Tuesday, December 30, 2008

TOTD, December 31

I Have Overcome the World

The book of John reminds us that in this world, we will have trouble. But take heart! Don’t be afraid, because God said, “I have overcome the world.” (-fon-)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
--- John 16:33

Monday, December 29, 2008

TOTD, December 30

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

Sometimes, in the middle of the mess of this life, you might stop for a while, thinking-complaining-worrying- asking-wondering whether God will really care for you.
This is His assurance, that He will grant us peace. He keeps reminding us not to let our hearts be troubled and never be afraid, because He is with us. (-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

Sunday, December 28, 2008

TOTD, December 29

Perfect Gift

Everything that’s good and perfect, every good and perfect gift is from above. It’s from our Father. We need to believe that, be thankful, and just receive countless blessings from Him each day. (-fon-)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
--- James 1:17

Saturday, December 27, 2008

TOTD, December 28

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

With the peace of Christmas, let’s try to love others without seeking revenge or bear a grudge against other people. And try to love others like loving ourselves. It’s not an easy thing, but let’s try to do it. (-fon-)

'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
--- Leviticus 19:18

Friday, December 26, 2008

TOTD, December 27

Faith Like Abraham’s

I think that we need to learn to be faithful like Abraham. Having a faith like His is a great thing while looking forward to our own ‘city’ with foundations whose architect and builder is God.
As long as it’s being designed and built by God, I’m sure our future will be a good one. We’re safe in His hands. (-fon-)

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
--- Hebrews 11: 8-10

Thursday, December 25, 2008

TOTD, December 26

Treasure His Gift

To remind us how important Jesus roles are, let’s take a look at this verse:

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
--- Isaiah 9:6


In this Christmas day, let’s remember that Jesus was born. He was given by the Lord for us. God has been so good to us. We need to treasure His gift with all our heart.
(-fon-)

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

TOTD, December 25

A Savior Was Born

Reflecting on the day Jesus was born, this was the situation described by Luke 2:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
---Luke 2:8-14


Yes, we need to glorify the Lord since a Savior has been born to us; He is Christ the Lord! Merry Christmas!(-fon-)

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

TOTD, December 24

Salt of the Earth

The role of salt in the Bible is relevant to understanding Hebrew society during the Old Testament and New Testament periods. Salt is a necessity of life and was a mineral that was used since ancient times in many cultures as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a component of ceremonial offerings, and as a unit of exchange. The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification. (source: Wikipedia)

Salt is used for reminding us of loyalty, fidelity, and every good things written above. And we’re the salt of the earth (Matthew 5). It’s important to stay salty, to stay loyal-pure-truthful. (-fon-)

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
--- Matthew 5: 13

Monday, December 22, 2008

TOTD, December 23

Full of Grace

What kind of conversation that we should have? The kind that’s full of grace. But, I’m sure it doesn’t mean that not humorous at all. We still need to smile, to laugh, without lacking the grace. (-fon-)

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
--- Colossians 4:6

Sunday, December 21, 2008

TOTD, December 22

Don’t Ever Limit God!

God’s power is unlimited. The only thing that limits us is our own thinking-that includes fears and worries.
Even Elizabeth can have a child in her old age while previously she was said to be barren.
Pray with all of our heart to Him, He knows our needs and will fulfill them according to His plan and His time. (-fon-)

Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."
--- Luke 1: 36-37

Saturday, December 20, 2008

TOTD, December 21

Your Faith Has Healed You

If only we can have faith like the woman that had been subject to bleeding for twelve years like what we can see in Matthew 9, sure our God will say, “Your faith has healed you.” (-fon-)

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."
Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.
--- Matthew 9:20-22

Friday, December 19, 2008

TOTD, December 20

How Many Times?

When it comes to forgiveness, we might ask, “ God, how many times shall I forgive my brother?” Here’s the answer:

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
--- Matthew 18:21-23


Seven times? Well, that’s not enough. As we won’t even know how many mistakes that we’re going to make, it applies the same here that we can’ limit ourselves when it comes to forgive others. Forgiveness is a hard thing to do for people who keep other’s faults at heart but at the same time is the best thing to do to free ourselves from all the hatred. Try to forgive, it will heal us. (-fon-)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

TOTD, December 19

He Has Redeemed His People

God has come to this world. Not only He came just like that, but also He has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us.
In the footnote of the New International Version (NIV), I can see that horn here symbolizes strength. His salvation is so strong in our life as He has redeemed all of us from sins.
God is so good to us, what can we do to please Him? (-fon-)

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David
(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago).
--- Luke 1:68-70

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

TOTD, December 18

All Things Are Possible

Today, outside Tangs Orchard I’ve seen part of this verse, which mentioned with God nothing is impossible. I just remembered that I’ve read the similar ads about Randall Tan- part of the inspirational story by a famous sport brand. You know it, for sure. Here’s Randall’s story:

Randall Tan is a well-known local actor, model, and host. 2 years back he was diagnosed with Guillain-barre syndrome which left him almost paralyzed. Now he’s recovered, back on his feet and taking part in full distance marathon. For him, impossible is nothing.
(taken from the marathon website and also partially from the ads at the newspaper
).

How about us as Christians? We need to remember that with God all things are possible. With God nothing is impossible. Really, impossible is nothing! Don’t limit yourself with your own worries or fears. Trust Him that anything is possible. (-fon-)

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
--- Matthew 19:26

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

TOTD, December 17

Let’s be like Mother Mary

This is what Mother Mary said:

And Mary said:
"My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior
--- Luke 1:46-47


One thing that is really obvious about her is that she glorifies the Lord and rejoices.
Those two things are actually need to be done all over again by each of us. Even though thing seems harder these days, let’s be like her. Let’s glorify the Lord and rejoice.
(-fon-)

Monday, December 15, 2008

TOTD, December 16

Steadfast

This is the verse from Psalm 57.

My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
--- Psalm 57:7


Well, lately I’ve watched quite a number of musical movies. A bit late but still try to catch up with music and movies, two things that I like. From High School Musical 1 and 2, Camp Rock which featured the Jonas Brothers, until the latest indie movie from Taiwan titled Cape no. 7 which featured Van Fan (he’s also a singer) and told a story of an odd band audition until it formed an interesting band, I can feel that music is really able to move someone tremendously.
Music can make a difference. While the Psalm is using music to show the steadfastness of the heart, we can apply the same thing. Let’s build a more steadfast heart to the Lord with music. Let’s sing! (-fon-)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

TOTD, December 14-15

Gentle Answer

In anger, it’s not easy to answer gently. Most of us will just scream, shout, or answer cynically. But, the Proverbs reminds us to answer gently, because a gentle answer turns away wrath. Try to avoid harsh word since it will stir up anger.
(-fon-).

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
--- Proverbs 15:1


Joyful

Today’s reading is from 1 Thessalonians. When I heard about this verse at the church today, automatically I could feel the connection of joyful-prayer-and give thanks.
The recipe of being joyful always: stay in touch with God through praying continuously and even though how hard it is, give thanks in all things-in all circumstances. This is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.
Let’s be joyful in Him! (-fon-)

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
--- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Friday, December 12, 2008

TOTD, December 13

Full Rights of Sons

God has sent His son to redeem us so that we might receive the full rights of sons. God has been so good to us. Jesus has sacrificed Himself for us.
So, what should we do to give back to Him? Show ourselves that we’re God’s children.
(-fon-)

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.
--- Galatians 4:4-5

Thursday, December 11, 2008

TOTD, December 12

Immanuel

The meaning of Immanuel means God is with us. So, without a doubt, He’ll be here with us. No matter what happens, no matter how bad the days that you’re going through at the moment, God is and will always be with us. He’s Immanuel. (-fon-)

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."
--- Matthew 1:23

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

TOTD, December 11

Anti Christ vs Pro Christ

I got an e-mail from my friend who has shown his concern on the increasing activities which leads to Anti Christ movement.
First, he said, there are more and more free porn sites. It’s strange, in his opinion, since usually people need to pay hefty sum to watch them, but now it’s really easy to access them.
Second, he’s also concerned about Prop 8- the Musical, where Jack Black seemed to mock the bible and Jesus Himself. In which also sent a message if people disagree with gay marriage, they’re bigots and basing their opinions on hate.
Actually this is not the first time. If we look back, we’ve seen all these time that Anti Christ is there and trying hard to invade the believers with such a huge distraction (if you still remember how Da Vinci Code influenced the people to believe its part of the story as fact, I think you can see the Anti Christ is doing very well in its mission until today).
The bible itself reminds us of the Anti Christ, even 2000 years ago, it has already mentioned it.

Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son.
--- 1 John 2:22


As His disciples, no matter what, we need to reaffirm our faith in Him. And let’s develop a better strength and faith inside of us. Let’s build a pro Christ environment among us by praying more and build our personal relationship with Him. Christ has been stood tall all these time. No need to worry, He’ll win again this time.
(-fon-)

PS: thanks to Anton for sharing his thoughts.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

TOTD, December 10

By God’s Power

Jesus was crucified in weakness, but yet He lives by God’s power. And according to the bible, we are weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him.
Many times we think that we’re so weak, we don’t have enough strength to go on in this life. But we know that we’re holding on to a great power, it’s the power of the Lord.
Let God’s power be glorified even in the midst of our weaknesses. (-fon-)

For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you.
--- 2 Corinthians 13: 4

Monday, December 8, 2008

TOTD, December 09

I Will Build You Up Again

If you’re having a chaotic life at this moment, it’s really good to read this verse from Jeremiah 31:4 which says:

I will build you up again
and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.
Again you will take up your tambourines
and go out to dance with the joyful.
--- Jeremiah 31:4


Even though the situation that we’re facing is very bad at this moment, we need to believe that God will build us up again and we will be rebuilt. And eventually, we would be able to take up our tambourines and go out to dance in this life with joyful again.
(-fon-)

Sunday, December 7, 2008

TOTD, December 08

Live As Servants of God

We all want to be free. But to what extent shall we enjoy our freedom? Shall we enjoy the very most of it without thinking all the consequences?
Of course not!
Today’s verse reminds us to live as free men without using our freedom as a cover-up for evil. That’s why we need to live as servants of God. We need to make sure that the freedom which has been given to us won’t be misused. (-fon-)

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
--- 1 Peter 2:16

Saturday, December 6, 2008

TOTD, December 06-07

He Laid Down His Life for Us

Jesus is the good shepherd. He knows each of us, as described by the bible:

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
--- John 10:14-15


More importantly, He sacrificed Himself for us. He laid down His life for His sheep-for us. Let’s lead a better life for Him for He’s been so good to us. (-fon-)

Mustard Seed

According to the bible, we only need to have a faith as little as a mustard seed to move the mountain. As long as we believe that nothing is impossible if God is on our side, we can make it. All we need to do is just believe in Him. And now we can say, we can do all things through Christ! (-fon-)

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
--- Matthew 17:20-21

Thursday, December 4, 2008

TOTD, December 05

Full Armor of God

The bible reminds us to put on the full armor of God, because when the day of evil comes, we can stand on our ground.
It’s very important to stand strong, moreover stand strong in faith to the Lord by putting on full armor of God. Days can be evil, days can be bad, but as long as we got Him and trust in Him, we’ll make it through for sure. (-fon-)

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
--- Ephesians 6:13

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

TOTD, December 04

Bread of Life

Here’s a verse from John 6:35:

Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
--- John 6:35


Whoever comes to Him and believes in Him will never be hungry or thirsty. Let’s seek for this bread of life more and more. (-fon-)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

TOTD, December 03

Heir of All Things
How God spoke to human being from generation to generation:

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
--- Hebrews 1:1-2


In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and though whom He made the universe. We need to listen to Him more. Listen to the heir of all things! (-fon-)

Monday, December 1, 2008

TOTD, December 02

Wonders

We see this world becomes more chaotic.
Protest in Thailand which closed the airport for several days, terrorism in Mumbai - India which killed more than 100 people, or many other things that happens around the world. Then you might ask God, whether He is doing something good for this world.
And actually like what’s written in Exodus, we still need to believe that He will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. We will see how awesome in the work that He, the Lord will do for us.
Keep on believing His Wonders! (-fon-)

Then the LORD said: "I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you.
--- Exodus 34:10

TOTD, December 01

God’s Better Plans

Sometimes it’s really hard to understand God’s plans in our life.
While many times we’re so busy with our own plans without involving Him, actually He had planned something better for us. But we need to work together with Him so they would be made perfect.
We need to trust Him. Even right now our plans seemed scattered and far from our original ones, but God knows. He knows us, He understands us, and more than that, He had planned something better than what we’ve ever thought. And that must be the best for us in His perspective. (-fon-)

God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
--- Hebrews 11:40