Divine Mercy
Today when I went to Church of St. Mary of the Angels in Bukit Batok, I got a very nice article written by Friar John Soh, OFM titled Rich in Mercy. Just enjoy it, because the article speaks for itself. It’s so powerful and yet so meaningful.
(-fon-)
In his encyclical letter entitled Rich in Mercy, the late Pope (Pope John Paul II ) spoke of Christ as the incarnation of Mercy … the inexhaustible source of mercy.
What is the meaning of Divine Mercy?
Let me quote Father George Kosicki, CSB in his book Now is the Time for Mercy:
Mercy, then is God’s love poured out upon us; it is when God, who is love itself, loves us. This flowing quality of mercy is most dramatically represented by Christ on the cross as, though the Blood and Water gushing forth from His pierced Heart, He pours His very life out as a fountain of mercy for us… And we also find it in the great chant of the Church, the Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy), which for centuries has resounded throughout the world at every celebration of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours. The word eleison, which in Greek means have mercy, has the root meaning of oil being poured out, so whenever we say, Lord have mercy, we are really saying, Lord, pour Your Love out upon us, pour Yourself out upon us.
So, dear friends, let us continue to trust in God’s love and Mercy: Jesus Christ. In this great season of Easter, let us renew our faith and pray with great confidence:
Jesus (God’s Divine Mercy) I trust in YOU!
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
---Ephesians 2:4-5
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
TOTD, Mar 30
God So Loved the World
Today, you might wake up in a rush.
Everything in your life lately seemed to be in a mess. Nothing goes right. Everything seems so wrong. And then you wondered, does God really love me?
We tend to ask this question whenever we feel bad or whenever things go wrong in our life, but whenever we’re happy and successful, do we really realize that it’s also from God? God is good, no matter what.
And if we’ve ever had any doubt about Him, about how good He is to us, here I’ll show you.
Just look at John 3:16, He loved this world so much that He gave His only Son.
Today, I might not be in a perfect condition according to my expectation, but really I want to try to be thankful for what I’ve been given by Him. Because I know the greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ Himself that God sent to this world. Jesus Christ Himself that God sent to us. He is our true friend as well as our Savior. There’s none like Him.
So, have you been wondering again about how deep God’s love is? We can’t measure the depth, the height, or even the width of His Love. Just simply because He is God and He loves us sooooo much! (-fon-)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
--- John 3:16
Today, you might wake up in a rush.
Everything in your life lately seemed to be in a mess. Nothing goes right. Everything seems so wrong. And then you wondered, does God really love me?
We tend to ask this question whenever we feel bad or whenever things go wrong in our life, but whenever we’re happy and successful, do we really realize that it’s also from God? God is good, no matter what.
And if we’ve ever had any doubt about Him, about how good He is to us, here I’ll show you.
Just look at John 3:16, He loved this world so much that He gave His only Son.
Today, I might not be in a perfect condition according to my expectation, but really I want to try to be thankful for what I’ve been given by Him. Because I know the greatest gift of all is Jesus Christ Himself that God sent to this world. Jesus Christ Himself that God sent to us. He is our true friend as well as our Savior. There’s none like Him.
So, have you been wondering again about how deep God’s love is? We can’t measure the depth, the height, or even the width of His Love. Just simply because He is God and He loves us sooooo much! (-fon-)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
--- John 3:16
Friday, March 28, 2008
TOTD, Mar 29
Miracle
This is the headline of today’s newspaper in Singapore:
Miracle Baby Jolene
BABY girl Jolene Bong is all alone now, after a horrific crash along Malaysia's North-South Highway yesterday left her an orphan.
The two-month-old survived virtually unscathed after she was flung out of the family car which was wrecked totally in the accident near Muar, Johor.
Her mother, grandmother and two-year-old brother died on the spot. Her father, Mr Bong Kwang Hong, 37, died in hospital.
(source: The Strait Times, 28th of March, 2008)
Most people who read or heard the news might feel shock, as well as believe that miracle did happen. The accident left no one except the baby who is safe. Unbelievable!
And there’s also an interesting part: a motorist’s prayer booklet was found at the scene of the accident. (I believe that it’s God Himself who protected the baby at that time).
Well, you may say that every mishap in your life is like an accident. But, we believe that even in the middle of a very bad or horrific accident, God’s miracle still exists.
He, with His Strength, will provide all the miracles needed and can turn an accident into a glorious moment.
Remembering Baby Jolene’s news today, I realized that God’s miracle will always be there to remind us His existence and to affirm our faith over and over again. He’s a God of miracles! (-fon-)
Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgment he pronounced.
---Psalm 105:4-5
This is the headline of today’s newspaper in Singapore:
Miracle Baby Jolene
BABY girl Jolene Bong is all alone now, after a horrific crash along Malaysia's North-South Highway yesterday left her an orphan.
The two-month-old survived virtually unscathed after she was flung out of the family car which was wrecked totally in the accident near Muar, Johor.
Her mother, grandmother and two-year-old brother died on the spot. Her father, Mr Bong Kwang Hong, 37, died in hospital.
(source: The Strait Times, 28th of March, 2008)
Most people who read or heard the news might feel shock, as well as believe that miracle did happen. The accident left no one except the baby who is safe. Unbelievable!
And there’s also an interesting part: a motorist’s prayer booklet was found at the scene of the accident. (I believe that it’s God Himself who protected the baby at that time).
Well, you may say that every mishap in your life is like an accident. But, we believe that even in the middle of a very bad or horrific accident, God’s miracle still exists.
He, with His Strength, will provide all the miracles needed and can turn an accident into a glorious moment.
Remembering Baby Jolene’s news today, I realized that God’s miracle will always be there to remind us His existence and to affirm our faith over and over again. He’s a God of miracles! (-fon-)
Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgment he pronounced.
---Psalm 105:4-5
Thursday, March 27, 2008
TOTD, Mar 28
Everything Happens For A Reason
Well, I’ve always loved the sentence above. And while at the moment, I’m reading The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari (A Fable about Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny) by Robin S. Sharma, those words pop up again.
To keep it short, Julian Mantle is a successful lawyer. He got a heart attack and decided to go to India for a spiritual journey there, and then he got this advice from Yogi Krishnan:
“I too have walked this path, my friend. I too have felt the pain you have felt. Yet I have learned that everything happens for a reason. Every event has a purpose, every set back its lesson. I have realized that failure, whether of the personal, professional, or even spiritual kind, is essential to personal expansion. It brings inner growth and a whole host of psychic rewards. Never regret your past. Rather, embrace it as the teacher that it is.”
So, maybe right now you’re questioning, why this whole thing is happening to your life? The really good answer is that everything happens for a reason. And that reason is in His perfect plan for us. There’s no such coincidence in our life. God has already planned everything according to His Will.
No need to doubt anything anymore. Just believe that God has planned nothing but the best for us. (-fon-)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
--- Jeremiah 29:11
Well, I’ve always loved the sentence above. And while at the moment, I’m reading The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari (A Fable about Fulfilling Your Dreams and Reaching Your Destiny) by Robin S. Sharma, those words pop up again.
To keep it short, Julian Mantle is a successful lawyer. He got a heart attack and decided to go to India for a spiritual journey there, and then he got this advice from Yogi Krishnan:
“I too have walked this path, my friend. I too have felt the pain you have felt. Yet I have learned that everything happens for a reason. Every event has a purpose, every set back its lesson. I have realized that failure, whether of the personal, professional, or even spiritual kind, is essential to personal expansion. It brings inner growth and a whole host of psychic rewards. Never regret your past. Rather, embrace it as the teacher that it is.”
So, maybe right now you’re questioning, why this whole thing is happening to your life? The really good answer is that everything happens for a reason. And that reason is in His perfect plan for us. There’s no such coincidence in our life. God has already planned everything according to His Will.
No need to doubt anything anymore. Just believe that God has planned nothing but the best for us. (-fon-)
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
--- Jeremiah 29:11
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
TOTD, Mar 27
Nothing Will Separate Us (With The Lord)
TAKE FROM ME, gracious God, all that separates me from you — my sense of past sin, my pride in present achievements, my anxieties for the future. Make me self-forgetful as I gaze on you, and let me know the joy of finding my true self in you. Amen.- Helen Julian CSF The Road to Emmaus: Companions for the Journey through Lent
When I read the quotation above, I realized that it’s really me. I’ve got those things with me: sense of past sin, pride in present achievements (as well as stressful condition when I don’t achieve well), and anxieties for the future.
It’s very natural as a human, isn’t it?
But Helen Julian gave a very good suggestion for us to do: we need to pray to our God to be self-forgetful as we gaze on Him and then finally we’ll be rejoicing in finding our true selves in Him. That’s when we’ll focus and concentrate on Him. And that’s when we realize that nothing, I repeat: NOTHING, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
With such a sweet unity with Him, I’m sure that we’ll find ourselves in Him. (-fon-)
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 8:39
TAKE FROM ME, gracious God, all that separates me from you — my sense of past sin, my pride in present achievements, my anxieties for the future. Make me self-forgetful as I gaze on you, and let me know the joy of finding my true self in you. Amen.- Helen Julian CSF The Road to Emmaus: Companions for the Journey through Lent
When I read the quotation above, I realized that it’s really me. I’ve got those things with me: sense of past sin, pride in present achievements (as well as stressful condition when I don’t achieve well), and anxieties for the future.
It’s very natural as a human, isn’t it?
But Helen Julian gave a very good suggestion for us to do: we need to pray to our God to be self-forgetful as we gaze on Him and then finally we’ll be rejoicing in finding our true selves in Him. That’s when we’ll focus and concentrate on Him. And that’s when we realize that nothing, I repeat: NOTHING, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
With such a sweet unity with Him, I’m sure that we’ll find ourselves in Him. (-fon-)
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 8:39
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
TOTD, Mar 26
Strength to the Weary
These days, we’re walking in such a busy daily life. We need to catch up with the pace of this world. For example, new mobile phones, new cameras, new computers, new gadgets, all is better and more advanced in their technology.
If we keep on following that track, if we want to compete all the time with our friends, or the people surround us, we might feel the tension, we might experience the depression. It’s because we have our own limitation.
That’s when we begin to feel weary.
And when we feel weary, we might feel that we don’t have the strength to go on in this fast-paced life. We need to slow down a little bit and remind ourselves it’s not always a competition. Being competitive will bring the exhaustion easily into us.
We need to seek God, because according to the bible, He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
By realizing the fact that there will be some stages in our life that we might feel weary and weak, that’s why we need the true strength from God. Because we know that He will give us strength and power that will enable us to face this life.
Live our life in Jesus’ way, so that we’ll live our life to the fullest. (-fon-)
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
---Isaiah 40:29
These days, we’re walking in such a busy daily life. We need to catch up with the pace of this world. For example, new mobile phones, new cameras, new computers, new gadgets, all is better and more advanced in their technology.
If we keep on following that track, if we want to compete all the time with our friends, or the people surround us, we might feel the tension, we might experience the depression. It’s because we have our own limitation.
That’s when we begin to feel weary.
And when we feel weary, we might feel that we don’t have the strength to go on in this fast-paced life. We need to slow down a little bit and remind ourselves it’s not always a competition. Being competitive will bring the exhaustion easily into us.
We need to seek God, because according to the bible, He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
By realizing the fact that there will be some stages in our life that we might feel weary and weak, that’s why we need the true strength from God. Because we know that He will give us strength and power that will enable us to face this life.
Live our life in Jesus’ way, so that we’ll live our life to the fullest. (-fon-)
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
---Isaiah 40:29
Monday, March 24, 2008
TOTD, Mar 25
Finish The Race
Do you like watching the formula one (F1)? Well, it's quite exciting for those who love that racing.
This journey of life is like a race. God's race that we need to complete. It means completing the task that our Lord has given to us to testify the gospel of God's grace.
Right now, do you feel that you're very tired in completing this race? Or you even feel that you don't have the strength to finish it?
Today, the Word of God reminds us once more to stay focus in finishing what we've already started. No matter how, we need to remember, to stay focus on the race, to stay focus on the journey, and to stay focus on God.
This journey will be a good one, if we try our best to cling to Him along the way in faith.
Let's make our Jesus proud. (-fon-)
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace
--- Acts 20:24
Do you like watching the formula one (F1)? Well, it's quite exciting for those who love that racing.
This journey of life is like a race. God's race that we need to complete. It means completing the task that our Lord has given to us to testify the gospel of God's grace.
Right now, do you feel that you're very tired in completing this race? Or you even feel that you don't have the strength to finish it?
Today, the Word of God reminds us once more to stay focus in finishing what we've already started. No matter how, we need to remember, to stay focus on the race, to stay focus on the journey, and to stay focus on God.
This journey will be a good one, if we try our best to cling to Him along the way in faith.
Let's make our Jesus proud. (-fon-)
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace
--- Acts 20:24
Sunday, March 23, 2008
TOTD, Mar 24
The Crown of Life
Nobody wants to live in the middle of the trouble. Most of us want to be like what the Hollywood drama is all about: and they live happily ever after.
But we all know that life itself is a journey. And that’s not a simple journey as the romantic movie has described all these time. Inside that journey, we need to struggle and fight, and sometimes it involves a lot of tears.
But the bible has reminds us to persevere under trial, because when we have stood the test, we will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Right now if we’re in the middle of tough times, be patient and be sure. As long as we love our God with all our heart, we’ll get the crown of life that He’s promised us. We need to persevere, no matter how hard the condition at the moment. And simply just believe that He’ll bring goodness in our life. (-fon-)
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
--- James 1:12
Nobody wants to live in the middle of the trouble. Most of us want to be like what the Hollywood drama is all about: and they live happily ever after.
But we all know that life itself is a journey. And that’s not a simple journey as the romantic movie has described all these time. Inside that journey, we need to struggle and fight, and sometimes it involves a lot of tears.
But the bible has reminds us to persevere under trial, because when we have stood the test, we will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Right now if we’re in the middle of tough times, be patient and be sure. As long as we love our God with all our heart, we’ll get the crown of life that He’s promised us. We need to persevere, no matter how hard the condition at the moment. And simply just believe that He’ll bring goodness in our life. (-fon-)
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
--- James 1:12
Saturday, March 22, 2008
TOTD, Mar 23
Obeying The Lord
Jesus at Gethsemane prayed and experienced a deep sadness in His heart. But what really impressed me is His faithfulness to obey the Lord.
He did know what will happen next, but yet His faithfulness excel all things.
If we're in the middle of some routines that we hate. If we're in the middle of something that we don't like but need to face it everyday. No choice, as God's children, we need to obey the Lord.
Like what Jesus has shown us in His Gethsemane experience, let's pray to the Lord, " O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
Happy Easter! May this Easter bring new obedience to the Lord in our life. His Will and Plan be done! (-fon-)
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
---Matthew 26:39
Jesus at Gethsemane prayed and experienced a deep sadness in His heart. But what really impressed me is His faithfulness to obey the Lord.
He did know what will happen next, but yet His faithfulness excel all things.
If we're in the middle of some routines that we hate. If we're in the middle of something that we don't like but need to face it everyday. No choice, as God's children, we need to obey the Lord.
Like what Jesus has shown us in His Gethsemane experience, let's pray to the Lord, " O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will."
Happy Easter! May this Easter bring new obedience to the Lord in our life. His Will and Plan be done! (-fon-)
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”
---Matthew 26:39
Friday, March 21, 2008
TOTD, Mar 22
We Are Blessed
If one of these days you're wondering whether you're fully blessed or not, let me remind all of us once again, no need to have any single doubt about it, we are blessed!
Just look at what's written in Jeremiah 17:7-8, as long as we trust in the Lord and have our confidence in Him, we'll be blessed.
The most probable thing is we can't see His blessings due to we're too overwhelmed by our own situation.
But honestly, if we want to see from a wider perspective, we'll see that His blessings are flowing like a river.
If we trust in Him, we'll have no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Oh, I really want to become that kind of tree...! Let's trust Him more :) (-fon-)
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
---Jeremiah 17:7-8
If one of these days you're wondering whether you're fully blessed or not, let me remind all of us once again, no need to have any single doubt about it, we are blessed!
Just look at what's written in Jeremiah 17:7-8, as long as we trust in the Lord and have our confidence in Him, we'll be blessed.
The most probable thing is we can't see His blessings due to we're too overwhelmed by our own situation.
But honestly, if we want to see from a wider perspective, we'll see that His blessings are flowing like a river.
If we trust in Him, we'll have no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Oh, I really want to become that kind of tree...! Let's trust Him more :) (-fon-)
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in him.
He will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
---Jeremiah 17:7-8
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
TOTD, Mar 20-21
The Fruit of the Spirit
When I read what is written in the Galatians 5:22-23, suddenly these questions pop up on my mind.
Have I filled with the fruit of the spirit yet? Have those qualities been reflected in my daily life?
I have to admit, sometimes I fail to do that. Sometimes the word patience, gentleness, or even self-control are really far from me.
But, by knowing that's the aim that I should reach, I pray to God, so that He fills me with the Holy Spirit and of course the fruit of the Spirit.
Today, I'm learning to be a better person in Him. Not with my perfection, because I'm not perfect. But by surrendering my weaknesses and believe that He will guide me in each day of my life with the minister of the Holy Spirit.
Today, I'd like to ask more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to be poured into my life. May God bless us with the fruit of the Spirit. Let's be a better person in Him. (-fon-)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
--- Galatians 5:22-23
The Lord Reigns
In this life, people might worship something. Lots of people right now worshiping money. I'm aware that without money life will be difficult. But if we're focusing too much on money and make it the king of kings, beware of what will happen next. It may lead to lots of disputes or disagreements.
Money is not everything.
Or lots of people right now worshiping fame. Lots of people want to become famous. They thought that being famous will be what they've ever wanted or dreamed of all their life.
How about us? Do we worship anything from this world?
Trust me, they're not long-lasting. The fame someday will fade away. Once a young and pretty actress will become old one day due to aging. Or I see some family feud because of money.
Tell me about worshiping other things and I'm sure they will not lead to something good.
We need to worship God and only God Himself. Our God reigns. Not only today, but always and forever.
He reigns in our life. He is the king of kings, and Lord of Lords. Nothing else. Just concentrate on Him. I know it's not easy, but it's really worth to try, because He's the one and only Lord that reigns forever. (-fon-)
The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
---Psalm 146:10
When I read what is written in the Galatians 5:22-23, suddenly these questions pop up on my mind.
Have I filled with the fruit of the spirit yet? Have those qualities been reflected in my daily life?
I have to admit, sometimes I fail to do that. Sometimes the word patience, gentleness, or even self-control are really far from me.
But, by knowing that's the aim that I should reach, I pray to God, so that He fills me with the Holy Spirit and of course the fruit of the Spirit.
Today, I'm learning to be a better person in Him. Not with my perfection, because I'm not perfect. But by surrendering my weaknesses and believe that He will guide me in each day of my life with the minister of the Holy Spirit.
Today, I'd like to ask more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control to be poured into my life. May God bless us with the fruit of the Spirit. Let's be a better person in Him. (-fon-)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
--- Galatians 5:22-23
The Lord Reigns
In this life, people might worship something. Lots of people right now worshiping money. I'm aware that without money life will be difficult. But if we're focusing too much on money and make it the king of kings, beware of what will happen next. It may lead to lots of disputes or disagreements.
Money is not everything.
Or lots of people right now worshiping fame. Lots of people want to become famous. They thought that being famous will be what they've ever wanted or dreamed of all their life.
How about us? Do we worship anything from this world?
Trust me, they're not long-lasting. The fame someday will fade away. Once a young and pretty actress will become old one day due to aging. Or I see some family feud because of money.
Tell me about worshiping other things and I'm sure they will not lead to something good.
We need to worship God and only God Himself. Our God reigns. Not only today, but always and forever.
He reigns in our life. He is the king of kings, and Lord of Lords. Nothing else. Just concentrate on Him. I know it's not easy, but it's really worth to try, because He's the one and only Lord that reigns forever. (-fon-)
The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
---Psalm 146:10
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
TOTD, Mar 19
Source of Hope
In some points of our life, we might have experienced losing of hope. We might feel that it's really tiring to live this life, we might even think that all of our life is nothing but never-ending problems.
Maybe, right now we're in the middle of it. Maybe today, we thought that we have nothing.
But hey! Maybe we need to experience that in order to realize that we only have God in our life.
That's when we could cling ourselves more to Him. That's when we will be less arrogant and we could let God take control of our life.
And then, we will seek Him more and more. The only source of hope and true joy, God Himself.
By seeking the source of hope, we will have a higher level of faith and trust in Him. And then, like the book of Romans tells us that we will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (-fon-)
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
--- Romans 15:13
In some points of our life, we might have experienced losing of hope. We might feel that it's really tiring to live this life, we might even think that all of our life is nothing but never-ending problems.
Maybe, right now we're in the middle of it. Maybe today, we thought that we have nothing.
But hey! Maybe we need to experience that in order to realize that we only have God in our life.
That's when we could cling ourselves more to Him. That's when we will be less arrogant and we could let God take control of our life.
And then, we will seek Him more and more. The only source of hope and true joy, God Himself.
By seeking the source of hope, we will have a higher level of faith and trust in Him. And then, like the book of Romans tells us that we will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (-fon-)
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
--- Romans 15:13
Monday, March 17, 2008
TOTD, Mar 18
Sufferings
What if you're in the middle of suffering? Will you feel painful and hopeless about it?
Let me tell you what Saint Faustina thought about suffering.
She thought that suffering is the greatest treasure on earth - it cleanse our soul. In suffering, we understand who our true friend is. The true love can only be measured by the suffering's thermometer.
It's amazing, isn't it?
While so many of us keep complaining about something wrong in our life- not to mention the suffering itself, Saint Faustina reminds us to look at it from different perspective.
It's a treasure, but we still don't know about it yet.
Like what the bible said, these present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
So, in times of trouble, in the middle of stormy days, in these present sufferings that we're facing right now, don't loose hope. Keep on trusting God and believe that we'll find the treasure and the glory in the future. He knows His Plan for us.
(-fon-)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
--- Romans 8:18
What if you're in the middle of suffering? Will you feel painful and hopeless about it?
Let me tell you what Saint Faustina thought about suffering.
She thought that suffering is the greatest treasure on earth - it cleanse our soul. In suffering, we understand who our true friend is. The true love can only be measured by the suffering's thermometer.
It's amazing, isn't it?
While so many of us keep complaining about something wrong in our life- not to mention the suffering itself, Saint Faustina reminds us to look at it from different perspective.
It's a treasure, but we still don't know about it yet.
Like what the bible said, these present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
So, in times of trouble, in the middle of stormy days, in these present sufferings that we're facing right now, don't loose hope. Keep on trusting God and believe that we'll find the treasure and the glory in the future. He knows His Plan for us.
(-fon-)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
--- Romans 8:18
Sunday, March 16, 2008
TOTD, Mar 17
Our Lord, The Healer
No one likes to be hurt. And no one has ever wanted to be rejected. No one has ever dreamed of experiencing the wound, the bruises of heart.
But the reality is undeniable.
We can't escape from the wound, we are not free from the hurt.
We will have some bad memories that left the bitterness inside of us. But, here is the good news, we have a healer. A true Healer. He is our God, Jesus Christ.
No matter how painful the experience was, He's there to help us.
He will set us free. The most important thing is to let Him take over and we surrender our life to Him. Trust that all things will bring nothing but goodness in our life.
Today, I bring my wounded past to our God. Trusting Him once more, like what He said, " I am the Lord, who healeth thee."
And I will give a full trust on my future to Him. Knowing that I will have some painful moments in my future as well because it's unavoidable, but at the same time, I also believe that He can heal me, no matter how deep the hurt is going to be.
Yes, He's the Lord who heals me. And I'm sure, He'll heal each of us if we seek Him more. (-fon-)
...for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
---Exodus 15:26
No one likes to be hurt. And no one has ever wanted to be rejected. No one has ever dreamed of experiencing the wound, the bruises of heart.
But the reality is undeniable.
We can't escape from the wound, we are not free from the hurt.
We will have some bad memories that left the bitterness inside of us. But, here is the good news, we have a healer. A true Healer. He is our God, Jesus Christ.
No matter how painful the experience was, He's there to help us.
He will set us free. The most important thing is to let Him take over and we surrender our life to Him. Trust that all things will bring nothing but goodness in our life.
Today, I bring my wounded past to our God. Trusting Him once more, like what He said, " I am the Lord, who healeth thee."
And I will give a full trust on my future to Him. Knowing that I will have some painful moments in my future as well because it's unavoidable, but at the same time, I also believe that He can heal me, no matter how deep the hurt is going to be.
Yes, He's the Lord who heals me. And I'm sure, He'll heal each of us if we seek Him more. (-fon-)
...for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
---Exodus 15:26
TOTD, Mar 16
God's Chosen People
We're the chosen one. We're God's chosen people. That's why, according to the bible, we need to maintain these qualities: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
When we're stressful, of course it's not easy to maintain those virtues, not to mention while we're in the middle of stormy days of our life.
But, of course, we need to give our best to do it. Despite the condition that we're facing, we need to act differently because we are the chosen one.
Being God's chosen people means we need to do the task to act differently with this world. We need to shine like His stars that glow in the darkness of this world. (-fon-)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
---Colossians 3:12
We're the chosen one. We're God's chosen people. That's why, according to the bible, we need to maintain these qualities: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
When we're stressful, of course it's not easy to maintain those virtues, not to mention while we're in the middle of stormy days of our life.
But, of course, we need to give our best to do it. Despite the condition that we're facing, we need to act differently because we are the chosen one.
Being God's chosen people means we need to do the task to act differently with this world. We need to shine like His stars that glow in the darkness of this world. (-fon-)
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
---Colossians 3:12
Friday, March 14, 2008
TOTD, Mar 15
Watch How You Live
Our Lord’s words are not about coercing other people into religion, but about doing good in a visible way, ‘so that others, seeing your good works, may glorify your father in heaven’. In Recife, Brazil, where great numbers of poor people were illiterate, Bishop Helder Camara used to instruct his catechists, ‘Sisters and brothers, watch how you live. Your lives may be the only gospel your neighbours will ever read.’ We are all witnesses, at every moment of the day. That does not mean shouting the Creed from the rooftops. It means living in such a way that our lives would not make sense if God did not exist.
(taken from on-line prayer website: Sacred Space).
The most interesting part of the reflection above is: living in such a way that our lives would not make sense if God did not exist.
Well, so many times we give up easily and run away when we're facing problems. But, I'm sure that Our God doesn't want us to do that. He wants us to be patient, keep our faith, keep doing good deeds, and show the world that we make a difference because we're His children.
No matter what, no matter how, we need to keep doing good as His witnesses in this world. This is to show the world that He is exist. People can see His existence through us and His name be glorified.
Not an easy task, but let's try it everyday! (-fon-)
How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
--- James 2:20
Our Lord’s words are not about coercing other people into religion, but about doing good in a visible way, ‘so that others, seeing your good works, may glorify your father in heaven’. In Recife, Brazil, where great numbers of poor people were illiterate, Bishop Helder Camara used to instruct his catechists, ‘Sisters and brothers, watch how you live. Your lives may be the only gospel your neighbours will ever read.’ We are all witnesses, at every moment of the day. That does not mean shouting the Creed from the rooftops. It means living in such a way that our lives would not make sense if God did not exist.
(taken from on-line prayer website: Sacred Space).
The most interesting part of the reflection above is: living in such a way that our lives would not make sense if God did not exist.
Well, so many times we give up easily and run away when we're facing problems. But, I'm sure that Our God doesn't want us to do that. He wants us to be patient, keep our faith, keep doing good deeds, and show the world that we make a difference because we're His children.
No matter what, no matter how, we need to keep doing good as His witnesses in this world. This is to show the world that He is exist. People can see His existence through us and His name be glorified.
Not an easy task, but let's try it everyday! (-fon-)
How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
--- James 2:20
Thursday, March 13, 2008
TOTD, Mar 14
Prayer
Today when I surfed the Internet, I found an interesting thing to share to you from the upper room website. Here it is:
PRAYER DOES NOT COME EASILY for me. I affirm that prayer is mystery. But I cannot stop praying. Every time I try, I feel as if my soul is suffocating. I struggle with prayer, but it is a struggle for life. I am convinced that, outside of salvation itself, prayer is God's greatest gift to us.
- Steve Harper
Talking in the Dark: Praying When Life Doesn't Make Sense
Well, what Steve Harper said was true. While sometimes we want to pray so badly and at the same time we feel that prayer is not an easy thing. We struggle with prayer (and he described it as if the soul is suffocating). But I'm sure, every prayer that is prayed wholeheartedly, will be listened by God.
Our God will hear every words that we're saying. Of course He will, because like what Bo Sanchez said, God is our biggest fan, He even writes our name in the palm of His hands.
So, be thankful for the greatest gift that He has already given us besides salvation, the prayer itself, where we can communicate with Him. (-fon-)
but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer.
--- Psalm 66:19
Today when I surfed the Internet, I found an interesting thing to share to you from the upper room website. Here it is:
PRAYER DOES NOT COME EASILY for me. I affirm that prayer is mystery. But I cannot stop praying. Every time I try, I feel as if my soul is suffocating. I struggle with prayer, but it is a struggle for life. I am convinced that, outside of salvation itself, prayer is God's greatest gift to us.
- Steve Harper
Talking in the Dark: Praying When Life Doesn't Make Sense
Well, what Steve Harper said was true. While sometimes we want to pray so badly and at the same time we feel that prayer is not an easy thing. We struggle with prayer (and he described it as if the soul is suffocating). But I'm sure, every prayer that is prayed wholeheartedly, will be listened by God.
Our God will hear every words that we're saying. Of course He will, because like what Bo Sanchez said, God is our biggest fan, He even writes our name in the palm of His hands.
So, be thankful for the greatest gift that He has already given us besides salvation, the prayer itself, where we can communicate with Him. (-fon-)
but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer.
--- Psalm 66:19
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
TOTD, Mar 13
Be Honest in Godliness
This world has become more and more corrupt. Honesty, the value to tell the truth looks like fading away slowly.
But, as God’s disciples we need to maintain that virtue, that value.
Even in the most corrupted situation that we’re living right now, we need to maintain our honesty.
With His divine power, He has grant us the great promises to escape from this corrupt world.
Let’s pray that we can make this world a better world, by living our life in truth. By living our life
(-fon-)
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
--- 2 Peter 1:3-4
This world has become more and more corrupt. Honesty, the value to tell the truth looks like fading away slowly.
But, as God’s disciples we need to maintain that virtue, that value.
Even in the most corrupted situation that we’re living right now, we need to maintain our honesty.
With His divine power, He has grant us the great promises to escape from this corrupt world.
Let’s pray that we can make this world a better world, by living our life in truth. By living our life
(-fon-)
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
--- 2 Peter 1:3-4
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
TOTD, Mar 12
Wisdom : The Spiritual Antidote of Worry and Fear
I'm just starting to read a book Why Are You Worrying by Joseph W. Ciarrocchi. And I found a very interesting thing in it.
Worry and fear are so much a part of life that our sacred writings speak about them often. The spiritual antidote to fear and worry seems to be wisdom.
" [With wisdom] Then you may securely go your way; your foot will never stumble; when you lie down, you need not be afraid, when you rest, your sleep will be sweet" (Proverbs 3:24).
But this wisdom is a curious thing. The biblical meaning is surely not mere intellectual knowledge. In fact, many warnings are given to the pretentious and puffed-up. Rather, wisdom is God's wisdom, a gift we are to seek. When Solomon asks this gift of God, he pleases God.
I realized that we might not have the chance to ask this gift of God. Let's ask Him to grant us the gift of wisdom, so that we could sail in this unpredictable sea of life without worry or fear. (-fon-)
I want all of you to be free from worry.
--- 1 Corinthians 7:32
I'm just starting to read a book Why Are You Worrying by Joseph W. Ciarrocchi. And I found a very interesting thing in it.
Worry and fear are so much a part of life that our sacred writings speak about them often. The spiritual antidote to fear and worry seems to be wisdom.
" [With wisdom] Then you may securely go your way; your foot will never stumble; when you lie down, you need not be afraid, when you rest, your sleep will be sweet" (Proverbs 3:24).
But this wisdom is a curious thing. The biblical meaning is surely not mere intellectual knowledge. In fact, many warnings are given to the pretentious and puffed-up. Rather, wisdom is God's wisdom, a gift we are to seek. When Solomon asks this gift of God, he pleases God.
I realized that we might not have the chance to ask this gift of God. Let's ask Him to grant us the gift of wisdom, so that we could sail in this unpredictable sea of life without worry or fear. (-fon-)
I want all of you to be free from worry.
--- 1 Corinthians 7:32
Monday, March 10, 2008
TOTD, Mar 11
Wait on the Lord
When we're waiting on something that we've been really longed for, we tend to become impatient. Of course, we react differently towards waiting. Some of us become desperate, some of us become frustrating, while some others become angry to the Lord because they don't get what they want.
But today's word of God asks us to wait in a good courage because in faith we believe that He shall strengthen our heart.
I remembered a friend of mine who really wanted to have a child. This couple has tried every way they could to get a baby but they need to wait for six years until God gave them one.
It was really a wonderful gift for them, a cute baby girl.
And from their experience, I could learn that they waited patiently in faith. They wait on the Lord's plan to be fulfilled in their life.
There were times they became sad, stressful, frustrated, depressed, or even angry, I'm sure! But then finally they realized that there's no other way except waiting in faith.That's the best way. And for them, it worked, God gave them a baby in His time.
So, today, maybe you're waiting for something that you've been dreaming of all your life.
Let's wait patiently and in good courage. Let's wait on the Lord! (-fon-)
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!
—Psalm 27:14
When we're waiting on something that we've been really longed for, we tend to become impatient. Of course, we react differently towards waiting. Some of us become desperate, some of us become frustrating, while some others become angry to the Lord because they don't get what they want.
But today's word of God asks us to wait in a good courage because in faith we believe that He shall strengthen our heart.
I remembered a friend of mine who really wanted to have a child. This couple has tried every way they could to get a baby but they need to wait for six years until God gave them one.
It was really a wonderful gift for them, a cute baby girl.
And from their experience, I could learn that they waited patiently in faith. They wait on the Lord's plan to be fulfilled in their life.
There were times they became sad, stressful, frustrated, depressed, or even angry, I'm sure! But then finally they realized that there's no other way except waiting in faith.That's the best way. And for them, it worked, God gave them a baby in His time.
So, today, maybe you're waiting for something that you've been dreaming of all your life.
Let's wait patiently and in good courage. Let's wait on the Lord! (-fon-)
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!
—Psalm 27:14
Sunday, March 9, 2008
TOTD, Mar 10
Take All, God!
Today at the church, I heard the choir sang a very beautiful song which was originated from St. Ignatius Loyola Prayer. This is the prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Take all my freedom. My memory, my understanding and my will. All that I have and cherish You have given me. I surrender it all to be guided by your will. Your grace and your love are wealth enough for me. Give me these, Lord Jesus, and I ask for nothing more.
I read the prayer and began to realize that I'm still really far from that. And I need to pray the surrendering prayer of St. Ignatius over and over again.
It's so hard to say : take all my freedom. Take all my memory, my understanding and my will.
But, if we want to be in a full surrender to Him, we need to pray this prayer continuously.
We need to say, " Take all, God! I want to offer these things to you. As well as I want to offer my life to you."
Because we know, all that we have is nothing. All that we have comes from Him. We have nothing. And without the Lord, our life would be meaningless.
Today, I want to share to you all this beautiful prayer of St. Ignatius. And I do hope, we could pray it always. Let His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven! (-fon-)
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
--- Matthew 6:9-10
Today at the church, I heard the choir sang a very beautiful song which was originated from St. Ignatius Loyola Prayer. This is the prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, Take all my freedom. My memory, my understanding and my will. All that I have and cherish You have given me. I surrender it all to be guided by your will. Your grace and your love are wealth enough for me. Give me these, Lord Jesus, and I ask for nothing more.
I read the prayer and began to realize that I'm still really far from that. And I need to pray the surrendering prayer of St. Ignatius over and over again.
It's so hard to say : take all my freedom. Take all my memory, my understanding and my will.
But, if we want to be in a full surrender to Him, we need to pray this prayer continuously.
We need to say, " Take all, God! I want to offer these things to you. As well as I want to offer my life to you."
Because we know, all that we have is nothing. All that we have comes from Him. We have nothing. And without the Lord, our life would be meaningless.
Today, I want to share to you all this beautiful prayer of St. Ignatius. And I do hope, we could pray it always. Let His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven! (-fon-)
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
--- Matthew 6:9-10
TOTD, Mar 08
God of all Comfort
This world needs more and more people who can comfort others. We all have a tough life to live. We need to struggle and fight so hard for living.
In Singapore, the prices of things are rising sharply. And I'm sure it also happens in Indonesia and many other parts of this world.
We need to struggle financially. And we need to struggle in other areas of our life: relationship with our loved ones, education, etc. etc.
Sometimes I feel so tired of all of these struggling. I've felt that I was all alone and I needed to fight this battle of life all by myself. To tell you the truth, it's really frustrating.
But then as we renew our relationship with our God, we feel a new comfort that comes from Him.
He can comfort us in times of troubles. And it's our duty as Christian to comfort others who's in trouble with the comfort that we've got from Him. The God of all comfort.
If you feel tired, lonely, depressed, come to God. He'll give you all the comfort that you need.
(-fon-)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
--- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
This world needs more and more people who can comfort others. We all have a tough life to live. We need to struggle and fight so hard for living.
In Singapore, the prices of things are rising sharply. And I'm sure it also happens in Indonesia and many other parts of this world.
We need to struggle financially. And we need to struggle in other areas of our life: relationship with our loved ones, education, etc. etc.
Sometimes I feel so tired of all of these struggling. I've felt that I was all alone and I needed to fight this battle of life all by myself. To tell you the truth, it's really frustrating.
But then as we renew our relationship with our God, we feel a new comfort that comes from Him.
He can comfort us in times of troubles. And it's our duty as Christian to comfort others who's in trouble with the comfort that we've got from Him. The God of all comfort.
If you feel tired, lonely, depressed, come to God. He'll give you all the comfort that you need.
(-fon-)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
--- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
TOTD, Mar 09
Come Out of Your Graves
(taken from today's mass' printed material from Church of the Holy Cross, Clementi-Singapore. A very nice one! -fon-)
Is it not true that at times we do not live a full live because we are afraid and selfish, we dare not to commit ourselves to one another, and we do not live according to the gospel?
If so, are we not more dead than alive? The gospel calls us today to come out of the tombs of our hardness of heart, out of the graves of our fears and selfishness, of everything that keeps us imprisoned. Let us heed the Lord's call to life, to rise with him to joy and love and freedom. Let us eat with the Lord his bread of life.
Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’”
--- Ezekiel 37:12-14
(taken from today's mass' printed material from Church of the Holy Cross, Clementi-Singapore. A very nice one! -fon-)
Is it not true that at times we do not live a full live because we are afraid and selfish, we dare not to commit ourselves to one another, and we do not live according to the gospel?
If so, are we not more dead than alive? The gospel calls us today to come out of the tombs of our hardness of heart, out of the graves of our fears and selfishness, of everything that keeps us imprisoned. Let us heed the Lord's call to life, to rise with him to joy and love and freedom. Let us eat with the Lord his bread of life.
Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken it and performed it,” says the LORD.’”
--- Ezekiel 37:12-14
Thursday, March 6, 2008
TOTD, Mar 07
Never Forgotten
In case you might wonder, does God still remember you? Just read the verse below slowly and carefully. He said, even if mothers would forget their infants, but God will never forget us.
NEVER!
He has written our names in the palm of His Hand long before we were born in this world.
Our birth wasn't an accident, our birth wasn't unexpected or suddenly. Our birth was planned long time ago by our Heavenly Father.
Today, you might find that you're struggling hard. There are so many problems left unsolved. There are so many challenges and obstacles that you're facing. There are so many things that are completely in a mess right now.
But understanding that He has planned everything beautifully and perfectly, and also realizing that He has never forgotten us, we should be able to sit back and relax, because He is in control.
We are never forgotten. We are the apple of His Eyes. (-fon-)
"Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,
walk away from the baby she bore?
But even if mothers forget,
I'd never forget you—never.
--- Isaiah 49:15
In case you might wonder, does God still remember you? Just read the verse below slowly and carefully. He said, even if mothers would forget their infants, but God will never forget us.
NEVER!
He has written our names in the palm of His Hand long before we were born in this world.
Our birth wasn't an accident, our birth wasn't unexpected or suddenly. Our birth was planned long time ago by our Heavenly Father.
Today, you might find that you're struggling hard. There are so many problems left unsolved. There are so many challenges and obstacles that you're facing. There are so many things that are completely in a mess right now.
But understanding that He has planned everything beautifully and perfectly, and also realizing that He has never forgotten us, we should be able to sit back and relax, because He is in control.
We are never forgotten. We are the apple of His Eyes. (-fon-)
"Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,
walk away from the baby she bore?
But even if mothers forget,
I'd never forget you—never.
--- Isaiah 49:15
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
TOTD, Mar 06
Worship Him
This life of ours could be a life that's full of worship. Worship our God. He who made everything, as the bible said: the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water, deserves all the glory, honor, and praises.
Look at the beauty of nature, the sun, the cloud, the moon, or even the fresh air that we're breathing, all of them come from God Himself.
Things that sometimes we've taken as a granted.
Today, let's realize His Goodness in our life and don't stop in worship Him in spirit and in truth. (-fon-)
He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
---Revelation 14:7
This life of ours could be a life that's full of worship. Worship our God. He who made everything, as the bible said: the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water, deserves all the glory, honor, and praises.
Look at the beauty of nature, the sun, the cloud, the moon, or even the fresh air that we're breathing, all of them come from God Himself.
Things that sometimes we've taken as a granted.
Today, let's realize His Goodness in our life and don't stop in worship Him in spirit and in truth. (-fon-)
He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
---Revelation 14:7
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
TOTD, Mar 05
Be Strong and Courageous
When I first moved to Singapore in a not-so-healthy pregnant condition and becoming a full time house wife, I found it's not easy to cope.
So many changes, so many adaptations that I should make. And more adaptations came when my baby was born.
Those times were not easy. Even though it had its own joy and of course, sorrow.
But God's words remind me to be strong and courageous. In whatever condition that I'm facing.
He asked me not to be either terrified or discouraged, because the Lord is with me.
What's your struggle today? Do you find it hard to cope? Do you find that you have to fight the changes all by yourself?
Our Lord is always with us. He will never leave us. Be strong and courageous because He is with us forever. (-fon-)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
---Joshua 1:9
When I first moved to Singapore in a not-so-healthy pregnant condition and becoming a full time house wife, I found it's not easy to cope.
So many changes, so many adaptations that I should make. And more adaptations came when my baby was born.
Those times were not easy. Even though it had its own joy and of course, sorrow.
But God's words remind me to be strong and courageous. In whatever condition that I'm facing.
He asked me not to be either terrified or discouraged, because the Lord is with me.
What's your struggle today? Do you find it hard to cope? Do you find that you have to fight the changes all by yourself?
Our Lord is always with us. He will never leave us. Be strong and courageous because He is with us forever. (-fon-)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
---Joshua 1:9
Monday, March 3, 2008
TOTD, Mar 04
God's Thoughts
Have you ever planned your life so perfectly and you thought that nothing's gonna change that?
I was once doing that.
Only to find that my perfect plan means nothing compared to what God has prepared for me.
I only see what I can see. But God can cater for my needs, which in the first place, I didn't realize those needs at all.
God's thoughts and ways are exceedingly far above what we could ever think.
So, without a doubt, let's start surrendering ourselves today to the Lord and be sure of His wonderful thoughts, ways, and plans for us.
He knows the best for us. (-fon-)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
-- Isaiah 55:8-9
Have you ever planned your life so perfectly and you thought that nothing's gonna change that?
I was once doing that.
Only to find that my perfect plan means nothing compared to what God has prepared for me.
I only see what I can see. But God can cater for my needs, which in the first place, I didn't realize those needs at all.
God's thoughts and ways are exceedingly far above what we could ever think.
So, without a doubt, let's start surrendering ourselves today to the Lord and be sure of His wonderful thoughts, ways, and plans for us.
He knows the best for us. (-fon-)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
-- Isaiah 55:8-9
Sunday, March 2, 2008
TOTD, Mar 01
Fear God
Most of people have someone that they're fear of. For example: their boss, their teacher, their wife/husband, their parents, their in laws, etc.
But as God's disciples, we need only to fear God. That's all that matters. And He also wants us to worship Him in total commitment.
He wanted us to get rid all the gods of the ancestors of the past, and right now, He doesn't want us to worship technology (read: hand-phone, Internet, gadget, etc) more than Him. He doesn't want us to worship money more than Him.
Even in the past or in the future, whatever it is, never fear of anything, except God.
Fear God would bring us to a better person in Him. We will become a person who's more like Him in each day of our life. (-fon-)
"So now: Fear God. Worship him in total commitment. Get rid of the gods your ancestors worshiped on the far side of The River (the Euphrates) and in Egypt. You, worship God.
--- Joshua 24:14
Most of people have someone that they're fear of. For example: their boss, their teacher, their wife/husband, their parents, their in laws, etc.
But as God's disciples, we need only to fear God. That's all that matters. And He also wants us to worship Him in total commitment.
He wanted us to get rid all the gods of the ancestors of the past, and right now, He doesn't want us to worship technology (read: hand-phone, Internet, gadget, etc) more than Him. He doesn't want us to worship money more than Him.
Even in the past or in the future, whatever it is, never fear of anything, except God.
Fear God would bring us to a better person in Him. We will become a person who's more like Him in each day of our life. (-fon-)
"So now: Fear God. Worship him in total commitment. Get rid of the gods your ancestors worshiped on the far side of The River (the Euphrates) and in Egypt. You, worship God.
--- Joshua 24:14
TOTD, Mar 02-03
Jesus Is The Way, Truth, and Life
These days, a lot of people might say, “Are you frustrated with your life, come with me, I know the way to set you free!”
So easy to get away from the problems that you’re facing by doing some bad things. For example: gambling, or trying the addictive drugs. And lots of people are offering you those kinds of things.
But they won’t last forever. Even you try so hard, you might still feel the emptiness inside you.
Let me tell you the good news, Jesus came to this world, and He said that He’s the Way, the Truth, and The Life.
So, why should you find other solutions while you already have the real one, Jesus Himself?
The best of the best of every solution you can get. Through Him, in Him, with Him, we know that we won’t be lost.
Problems, big or small, are unavoidable. But we got our way, our Jesus.
We can be free as long as we’re following His steps and not other things. (-fon-)
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
--- John 14:6
A New Sight, a New Perspective
Today, when I went to church, I heard a very good homily about a blind man who can eventually see. And the Father asked us, "Is love blind?"
Because sometimes, at weddings, we would judge that one person is better than the other, physically or in terms of background and we might ask, “What does he/ she see in his/her spouse?”
And the father gave a very good answer, that love isn’t blind. Love gives a new VISION.
To see what others can’t see.
That’s love.
In today's Psalm that I read, I found that all of us were blind. Some of us are still blind until now. But once we know the Lord and made Him our personal Savior, our blindness will slowly be changed into a new vision, a new sight. With His Love for us, God has given us a vision, to see this life with a new perspective.
He has given us the sight. We're blind but now we can slowly see. Thank God for not letting us living in blindness for so long... (-fon-)
the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous
--- Psalm 146:8
These days, a lot of people might say, “Are you frustrated with your life, come with me, I know the way to set you free!”
So easy to get away from the problems that you’re facing by doing some bad things. For example: gambling, or trying the addictive drugs. And lots of people are offering you those kinds of things.
But they won’t last forever. Even you try so hard, you might still feel the emptiness inside you.
Let me tell you the good news, Jesus came to this world, and He said that He’s the Way, the Truth, and The Life.
So, why should you find other solutions while you already have the real one, Jesus Himself?
The best of the best of every solution you can get. Through Him, in Him, with Him, we know that we won’t be lost.
Problems, big or small, are unavoidable. But we got our way, our Jesus.
We can be free as long as we’re following His steps and not other things. (-fon-)
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
--- John 14:6
A New Sight, a New Perspective
Today, when I went to church, I heard a very good homily about a blind man who can eventually see. And the Father asked us, "Is love blind?"
Because sometimes, at weddings, we would judge that one person is better than the other, physically or in terms of background and we might ask, “What does he/ she see in his/her spouse?”
And the father gave a very good answer, that love isn’t blind. Love gives a new VISION.
To see what others can’t see.
That’s love.
In today's Psalm that I read, I found that all of us were blind. Some of us are still blind until now. But once we know the Lord and made Him our personal Savior, our blindness will slowly be changed into a new vision, a new sight. With His Love for us, God has given us a vision, to see this life with a new perspective.
He has given us the sight. We're blind but now we can slowly see. Thank God for not letting us living in blindness for so long... (-fon-)
the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous
--- Psalm 146:8
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