Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Holey Holey Holey
Wow...today ain't the bests of day...
Looks Like I will not ba able to provide my friends support dduring FYP and my FYP is now in a precarious position.
I spent most of my time today quiet. Amazing right. Yeap Cos I'm troubled in spirit. I'm asking God. Why? Why are all the things happening? Oh Cos...my FYP clash was not the only bad news I had for the day.
My teammates are concerned. Well thank you but silence is really appreciated at times like that unless you know what to say or do. Well... After a while of sulking at God and wondering if that is the right thing to do ( I thought of Job. ), He made clear one thing...
Holy Holy Holy... Yeap that is all I've got. He's Holy
I've being asking Questions like:
Lord..Why do you do this?
I know I'm not perfect and have done many wrong things?
Have I not proven myself enough?
etc...
And yes...The answer is He's Holy. Therefore trust Him.
Hahaha...Although I do not get the full answer immediately. Holy Holy Holy. Is the first part of the answer. God always...builds up. He makes sure that I grow...therefore he do not spoonfeed.
I got my holy holy holy answer during Hui Min's FYP. I need to donate blood and they use this lancet thingy. Something that punctures your finger and makes it bleed. My blood did not flow out properly the first two times they attempt to poke holes in my fingers. They said that my hands are too cold. Well... yes..I'm feeling cold and depress at that time...not to mention hungry.
After they poke the third hole, I mentioned about having holey fingers. Then it struck me. Holey Holey Holey....sounds kind of like holy holy holy.
It sort of remind me to trust God's faithfulness. of Course I ain't comforted yet. I tried to figure out if God can make my situation better but I saw no light...so...I sulk longer...till around the end of my fyp of today, I decided...well..let go let GOD. TRUST AND HAVE FAITH.
Cos the situation is ...really....a disaster.
On the way back... I chatted with Ray. Yeap and yes...we chatted and we saw what God did.....
And it's wow....
God had been preparing this event from the beginning....My intended "perfect" plan is a self righteous rush from camp to school. God did not want that. I'll only become more arrogant and tire myself out. So God makes sure that one off our cells do not grow well...so that we are forced to reschedule some of that cell's experiment to other days. What is left over is lesser but at an amount whereby faith is still needed.
God intervened...to...save the experiment and....to build my faith in Him....ain't it beautiful? Haha....And yes...indeed. He's holy Holy Holy. I should trust Him andd Hold on.
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Sunday, August 24, 2008
July 16, 2008
"My Ears are Itchin'"
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
2 Timothy 4: 3-4
I'm a Cubs fan. There, I've said it. In St. Louis, where Cardinal fanatics are everywhere, a Cubs fan needs support.
A recent article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch implies I've got it. The article spoke of Sister Colleen Olsen, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Sister Colleen is a wonderful lady, every year going to El Salvador to work in a maternity hospital, a hospital with a small chapel.
It was during one of her frequent visits to the chapel that Sister Colleen noticed something on the flagstone wall behind the altar. It was an image of the Chicago Cubs Bear. That's right; the team, which hasn't won the pennant in 100 years, has its mascot's image on a wall in an El Salvadorian chapel. Sister Colleen thinks it's a sign. She said, "I think this is our year." I think it would be nice.
On the other hand, I have a tough time believing God is using chapel walls to let the world know His favor is resting on the Cubs. Which takes me to the point of this devotion.
In 2nd Timothy, Paul warned the day would come when a lot of people would shop around for a preacher who would tell them the things they want to hear. These people would turn away from the truth and wander off into believing myths.
Now I don't doubt Sister Colleen is a good woman. I'm sure she is. But God's people need to be certain to follow the Lord's will and avoid shopping for a god who follows their own. And where will we find God's will?
Look to the Scriptures. There we are told of our sin and God's grace; there we will hear of how God loved us enough to send His only Son so all who believe on Him will not perish eternally, but will be given eternal life. And one thing we will not hear is anything about the Cubs winning the pennant in 2008.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for the Word that shows me my sinful shortcomings and Your great grace, which has come to me in Jesus. Help me to be faithful to Him and follow Your guidance. In His Name. Amen.
July 18, 2008
"Faith Is Pleasing To God"
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words. In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours, Kenneth R. Klaus Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
We each have a desire for things to make sense. This certainty of mind, however, isn't always possible. Life often gives us more gray areas than it does black and white. When it comes to matters of faith, we are to trust in God's Word.
However, this is a constant struggle because of the continued presence of sin in our lives. We want to trust in God. We know we should rely on Him exclusively in all situations, but then we also want to know that if we have to - - if it really comes down to it - - we can handle the situation ourselves.
In other words, we like to hedge our bets. If it looks like God isn't going to give us the answer we seek, we are prepared to step in and take care of the matter for Him. Faith, however, isn't supposed to be provisional. It's not something we apply on one occasion, only to suspend on another. Our relationship to God is based on faith. By faith we acknowledge Him as Creator of the heavens and the earth. By faith, we believe He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins.
By faith, we trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding. We have this faith knowing that though we may fall short, God's power, mercy, and love will never fall short. The condition of our faith and the way we exercise it very much concern God, according to the book of Hebrews. It says, "without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). Christ will "render to every man according to what he has done" (Revelation 22:12b). May our faith in Him increase so that we, too, may lead lives pleasing to Him.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Your love and power are beyond all human reason. You did for us what it makes no sense to do - - You died for each one of us and through the Holy Spirit You give us faith to believe in You and live for You. Grant such faith to us all. Amen.
July 24, 2008
"Who Has The Last Word?"
And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
Acts 4:33
I remember the day the policeman came to the parsonage and asked me to go with him to break the news to a family their husband and father had suddenly been killed. I went and I believe as their pastor, my presence and, especially, the comfort of Scripture made a difference. Even so, it was not my favorite kind of home visit.
Two weeks ago, ABC News ran a wonderful article about the soldiers whose difficult job is to notify families that their loved one has been killed. The story said it's not the kind of job every soldier can, or wants to do. It told of the training these personnel receive. It referred to the commitment these soldiers feel toward a fallen comrade and their willingness to do what is necessary so the family might be helped through the initial days of mourning. The article spoke about Casualty Affairs Personnel. That's right; that's what they're called.
It told how these individuals must possess the utmost sensitivity. Those folks about whom I have never thought are on my daily prayer list now. May God give them the grace to do a necessary and unapplauded job. Even as I have been praying for these military personnel, I have also been offering up a prayer of thanks.
You see, unlike the Casualty Affair Personnel, every time I have entered a home with news of a death, I was able to share the story of the Savior. Because of what the Christ has done through His life, His crucifixion on Calvary's crest, and His resurrection victory over death, I was always able to assure families that death would not have the last word. Most certainly there were tears; there was pain; there was a profound sense of loss and dark days of mourning.
But the Savior's story of salvation made it possible for me to point these heartbroken families to that place where tears will be wiped away, where pain will be set aside, and where mourners will be comforted. I was able to quote the Savior who said, "Because I live, you shall live also" (John 14:19b). In short, the Savior gives Bible-believing pastors and congregations a message - - a message that military folks are officially not allowed to deliver: that Jesus and His resurrection make all the difference. It made all the difference.
THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, throughout the world death has created mourning families and grieving friends. Send Your Holy Spirit that, while there is time, the joy of Jesus and the salvation He has won for us, may take root in these downcast hearts. By Your power, may families know that in Jesus there is an unending reunion of joy. In His Name I ask it. Amen.
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Lutheran Hours Collections
Another Round of it Comes!
August 20, 2008
"Getting Along"
For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within and defile the man.
Mark 7:21-23 (KJV)
Can't we all just get along? Good question. Tough answer. As you know, the Olympic Games are in full swing. As you also know, this event is supposed to be a time of peace, harmony, fellowship, encouragement, and a whole lot of positive and wonderful things which most people like to think accurately describe humanity. As the song says, "It ain't necessarily so."
With threats having come in from terrorist organizations, China has increased police protection and tightened security check points. It has published pamphlets giving directions to tourists on how they should behave and trained tens of thousands of volunteers on what they should and shouldn't do in the presence of guests. In preparation for the festival, China has confined political demonstrations to a few designated locations and then only with state permission. It has decided not to allow statements about religion, the display of flags from countries which are not participating in the Olympics, and large signs cheering for one country or another. It seems that just getting along just doesn't come naturally to us.
Indeed, we have to work pretty hard just to get along even for a few days. This is one of the reasons why our heavenly Father sent His Son into this world. Yes, Jesus came to save us from sin, death, and devil, but He also came to save us from ourselves, from that evil which resides in us. "What evil?" you ask. Jesus gives a partial list in the text of today's Daily Devotion. Jesus tells us our hearts contain evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, envy, blasphemy, and pride. These are all sins from which we cannot save ourselves.
This is precisely why Jesus came to be one of us. If we were to be saved, if the price of our punishment was to be paid, someone had to live a perfect life. That someone was the Savior. He alone has borne our sins and carried our sorrows. Now, because of what He has done, believers are forgiven and saved. Because of Jesus' perfect life we will, eventually, be taken to a place where we won't have to work hard to "get along." In heaven, there shall be perfect peace, perfect praise, and perfect harmony as we come together in thanks to our perfect Lord.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, receive my thanks for living Your life so I might have eternal life in Your perfect paradise. In Your Name. Amen.
August 19, 2008
"Under Our Noses"
When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished," and He bowed His head and gave up the spirit.
John 19:30
Feeling you are probably getting inundated by news of the Olympics (and the future U.S. elections), I generally have steered away from making such items the total focus of the Daily Devotions. Even so, I would like to tell you about John Steven Aquari of Tanzania. John ran the marathon in the 1968 games in Mexico City. John ran the marathon, but he did not win it. In fact, a bad fall early in the race guaranteed that John would be the last man to finish.
Indeed, John limped into the stadium hours after the rest of the runners had finished and left. Speaking for all the world, a reporter asked John, "You are badly injured. Why didn't you quit? Why didn't you give up?" John didn't hesitate in answering. He said, "My country did not send me seven thousand miles to start this race. My country sent me to finish." It was a good answer.
It's one that reminded me of others who had been committed to finishing the job entrusted to them. Look at the Savior as He hung upon the cross. He had, in the 33 years of His life suffered the jealousy of kings, the hatred of those He had come to save, the temptations of Satan, and the desertion, denial, and betrayal of His closest friends. Even so, Jesus had been sent to save us. No matter what the sinful world dished out, He remained committed to finishing the job He had been given. On the cross, before He dies, in victory He proclaims: "It is finished."
Years later, St. Paul, having been saved by Jesus' gracious sacrifice, said much the same thing. Having survived shipwreck and stoning, jailing and rejection, Paul had continued to proclaim the Christ everywhere he went. Before he was executed, he wrote to Timothy and made a statement that summed up his life. He said: "I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me" (2 Timothy 4:7b-5a).
To finish the race. It is my prayer that each of us reading these Daily Devotions might also say, "I am committed to finishing my appointed race." Your race might be long or short; it might be easy or hard. No matter, by the Holy Spirit, in Jesus, finish your race.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, I stand in awe of Your dedication to saving me. It was a hard race, but You finished it. Now, because of what You have done, I am saved. May I, by the Holy Spirit's power, run my race to completion and receive the crown of life. In Your Name. Amen.
August 18, 2008
"A Bad Sinner"
For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.
Romans 7:19
Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude is a good German word. Roughly, it means taking pleasure over someone else's misfortune. A good example of schadenfreude would be when you are passed by a speeding driver and, four miles down the road, you see him pulled over by a cop and getting a ticket. What you feel is schadenfreude.
I should also say schadenfreude is not an especially Christian virtue. Just a short time ago, the Minneapolis Star Tribune carried an article that showed me for the nasty-hearted villain I am.
The story came out of Lebanon, Indiana. It was there, in Lebanon's Oak Hill Cemetery, that 36-year-old Katherine Gunther sort of stuck herself. Normally a person sticking herself would make me feel bad, but there is a rest of the story.
Katherine is a witch, a follower of Wicca. She, with her coven, was in the cemetery after hours. Using candles, incense, and a sword they were performing a ceremony to give thanks for a recent run of good luck. When they reached a certain spot in the service, Katherine was supposed to stick the sword into the ground. She missed the ground and stuck the sword into her foot. This, I imagine, immediately ended the service of thanksgiving for good luck.
When I read that story, I laughed. If I had been there, I would have been concerned and sympathetic, but I wasn't there. And before I could help myself, I laughed. Schadenfreude. Now please, don't write to me and say, "Pastor, that was wrong. You shouldn't have laughed." I know that. It was improper, and it was unchristian.
I was improper and inappropriate, and I feel sorrow for what I did. All of this goes to show that Paul wasn't unique when he talked about not doing the good that he should and continuing to do the bad that he shouldn't. The truth is, if my heart can laugh at someone who stabs themselves in the foot with a sword, I am in need of a Savior.
Every day I sin much and every day I am in need of the forgiveness that comes only through the Savior's sacrifice and resurrection. Understand, I wouldn't have told you all of this, if I didn't think you were almost as bad as I am. You may not have laughed at the sword-in-the-foot incident, but each of us have our moments, our sinful moments, moments when we need a Savior. Thank the Lord we have the Savior in the person of Jesus.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, why You should bother about a sinner such as me is a great mystery. I do not understand, but I shall praise You for the great grace I have received through the Savior's substitution. For forgiveness and today, I thank You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
August 13, 2008
"Like A Mom"
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 66:13
Fanta Lingani is a mother - - a mother who lives in the African country of Burkina Faso. Last week the Washington Post told her story. It told of how Fanta had risen at 4 a.m., then walked two hours so she might earn $1.20 sweeping sidewalks. With that money she bought food and spent another two hours cooking a meal of corn mush, seasoned with tree leaves, dried fish, and wood ashes.
The article told how Fanta Lingani first gave her husband a bowl of the food and then she made a distribution to her older children. Lastly, Fanta took a bowl of the bland stew for herself. She ate two mouthfuls of the mush and then she gave the rest to her children who were still hungry. She probably said she was full. She wasn't. With food prices having doubled and the family's income staying the same, those two mouthfuls would be Fanta's only meal until the next day.
Fanta Lingani is a mother. She's a mother who does what needs to be done for her children's benefit, welfare, and livelihood. The prophet Isaiah once described God as providing comfort like a mother. The text for today's devotion says, "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you." Like a mother, the Lord saw our sin and realized what it would do to us. Like Fanta Lingani, God did what was necessary so we, His children, might live. So we might live is why Jesus was born in Bethlehem. So we might live is the cause to which He dedicated His life. So we might live is why Jesus allowed Himself to be arrested, beaten, tried, and crucified.
To assure us we will live forever is why He rose from the dead and showed Himself to a lost and starving world. Because of Jesus' love, all who believe on Him as Savior and Redeemer are saved.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, for having done all that was necessary for my salvation, my undying appreciation. For doing what I could not, for making the gracious sacrifice of Your Son, I owe You everything, including this day, which I live to Your glory. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
July 22, 2008
"Neither A Borrower Nor . . ."
. . . do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
Matthew 5:42b
Here's a quick quiz: Is the passage "Thou shalt neither a borrower nor a lender be" found in the Old or the New Testament? Give yourself an extra point if you can name the book where that passage is found.
Sorry. That was unfair. It was unfair because the passage isn't in the Bible at all. On the other hand, it does point to the text of today's devotion where Jesus comments on the matter of giving and borrowing: "Give to the one who begs from you and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."
I wonder how those words apply to Thomas Pilaar of Denver, Colorado. You see Thomas has a habit of going to libraries and checking out books, hundreds of books and DVDs. Unfortunately, Thomas has not developed the habit of returning the things he has borrowed. The Denver Public Library estimates Thomas owes them about $35,000. The Douglas Library fared better with Thomas racking up a mere $11,000 in overdue books and DVDs.
Under normal circumstances, Thomas might have returned these items and thrown himself on the mercy of the court. That action was made impossible because Thomas, having borrowed these items from these libraries, promptly went out and sold them. I guess this turns his borrowing into thieving. Still, I wonder what God would expect me to do if Thomas showed up and asked me to lend him some of my rare books.
Would Jesus expect me to loan those books to Thomas? Would He want me to offer all of them? With no strings attached? Without any kind of security? And, as long as I'm wondering, I wonder if the Lord ever feels we do the same kind of thing to Him?
We are sinners - - sinners who have no way of redeeming ourselves and who seldom repay our debts. As sinners we come to Him begging for forgiveness. And this forgiveness, because of Jesus' sacrifice and intercession, is given over and over again as we commit the same or similar sins. We are beggars, pitiful thieves; we should be turned away or tossed out entirely.
But God doesn't turn us away; He doesn't throw us out. Because we are redeemed members of His household, He keeps forgiving, and loving, and doing for us what we would not do for someone else.
This is why it's good He's God and we're not.
THE PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, for Your patience, Your grace, and above all, for giving Your Son as my Savior, I sing Your praises. Send Your Holy Spirit so this day I may, in the things I do, avoid sin and show my thanks. In Jesus' Name, I ask it. Amen.
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Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Lutheran Hours Collection (5)
Here is a collection of bible study stuff! =] Read and be built up! =]
August 11, 2008
"Stealing Devoted Things"
They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen and lied and put them among their own belongings.
Joshua 7:11b
"Thou shalt not steal." That's not a complicated commandment, and people don't have much difficulty understanding it. The problem is some have a hard time following it. The words which serve as the theme for our devotion come from the Lord who was upset when Achan kept some of the spoils from the fallen city of Jericho such as gold and silver which had been claimed by God and a high couture Babylonian robe. Achan shouldn't have done what he did, but many people can understand the attraction of fashion and cold cash.
On the other hand, most of us will have some problems understanding the thieves who are stealing manhole covers and grates in Flint, Michigan. According to a recent article in the Flint Journal, almost 400 cast iron grates and covers have been taken. The neighboring community of Burton says they've lost 200 of the same type of items. This leads me to ask: "Wouldn't you think someone might notice the thieves who were ripping off that many heavy, awkward covers? After all, they're not the kind of thing you can easily hide in your back pocket." I'm curious, "Don't you imagine a company which buys scrap iron might think it suspicious when a fellow shows up with a few hundred manhole covers labeled 'City of Flint, Michigan'?"
It all goes to prove that when financial times get tough, some folks will do just about anything, including stealing covers which can create a dangerous hole for inattentive motorists and curious children. Of course, when things become difficult financially there are those who go a different way: They rely upon the Lord Jesus. Rather than turning to the dark side, they are turned to the Savior. They know that Jesus who gave His life on the cross to save them, who rose on the third day to show His victory and power, will keep His promises to those who believe on Him.
They know they can call upon Him in the day of trouble even as they believe they can cast their cares upon Him. That times are tough is a given. What remains undecided is what we will do during those times. Will we go to God, or will we give up on Him? We know the answer should be an easy one.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, there are people who are always searching for shortcuts to security. In these difficult days may I find my peace, my security, my hope in You. This day, and every day, I pray You will bring me closer to Your ways and Your will. In Your Name. Amen.
August 8, 2008
"Love Your Enemies"
But I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words. In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours, Kenneth R. Klaus Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Many people living in the Middle East and North Africa live in a world where Jesus is considered to be someone other than the Savior of the world. Many think of Him as only a prophet, neither greater nor lesser than Abraham or Mohammad. Sadly, the redemptive work accomplished by Jesus on the cross as our Savior is not believed by the majority of people in the Middle East. Bitter animosities between different faiths and cultures have a long history in the Middle East.
Often, these hard feelings lead to violence and injury - - or worse. When strained relationships lead to fresh wounds, the Christian faith encourages forgiving. The Christian is to turn the cheek and forgive.
Christians are to go the extra mile in seeking and offering forgiveness, especially to their enemies. Jesus teaches us this very clearly when He said, "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
When people hate one another for decades, huge barriers develop and it becomes very difficult to forgive. Yet, we are told that even these hatreds can be overcome, ". . . with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26b). As we look to Jesus as our example we, too, can learn from Him. His words on the cross were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught us, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). It is an easy thing to say we will forgive our enemies but, in fact, it is very difficult. It is difficult because we feel we are becoming weak and letting the enemy off easy.
In truth, offering this forgiveness is something that requires enormous strength - - possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help us to learn from Jesus to fully and honestly forgive our enemies. Fill our hearts with Your peace and comfort. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
August 7, 2008
"God's Name"
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.
1 John 3:1
Most people don't like their names. That's what one study after another has shown. Most people, at least for part of their lives, don't like the names their parents gave them. With that as a given, I wonder how soon-to-be-born Dixon Willoughby Partin will feel about his name as he's growing up. I think Dixon Willoughby is going to feel put out.
You see, Dixon Willoughby's father, David, has promised he will name his son after two hosts on a Florida radio station. Dixon Willoughby's father, David, won a contest by promising to name his son after those two radio personalities. And what was the grand prize which Dixon Willoughby's father, David, has received for winning this contest? He received - - are you ready for this - - a $100 gas card.
It's hard for me to believe that this bit of news is going to help the boy's self-esteem or increase his sense of self-worth. In truth, a name ought to be worth more than a gas card, which is here today and driven away tomorrow. I know my name is worth more. So is yours, if you're called a "Christian."
That's what St. John was trying to convey to God's people when he wrote, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us that we should be called children of God . . . ." John wanted them to know that being called "children of God" was something wonderful and honorable. John was able to offer such encouragement because he had seen the Father's love in the person of Jesus. John had been there and seen the wonder, compassion, and power of Jesus' miracles; he had heard the Savior's words of wisdom; John had witnessed the Christ's arrest, trial, and crucifixion. John had been among the first to look into Jesus' empty tomb and had been blessed to repeatedly visit with the risen Redeemer.
What kind of love enables us to be called "children of God"? It's a love that never stopped giving, sacrificing, and reaching out.
What kind of love? We have a love that, because of Jesus, forgives our sins and moves us from hell to heaven.
What manner of love? It is the kind of love that can only come from a unique and wonderful Father.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for Your love which has made me a child of God, I offer my thanks. May I live like one of Your children. Amen.
August 6, 2008
"Bad Days"
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:34
People have bad days. Recently, police officer Tim Pochron had a bad day. A few weeks ago, Tim was sworn into his new job in Bart, Indiana. The following Monday was scheduled to be his first day at work. Tim's excitement was visible to all. Tim was ready, eager, and able. He had the skills; he had the equipment; he had a new patrol car. Everything that could be ready was ready.
Everything was ready until Tim Pochron's police vehicle was wrecked in a crash. No, it wasn't Tim's fault. Tim wasn't in the car; he wasn't near the car. Tim was still in his house when, one half hour into his first day of work, another car hit a tree and plowed into Tim's parked squad car. It hit Tim's car so hard it bent the rear axle. And Tim, rather than going to work, ended up at headquarters filling out an accident report.
People do have bad days. Like the fellow who was arrested, after he tested positive for drugs, after he lost control of his vehicle, and after that vehicle rammed into the parked patrol car of officer Tim Pochron. Now I just mention Tim's story because his story seems like ours. Sooner or later, we all have bad days. You may, like Tim Pochron, be the person who is crashed into; you may, like the anonymous fellow who was arrested, be the person who does the crashing.
Either way, it's a bad day. Our Lord Jesus recognized a sinful world would produce bad days, both real and imagined. Because of those bad days that come, and those that might, the Savior told us not to worry. Yes, He realized saying that was easier than doing that. But, so we could be given peace - - a peace that passes human understanding - - Jesus came into this world.
Jesus came to forgive us, ransom us, redeem us, and rescue us from the worry of bad days. With every breath He took, Jesus showed His mastery over sin, devil, death, and bad days.
Read through the Gospel stories, and you will be amazed to see the level of Jesus' concern. There was no problem too large or too small for Jesus. There still isn't.
Look at the cradle, the cross, the empty tomb and believe. Believe Jesus has redeemed you and believe Him when He says, "do not be anxious about tomorrow. . . . " Jesus is in control.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for being willing to bear my sins and help me through my bad days, I thank You. Today and tomorrow, no matter what comes, may I believe You will get me through it. In Your Name. Amen.
July 29, 2008
"The Right Path"
You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Daniel Boone was once asked, "Have you ever been lost?" He replied, "Nope, but I was once mighty confused for three days." Boone's answer was cute. The story of Kay Gadsby is tragic.
Kay was a 21-year-old English woman who suffered numerous physical problems. In her brief life, she had already gone through a heart transplant and was on the waiting list for her third kidney replacement. Kay Gadsby died in an ambulance that had lost its way as it made the 30-mile run to the hospital. It seems the driver had only been to the hospital once before and when the navigation system in the ambulance conked out, he couldn't figure which way to go.
As Kay repeatedly asked her mother, "I'm not going to die, am I?", the paramedic helping her had to climb into the front seat of the ambulance to give directions to the confused driver. As I travel to various speaking engagements, I see tens of thousands of cars and trucks. So do you. It often occurs to me that many of these people have no relationship with the Savior. They're very busy going somewhere, but the somewhere to where they are going isn't heaven. They are lost and although they may not know it, like Kay Gadsby, they are also terminal. They are going to die.
This is one of the reasons you and I, souls who have been saved by the Christ, do what we do. If we know someone whose navigational system is broken, we point him or her to the Holy Scriptures where, as the Psalmist says, the Lord makes known to us the path of life. If they are in need of a transplant, we introduce them to the Savior who is the great Physician of both body and soul. If they are confused as to which way they should proceed, we try and direct them to Jesus who alone is the way.
My friends, it is a great tragedy that Kay died as she did. It will be a far greater tragedy if those around us, those who are lost and dying, never meet the Savior who can forgive their sins, heal their souls, and take them straight to heaven.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, all around me are people who are lost and dying. Whenever possible, I ask You to use me to help give them directions and assistance. In the Name of Jesus who alone is the way, I pray it. Amen.
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Friday, August 08, 2008
2D Outing
Wow..A power packed friday!
Ended school pretty early today.... Then class decided to play dog and bone.
Needless to say...MY TEAM WON! woot..Cos..we have the faci...wear skirt still can run fast! Her first time playing that game too! It's like totally cool! Hahhaa great Faci !
Loser team did a forfeit...CAT WALKING!
Well...It's real funny...Haha..I'll miss these people...Gotta move on...you know what...I was unable to tell much of them about the hope I have...about Jesus....I really failed to be a neighbour to them. Haiz...gotta work on it. Lord...grant me what ever it takes to shine for you in all places I go. I don't want to go through life by going through it only. I want to take part in the plan to save souls...people lost without anything but to live out this life and die. How sad is that?
hmm...well weell...
Ok off the not so bright stuff to the sunnier part of the evening!
I walked....from CLEMENT TO WEST COAST FOR A BBQ!
With my old old classmatey from Secondary 2 D! Woot and two special friends who is now studying abroad in canada and USA is there! Ain't that beautiful? I MISS THEM SO!...sobss... hahaha.
Anyway, the journey was not easy.
I travelled through the maze of what's left of Clementi. Trudged and navigate with the little memories I have of west coast park. Then I happened to be the first to reach the BBQ pit. My Canadian Ganesh messaged me eariler on that eveyone is at the BBQ pit and that I'll see them when I get there. .. the problem is this.... there is only one person there and I don't know that person.
I considered messaging Ganesh but rejected the notion. So I figured that I may be at the wrong barbeque pit. (Although I checked the map eariler on at the entrance of the park and was pretty sure that there is only one pit and that I am there.) So off I went in an adventurous spirit... wasted my time...walked the whole of West coast park and wind up at the same area only to see them.
Happened that they reached later than me and someone mistook that they had booked our pit.
Haha...what a coincidence that mess up my evening huh?
I spent 40 minutes walking..... well...then my mind turned to how this is like how I live my life. I live as if I am in control of everything. All I need is to message Ganesh and I would have been spared the walking. I did not. I thought I was capable. even though I know it is the end of the road as there is only one cluster for BBQ in west coast.
God is telling me... Call upon me. For I am the planner...I know all things. Pray and seek and you need not waste your life on things and setbacks that tires you out. I have not being relying on God. It's so simple to just do all thingss by yourself and when you get hurt or in trouble...you blame God.
Still, I glad to have that lesson. I set the charcoals on fire. Hees. Pro Arsonist here!
Helped out and have a great time. Chatted with Joyce and Tabitha about their walk with God. Glad that they are doing ok. Gonna pray for them=]
Ganesh is doing well...He has the accent...wahahahaha. Glad to see my friends are doing well.. same bunch of people. Rowdy, noisy but fun. They became more vulgar through. There are some that changed drastically but I shan;t talk about it. This ain't a gossip area. We took loads of photos and even planned for soccer in school tomorrow.
Haha...Nazerah drove us home. So cooll...Eddie ride his bike beside us. They have their licenses. On the way back chat more with Joyce and yeap. Got her E-mail. I gotta start getting the e-mails of the rest too.
Ooh oh! HAZEL WAS SO NICE!!
Hahaha She did some thanks giving post on her blog and wow...she gave me much credits ...haha Her Go girl! Ccontinue to grow and shine k?
Anyway....I gotta focus on my YFC now.=]
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Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Job 19 (That ending is the begining of a fabulous never ending)
Job the poor guy.
Here is a few things I learn reading this chapter.
1) When Rebuking someone, do not exalt yourself, be self righteous or humiliate the person.
2)There are going to be times when everything seems to be crushing you and when you call, God is silent. Furthermore, He may appears to be your enemy. Blocking your every step, snatching your hopes and making things worse for you. At that time how do you react? Do you still then trust that God has a plan for you based on what He mentioned in Romans 8:28?
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Sounds tough ah?
but it's Amazing that Job still can say this.
25 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
26 And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;
27 I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!
Job 19: 25-27
What gave Job the strength to do that? To still hold on to God? Even his wife asked him to curse God and die earlier in chapter 2 I believe ut's the same thing that kept him to be blameless in God's sight. He even atones for the sins of his children when he suspected that they are sinning. Wow...
I do not know what goes through Jobs mind...but there are this verses that kept me through times whereby God appears to be against me.
Future Glory
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.
20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope
21that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?
25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
Romans 8 : 18-26
And
God Disciplines His Sons
1Therefore, 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.
2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?
8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons.
9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!
10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet,"so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Finally...the verse that started it all...the verse that prepared me to take the steps of faith to run towards God through all the thorns and briars of sin.
2 Timonthy 3:12
12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Yeap...and so on. I may not suffer as much as Job but I know Jobs ending. He saw God, spoke with God, and walked closer to God. And I know by faith that my ending will be just as good.
And guess what? That ending is the begining of a fabulous never ending.
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