He Will Save the World
If we thought that our God is a kind of cruel father who will condemn us because we made mistakes, then we’re completely wrong.
Our Father is a very loving Father. He even sent His Son into the world, not to condemn it, but to save the world through Him.
So, cast your doubts today, He won’t condemn us, He will save us. We need to trust Him. (-fon-)
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
--- John 3:17
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
TOTD, September 28-29
It’s The Gift of God
We are saved by grace, through our faith. It’s now with our own effort. It’s not from ourselves. And like what’s written in Ephesians 2:8, it’s the gift of God.
(-fon-)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God
--- Ephesians 2:8
Seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness
We’re often focusing ourselves on our problems.
We seek a mate-a soul mate desperately, searching everywhere but haven’t found one. We seek a better job, searching high and low, without finding one. We want to have a child after getting married for several years but still haven’t got one. And so on, and so on. Maybe we question whether God really care about us. Don’t worry, He really cares about us. Maybe we need to change our approach towards the problems. We need to seek more of God- His kingdom and His righteousness and all those things that we needed will be given to you as well. All we have to do is just keep our faith and wait patiently until His time arrives. (-fon-)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
--- Matthew 6:33
We are saved by grace, through our faith. It’s now with our own effort. It’s not from ourselves. And like what’s written in Ephesians 2:8, it’s the gift of God.
(-fon-)
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God
--- Ephesians 2:8
Seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness
We’re often focusing ourselves on our problems.
We seek a mate-a soul mate desperately, searching everywhere but haven’t found one. We seek a better job, searching high and low, without finding one. We want to have a child after getting married for several years but still haven’t got one. And so on, and so on. Maybe we question whether God really care about us. Don’t worry, He really cares about us. Maybe we need to change our approach towards the problems. We need to seek more of God- His kingdom and His righteousness and all those things that we needed will be given to you as well. All we have to do is just keep our faith and wait patiently until His time arrives. (-fon-)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
--- Matthew 6:33
Friday, September 26, 2008
TOTD, September 27
Freedom in God
Just a reminder that we are called to be free but that doesn’t mean we can do anything we want. We need to use the freedom well, without indulging the sinful nature. We need to avoid the bad things which won’t give use freedom but will lead us to other bondages instead. Be free in God, to love and be loved as His daughters and sons. (-fon-)
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
--- Galatians 5:13
Just a reminder that we are called to be free but that doesn’t mean we can do anything we want. We need to use the freedom well, without indulging the sinful nature. We need to avoid the bad things which won’t give use freedom but will lead us to other bondages instead. Be free in God, to love and be loved as His daughters and sons. (-fon-)
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
--- Galatians 5:13
Thursday, September 25, 2008
TOTD, September 26
Jesus Christ, the Righteous One
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
--- 1 John 2:1
This is not a verse that we can pick to defend ourselves whenever we do some mistakes or make sins. But let’s try our best not to live in sinful life anymore and never intentionally let down the one who speaks to the Father in our defense, Jesus Christ-the Righteous One.
(-fon-)
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
--- 1 John 2:1
This is not a verse that we can pick to defend ourselves whenever we do some mistakes or make sins. But let’s try our best not to live in sinful life anymore and never intentionally let down the one who speaks to the Father in our defense, Jesus Christ-the Righteous One.
(-fon-)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
TOTD, September 25
Confidence
Maybe we’ve seen some people with such a huge confidence or sometimes over confident. They’re really confident that they can do all things with their own hands, with their own strength.
Or we’ve seen many people with lack or no self confidence. They don’t have any confident to move on in this life and live their life in despair.
What about us? As the children of God we need to have some confidence. And that confidence supposed to come from the faith that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Whether right now we’re over confident or lack of confident, we need to go back to the way it should be, we need to have confidence as well as faith in Him who has planned all the best for us.(-fon-)
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
--- Hebrews 10:35-36
Maybe we’ve seen some people with such a huge confidence or sometimes over confident. They’re really confident that they can do all things with their own hands, with their own strength.
Or we’ve seen many people with lack or no self confidence. They don’t have any confident to move on in this life and live their life in despair.
What about us? As the children of God we need to have some confidence. And that confidence supposed to come from the faith that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Whether right now we’re over confident or lack of confident, we need to go back to the way it should be, we need to have confidence as well as faith in Him who has planned all the best for us.(-fon-)
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
--- Hebrews 10:35-36
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
TOTD, September 24
Good Conduct in This World
China said on Wednesday that a third baby had died and more than 6,000 infants were ill as it grappled with a festering melamine-contaminated milk scandal involving one of its biggest dairy producers, Sanlu Group, which came to light only last week.
Melamine, an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilisers, is rich in nitrogen and when mixed in milk, can make its protein level appear higher than what it actually is. It is banned in food production. – Bernama (an article from www.thestar.com.my).
Having a baby, I know it would be very hard if they-such innocent creatures who can’t yet communicate well besides crying- happened to be unwell. And imagining the amount of 6,000 infants were ill (and today’s paper stated that it has already affected 50,000 babies in China), it would be a real disaster.
How could a producer do that? Or how could a farm mix its fresh milk with melamine and sell it to the market? It happened and proved there are many people who got brains-very clever- but don’t have clear conscience. It’s our duty as God’s children to maintain our good conduct in this world, in the holiness and sincerity, so that we can avoid doing those kind of things. (-fon-)
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.
--- 2 Corinthians 1:12
China said on Wednesday that a third baby had died and more than 6,000 infants were ill as it grappled with a festering melamine-contaminated milk scandal involving one of its biggest dairy producers, Sanlu Group, which came to light only last week.
Melamine, an industrial chemical used to make plastics and fertilisers, is rich in nitrogen and when mixed in milk, can make its protein level appear higher than what it actually is. It is banned in food production. – Bernama (an article from www.thestar.com.my).
Having a baby, I know it would be very hard if they-such innocent creatures who can’t yet communicate well besides crying- happened to be unwell. And imagining the amount of 6,000 infants were ill (and today’s paper stated that it has already affected 50,000 babies in China), it would be a real disaster.
How could a producer do that? Or how could a farm mix its fresh milk with melamine and sell it to the market? It happened and proved there are many people who got brains-very clever- but don’t have clear conscience. It’s our duty as God’s children to maintain our good conduct in this world, in the holiness and sincerity, so that we can avoid doing those kind of things. (-fon-)
Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace.
--- 2 Corinthians 1:12
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
TOTD, September 19-23
19 September
The Lord Hears Our Prayers
A good description about prayer, we can find it here:
PRAY. CALL OUT for forgiveness. Give thanks. Ask for guidance. Dream. Lay out your hopes and fears. Shout. Whisper. Talk. Listen. Laugh. Cry. Keep silence. Keep at it. It is all prayer. It is all your lifeline to God and God’s lifeline to you.
---Helen R. Neinast and Thomas C. Ettinger
What About God? Now That You’re Off to College
Whatever it is, as long as we’re communicating with the Lord, He will listen to us. He hears our prayers and seen our tears. And as He has promised, He will heal us.
(-fon-)
"Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD.
--- 2 Kings 20:5
20 September
I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee
Our God is a healer. He heals our wound. We have some wounds and hurts along this journey of life. Some is predictable, but most of them: unpredictable but yet so painful. We thought we might never have strength to carry on. Maybe it’s our love life that has been so hurtful all these time, maybe it’s our family problems, or maybe it’s a disease, or problems at jobs. Whatever it is, we must have some hurting experience along the way in this life. It’s unavoidable. But our God is a healer. Take all of our wounds to Him and He will heal us with His unconditional love.
(-fon-)
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
--- Exodus 15:26
21 September
Prove Faithful
As the servants of God, we need to maintain our values, virtues, and all of the good qualities that we should have. Of course we might hear that this servant is like this, that servant is like that, many bad things about servants of God. But should we follow the bad ones? We need to prove ourselves faithful to Him, faithful to our ministries that He has given to us, faithful to whatever calls that He has entrusted us at this moment. Whether a stay home mum, a career professional, or a college student, we need to make a difference and stay faithful in this chaotic world.
(-fon-)
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
--- 1 Corinthians 4: 1-2
22 September
A Better Understanding
I read some verses of the Bible, and here they are:
But I cry to you for help, O LORD;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Why, O LORD, do you reject me
and hide your face from me?
--- Psalm 88:13-14
Then, I go through some interesting thing that has been written by Philip Yancey :
A marriage therapist will warn couples, “Your relationship may get worse before it gets better.” Misunderstandings must be exposed before true understanding can flourish.
The psalms present a mosaic of spiritual therapy in process. Doubt, paranoia, giddiness, delight, hatred, joy, praise, vengefulness, betrayal—you find it all in the psalms. From them I learn to bring to God whatever I feel about Him. I need not paper over my failures; far better to bring my weaknesses to Him, who alone has the power to heal. — Philip Yancey (writer of Disappointment with God)
It’s normal to have ups and downs in a relationship. It’s normal to have misunderstanding. But eventually, when the real understanding appears, we know that it shouldn’t be a problem anymore. In our relationship with God, it goes the same way. We need to seek a better understanding with Him. (-fon-)
23 September
Share His Sufferings and Glory
We’re heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. But sometimes that make us proud. We only want to have the good things, the triumph, the glory, the winning situation and forget about the suffering.
If Christ was willing to die for us, to accept and endure the sufferings for us, we should also have the same courage, to accept all the cross and sufferings with love, to accept all things with patient. We know that with love as a base, sufferings and cross will be bearable and it’s also a chance to glorify His name. (-fon-)
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
--- Romans 8:17
The Lord Hears Our Prayers
A good description about prayer, we can find it here:
PRAY. CALL OUT for forgiveness. Give thanks. Ask for guidance. Dream. Lay out your hopes and fears. Shout. Whisper. Talk. Listen. Laugh. Cry. Keep silence. Keep at it. It is all prayer. It is all your lifeline to God and God’s lifeline to you.
---Helen R. Neinast and Thomas C. Ettinger
What About God? Now That You’re Off to College
Whatever it is, as long as we’re communicating with the Lord, He will listen to us. He hears our prayers and seen our tears. And as He has promised, He will heal us.
(-fon-)
"Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD.
--- 2 Kings 20:5
20 September
I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee
Our God is a healer. He heals our wound. We have some wounds and hurts along this journey of life. Some is predictable, but most of them: unpredictable but yet so painful. We thought we might never have strength to carry on. Maybe it’s our love life that has been so hurtful all these time, maybe it’s our family problems, or maybe it’s a disease, or problems at jobs. Whatever it is, we must have some hurting experience along the way in this life. It’s unavoidable. But our God is a healer. Take all of our wounds to Him and He will heal us with His unconditional love.
(-fon-)
And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
--- Exodus 15:26
21 September
Prove Faithful
As the servants of God, we need to maintain our values, virtues, and all of the good qualities that we should have. Of course we might hear that this servant is like this, that servant is like that, many bad things about servants of God. But should we follow the bad ones? We need to prove ourselves faithful to Him, faithful to our ministries that He has given to us, faithful to whatever calls that He has entrusted us at this moment. Whether a stay home mum, a career professional, or a college student, we need to make a difference and stay faithful in this chaotic world.
(-fon-)
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
--- 1 Corinthians 4: 1-2
22 September
A Better Understanding
I read some verses of the Bible, and here they are:
But I cry to you for help, O LORD;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Why, O LORD, do you reject me
and hide your face from me?
--- Psalm 88:13-14
Then, I go through some interesting thing that has been written by Philip Yancey :
A marriage therapist will warn couples, “Your relationship may get worse before it gets better.” Misunderstandings must be exposed before true understanding can flourish.
The psalms present a mosaic of spiritual therapy in process. Doubt, paranoia, giddiness, delight, hatred, joy, praise, vengefulness, betrayal—you find it all in the psalms. From them I learn to bring to God whatever I feel about Him. I need not paper over my failures; far better to bring my weaknesses to Him, who alone has the power to heal. — Philip Yancey (writer of Disappointment with God)
It’s normal to have ups and downs in a relationship. It’s normal to have misunderstanding. But eventually, when the real understanding appears, we know that it shouldn’t be a problem anymore. In our relationship with God, it goes the same way. We need to seek a better understanding with Him. (-fon-)
23 September
Share His Sufferings and Glory
We’re heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. But sometimes that make us proud. We only want to have the good things, the triumph, the glory, the winning situation and forget about the suffering.
If Christ was willing to die for us, to accept and endure the sufferings for us, we should also have the same courage, to accept all the cross and sufferings with love, to accept all things with patient. We know that with love as a base, sufferings and cross will be bearable and it’s also a chance to glorify His name. (-fon-)
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
--- Romans 8:17
TOTD, September 18
In God We Trust
As a person who has worked in financial industry, I’ve heard about Lehman Brothers, one of the biggest financial service firms. And it came to my surprise that finally it has gone through liquidation. After 158 years, a solid company must face an unpleasant end.
Well, it made me think that in this world all things are temporary. Nothing is as solid as our Lord.
So, don’t find other person or other thing to trust in, because there’s none like Him. Only in God we trust. Trust in the Lord forever for He is the Rock eternal.
(-fon-)
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
--- Isaiah 26:4
As a person who has worked in financial industry, I’ve heard about Lehman Brothers, one of the biggest financial service firms. And it came to my surprise that finally it has gone through liquidation. After 158 years, a solid company must face an unpleasant end.
Well, it made me think that in this world all things are temporary. Nothing is as solid as our Lord.
So, don’t find other person or other thing to trust in, because there’s none like Him. Only in God we trust. Trust in the Lord forever for He is the Rock eternal.
(-fon-)
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
--- Isaiah 26:4
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
TOTD, September 17
Stay Away From Envy and Selfish Ambition
To becomer really wise with the wisdom that comes down from heaven, here are the tips from the bible, taken from the book of James.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
--- James 3:13-16
Show a good life, stay away from every evil practice-things like envy and selfish ambition, and with the wisdom from heaven, we'll live our days in a better way.
(-fon-)
To becomer really wise with the wisdom that comes down from heaven, here are the tips from the bible, taken from the book of James.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
--- James 3:13-16
Show a good life, stay away from every evil practice-things like envy and selfish ambition, and with the wisdom from heaven, we'll live our days in a better way.
(-fon-)
Monday, September 15, 2008
TOTD, September 16
Build Your House on the Rock
Today, I went to my neighbor’s apartment. We had a chat about her choice of school for her 3.5 years old daughter. She told me that she wanted to find a Christ-based school because this world is falling down at the moment and she thought that the knowledge of God would be something crucial for her daughter.
I do agree. It’s good and important to introduce God to a child as early as possible despite which school that he/she will attend. Only by that, the child will have a good foundation, like what’s written in the bible: build his house on the rock. Even though the rain came, the streams rose, or the wind blew and beat against it, it won’t fall. It’s strong because its foundation on the rock.
How about us, how do we build our ‘house’? Are we wise enough to build it on the solid rock? If we haven’t, it’s not too late to do it now. (-fon-)
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
--- Matthew 7:24-26
Today, I went to my neighbor’s apartment. We had a chat about her choice of school for her 3.5 years old daughter. She told me that she wanted to find a Christ-based school because this world is falling down at the moment and she thought that the knowledge of God would be something crucial for her daughter.
I do agree. It’s good and important to introduce God to a child as early as possible despite which school that he/she will attend. Only by that, the child will have a good foundation, like what’s written in the bible: build his house on the rock. Even though the rain came, the streams rose, or the wind blew and beat against it, it won’t fall. It’s strong because its foundation on the rock.
How about us, how do we build our ‘house’? Are we wise enough to build it on the solid rock? If we haven’t, it’s not too late to do it now. (-fon-)
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
--- Matthew 7:24-26
Sunday, September 14, 2008
TOTD, September 13-15
Spread the Fragrance and Aroma of Christ
People love perfumes. Some of them are willing to pay for expensive brands to get their favorite fragrance.
Today’s word of God reminds me of the perfume, the fragrance. What kind of fragrance that we should spread wherever we’re? It’s the fragrance of the knowledge of Him and maintain ourselves as the aroma of Christ wherever we are. (-fon-)
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
--- 2 Corinthians 2: 14-15
Hallelujah to the Lord!
At the book of Revelation, we can see that it describes how the Lord reigns:
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
--- Revelation 19:6
So, we don’t need to doubt ourselves about Him. He reigns today, forever and ever!. Hallelujah to the Lord! (-fon-)
You Are My Chosen One
GOD SAYS to each of us, “You are my chosen one. I love you. I’m proud of you. Know that I have forgiven you. I call you by name. You are mine. I have entered into covenant with you and will stand by you in all times and places.
“Dare to live fully the life to which I have called you.”
- Susan Gregg-Schroeder
The Upper Room Disciplines 1999
Never doubt that He has chosen us. He keeps saying, “ You are My chosen one and I Love you.” If you have ever wondered or questioned about that, today’s TOTD supposed to remind us once more that we are the chosen one. (-fon-)
He brought out his people with rejoicing,
his chosen ones with shouts of joy;
--- Psalm 105:43
People love perfumes. Some of them are willing to pay for expensive brands to get their favorite fragrance.
Today’s word of God reminds me of the perfume, the fragrance. What kind of fragrance that we should spread wherever we’re? It’s the fragrance of the knowledge of Him and maintain ourselves as the aroma of Christ wherever we are. (-fon-)
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.
--- 2 Corinthians 2: 14-15
Hallelujah to the Lord!
At the book of Revelation, we can see that it describes how the Lord reigns:
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:
"Hallelujah!
For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
--- Revelation 19:6
So, we don’t need to doubt ourselves about Him. He reigns today, forever and ever!. Hallelujah to the Lord! (-fon-)
You Are My Chosen One
GOD SAYS to each of us, “You are my chosen one. I love you. I’m proud of you. Know that I have forgiven you. I call you by name. You are mine. I have entered into covenant with you and will stand by you in all times and places.
“Dare to live fully the life to which I have called you.”
- Susan Gregg-Schroeder
The Upper Room Disciplines 1999
Never doubt that He has chosen us. He keeps saying, “ You are My chosen one and I Love you.” If you have ever wondered or questioned about that, today’s TOTD supposed to remind us once more that we are the chosen one. (-fon-)
He brought out his people with rejoicing,
his chosen ones with shouts of joy;
--- Psalm 105:43
Thursday, September 11, 2008
TOTD, September 12
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
Sometimes we might feel stuck. We thought we’re going nowhere. Or even worse, we might think that we’re trapped in the middle of never ending problems. No one to lend us a helping hand. Not even our dearest and closest ones. Not even our best friends, we feel so all alone-fighting tiredly in the battle of life.
We need to remember that our help comes only from the Lord. He might work amazingly far above whatever we could think of. He is the maker of heaven and earth. He is capable of doing anything. And it’s our privilege to be His children. Trust Him more, the one who can really help us, the one who is constantly reliable all the time. (-fon-)
“[A song of ascents.] I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
--- Psalm 121:1-2
Sometimes we might feel stuck. We thought we’re going nowhere. Or even worse, we might think that we’re trapped in the middle of never ending problems. No one to lend us a helping hand. Not even our dearest and closest ones. Not even our best friends, we feel so all alone-fighting tiredly in the battle of life.
We need to remember that our help comes only from the Lord. He might work amazingly far above whatever we could think of. He is the maker of heaven and earth. He is capable of doing anything. And it’s our privilege to be His children. Trust Him more, the one who can really help us, the one who is constantly reliable all the time. (-fon-)
“[A song of ascents.] I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
--- Psalm 121:1-2
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
TOTD, September 11
God Will Sustain Us
This world is somehow afraid of aging. Well, you can see that people are trying hard to stay young, not to mention forever young. They’ll try the cosmetic surgery, botox, or anti aging cream to keep their youthful look. It seems that it will be the end of the world if they find a wrinkle near their eyes or on their face. Of course it happens only at some of the people, not all.
As aging is an unavoidable natural process, we don’t need to be afraid of it. Of course we need to maintain our health and body with the good source of food, exercise, and spiritual balance with the Lord. We need to make some effort to maintain our body, mind, and soul, while at the same time keep on believing that even to our old age and gray hairs, He will sustain us. (-fon-)
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
--- Isaiah 46:4
This world is somehow afraid of aging. Well, you can see that people are trying hard to stay young, not to mention forever young. They’ll try the cosmetic surgery, botox, or anti aging cream to keep their youthful look. It seems that it will be the end of the world if they find a wrinkle near their eyes or on their face. Of course it happens only at some of the people, not all.
As aging is an unavoidable natural process, we don’t need to be afraid of it. Of course we need to maintain our health and body with the good source of food, exercise, and spiritual balance with the Lord. We need to make some effort to maintain our body, mind, and soul, while at the same time keep on believing that even to our old age and gray hairs, He will sustain us. (-fon-)
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
--- Isaiah 46:4
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
TOTD, September 10
No Matter What: Rejoice
It’s easy to be glad in Him when everything seems okay, when everything runs smoothly according to our plan. But what if everything seems so wrong? The bible reminds us to stay in a positive attitude to the Lord. No matter what, no matter how: REJOICE in the Lord. (-fon-)
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior
--- Habakkuk 3:17-18
It’s easy to be glad in Him when everything seems okay, when everything runs smoothly according to our plan. But what if everything seems so wrong? The bible reminds us to stay in a positive attitude to the Lord. No matter what, no matter how: REJOICE in the Lord. (-fon-)
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior
--- Habakkuk 3:17-18
Monday, September 8, 2008
TOTD, September 09
Teach Me To Do Your Will
We have our own wishes and dreams. We have our own will. And many times we face a huge disappointment when reality bites. The fact that we’re facing at the moment is sometimes completely different with our will.
Today’s Psalm reminds us to ask God, may He teach us to do our will. Because He is our God and to obey Him is actually the way it should be.
Of course we got lots of struggling along the way, it won’t be easy, but we can do it. With God on our side, nothing is impossible. Humble ourselves and ask Him to teach us to do His will. (-fon-)
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
--- Psalm 143:10
We have our own wishes and dreams. We have our own will. And many times we face a huge disappointment when reality bites. The fact that we’re facing at the moment is sometimes completely different with our will.
Today’s Psalm reminds us to ask God, may He teach us to do our will. Because He is our God and to obey Him is actually the way it should be.
Of course we got lots of struggling along the way, it won’t be easy, but we can do it. With God on our side, nothing is impossible. Humble ourselves and ask Him to teach us to do His will. (-fon-)
Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.
--- Psalm 143:10
Sunday, September 7, 2008
TOTD, September 06-08
Sing Praise to Him
Today I got this wonderful quotation from the internet. Taken from Larry James Peacock’s book, I’d like to share it to you all.
FROM SHORE TO SHORE
Let God’s praise be sung.
From mountain highs to valleys low
Let the echo of praise resound.
From the mouths of children and the prayers of saints
Let thanksgiving abound.
---Larry James Peacock
Openings: A Daybook of Saints, Psalms, and Prayer
Yes, let’s praise Him with the beauty of the nature. From shore to shore, from mountain high to valley low. And even we can sing a new song everyday for Him because He’s worthy to receive all those praises and honor. He’s amazing! (-fon-)
Praise the LORD.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.
--- Psalm 149:1
Be Sure
Today I read an article in The Sunday Times with mixed feelings. At first, I feel strange that in a country like the Netherlands has already legalized euthanasia, but that’s the fact. And Marc Weide’s mother chose to have one. Marc is a writer, so he wrote down every single feeling that he has captured during that period of time.
It’s very strange to plan your death, like the coffin, the flower arrangements, even to which restaurant that your family member should go after the funeral, but those things were what Marc’s mom had planned.
She planned everything in detail. She got a terminal cancer and chose to have euthanasia. She died on February 11, and was buried on February 16.
Then I wonder, should we lose hope? Of course not!
As Christian we believe that no matter how hopeless the situation might be, either it’s the incurable disease like cancer in last stage or even unsolvable debt, He will show us the way.
And back to the death itself, He is the one who’s giving us life, and I’m sure He also knows when He thinks that our responsibility in this world has finished in His perspective. And be sure of what He has promised in John 14 that He will prepare a place for us later on when He thinks that we’re done in our responsibility in this world. (-fon-)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
--- John 14:1-3
Uncontaminated
We need to stay unspotted and uncontaminated from the world. In other words, we need to keep ourselves from being polluted from this world. The world might be so polluted and full of sins at the moment, but we don’t need to put ourselves under its influence. We need to stay uncontaminated and make a difference as God’s disciples. (-fon-)
External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.
--- James 1:27
Today I got this wonderful quotation from the internet. Taken from Larry James Peacock’s book, I’d like to share it to you all.
FROM SHORE TO SHORE
Let God’s praise be sung.
From mountain highs to valleys low
Let the echo of praise resound.
From the mouths of children and the prayers of saints
Let thanksgiving abound.
---Larry James Peacock
Openings: A Daybook of Saints, Psalms, and Prayer
Yes, let’s praise Him with the beauty of the nature. From shore to shore, from mountain high to valley low. And even we can sing a new song everyday for Him because He’s worthy to receive all those praises and honor. He’s amazing! (-fon-)
Praise the LORD.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
his praise in the assembly of the saints.
--- Psalm 149:1
Be Sure
Today I read an article in The Sunday Times with mixed feelings. At first, I feel strange that in a country like the Netherlands has already legalized euthanasia, but that’s the fact. And Marc Weide’s mother chose to have one. Marc is a writer, so he wrote down every single feeling that he has captured during that period of time.
It’s very strange to plan your death, like the coffin, the flower arrangements, even to which restaurant that your family member should go after the funeral, but those things were what Marc’s mom had planned.
She planned everything in detail. She got a terminal cancer and chose to have euthanasia. She died on February 11, and was buried on February 16.
Then I wonder, should we lose hope? Of course not!
As Christian we believe that no matter how hopeless the situation might be, either it’s the incurable disease like cancer in last stage or even unsolvable debt, He will show us the way.
And back to the death itself, He is the one who’s giving us life, and I’m sure He also knows when He thinks that our responsibility in this world has finished in His perspective. And be sure of what He has promised in John 14 that He will prepare a place for us later on when He thinks that we’re done in our responsibility in this world. (-fon-)
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
--- John 14:1-3
Uncontaminated
We need to stay unspotted and uncontaminated from the world. In other words, we need to keep ourselves from being polluted from this world. The world might be so polluted and full of sins at the moment, but we don’t need to put ourselves under its influence. We need to stay uncontaminated and make a difference as God’s disciples. (-fon-)
External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.
--- James 1:27
Thursday, September 4, 2008
TOTD, September 05
Sanctify Through and Through
Here’s the word of the Lord:
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
--- 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
That’s our hope, so that God sanctifies us through and through. We know that we’re only human with lots of sins, but our God has the power to do so as long as we repent and turn from our wicked ways. (-fon-)
Here’s the word of the Lord:
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
--- 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
That’s our hope, so that God sanctifies us through and through. We know that we’re only human with lots of sins, but our God has the power to do so as long as we repent and turn from our wicked ways. (-fon-)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
TOTD, September 04
He Knows What’s Best For Us
Have you ever wondered why your life was moving this way? Maybe it’s not exactly like what you want or maybe it’s totally different with what you’ve dreamt of.
One thing that’s very sure: He knows the best for us. He will teach us for what’s best for us. And He’ll do even more, He will direct us in the way we should go.
Sometimes we thought we know what’s best for us, but actually He knows us better than we know ourselves. And for sure He knows what will be the best for us. Trust Him to find our more on His best plans in our life. (-fon-)
This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
--- Isaiah 48:17
Have you ever wondered why your life was moving this way? Maybe it’s not exactly like what you want or maybe it’s totally different with what you’ve dreamt of.
One thing that’s very sure: He knows the best for us. He will teach us for what’s best for us. And He’ll do even more, He will direct us in the way we should go.
Sometimes we thought we know what’s best for us, but actually He knows us better than we know ourselves. And for sure He knows what will be the best for us. Trust Him to find our more on His best plans in our life. (-fon-)
This is what the LORD says—
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God,
who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
--- Isaiah 48:17
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
TOTD, September 03
Overflow With Hope
Looking at your present life, you might feel hopeless maybe it’s because you don’t see any solution for your present problems. Everything seems stuck and you have nowhere to run.
But the soothing words from Romans remind us that our God is the God of hope. He will fill us with all joy and peace. All we need to do is to trust him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Keep on hoping, keep on believing, and let the God of Hope lead us in this life.
(-fon-)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
--- Romans 15:13
Looking at your present life, you might feel hopeless maybe it’s because you don’t see any solution for your present problems. Everything seems stuck and you have nowhere to run.
But the soothing words from Romans remind us that our God is the God of hope. He will fill us with all joy and peace. All we need to do is to trust him, so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Keep on hoping, keep on believing, and let the God of Hope lead us in this life.
(-fon-)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
--- Romans 15:13
Monday, September 1, 2008
TOTD, September 02
Christ Lives in Me
The day we acknowledge God as our Savior, it’s the day when we left our past behind. Like what’s written in Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Whatever our past is, either good or bad, extremely good or extremely bad, it doesn’t matter anymore. If it’s so bad, as long as we turn over a new leaf and start anew with God, He will live in us.
Today, we can be proud to say Christ lives in us. Let’s live by faith to glorify His name.
(-fon-)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
--- Galatians 2:20
The day we acknowledge God as our Savior, it’s the day when we left our past behind. Like what’s written in Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Whatever our past is, either good or bad, extremely good or extremely bad, it doesn’t matter anymore. If it’s so bad, as long as we turn over a new leaf and start anew with God, He will live in us.
Today, we can be proud to say Christ lives in us. Let’s live by faith to glorify His name.
(-fon-)
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
--- Galatians 2:20
TOTD, September 01
Renunciation
When I went to church yesterday, I was being reminded once more about renunciation (self-denial). The homily was about following Jesus. To become His disciple, one must renounce himself, take up his daily cross and follow Him in His path of faith.
It’s not always easy, many times taking up the cross and renunciation itself are very hard, full of struggles, and sometimes painful.
But, we won’t give up because His faithfulness will be there to see us through and we need to grow in faith by trusting Him more.
Let’s renew our faith today, so that we can become His good disciples.
(-fon-)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
--- Matthew 16:24
When I went to church yesterday, I was being reminded once more about renunciation (self-denial). The homily was about following Jesus. To become His disciple, one must renounce himself, take up his daily cross and follow Him in His path of faith.
It’s not always easy, many times taking up the cross and renunciation itself are very hard, full of struggles, and sometimes painful.
But, we won’t give up because His faithfulness will be there to see us through and we need to grow in faith by trusting Him more.
Let’s renew our faith today, so that we can become His good disciples.
(-fon-)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
--- Matthew 16:24
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