a possibility that you might feel lonely.
In the middle of a grand wedding party in 5 stars hotel, you might feel the loneliness as well.
Inside your bed room, when you're alone, the loneliness starts disturbing you.
In the crowd, you might experience the loneliness. While you're alone, it's easier to feel that way.
Well, loneliness is unavoidable. We might feel it in some parts of our life.
But, this verse from John 15, made me smile, because I got a privilege to be God's friend.
In order not to feel lonely, we know that we need to have a friend. And the friendship that's being offered by our God is a perfect one, because He's available for us 24/7/365.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Even our spouse, parents, children, or loved ones can't offer that kind of availability to attend our needs. But our God can do that!
Today, I'm so blessed and so happy to tell you that I'm God's friend. Thank God for that privilege. And pssst here's the good news… you're also His good friends.
We are all in a circle of friends. How wonderful! (-fon-)
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
--- John 15:15
In a new mall, when you can see and meet a lot of people, there's a possibility that you might feel lonely.
In the middle of a grand wedding party in 5 stars hotel, you might feel the loneliness as well.
Inside your bed room, when you're alone, the loneliness starts disturbing you.
In the crowd, you might experience the loneliness. While you're alone, it's easier to feel that way.
Well, loneliness is unavoidable. We might feel it in some parts of our life.
But, this verse from John 15, made me smile, because I got a privilege to be God's friend.
In order not to feel lonely, we know that we need to have a friend. And the friendship that's being offered by our God is a perfect one, because He's available for us 24/7/365.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Even our spouse, parents, children, or loved ones can't offer that kind of availability to attend our needs. But our God can do that!
Today, I'm so blessed and so happy to tell you that I'm God's friend. Thank God for that privilege. And pssst here's the good news… you're also His good friends.
We are all in a circle of friends. How wonderful! (-fon-)
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
--- John 15:15
TOTD, April 01
The Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference
(By Reinhold Niebuhr, written in the 1930s or in the early 1940s).
A simple prayer by Niebuhr, but has a very deep meaning. I believe that most of you have already known the prayer as well. It's very beautiful, isn't it?
And more amazingly, recently I read a book Why Are You Worrying by Joseph W. Ciarrocchi. It says that several years ago when he was doing research on stress, he read a book. The author, a psychologist with no theological background, stated that all the literature on coping with stress could be summed up in the Serenity Prayer.
Accepting thing as it is.
Well, it reminds me of a real good example from Mother Mary. With her obedience- by knowing herself as the Lord's servant- she said bravely, " Let it be as You have said."
Today, maybe we're in the middle of some big or even huge changes. And those changes are not easy to cope with. Lots of stressful things, lots of unpleasant things along the way that need adjustments. But, let this prayer, as well as Mother Mary as our role model, make us face everything bravely.
Hopefully, we can get through those changes with smile. Knowing that God is in control of our life. Amen. (-fon-)
Mary said, `I am the Lord's servant. Let it be as you have said.' Then the angel left her.
--- Luke 1:38
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference
(By Reinhold Niebuhr, written in the 1930s or in the early 1940s).
A simple prayer by Niebuhr, but has a very deep meaning. I believe that most of you have already known the prayer as well. It's very beautiful, isn't it?
And more amazingly, recently I read a book Why Are You Worrying by Joseph W. Ciarrocchi. It says that several years ago when he was doing research on stress, he read a book. The author, a psychologist with no theological background, stated that all the literature on coping with stress could be summed up in the Serenity Prayer.
Accepting thing as it is.
Well, it reminds me of a real good example from Mother Mary. With her obedience- by knowing herself as the Lord's servant- she said bravely, " Let it be as You have said."
Today, maybe we're in the middle of some big or even huge changes. And those changes are not easy to cope with. Lots of stressful things, lots of unpleasant things along the way that need adjustments. But, let this prayer, as well as Mother Mary as our role model, make us face everything bravely.
Hopefully, we can get through those changes with smile. Knowing that God is in control of our life. Amen. (-fon-)
Mary said, `I am the Lord's servant. Let it be as you have said.' Then the angel left her.
--- Luke 1:38
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