TOTD, October 01 – When the Spirit of God is Within Us

When the Spirit of God is Within Us…

Remember the book of Daniel? One of the verses from Daniel 5 shows us how Daniel got the insight, intelligence, and outstanding wisdom. All of them are within Him because the spirit of God is within Him.

So, when the Holy Spirit fills us, we can do all things through Christ. Insight, intelligence, and outstanding wisdom could be with us, as long as we cling to Him-the source of everything wonderful and marvellous in our life. (-fon-)

So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? ¹⁴ I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom.

--- Daniel 5:13-14

TOTD, September 29 – Use Words Wisely

Use Words Wisely

“Spread the love of God through your life but only use words when necessary.”
― Mother Teresa

Today when I searched some quotes from Mother Theresa, I encountered this one. It’s quite interesting for me, because she said that we should only use words when necessary. Of course we need to talk, share our feelings with our best friends or family. But we can also see that many problems happen due to not picking the right words. Some words that lead to arguments or even big fight. And it’s only because of that tiny little part of our body-the tongue.

Today, I’m going to start choosing my words more wisely. Of course, it’s not an easy process. But, if only I can try my best today, hopefully it can become better and better. May all of us-God’s children- can control our tongue better and choose words more wisely. (-fon-)

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.

--- James 1:26

TOTD, September 30-Joyful in God

Joyful in God

I’ve just started joining a dancing class called Zumba recently. My teacher- a lady from Japan called Oda, is a very energetic-full of smile and happy person. Even though she speaks very little English, but she makes everybody happy. With her mimic, gesture, and that tiny- little bit of English, all of us are having fun in her dancing class. From Oda, I see some positive points. It seemed that she’s really enjoying what she does so much. And it’s reflected on her face and smile.

Then suddenly she gives me an inspiration: I will put my best efforts to do whatever tasks in this life that God has entrusted me with. And like Oda, hopefully we can stay rejoice in the Lord-stay joyful in Him. Bring the positive energy and spirit into our life and spread them to others. I’m sure we’ll be able to do that with God’s love inside of us. Be joyful and smileeee:)

(-fon-)

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

--- Habakkuk 3:18

TOTD, September 28-Music from My Heart

Music from My Heart

I want to sing, sing, sing…

For Your Love everlasting…

I thank You for the warmth You bring

Like the sun that’s brightly shining

Into my life and let me once again sing

Forever You’ll always be my King. (-fon-)

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

--- Ephesians 5:19-20

TOTD, September 27-Source of Comfort

Source of Comfort

God is the source of our comfort. His comfort is felt in all seasons of our life. Even though we face problems, no need to be afraid because we have the source of love and comfort who enables us to stand strong and comfort others who experience sufferings. May the peace of the Lord be with us always. (-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 receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

--- 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

TOTD, September 25-26: Through Anxiety with God

Don’t Be Anxious

The Bible verse today reminds us to stay calm. Don’t be anxious about anything. In every situation, bring those worries and anxious thoughts to the Lord. As long as we’ve done our best and then surrender to Him, let Him do the rest. By trusting Him, hopefully we’ll have the peace of God inside our heart and mind. May His peace be with us all. Amen. (-fon-)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

--- Philippians 4:6-7

Lead Me the Way

Only You, God who knows my heart.

You know my thoughts and my mind…

Sometimes my mind might wander…

Here, there, far away…

I need You to show me the way…

To lead me…

And let me follow Your path

with a peaceful heart

because I know that you’re my God. (-fon-)

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

--- Psalm 139:22-24

TOTD, September 24- Glory in Suffering

Glory in Suffering

Still the topic that I encountered recently, a blog of a fabulous young man-Rheza Christian (http://gayot.posterous.com/) who had a rare cancer and died on 13^th of September 2011, made me really see how human being can still be able to glorify the Lord even in their sufferings. Rheza had written 5 articles. All precious and could become a legacy that would last for long time. He has shown the world how to face suffering without self-pity. But instead found some good points to value life, family, friends, and strengthen others.

Nobody likes the word ‘suffering’. But it’s unavoidable in our life. Many times, suffering is actually a tool to make us stronger if only we see it in faith’s perspective. To glorify the Lord, we need to face the sufferings bravely. Because we believe that suffering is eventually will produce perseverance; perseverance-character; and character will produce hope.

(-fon-)

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

--- Romans 5:3-4

TOTD, September 22-Forgiveness

Forgiveness

God wants us to bear with each other and forgive one another if any of us has grievance against someone. Let it be perfect unity which is bound by love. And finally, when we forgive one another, let the peace of Christ fill us, so that we might live a peaceful life.

Of course it’s not easy to put this into action. But, forgiveness is actually good for us. When we learn to forgive, we will have a peaceful heart. If we can’t forgive at this moment because it may be too painful for us, we can ask Christ to help us and enable us to feel His love. And with His love, we’ll have enough strength to try to forgive. (-fon-)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

--- Colossians 3:13-15

TOTD, September 21: Wait Patiently for the Lord

Wait Patiently for the Lord

When we’re sad and full of troubles, it’s easy to think that God has already forgotten us or we’re left behind. But, actually we can wait on the Lord. Wait patiently for Him. Because He will never leave us alone. He’ll always be there for us. He will turn to us, hear our cry, and even hug us. God is faithful, we need to seek Him faithfully as well. (-fon-)

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

--- Psalm 40:1

TOTD, September 20: Words of Comfort

Words of Comfort

We need to watch our words, so that we can choose words which can help for building others. It’s not easy to do so. Sometimes we have some frustration or stress inside of us and suddenly we can’t control our words. But, let’s try to be more constructive in giving criticism (if we need to do that). Try our best not to let others down with our cynical words which won’t help much, only left pain behind. May our words become soothing ones- words of comfort for those who need them. (-fon-)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

--- Ephesians 4:29

TOTD, September 19: Be Holy in All We Do

Be Holy in All We Do

Today’s verse reminds us to be holy in all we do. Even though our flesh is weak, but let the Holy Spirit guide us so that we can face and conquer the temptations of life with God’s guidance. (-fon-)

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;

--- 1 Peter 1:14-15

TOTD, September 18: Hope in God

Hope in God

When our soul seemed so disturbed, it’s actually time to put hope in the Lord. Maybe we have some serious problems which have stolen our joy. But in God, we need to stay rejoice, no matter what problem that we’re currently facing.

With hope in God, we believe that we can get through all things in Him. With His new strength, He’ll enable us to see problems from different perspective. Everything happens for a reason. And in His perfect timing, everything will be wonderful in His time. Put our trust in the Lord. For He’s our Savior and God who will never leave us alone. (-fon-)

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

--- Psalm 42:5

TOTD, September 16-17: A Good Life that Pleases God

Show it by Good Life

Are we wise and understanding? The bible reminds us to show it by our good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom. Let’s show this world that we’re His precious ones, the ones that He love so much by our example of good life. (-fon-)

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

--- James 3:13

A Life That Pleases God

Today, let’s pray that we will live a life that’s worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way. I pray that we will bear fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Amen. (-fon-)

so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

--- Colossians 1:10

TOTD, September 15: God is Love

God is Love

It’s easy to say that we’re Christ’s disciples, but when it comes to prove that how well we can show it to this world, it’s not that easy.

We tend to be selfish. While we need to realize that if we say we are Christians, we need to show that God is love and He reigns in our life. And that means in our daily life, we need to imitate His character which is full of love. We need to shower the people surround us with love. Our family, friends, even to the people who dislike us. Let seek for God’s love, dwell in it, and show it to this world.

(-fon-)

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

--- 1 John 4:16

TOTD, September 14-Jesus as the Example

Jesus as the Example

In relationship with one another, according to the book of Philippians, we need to have Christ’s mindset. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality as something to be used to His own advantage. Rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.

Hmmm, how often we-human being- think proudly of ourselves when we have something better than others? Either more intelligent, richer, prettier, or etc. But, let Jesus be our example, stay humble and be thankful for what He has given us. (-fon-)

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

--- Philippians 2: 5-7

TOTD, September 10-13: From 1 Peter 3

Be Sympathetic and Compassionate

Have you ever laughed on other’s sufferings and even said, “ Serve you right!” Well, if you do that, you’re not alone. I think most of us-sometimes somehow-has already experienced that. Happy while others sad. But, today’s verse from 1 Peter 3 reminds us to be sympathetic, to be compassionate. Let’s love one another. Put ourselves in other’s shoe: if we’re the one who suffer, will we be happy if others laugh at us? Let’s try to be more compassionate and full of love to others. (-fon-)

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

--- 1 Peter 3:8

Repay with Blessing

One of the hardest things to do, maybe that’s what you think. How could we repay evil with blessing? If someone treat us badly, isn’t it fair that we take revenge? But today’s bible reminds us to do the contrarian. Repay insult with blessing. Praying for those who ill-treated us. Repay with blessing, because to this we were called so that we may inherit a blessing. (-fon-)

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing

--- 1 Peter 3:9

Doing Right

The bible reminds us that even we should suffer for what is right, we need to do it anyway. Because we will be blessed. Never fear in doing what is right. (-fon-)

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.

--- 1 Peter 3:13-14

Christ Has Suffered for Us

If we’re wondering why we need to experience the suffering, maybe we need to remember this. Christ has already suffered for us. He’s very good and righteous. He didn’t suppose to bear that, but He wanted to sacrifice for our sins. He needed to do that to bring us closer to God. Let’s stay thankful in Him for He’s been so good to us.

(-fon-)

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

--- 1 Peter 3: 18

TOTD, September 09 – Let Your Spirit Lead Us

Let Your Spirit Lead Us

Dear God,

today we’ll ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our life one more time. Even in the midst of chaotic world, let Your Spirit-which is good-lead us into upright attitude. Teach us to do your will, let us surrender our stubborn behaviour and change it with a heart of wisdom. We want to follow You all of our life. Amen.

(-fon-)

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

--- Psalm 143:10

TOTD, September 08- All Things Work Together for Good

All Things Work Together for Good

Have you experienced that one day is good, the other is pretty bad, while another one is very bad? I have experienced that before. And I think each of us has that kind of daily routine as well.

But in God’s bigger picture, all things work together for good. Sometimes we think that the worst thing has happened to our life, but many times I’ve proved that God can turn even the worst things into a good one. He knows better than us. Just do our best and surrender in faith to Him. He’ll show us the way. (-fon-)

And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose.

--- Romans 8:28

TOTD, September 07- Love One Another

Love One Another

We might have some problems in the family, between siblings, between aunt-niece, between husband and wife. With friends or colleagues, there might be some disputes too. Disagreement is normal because it’s normal to have different opinions. But as long as love is the foundation, let every difference enrich us, not tear us apart. God has always commanded us to love one another, let’s try our best to do so. (-fon-)

Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.

--- 2 John 1:6

TOTD, September 6 – All Glory to Him Forever

All Glory to Him Forever

Everything on earth is from Him. All that we have, all that we are comes from Him. Because of His power, everything is made possible. Let all the earth, heavens, and all that we are praise Him. We live to glorify Him. Amen. (-fon-)

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.

--- Romans 11:36

TOTD, September 04-05: Let’s rejoice!

Whatever Happens, Rejoice in the Lord

It’s easy to rejoice when things go according to our plans or we got successful things in our life. But what if things are falling apart? Sadness comes into our life and our effort seems in vain?

The verse today reminds us that whatever happens, we need to stay rejoice in the Lord. We’re glad that He will be with us, no matter how bad the situation in our perspective, but God knows the best for us. (-fon-)

Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord

--- Philippians 3:1

The Lord Reigns, Let’s Rejoice!

Let all the heavens and all the earth be glad and rejoice. Tell all the nations the Lord reigns. His kingdom lasts forever and ever. (-fon-)

Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice!
Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!”

--- 1 Chronicles 16:31

TOTD, September 03- Let God Fill Us

Let God Fill us

Talking about taking up our cross and turn from our selfish ways, will be in a greater perspective if only we understand more about those things.

I’ve just read a Catholic website that Jesus wants us to empty ourselves so that God can fill us. When we suffer, we can choose to seek consolation in God and become closer to Jesus.

Suffering in our perspective is nothing compared to what God has already experienced. He was crucified for us, what else we could expect for? And if we suffer, it’s actually another way to get closer to God. If we can empty ourselves, then God will begin to fill those empty parts. Let Him be the king of our life. Let Him fill us.

(-fon-)

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.

--- Matthew 16:24

TOTD, September 1-2: From Psalm 100

Worship the Lord with Gladness

Let’s come to Him with a joyful heart. Shout with joy, worship Him with gladness. Singing and praising Him forever in our life, because He’s been good and very kind to us. We thank You, Lord. (-fon-)

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.

--- Psalm 100: 1-4

God is Good

The Lord our God is good. His faithfulness continues. Today, tomorrow, from generation to generation. My deepest thanks to You, O Lord. For your wonderful love in our life. (-fon-)

For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

--- Psalm 100: 5