The Righteousness of God
Self-righteousness leaves no room for human error. We can only have it if we do everything perfectly. As soon as we make a mistake, we no longer have it and feel bad because we have lost it.
God's righteousness, however, is quite the opposite. It has been provided for those of us who, even though we would like to be perfect, have faced the fact that we cannot be perfect (except in heart). We have tried living with our faith in ourselves and found that it does not work. We have now placed our faith in Jesus and have believed that He became our righteousness. As we put on Christ, we put on righteousness like a robe and learn to wear it boldly.
For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ (a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah) have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ.
--- Galatians 3:27
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness...
--- Isaiah 61:10
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Self-righteousness is on the contrary with God's righteousness. All we can do is just trying our best in our daily life and yet realizing the fact that we have our God as our righteousness. In Him we find true peace and far from self-guilty.
(-fon-)
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
TOTD, Nov.29
"Flip on the Switch" of God's Glory
As you leave the house to go through your day, ask the Lord to make His face shine upon you. Ask Him to lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. What you are asking God for is to let others see the light of His glory shining upon you and through you. That can be something as simple as putting a smile on your face.
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
--- Numbers 6: 25,26
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Smile on our face. That's the simple gift that we could give to others. When you find it hard to smile especially when you feel depressed, take a deep breath and try to smile. You'll feel better and you'll make others to feel better.
Smile as God has enough love for you today! Don't worry. Just share the love that we've got from God. (-fon-)
As you leave the house to go through your day, ask the Lord to make His face shine upon you. Ask Him to lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. What you are asking God for is to let others see the light of His glory shining upon you and through you. That can be something as simple as putting a smile on your face.
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
--- Numbers 6: 25,26
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Smile on our face. That's the simple gift that we could give to others. When you find it hard to smile especially when you feel depressed, take a deep breath and try to smile. You'll feel better and you'll make others to feel better.
Smile as God has enough love for you today! Don't worry. Just share the love that we've got from God. (-fon-)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
TOTD, Nov.28
The Battle is the Lord's
We must come to realize the battles we face in this life are not ours, but God's. If we stop trying to win them by relying on the arm of flesh (our own ability), we will find the arm of the Lord (His power and ability) moving on our behalf and doing for us what we could never do on our own.
Be strong and courageous, but not be afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles...
--- 2 Chronicles 32:7,8
My own reflection on this Thought:
* The message of today's Thought: don't ever try to win this battle of life with our own strength. That's really true!
I've once tried to win this race of life with my own strength, but the result was disappointing. Because there're so many things that I could never take control of. And so many unpredictable things happen along the way.
But by relying our strength within the arm of the Lord, I'm sure that He will lead us to His Path. Because He Himself is the PATH. He will show us the way. (-fon-)
We must come to realize the battles we face in this life are not ours, but God's. If we stop trying to win them by relying on the arm of flesh (our own ability), we will find the arm of the Lord (His power and ability) moving on our behalf and doing for us what we could never do on our own.
Be strong and courageous, but not be afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:
With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles...
--- 2 Chronicles 32:7,8
My own reflection on this Thought:
* The message of today's Thought: don't ever try to win this battle of life with our own strength. That's really true!
I've once tried to win this race of life with my own strength, but the result was disappointing. Because there're so many things that I could never take control of. And so many unpredictable things happen along the way.
But by relying our strength within the arm of the Lord, I'm sure that He will lead us to His Path. Because He Himself is the PATH. He will show us the way. (-fon-)
TOTD, Nov.27
The Only Thing We Need
We all have available to us the one and only thing that we truly need --- the love of Jesus Christ. In fact, His opinion of us is the only one that really counts.
Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angles nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
--- Romans 8:35,37-39
My own reflection on this Thought:
* The only thing that could separate us from Christ is ourselves. When we lost our faith in Him, when we think that our problems are bigger than our God, that's when the separation begins.
But only God's love enable us to reunite again with Him. God's love can fill our hearts and make us realize that His Love would be there. Always and forever.
In times of doubt, we need to remember that His love would be there because He is love! (-fon-)
We all have available to us the one and only thing that we truly need --- the love of Jesus Christ. In fact, His opinion of us is the only one that really counts.
Who shall separate us from the Love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angles nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
--- Romans 8:35,37-39
My own reflection on this Thought:
* The only thing that could separate us from Christ is ourselves. When we lost our faith in Him, when we think that our problems are bigger than our God, that's when the separation begins.
But only God's love enable us to reunite again with Him. God's love can fill our hearts and make us realize that His Love would be there. Always and forever.
In times of doubt, we need to remember that His love would be there because He is love! (-fon-)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
TOTD, Nov.26
Look to God
Don't look to others to meet your needs --- look to God. Anything people may do to you, God can fix.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
--- Philippians 4:19
My own reflection on this Thought:
* I realize that we put our expectation on people. We expect so much from our spouse, from our boyfriend or girlfriend, from our children, from our friends etc... etc...
But our expectation on people might lead us to disappointment. They won't be there all the time for us.
God is the only one who can be there all the time for us. 24/7/365. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Look to God, put our hope as well as faith in Him and Him alone. He'll never disappoint us.(-fon-)
Don't look to others to meet your needs --- look to God. Anything people may do to you, God can fix.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
--- Philippians 4:19
My own reflection on this Thought:
* I realize that we put our expectation on people. We expect so much from our spouse, from our boyfriend or girlfriend, from our children, from our friends etc... etc...
But our expectation on people might lead us to disappointment. They won't be there all the time for us.
God is the only one who can be there all the time for us. 24/7/365. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Look to God, put our hope as well as faith in Him and Him alone. He'll never disappoint us.(-fon-)
Friday, November 23, 2007
TOTD, Nov.23-25
Waiting Well
One day a pastor picked us up at a crowded airport. It was extremely busy. The escalators had lines, and the restaurants had lines. It seemed as if everywhere we turned we were waiting. I could see that the pastor was getting a bit frustrated with the whole thing. Suddenly he turned to me and said, " I guess you can see that I don't wait well."
Anytime we haven't learned to wait well the results are obvious, not only in the way we behave emotionally but also in our physical bodies. Waiting is a large part of life, and if waiting always bring frustration, it creates stress that eventually takes a toll on the physical body and can cause sickness. This particular pastor who did not "wait well" was very sick at the time with physical weakness that his doctor said had been produced by years of stress.
Take a new attitude toward waiting, and it will not be so difficult for you.
But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.
--- James 1:4
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We all need to wait for something in this life. And if we can't avoid this waiting thing, the Thought above suggests us to take a new attitude toward waiting. We need to wait well. I can see that most of us are impatient. We want things to be done instantly. That's why we need to be more patient. Wait patiently until He fulfill His Wonderful Plans for us. (-fon-)
God Is on Your Side
God is on your side, and if He is for you, it really does not matter who is against you. The giants may be big, but God is bigger. You may have weaknesses, but God has strength. You may have sin in your life, but God has grace. You may fail, but God remains faithful!
What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us?[Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?].
--- Romans 8:31
My own reflection on this Thought:
* In some moments of our life, we might feel that God seems so distant. If He seems so distant, are you sure that He's on your side?
Yes, without a doubt, He is. He is on our side.
He is faithful. He's there all the time. We might not feel His Presence, but He stays with us faithfully. We need to be reminded over and over again about His Faithfulness. He will never forget us. Be sure of that! (-fon-)
Step Out in Faith
I want to encourage you not to be afraid to step out. Even if you make a mistake, it won't be the end of the world. Don't spend all of your life looking back wishing you had tried different things or done things differently.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
--- 2 Timothy 1:7
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Maybe some of you remember " The Quantum Leap". A serial that allowed the person to go back to the past and do things differently to save a person. But unfortunately, we live in a real world, where there's no such chance as " Quantum Leap". All we need to do is just to accept everything as it is. And also to believe in Him with all our faith that He has planned everything perfectly.(-fon-)
One day a pastor picked us up at a crowded airport. It was extremely busy. The escalators had lines, and the restaurants had lines. It seemed as if everywhere we turned we were waiting. I could see that the pastor was getting a bit frustrated with the whole thing. Suddenly he turned to me and said, " I guess you can see that I don't wait well."
Anytime we haven't learned to wait well the results are obvious, not only in the way we behave emotionally but also in our physical bodies. Waiting is a large part of life, and if waiting always bring frustration, it creates stress that eventually takes a toll on the physical body and can cause sickness. This particular pastor who did not "wait well" was very sick at the time with physical weakness that his doctor said had been produced by years of stress.
Take a new attitude toward waiting, and it will not be so difficult for you.
But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.
--- James 1:4
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We all need to wait for something in this life. And if we can't avoid this waiting thing, the Thought above suggests us to take a new attitude toward waiting. We need to wait well. I can see that most of us are impatient. We want things to be done instantly. That's why we need to be more patient. Wait patiently until He fulfill His Wonderful Plans for us. (-fon-)
God Is on Your Side
God is on your side, and if He is for you, it really does not matter who is against you. The giants may be big, but God is bigger. You may have weaknesses, but God has strength. You may have sin in your life, but God has grace. You may fail, but God remains faithful!
What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us?[Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?].
--- Romans 8:31
My own reflection on this Thought:
* In some moments of our life, we might feel that God seems so distant. If He seems so distant, are you sure that He's on your side?
Yes, without a doubt, He is. He is on our side.
He is faithful. He's there all the time. We might not feel His Presence, but He stays with us faithfully. We need to be reminded over and over again about His Faithfulness. He will never forget us. Be sure of that! (-fon-)
Step Out in Faith
I want to encourage you not to be afraid to step out. Even if you make a mistake, it won't be the end of the world. Don't spend all of your life looking back wishing you had tried different things or done things differently.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control.
--- 2 Timothy 1:7
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Maybe some of you remember " The Quantum Leap". A serial that allowed the person to go back to the past and do things differently to save a person. But unfortunately, we live in a real world, where there's no such chance as " Quantum Leap". All we need to do is just to accept everything as it is. And also to believe in Him with all our faith that He has planned everything perfectly.(-fon-)
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
TOTD, Nov. 22
Power and Faith
As believers, when we ask God to fill us with the Holy Spirit, we are given His power and inner strength to help us do difficult things, not to make our life so easy that we never have to use our faith.
But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
--- Acts 1:8
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Have this every crossed your mind? You thought the life of Christ's believers would be easy? Well, I have to say: it's on the contrary.
Life as His Disciples is full of problems (as the life itself is always full of problems, isn't it?:)), but His strength would be there to help us do the difficult things. Sometimes to do the impossible things.
That's when we need to use our faith in Him. If our life is so easy, we would never know how great our God is.
Keep the faith. (-fon-)
As believers, when we ask God to fill us with the Holy Spirit, we are given His power and inner strength to help us do difficult things, not to make our life so easy that we never have to use our faith.
But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.
--- Acts 1:8
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Have this every crossed your mind? You thought the life of Christ's believers would be easy? Well, I have to say: it's on the contrary.
Life as His Disciples is full of problems (as the life itself is always full of problems, isn't it?:)), but His strength would be there to help us do the difficult things. Sometimes to do the impossible things.
That's when we need to use our faith in Him. If our life is so easy, we would never know how great our God is.
Keep the faith. (-fon-)
TOTD, Nov.21
Enjoy Yourself and Others
Learn to enjoy people. Enjoy your spouse, your family, and your friends. Learn to enjoy your own unique personality and individuality.
... charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment.
--- 1 Timothy 6:17
My own reflection on this Thought:
* While I'm reading this thought, I remembered my neighbour once told me to enjoy the time with my baby. Well, it was quite hard. I mean, babies are lovely, but to enjoy it in all the pain that I felt after the delivery? Not an easy thing. But then, I slowly realize what she meant. Babies grow fast. And if I don't enjoy this time with my baby, this time alone will fly away and will never come back.
Of course we have problems adjusting with our spouse and family. Not to mention our friends. But as today's message: enjoy it. Let's try together to enjoy it. In all good times and bad times. (-fon-)
Learn to enjoy people. Enjoy your spouse, your family, and your friends. Learn to enjoy your own unique personality and individuality.
... charge them not to be proud and arrogant and contemptuous of others, nor to set their hopes on uncertain riches, but on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment.
--- 1 Timothy 6:17
My own reflection on this Thought:
* While I'm reading this thought, I remembered my neighbour once told me to enjoy the time with my baby. Well, it was quite hard. I mean, babies are lovely, but to enjoy it in all the pain that I felt after the delivery? Not an easy thing. But then, I slowly realize what she meant. Babies grow fast. And if I don't enjoy this time with my baby, this time alone will fly away and will never come back.
Of course we have problems adjusting with our spouse and family. Not to mention our friends. But as today's message: enjoy it. Let's try together to enjoy it. In all good times and bad times. (-fon-)
TOTD, Nov.20
Purchased with the Blood
You were bought with a price, purchased with a preciousness, and the precious thing you were purchased with is the Blood of Jesus Christ, which He willingly shed when He died on the cross for our sins.
Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know.
He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately -- at then end of the ages -- become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
--- 1 Peter 1:18-21
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Life is a journey and we have to travel with a deep consciousness of God. That's God's word for today. When we were in the dark, we just walk in this life like the way we want it to be. But of course everything's not the same now as we're Christ's followers. We need to travel it with a focus that we're living this life for Him. And we could be rest assured that we won't be left alone without any guidance from Him. He has sacrificed Himself to save us. Don't ever forget about that! (-fon-)
You were bought with a price, purchased with a preciousness, and the precious thing you were purchased with is the Blood of Jesus Christ, which He willingly shed when He died on the cross for our sins.
Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know.
He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately -- at then end of the ages -- become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.
--- 1 Peter 1:18-21
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Life is a journey and we have to travel with a deep consciousness of God. That's God's word for today. When we were in the dark, we just walk in this life like the way we want it to be. But of course everything's not the same now as we're Christ's followers. We need to travel it with a focus that we're living this life for Him. And we could be rest assured that we won't be left alone without any guidance from Him. He has sacrificed Himself to save us. Don't ever forget about that! (-fon-)
Sunday, November 18, 2007
TOTD, Nov.19
The Destructive Power of Words
Complaining, grumbling words carry destructive power. They destroy the joy of the one doing the complaining and can also affect other people who have to listen to them.
Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves].
--- Philippians 2:14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Complaining and grumbling. These two activities are mostly the major things to do, especially we're in trouble. When we got a problem, we tend to speak about it all over again. Then we might feel that we got peace from speaking and complaining.
But actually, it's the other way around. When we're complaining, we lost the joy.
Well, we're all complainers, I guess. We complain almost about everything. But the most important thing is trying to avoid complaints. Pray more and seek God more when we're in trouble. (-fon-)
Complaining, grumbling words carry destructive power. They destroy the joy of the one doing the complaining and can also affect other people who have to listen to them.
Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves].
--- Philippians 2:14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Complaining and grumbling. These two activities are mostly the major things to do, especially we're in trouble. When we got a problem, we tend to speak about it all over again. Then we might feel that we got peace from speaking and complaining.
But actually, it's the other way around. When we're complaining, we lost the joy.
Well, we're all complainers, I guess. We complain almost about everything. But the most important thing is trying to avoid complaints. Pray more and seek God more when we're in trouble. (-fon-)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
TOTD, Nov. 16-18
Conquer Fear
Fear is a spirit that can produce physical and emotional symptoms. When fear is attacking us, we may feel shaky and weak or find ourselves sweating. It may take everything we can muster just to speak or move. None of that means that we are cowards. The Word of God does not say "swear not, shake not, tremble not" --- it says "fear not"! The way to conquer fear to press on through it and get on the other side of it --- the side of freedom.
It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit] (depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm).
--- Deuteronomy 31:8
My own reflection on this Thought:
* The best way to handle fear is through facing it and get the other side of it. So we can get the freedom from it. (-fon-)
Right Action Follows Right Thinking
There is a dynamic principle shown throughout God's Word, and no person will ever walk in victory unless he understands and operates in it: Right action follows right thinking.
Where your mind goes, your life follows.
And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
--- Romans 12:2
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We have to think right. And with God we could be transformed into a new person. A new creature. By renewing our mind in Him. (-fon-)
Emotional Maturity
Too often we make prosperity or success or something else our goal when our first objective should be emotional maturity.
Although we cannot achieve that maturity and stability on our own. God will help us if we truly desire change.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
--- Psalm 91:1
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Some of us might be so emotional that we need anger management. But really, to be God's disciples meaning that we should be mature emotionally. We might not be able to achieve it by our own, but God could guide us all the way to achieve it. Just ask Him over and over again, to be a more mature person in Him. (-fon-)
Fear is a spirit that can produce physical and emotional symptoms. When fear is attacking us, we may feel shaky and weak or find ourselves sweating. It may take everything we can muster just to speak or move. None of that means that we are cowards. The Word of God does not say "swear not, shake not, tremble not" --- it says "fear not"! The way to conquer fear to press on through it and get on the other side of it --- the side of freedom.
It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit] (depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm).
--- Deuteronomy 31:8
My own reflection on this Thought:
* The best way to handle fear is through facing it and get the other side of it. So we can get the freedom from it. (-fon-)
Right Action Follows Right Thinking
There is a dynamic principle shown throughout God's Word, and no person will ever walk in victory unless he understands and operates in it: Right action follows right thinking.
Where your mind goes, your life follows.
And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
--- Romans 12:2
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We have to think right. And with God we could be transformed into a new person. A new creature. By renewing our mind in Him. (-fon-)
Emotional Maturity
Too often we make prosperity or success or something else our goal when our first objective should be emotional maturity.
Although we cannot achieve that maturity and stability on our own. God will help us if we truly desire change.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].
--- Psalm 91:1
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Some of us might be so emotional that we need anger management. But really, to be God's disciples meaning that we should be mature emotionally. We might not be able to achieve it by our own, but God could guide us all the way to achieve it. Just ask Him over and over again, to be a more mature person in Him. (-fon-)
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
TOTD, Nov. 15
Peace, Not Stress
By obeying God through obeying His Word and doing what we know in our heart is right for us, we will accomplish specifically what He wants done at the time and in the way He wants it done. This promotes peace instead of stress. Through obeying the Lord, we place ourselves in position for Him to be able to bless us in the way He desires and plans.
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 and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
--- Romans 8:28
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We are assured to know that all things work together for good, for those who love God and called according to His design and purpose.
God only works for good. We must believe that. Even in the middle of the darkness, we need to be sure that His light will guide us into His perfect plan. This life has already been perfect, in His perfect plan for us. Whenever there's any imperfection in our perspective, just remember that God has already planned everything perfectly. (-fon-)
By obeying God through obeying His Word and doing what we know in our heart is right for us, we will accomplish specifically what He wants done at the time and in the way He wants it done. This promotes peace instead of stress. Through obeying the Lord, we place ourselves in position for Him to be able to bless us in the way He desires and plans.
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 and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
--- Romans 8:28
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We are assured to know that all things work together for good, for those who love God and called according to His design and purpose.
God only works for good. We must believe that. Even in the middle of the darkness, we need to be sure that His light will guide us into His perfect plan. This life has already been perfect, in His perfect plan for us. Whenever there's any imperfection in our perspective, just remember that God has already planned everything perfectly. (-fon-)
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
TOTD, Nov. 14
Learn to Show Mercy
We need to be able to show mercy to others and not be legalistic, rigid, and hard to please.
The Spirit of Jesus is patient, longsuffering, forbearing, and slow to anger. When we ask Him to fill us with the inner strength of the Holy Spirit, we have His Spirit in us, and with His help, we can learn to behave the way He would in relationships.
But you are not living the life of the flesh, you living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [ directs and controls you]...
--- Romans 8:9
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Learn to forgive others. That's the message of today's TOTD.
I know it's hard. I myself is struggling so hard to do this. By only imagining that you need to face the person that you dislike every day has made you feel uncomfortable.
But, in order to become a person who's full of mercy, we need to be given those hard tasks, facing hard-to-handle people everyday.
We're struggling hard. All of us. But I'm sure, God's grace would enable us to do so. (-fon-)
We need to be able to show mercy to others and not be legalistic, rigid, and hard to please.
The Spirit of Jesus is patient, longsuffering, forbearing, and slow to anger. When we ask Him to fill us with the inner strength of the Holy Spirit, we have His Spirit in us, and with His help, we can learn to behave the way He would in relationships.
But you are not living the life of the flesh, you living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [ directs and controls you]...
--- Romans 8:9
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Learn to forgive others. That's the message of today's TOTD.
I know it's hard. I myself is struggling so hard to do this. By only imagining that you need to face the person that you dislike every day has made you feel uncomfortable.
But, in order to become a person who's full of mercy, we need to be given those hard tasks, facing hard-to-handle people everyday.
We're struggling hard. All of us. But I'm sure, God's grace would enable us to do so. (-fon-)
Monday, November 12, 2007
TOTD, Nov.13
Enjoy Life!
Enjoyment of life is not based on enjoyable circumstances. It is an attitude of the heart, a decision to enjoy everything because everything --- even little, seemingly insignificant things --- has a part in the overall "big picture" of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
--- Philippians 4:4
My own reflection on this Thought:
* When things totally go wrong, if the advice is to enjoy your life,
you might ask," Is it possible?"
Well, even in our darkest days, actually God's message to enjoy this life in Him. Because He has already seen our life's complete puzzle and He knows where the pieces of it should be placed. So, even it's our life's deepest valley, let's try to enjoy this very day that the Lord has made. (-fon-)
Enjoyment of life is not based on enjoyable circumstances. It is an attitude of the heart, a decision to enjoy everything because everything --- even little, seemingly insignificant things --- has a part in the overall "big picture" of life.
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
--- Philippians 4:4
My own reflection on this Thought:
* When things totally go wrong, if the advice is to enjoy your life,
you might ask," Is it possible?"
Well, even in our darkest days, actually God's message to enjoy this life in Him. Because He has already seen our life's complete puzzle and He knows where the pieces of it should be placed. So, even it's our life's deepest valley, let's try to enjoy this very day that the Lord has made. (-fon-)
Sunday, November 11, 2007
TOTD, Nov.12
Be Realistic
We must learn to be realistic, not idealistic. Idealism says, " I can do it all!" Realism says, " I can do everything God asks me to do." That is an important difference --- one that requires real spiritual wisdom and discernment, which will come as we spend daily personal time with the Lord and in the Word.
... I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.
--- Philippians 4:13
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We need to be realistic, because we can't do everything by ourselves. We have our own limitation. But our God is an awesome God. If He wants us to do something, He would equip us along the way. We're so lucky to have our God!
(-fon-)
We must learn to be realistic, not idealistic. Idealism says, " I can do it all!" Realism says, " I can do everything God asks me to do." That is an important difference --- one that requires real spiritual wisdom and discernment, which will come as we spend daily personal time with the Lord and in the Word.
... I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.
--- Philippians 4:13
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We need to be realistic, because we can't do everything by ourselves. We have our own limitation. But our God is an awesome God. If He wants us to do something, He would equip us along the way. We're so lucky to have our God!
(-fon-)
Thursday, November 8, 2007
TOTD, Nov.9-11
See Yourself as God Sees You
Replace negative thoughts and words with positive ones. Stop seeing yourself as an unworthy sinner and begin to see yourself as the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].
--- 2 Corinthians 5:21
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We all make mistakes. That's unavoidable. But Christ has already created us according to His image, and we have good values as the children of God. Don't ever forget about that! Right now, let's start to put our thoughts into a positive side. (-fon-)
Cast Your Cares
A person who worries still thinks that in some way he can solve his own problem. Worry is the mind racing around tying to find a solution to its situation.
When our enemy Satan tries to give us a problem, we have the privilege of casting it upon God. The Word "cast" actually means to pitch or throw. You and I can pitch or throw our problems to God and, believe me, He can catch them --- and He knows what to do with them!
Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.
Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
--- 1 Peter 5:6,7
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Some of us are worriers. You are not alone for sure. But, the passage above asked us to surrender all worries to Him. And in Him, we can draw new strength that enables us to walk in faith in our daily life. Cast our cares! (-fon-)
Don't Listen to the Devil
"If" and "but" are two of the most deceptive words that Satan ever plants in our minds.
And when the tempter come to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
But he answered and said, It is written...
--- Matthew 4:3-4
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Satan tries to influence us. The easiest way is through our mind. If we're distracted, it becomes so easy for him to make us feel unworthy.
But God's power is more powerful than anything. In order not to be distracted, we need to pray more and focus our mind to God. Even in our daily activities, call Jesus name. We can pray in everything we do. By concentrating more on Him , I'm sure, the enemy would find it hard to contaminate our mind. (-fon-)
Replace negative thoughts and words with positive ones. Stop seeing yourself as an unworthy sinner and begin to see yourself as the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.
For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].
--- 2 Corinthians 5:21
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We all make mistakes. That's unavoidable. But Christ has already created us according to His image, and we have good values as the children of God. Don't ever forget about that! Right now, let's start to put our thoughts into a positive side. (-fon-)
Cast Your Cares
A person who worries still thinks that in some way he can solve his own problem. Worry is the mind racing around tying to find a solution to its situation.
When our enemy Satan tries to give us a problem, we have the privilege of casting it upon God. The Word "cast" actually means to pitch or throw. You and I can pitch or throw our problems to God and, believe me, He can catch them --- and He knows what to do with them!
Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you.
Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.
--- 1 Peter 5:6,7
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Some of us are worriers. You are not alone for sure. But, the passage above asked us to surrender all worries to Him. And in Him, we can draw new strength that enables us to walk in faith in our daily life. Cast our cares! (-fon-)
Don't Listen to the Devil
"If" and "but" are two of the most deceptive words that Satan ever plants in our minds.
And when the tempter come to him, he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
But he answered and said, It is written...
--- Matthew 4:3-4
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Satan tries to influence us. The easiest way is through our mind. If we're distracted, it becomes so easy for him to make us feel unworthy.
But God's power is more powerful than anything. In order not to be distracted, we need to pray more and focus our mind to God. Even in our daily activities, call Jesus name. We can pray in everything we do. By concentrating more on Him , I'm sure, the enemy would find it hard to contaminate our mind. (-fon-)
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
TOTD, Nov. 08
It's Worth the Wait
Learn to enjoy waiting, realizing that waiting is what will deliver your dream. The fulfillment comes from God, but waiting is like the delivery boy. Sometimes a person starts waiting, and by the time the delivery boy arrives, they have gone off and started something else. They probably will not be around for the end fulfillment of that thing either.
If a thing is thrown together quickly to suit the impatient and those who do not wait well, it is not likely to be lasting. However, if people are willing to wait of God's perfect timing, it will be put together right and will last a long, long time.
The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
--- Psalm 145:15, 16
My own reflection on this Thought:
* I read a very wonderful article from Max Lucado. He said that waiting is not inactivity. But waiting is inHimactivity. Lots of things can be done in the middle of waiting, the most important thing is praying. We could pray more and get the strength more from Him. Because, I do realize how frustrating waiting can be for us... Make waiting as inHimactivity. Seek Him more while waiting... (-fon-)
__________________________________________________
Learn to enjoy waiting, realizing that waiting is what will deliver your dream. The fulfillment comes from God, but waiting is like the delivery boy. Sometimes a person starts waiting, and by the time the delivery boy arrives, they have gone off and started something else. They probably will not be around for the end fulfillment of that thing either.
If a thing is thrown together quickly to suit the impatient and those who do not wait well, it is not likely to be lasting. However, if people are willing to wait of God's perfect timing, it will be put together right and will last a long, long time.
The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.
--- Psalm 145:15, 16
My own reflection on this Thought:
* I read a very wonderful article from Max Lucado. He said that waiting is not inactivity. But waiting is inHimactivity. Lots of things can be done in the middle of waiting, the most important thing is praying. We could pray more and get the strength more from Him. Because, I do realize how frustrating waiting can be for us... Make waiting as inHimactivity. Seek Him more while waiting... (-fon-)
__________________________________________________
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
TOTD, Nov.07
Only Believe!
I would like to encourage you to remember something that I think will help you when doubt comes :Believers are called believers because they are supposed to believe! It is just that simple, believe.
When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you become a believer, not only in Who He is, but in the truth of His Word. As a believer, your part is to stay positive, keep it simple and believe.
... Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear; only keep on believing.
--- Mark 5:36
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Doubt will always come in our life. That's when the time we need to remember: we need to believe in God. Believing involving something that's still unseen, because we walk by faith and in faith we believe in Him. (-fon-)
I would like to encourage you to remember something that I think will help you when doubt comes :Believers are called believers because they are supposed to believe! It is just that simple, believe.
When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, you become a believer, not only in Who He is, but in the truth of His Word. As a believer, your part is to stay positive, keep it simple and believe.
... Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear; only keep on believing.
--- Mark 5:36
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Doubt will always come in our life. That's when the time we need to remember: we need to believe in God. Believing involving something that's still unseen, because we walk by faith and in faith we believe in Him. (-fon-)
TOTD, Nov. 06
Know the One Who Knows
I do not have to know and understand everything that is going on. I am satisfied to know the One Who does know!
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your path.
--- Proverbs 3:5,6
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Sometimes we could not understand why must this thing is happening to me? But, we can be relax, because we know God, who knows every single thing that's going on in our life. He knows every single detail of our life and we can rely on Him. Because He is our God. (-fon-)
I do not have to know and understand everything that is going on. I am satisfied to know the One Who does know!
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your path.
--- Proverbs 3:5,6
My own reflection on this Thought:
* Sometimes we could not understand why must this thing is happening to me? But, we can be relax, because we know God, who knows every single thing that's going on in our life. He knows every single detail of our life and we can rely on Him. Because He is our God. (-fon-)
Saturday, November 3, 2007
TOTD, Nov.05
Always Need Jesus
You can improve all the time and keep pressing toward the mark of perfection, but you will always need Jesus as long as you are here on this earth.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
--- Philippians 4:13
My own reflection on this Thought:
* When I look at my past, sometimes it's really amazing that I could do a lot of things that I thought I couldn't. After becoming God's disciple, I realized that those things were able to be achieved because of the Lord who strengthened me all the time.
His Power will always be there for us. Not only on this earth, but until the eternity. We would always need Him. Forever and ever. (-fon-)
You can improve all the time and keep pressing toward the mark of perfection, but you will always need Jesus as long as you are here on this earth.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
--- Philippians 4:13
My own reflection on this Thought:
* When I look at my past, sometimes it's really amazing that I could do a lot of things that I thought I couldn't. After becoming God's disciple, I realized that those things were able to be achieved because of the Lord who strengthened me all the time.
His Power will always be there for us. Not only on this earth, but until the eternity. We would always need Him. Forever and ever. (-fon-)
Thursday, November 1, 2007
TOTD, Nov.02-04
What Would Jesus Say?
Say about your situation what you believe Jesus would say, and you will open the door for the miracle-working power of God. You can find out what His Son Jesus says by reading the Word.
From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of man's hands shall come back to him [as a harvest].
--- Proverbs 12:14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* What would Jesus say and what would Jesus do? Those two questions should always on our mind as a Christian. I'm sure, when we're led by those 2 questions, we'll act differently and of course we'll share more love to this world. (-fon-)
An Attitude of Gratitude
An attitude of gratitude gives thanks to God not only for what He does, but also simply for Who He is.
O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
--- Psalm 136:26
My own reflection on this Thought:
* When this world of us is full of problems, can we still give thanks to the Lord with our grateful hearts?It's easy to praise Him when everything runs smoothly, but to praise Him and give Him thanks in times of trouble needs the maturity of faith. Can we do that? (-fon-)
Keep Moving Forward!
If you don't press on, you will always be trapped in your past mistakes. If you want to make progress, you'll move forward a lot faster if you don't waste time worrying about all the things you didn't do right.
I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to see what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal...
--- Philippians 3:13,14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We all make mistakes. But if those mistakes trap us and make us can go nowhere, I think it's about time to let them go...
I know it's not easy, especially for the wrong things that we've done in our past. We tend to regret it and feel guilty about it.
But hey, we got our God, who could be our solid rock if we want Him to lead our life! As solid as He could be, He could lead us to wonderful things in His Plan. We only need to trust Him and move forward with Him. (-fon-)
Say about your situation what you believe Jesus would say, and you will open the door for the miracle-working power of God. You can find out what His Son Jesus says by reading the Word.
From the fruit of his words a man shall be satisfied with good, and the work of man's hands shall come back to him [as a harvest].
--- Proverbs 12:14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* What would Jesus say and what would Jesus do? Those two questions should always on our mind as a Christian. I'm sure, when we're led by those 2 questions, we'll act differently and of course we'll share more love to this world. (-fon-)
An Attitude of Gratitude
An attitude of gratitude gives thanks to God not only for what He does, but also simply for Who He is.
O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
--- Psalm 136:26
My own reflection on this Thought:
* When this world of us is full of problems, can we still give thanks to the Lord with our grateful hearts?It's easy to praise Him when everything runs smoothly, but to praise Him and give Him thanks in times of trouble needs the maturity of faith. Can we do that? (-fon-)
Keep Moving Forward!
If you don't press on, you will always be trapped in your past mistakes. If you want to make progress, you'll move forward a lot faster if you don't waste time worrying about all the things you didn't do right.
I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to see what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal...
--- Philippians 3:13,14
My own reflection on this Thought:
* We all make mistakes. But if those mistakes trap us and make us can go nowhere, I think it's about time to let them go...
I know it's not easy, especially for the wrong things that we've done in our past. We tend to regret it and feel guilty about it.
But hey, we got our God, who could be our solid rock if we want Him to lead our life! As solid as He could be, He could lead us to wonderful things in His Plan. We only need to trust Him and move forward with Him. (-fon-)
TOTD, Nov. 01
Pray God's Will
Spirit- led prayer involves praying the will of God, not the will of man. It is impossible to pray the will of God without knowing the Word of God, because the Word is His will.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
--- Ephesians 6:17,18
My own reflection on this Thought:
* The Word of God is our helmet of salvation, that's why we need to know the Word. Not only knowing it, we need to read it, meditate on it, so that it would become a rhyme in our heart and in our mind. (-fon-)
Spirit- led prayer involves praying the will of God, not the will of man. It is impossible to pray the will of God without knowing the Word of God, because the Word is His will.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
--- Ephesians 6:17,18
My own reflection on this Thought:
* The Word of God is our helmet of salvation, that's why we need to know the Word. Not only knowing it, we need to read it, meditate on it, so that it would become a rhyme in our heart and in our mind. (-fon-)
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