TOTD, December 29-30

Even Evil Spirits Obeyed Him

I watched this episode of ‘Supernatural’ in AXN. I seldom watch this though, but I heard it’s a good movie, so I try to watch. That episode showed me how they cast the evil spirit in the form of a ponytail of hair left from the dead person. And finally, they won. They cast the evil spirit away.

Then, somehow, it reminds me of Jesus. How He is able to cast the demons. And like we can read in the bible today, those evil spirits even obeyed Him. There’s none like Jesus. There’s no authority like Him. Praise the Lord. (-fon-)

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"

"Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him." News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

--- Mark 1:21-28

He Has Overcome the World

Jesus reminds us that in this world we will have trouble. It’s unavoidable. It’s predictable. But, in Him, He also offers the peaceful life amidst troubles. He has overcome the world. So, why should we worry too much? (-fon-)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

--- John 16:33

TOTD, December 26-28

Bless the Lord, O My Soul

I just remembered one of the songs of the Taize Mass that I’ve heard few years back then in Jakarta but popped up in my mind on this very day, while I’m writing this Thought of the Day.

When our soul is tired, weary, seems like losing hope, it’s really hard to bless the Lord. But that’s the way we should do, that’s the right thing to do.

In the darkest valley of our life, keep remembering His goodness. In the bad days of our problems, keep bless His Holy name.

Bless the Lord, O My Soul!(-fon-)

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

--- Psalm 103:1-2

He is the Rock

Just reminds us that He’s faithful and perfect. He’s the Rock. Here’s the verse from the book of Deuteronomy:

He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.

--- Deuteronomy 32:4

When you feel the road is bumpy, never forget that He is the Rock that you can rely on. Whenever you feel that you’re lack of faith, ask Him to fill your heart with new faith, because He’s faithful God who does no wrong. (-fon-)

The Spirit Reveals

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. And the Spirit will reveal many things for us. Because God has revealed it through the Spirit. Let’s pray for the spirit reveal more things in our life, so that this verse will come true. Amen. (-fon-)

However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him"— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

--- 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

TOTD, December 24-25

By Faith

If I were Abraham, I might get confused of the Lord’s message. Should I go or shouldn’t I? Because I don’t know where I’m going and moreover I don’t know what will happen there. But, with his faith, Abraham just follow God’s instruction. Because He has faith. Because He believes in God.

Learning from that, I might say that we need to put more faith in God. And keep on believing that His plans won’t harm us. On the contrary, His plans will be the best for us. Amen. (-fon-)

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

--- Hebrews 11:8

Jesus Was Born Today

It’s Christmas day. Far from what the world offered this very day, Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas cakes-gifts-sale, etc. We need to remember that the message of His Birth is still the same. God so loved the world, so He gave His only son. A son is given to us and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Merry Christmas, Happy birthday Jesus!

(-fon-)

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

--- Isaiah 9:6

TOTD, December 23

God, Protect Me!

When you feel that the pain in your life has increased to the level that you couldn’t take any longer as a human, I think there’s nothing we can do except for asking God for His protection.

Realizing that we’re weak-our flesh is weak-but the Spirit of the Lord is strong, real strong indeed, made me realize that even though in pain and distress, we must seek Him with all our heart. And once again, we keep on believing that His salvation will protect us.

Surrender your problems, surrender your pain. May Your salvation, Lord protect me. Amen. (-fon-)

I am in pain and distress;
may your salvation, O God, protect me.

--- Psalm 69:29

TOTD, December 22

He Will Not Slumber

As our God is never on holiday and moreover never sleeps, He will not let our foot slip. Not a single step! He who watches over us will not slumber (Psalm 121).

I just want to ask God for all the help that I need, because I know my help comes from Him, the Maker of heaven and earth. (-fon-)

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

--- Psalm 121:2-3

TOTD, December 19-21

Do What is Right

It’s not easy to do the right thing. It’s not always possible for us to do it, while we are so easy to be tempted to do the easier things rather than the right ones. But as God reminded Cain about doing what is right, today we’re reminded again to do the right things. Hopefully we can choose whatever is right. And if let say we did wrong thing this time, hopefully we can repent and choose to do the right one. (-fon-)

Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."

--- Genesis 4:6-7

The True Comfort from God

Troubles are unavoidable. They come and go in this life. Unpredictable but yet always fill our life. Sometimes those problems made us worried, scared, anxious. While at the same time those problems made us closer to God if only we know that He is the source of all solution. Trust Him for true comfort. Never find another. Only from Him, we’ll get all the comfort we 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

Thirsty for You

The Psalm 42 reminds me that somehow our soul is having some emptiness inside, some thirst, some hunger for the Higher Self. God Himself. Jesus.

Our life will never be complete without the Lord. I’m thirsty for You, Lord. Fill me with your living water! (-fon-)

As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God?

--- Psalm 42:1-2

TOTD, December 18

Rejoice in the Lord Always

Loving God, help me be the face of joy to someone who might be struggling today. If I am facing struggles of my own, gently guide my thoughts toward gratitude, that I may rejoice always in you. Amen.

- Beth A. Richardson
The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas

Here’s our prayer today, taken from The Upper Room website. Hoping that we could be someone’s joy in his struggles. And if we’re in times of struggling as well, let You guide us God to stay thankful. In whatever we face, hopefully we can rejoice. (-fon-)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

--- Philippians 4:4

TOTD, December 17

Live to the fullest in Him

After watching few episodes of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ in AXN, I’m beginning to think that actually-in some ways- our life is kind of similar with the dance floor. In the dance floor of that show, the dancers danced all out. They can come to near perfection, flawless in their performances. I admire them, really! Their hard work, their talents, the world’s best choreographers combined altogether made them unforgettable.

In the dance floor on this life, how can we dance? Do we dance well in His Guidance or do we dance out of track, lack of practice? Don’t want to focus on our steps in life? Our dance steps depend on our relationship with God, our ability to change for the better in Him, and keep on believing that eventually He’ll turn our mourning into dancing-into gladness. He will give us comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Let’s dance our life and live to the fullest in Him! (-fon-)

Then maidens will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

--- Jeremiah 31:13

TOTD, 16 December

Run With Perseverance

God will take us and change us into something more than we could ever have dreamed --- if we will refuse to give up and just keep running the race that is set before us (Joyce Meyer).

I totally agree with what Joyce said. When we run for the race with perseverance, there’s nothing impossible. Sometimes, we just easily give up. We stop running, we don’t even walking. Even though we’re crawling, we’re walking in slow motion, one thing is for sure: keep going. And God will give the blessing for those who refuse to give up. (-fon-)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

--- Hebrews 12:1

TOTD, December 15

Pray for those Who Persecute You

This title sounds crazy. A normal person will definitely think, how can I pray for those who have been ill-treating me? Especially those whom I meet regularly and yet keep doing bad things to me. They talked behind your back. Sometimes they even spread some false rumors about you. And it’s pretty sad that sometimes those persons are your loved one. Your best friends, your family members or relatives (Aunts, Uncles, Nephews, Nieces, or cousins).

Annoyed. Sad. Angry. Frustrated. What you should do? Sounds impossible, but this is it! You need to love your enemies and pray for them. Pray for those who persecute you. Because prayers change things. The impossible things could happen if only you pray and change as well. Change for the better. Change our attitude in facing the persecutors of our life. Not easy, though. Somehow it seems -again- as mission impossible. But, let God guide us and give us strength to make a good difference in our life. Amen. (-fon-)

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor^a]"> and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies^b]"> and pray for those who persecute you.

--- Matthew 5:43-44

TOTD, December 12-14

Be Alert, Be Present!

This is what God says,
the God who builds a road right through the ocean,
who carves a path through pounding waves,
The God who summons horses and chariots and armies—
they lie down and then can't get up;
they're snuffed out like so many candles:
"Forget about what's happened;
don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it?
There it is! I'm making a road through the desert,
rivers in the badlands.
Wild animals will say 'Thank you!'
—the coyotes and the buzzards—
Because I provided water in the desert,
rivers through the sun-baked earth,
Drinking water for the people I chose,
the people I made especially for myself,
a people custom-made to praise me.

--- Isaiah 43:16-21 (The Message)

Unlike the Bible, most of the people we meet often cling very hard with their past. While the Bible reminds us never keep going over old history, but what we’ve done just rewind those old sadness over and over again. God will make something brand-new. Everyday is a new day. A new experience in Him. Prepare for a brand new day! (-fon-)

Be the Change

Today, as I went to the Duc Ba Church (Saigon Notre Dame Basilica), I saw a foreigner few rows in front of me wearing this shirt: Be the change you wish to see in the world (Mahatma Gandhi).

For quite some time, I was thinking back and forth about this sentence. Sometimes, we’re lazy to get through a change. Because we’re already in comfort zone, or maybe we’re scared of the change. We somehow knew that changes have never been easy. Sometimes the process is so painful and we don’t like to get through that. But we can overcome all changes, we can be the change itself, as long as we trust Him. We can do all things (and that includes changes), in Christ. (-fon-)

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

--- Phillipians 4:13

Wait on the Lord Patiently

Why You’re not answering any of my prayers, Lord? Why You have to give these burdens to me, they’re so heavy, God? Why You don’t help me when I feel really really down, Jesus?

Maybe those things pop up on your mind. But today’s bible reminds us to stay faithful. To wait for Him patiently. Because He listens. He will turn to us and hear our cry for help. Never doubt about it. (-fon-)

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

---Psalm 40:1

TOTD, December 11

Taming the Tongue

The book of James keeps reminding us to tame the tongue. Because a person is considered perfect if only he can control what he says, if only he can tame his own tongue.

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. (James 3:2).

It might be hard to be perfect, but at least the act of controlling needs an effort. And let’s start to control it right now. (-fon-)

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt^a]"> water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

--- James 3:9-12

TOTD, December 10

No Longer I, but Christ in Me

What would that be like? To

have a child within is a miracle, but to have Christ within?

To have my voice, but him speaking.
My steps, but Christ leading.
My heart, but his love beating
in me, through me, with me.
What's it like to have Christ on the inside?

To tap his strength when mine expires
or feel the force of heaven's fires
raging, purging wrong desires.
Could Christ become my self entire?

So much him, so little me
That in my eyes it's him they see.
What's it like to a Mary be?
No longer I, but Christ in me.

(Max Lucado, Next Door Savior).

Wonderful expression of heart from Max Lucado. If only we can understand that it’s Him who’s in control. It’s Him that so much and my self so little. Maybe, we’ll find more peaceful at heart rather than keep pursuing our wants, our ego, and our thoughts. It’s all about Him. It’s all about Jesus. Let Jesus guide us in every day of our life. Every step that we make. Everything that we do. (-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, December 09

Nourish and Nurture

This is amazing. I think, I don’t have anything to say. Just read this testimony and you’ll see why.

I was six years old when my mother gave birth to twin sisters. My grandma came to our house and spent four months helping my mum in looking after her and the newly-born twins.
Twenty-eight years after, I can still remember her and what she did for us, since that was the first and last time I saw her. She would always be the last one to eat her meals. She would make sure we ate and were satisfied. Otherwise, she would either give us her own share or invite us to eat with her again. She always told us that adult people's stomachs were full once children had had enough food.
Whenever we asked how this was possible, she answered: ‘You are responsible for tomorrow because we are dying soon. It is through you that we will survive.' That was her way of showing her love for us and her care for what we represented for her.
'Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' (Matthew 25:40)

By: Tekadiomona Nima SJ

(Source: Sacredspace website).

Together with the Pope and Christians through all the world, let’s make this our prayer intention as well. (-fon-)

TOTD, December 08

Peace on Earth, Peace at Heart

In 1963 Pope John addressed his great encyclical Pacem in Terris to a world living under the shadow and threat of war. He spoke fearlessly of a divinely established order in human affairs which is the basis of peace.

The world will never be the dwelling place of peace till peace has found a home in the heart of each and every person, till every person preserves in himself the order ordained by God to be preserved.

Pacem in Terris. Peace begins with me. (Sacred Space website).

Let’s make this world a better place, a more peaceful one. And that thing can happen if only we- each of us- found a home of peace at heart. Not everywhere else. Peace begins inside our heart.

(-fon-)

Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]

--- Luke 2:14

TOTD, December 05-07

TOTD, December 05

Think Big

Our thoughts become a border around our lives. If we think little, we will live little. If we think big, we will live big. (Joyce Meyer)

There are times when you feel so low. Your thoughts drag you to think negatively all the time and you just follow them. But today’s verse of Mark reminds us that we need to believe in Jesus then everything is possible for those who believe in Him. Think big and as Joyce Meyer said, live big. All for His glory. (-fon-)

" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."

--- Mark 9:23

TOTD, December 06

He is the Resurrection and Life

Talking about death, maybe some of us don’t like it or even hate it. Thinking of the word of death made some of us feel scared and frightened. Is it really bad? Is the death itself so bad?

God told us to stay faithful in Him. Then we’ll get a reward, even though we die, we will live in Him. Because He is the resurrection and the life. (-fon-)

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;

--- John 11:25

TOTD, December 07

Sing to the Lord!

In times of trouble, it’s almost impossible to sing. Or maybe we can sing, but all the songs will be song of sadness and pain. But in times of trouble, why don’t we try to sing to Him and praise His glorious things. Let His kindness be known all over the world. And then, suddenly you feel like being lifted up. All the burdens will somehow disappear, because you know that you trust the right One. God himself, who can do all things in this life.

And let our life be a good song, a wonderful song, dedicated to the lord. (-fon-)

(-fon-)

Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.

--- Isaiah 12:5

TOTD, December 04

Will Have the Light of Life

Jesus has promised, for those who follow him will never walk in darkness. But will have the light of life. Never walk with another, walk with Jesus, the Light Himself.

(-fon-)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

--- John 8:12

TOTD, December 01-03

TOTD, December 01

Out of Darkness and Gloom

If you feel distress, then find the Lord in your trouble, just be sure that He will bring you out of darkness and deepest gloom. He will never fail to do it. (-fon-)

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress.

He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom
and broke away their chains.

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for men

--- Psalm 107:13-15

TOTD, December 02

Precious Blood of Christ

We’re redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. And not by perishable things such as silver or gold. Just treasure our life with all our heart, do everything best that we could, and let it be a wonderful praise of His love. (-fon-)

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

--- 1 Peter 1:18-19

TOTD, December 03

My Redeemer Lives

Job has shown me the faith. He trust the Lord with all his heart. He knows that in the end, He will stand upon the earth. Even his skin has been destroyed, yet in his flesh, he will see God. Let’s learn to be like Job. Let’s learn that our Redeemer lives! (-fon-)

I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.

And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;

I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!

--- Job 19:25-27

TOTD, November 27-30

TOTD, November 27

How Long, God?

Maybe this question ever popped up on your mind.

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

--- Psalm 13:2

I’d like to discuss the first part only. How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and everyday have sorrow in my heart?

Yes, we tend to wrestle and play inside our mind. Within our thoughts. And that often make us feel sad. Sorrow in our heart. But, as long as we surrender our thought to the Lord, I’m sure, He will show us how to handle them. And hopefully joyful thoughts will change the sadness. Amen. (-fon-)

TOTD, November 28

You Alone Are the Lord

Only God is the Lord. There’s no other. There’s none like Him. The heavens, the star, the earth, the moon, the sun, the air, the cloud, the rain, the tree, all things He made. And let all things praise Him and worship Him. (-fon-)

You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

--- Nehemiah 9:6

TOTD, November 29

Amazed

There’s time when we feel amazed like these men on the Bible. “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and waves of life obey him!” Yes, He’s Jesus. And even the storm of life will obey Him. Nothing is too big or too powerful for Him. Let’s not be afraid because if He’s with us, nothing is impossible. (-fon-)

The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"

--- Matthew 8:27

TOTD, November 30

The Lord Watches Over the Righteous

Be righteous, because He watches the righteous ones. (-fon-)

For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

--- Psalm 1:6