"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot,[7] I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- (Revelation 3:15-17 NKJV)
Right next door to Laodicea was the city of Hierapolis, famous for its hot springs, which were said to have healing properties. And a short distance the other way in this arid environment was the city of Colossae, famous for its cold and crystal-clear springs of water, incredibly refreshing to anyone who was thirsty. And right between these two wonderful extremes we have the not-very appealing, lukewarm waters of Laodicea. They don’t bring healing to anyone with their minerals and their warmth but neither do they stimulate and refresh anyone with their coldness and clarity
And how was it for the church in Laodicea? They weren’t hot springs of healing, bringing forgiveness to those who were spiritually dead in their springs. And they weren’t bringing, as Jesus says in Matthew 10, a “cup of cold water” to anyone. (The only other time in the entire New Testament where “cold” is used…and used in a positive way). They were just “there,” comfortable in their church and not realizing that God saw them as, “wretched, pitiful, blind, and naked”
""18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’”
Today I was so encouraged by my group again. God is indeed working in the hearts of the youths. YM was a Bible Study Skills workshop and we were told to discuss and ask if there were any questions or difficulties we have about the bible. I must say that i was impressed at some of the thoughts that are going through the minds of my sec 1 group.
How were the books of the bible compiled?
Do good non-christians go to heaven?
and a few more other questions. I pray as the group and myself attempt to look for answers, God will reveal Himself, His majesty, glory and splendor to all of us who seek Him.
Ask, Seek, Knock
7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Os
Well, the O level results came out yesterday and boy was it a stir of emotions. Joy with those who did well and disappointment and regret with the ones who didnt meet expectations.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Thess. 5:18)
Easier said then done. Many a time we let our emotions climb over us. We allow negative thoughts to develop in our minds and sometimes our actions show our displeasure. I guess its just human nature, our sinful and fallen nature that tempts us into sin again and again. God has given us a choice, the freedom to choose. We have the power and authority over our emotions, actions etc. It is up to us to find that power, that authority to have victory over ourself in Christ.
God does not expect us to thank Him FOR all circumstances, but to thank Him IN all circumstances. Thank Him for sustaining us through the crisis that would drive us insane were it not for His abiding presence. Thank Him that we know that this world is not the last statement of what shall be. Thank Him for all that He is - LOVE.
His goodness is never-changing. His love for you is unbudging, and His plans for your life and the lives of your loved ones are far greater than your highest thoughts can reach.
Rejoice and be glad! Our God is larger than any circumstances in our lives. He is a mighty fortress and the only stronghold against any obstacles.
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Thess. 5:18)
Easier said then done. Many a time we let our emotions climb over us. We allow negative thoughts to develop in our minds and sometimes our actions show our displeasure. I guess its just human nature, our sinful and fallen nature that tempts us into sin again and again. God has given us a choice, the freedom to choose. We have the power and authority over our emotions, actions etc. It is up to us to find that power, that authority to have victory over ourself in Christ.
God does not expect us to thank Him FOR all circumstances, but to thank Him IN all circumstances. Thank Him for sustaining us through the crisis that would drive us insane were it not for His abiding presence. Thank Him that we know that this world is not the last statement of what shall be. Thank Him for all that He is - LOVE.
His goodness is never-changing. His love for you is unbudging, and His plans for your life and the lives of your loved ones are far greater than your highest thoughts can reach.
Rejoice and be glad! Our God is larger than any circumstances in our lives. He is a mighty fortress and the only stronghold against any obstacles.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Open up my eyes to things unseen.
A collegue who recently came from overseas asked me this question today. If you were to name one social problem in Singapore today, what would it be?
I answered: that would be the lack of graciousness to one another (there was much hype about this in the newspapers recently). For example, not giving up seats to the people who need it more, slamming the door into people's faces ... ...
Well, she said. If you were to ask someone like this in my country, they would say poverty. I was like 0.0 ... ... and then to myself -;- ... ...
hmmm... I thought to myself. Is my life too sheltered? Am i oblivious to the things happening around me let alone around the world. Surely there are poor people here in Singapore.
I thank God for placing me in this place and in this time. I pray
Enable Your Servants (Give Me A Heart Of Compassion)
Jim Bailey
Verse 1:
Give me a heart of compassion
Give me a hope for the lost
Give me a passion for those
Who are broken and down
Lord, I am ready and willing
To serve the weak and the young
Help me to put into action
The words of this song
Chorus:
And enable Your servants
Enable Your servants
To preach good news
To preach good news
And enable Your servants
Enable Your servants
To preach good news
To preach good news
Verse 2:
I'll sing the songs of salvation
Boldly I'll speak out Your word
I'll let them know by my life
I will show You are Lord
I'll tell them all about Jesus
I'll tell them all about You
I'm not ashamed of the gospel
Or what it can do
Verse 3:
We're moving forward together
As one voice boldly proclaim
The old and the young will be strong
And we'll lift up Your name
On to the streets to the people
Every man, woman and child
And as we go You are with us
You've given Your power
I answered: that would be the lack of graciousness to one another (there was much hype about this in the newspapers recently). For example, not giving up seats to the people who need it more, slamming the door into people's faces ... ...
Well, she said. If you were to ask someone like this in my country, they would say poverty. I was like 0.0 ... ... and then to myself -;- ... ...
hmmm... I thought to myself. Is my life too sheltered? Am i oblivious to the things happening around me let alone around the world. Surely there are poor people here in Singapore.
I thank God for placing me in this place and in this time. I pray
Enable Your Servants (Give Me A Heart Of Compassion)
Jim Bailey
Verse 1:
Give me a heart of compassion
Give me a hope for the lost
Give me a passion for those
Who are broken and down
Lord, I am ready and willing
To serve the weak and the young
Help me to put into action
The words of this song
Chorus:
And enable Your servants
Enable Your servants
To preach good news
To preach good news
And enable Your servants
Enable Your servants
To preach good news
To preach good news
Verse 2:
I'll sing the songs of salvation
Boldly I'll speak out Your word
I'll let them know by my life
I will show You are Lord
I'll tell them all about Jesus
I'll tell them all about You
I'm not ashamed of the gospel
Or what it can do
Verse 3:
We're moving forward together
As one voice boldly proclaim
The old and the young will be strong
And we'll lift up Your name
On to the streets to the people
Every man, woman and child
And as we go You are with us
You've given Your power
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Good Disciple, Good Steward
Today's YM lesson was on being a good steward .
Definition of Steward:
A steward is not the owner of something, but the manager of something, and that person then is accountable to the owner for how they do. God created this world and we are then managers, and trustees of this good thing that God has given. So, that means that home is not really ours. Our money isn't ours and even our very selves don't belong to us.
A good steward is someone then who lives in a way that pleases God, in the way they use their time, in the way they use their talents and the way they use their treasure. It's the whole of life.
Here are two instances where John Wesley teaches us something about stewardship:
John Wesley lived in the 1700's and he began the religious movement that became the Methodist church. And Wesley described something that happened probably about at the beginning of the 1730's. It was a cold bitter day and he had just come back to his apartment with all kinds of paintings that he had gotten, pictures for his room, to decorate it. And he was feeling good about that when his maid came, and even though it was an incredibly cold bitter day she comes in just wearing a linen gown. She does not have any coat on, and so he is immediately concerned about that and he wants to do something about it, so he reaches into his pocket to get out some money in order to give her some money so she can buy a coat and protect her health, and he realizes that he has just spent almost everything he has on those pictures. And he doesn't have the money at that moment to help. In his own words he describes what comes to mind. Will the master say, "Well done good and faithful steward. You've just adorned your walls with the money, which might have screened this poor creature from the cold. Are not the pictures the blood of this poor maid?" In this moment in Wesley's life all three things come together. He's got a concern for this person. He realizes that there is going to have to be some adjustment in his life. That way his contentment is not related to spending all that he has, and he realizes at that moment that he is accountable to someone. And someone will either be holding him accountable in a negative sense or be crediting something to him because he has done well.
In 1731 John Wesley made 30 pounds. He lived on 28 of them and he gave away 2. It's less than a tithe. The following year he made 60 pounds. He lived on 28 and he gave away 32. In the fourth year he made 120 pounds. He lived on 28 and he gave away 92 pounds. And finally, later in his career John Wesley became one of the best paid preachers in all of history.
John Wesley shows all three ingredients of good stewardship. He was concerned about the gospel and the needs around him. He was content to live at some level that wasn't 100% of what he owned. And he really believed that it was worth it to live in light of eternity. He really believed that God was going to credit this to his account.
God used my group of sec 1s to encourage me today. And i thank God for all that He have done in my life and in the lives of all these youths that He has given me to interact with.
We started discussion today with an activity. I got my group place any amount of money they have into this treasure chest and take one gold chocolate coin in exchange for the money they put in. (The gold coins represent our riches in heaven) We went on into our discussion, talking about stewardship, how we can use our time, money and talent for God's glory. At the end of our sharing, I challenged the group to give the money in the box to the tracker's mission team as an act of our stewardship to God today. Here's to my surprise. None of them said no, but in fact all of them wanted to give more. Some who didnt bring money felt quite bad. But I could see all their hearts, open and willing to render support and help. This is a big boost of encouragement for me to see the young and willing hearts of the youths.
I was just thinking through the week, how to effectively lead my group, how i can be a better leader or mentor to them. I may not have led a sec1 grp before, i may not be thorougly equipped, but through God everything's possible. He made me strong in my weakness and showed me that i've been doing a good job and walking in the right path. What an affirmation. Thank You Lord. I shall continue to grow to be a better leader to the youths and a good steward for the Lord/
Definition of Steward:
A steward is not the owner of something, but the manager of something, and that person then is accountable to the owner for how they do. God created this world and we are then managers, and trustees of this good thing that God has given. So, that means that home is not really ours. Our money isn't ours and even our very selves don't belong to us.
A good steward is someone then who lives in a way that pleases God, in the way they use their time, in the way they use their talents and the way they use their treasure. It's the whole of life.
Here are two instances where John Wesley teaches us something about stewardship:
John Wesley lived in the 1700's and he began the religious movement that became the Methodist church. And Wesley described something that happened probably about at the beginning of the 1730's. It was a cold bitter day and he had just come back to his apartment with all kinds of paintings that he had gotten, pictures for his room, to decorate it. And he was feeling good about that when his maid came, and even though it was an incredibly cold bitter day she comes in just wearing a linen gown. She does not have any coat on, and so he is immediately concerned about that and he wants to do something about it, so he reaches into his pocket to get out some money in order to give her some money so she can buy a coat and protect her health, and he realizes that he has just spent almost everything he has on those pictures. And he doesn't have the money at that moment to help. In his own words he describes what comes to mind. Will the master say, "Well done good and faithful steward. You've just adorned your walls with the money, which might have screened this poor creature from the cold. Are not the pictures the blood of this poor maid?" In this moment in Wesley's life all three things come together. He's got a concern for this person. He realizes that there is going to have to be some adjustment in his life. That way his contentment is not related to spending all that he has, and he realizes at that moment that he is accountable to someone. And someone will either be holding him accountable in a negative sense or be crediting something to him because he has done well.
In 1731 John Wesley made 30 pounds. He lived on 28 of them and he gave away 2. It's less than a tithe. The following year he made 60 pounds. He lived on 28 and he gave away 32. In the fourth year he made 120 pounds. He lived on 28 and he gave away 92 pounds. And finally, later in his career John Wesley became one of the best paid preachers in all of history.
John Wesley shows all three ingredients of good stewardship. He was concerned about the gospel and the needs around him. He was content to live at some level that wasn't 100% of what he owned. And he really believed that it was worth it to live in light of eternity. He really believed that God was going to credit this to his account.
God used my group of sec 1s to encourage me today. And i thank God for all that He have done in my life and in the lives of all these youths that He has given me to interact with.
We started discussion today with an activity. I got my group place any amount of money they have into this treasure chest and take one gold chocolate coin in exchange for the money they put in. (The gold coins represent our riches in heaven) We went on into our discussion, talking about stewardship, how we can use our time, money and talent for God's glory. At the end of our sharing, I challenged the group to give the money in the box to the tracker's mission team as an act of our stewardship to God today. Here's to my surprise. None of them said no, but in fact all of them wanted to give more. Some who didnt bring money felt quite bad. But I could see all their hearts, open and willing to render support and help. This is a big boost of encouragement for me to see the young and willing hearts of the youths.
I was just thinking through the week, how to effectively lead my group, how i can be a better leader or mentor to them. I may not have led a sec1 grp before, i may not be thorougly equipped, but through God everything's possible. He made me strong in my weakness and showed me that i've been doing a good job and walking in the right path. What an affirmation. Thank You Lord. I shall continue to grow to be a better leader to the youths and a good steward for the Lord/
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1Corinthians 15:58)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
In Focus
“And let us run with endurance. . . . keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
When I was in high school, I went out for track and field. I was a fairly decent short-distance runner, but I was horrible at long-distance runs. I hated to practice. But if I ever saw a pretty girl in the grandstands, I had new motivation for running.
As we run this race of life, we have a better motivation than I had in high school. We run for an audience of one: Jesus Christ. He is watching us. He is praying for us. In fact, the Bible tells us that He lives to intercede for us (see Hebrews 7:25).
This is what gave young Stephen courage when he stood before his accusers who were ready to put him to death. Full of the Holy Spirit, he was given a glimpse of Jesus in heaven and said, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand”(Acts 7:56).
Seeing Jesus gave Stephen the ability to run the race and finish it.
Seeing Jesus also gave Simon Peter the ability to walk on the water. As he kept the Lord in sight, He did the impossible.
It is important to keep our eyes on Jesus. Why? Because circumstances will disappoint and, at times, devastate us. People will let us down and fall short of our expectations. Feelings will come and go. But Jesus will always be there to cheer us on.
He has run before you. He is the ultimate winner. He will show you how to run. But you have to keep looking to Him.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
When I was in high school, I went out for track and field. I was a fairly decent short-distance runner, but I was horrible at long-distance runs. I hated to practice. But if I ever saw a pretty girl in the grandstands, I had new motivation for running.
As we run this race of life, we have a better motivation than I had in high school. We run for an audience of one: Jesus Christ. He is watching us. He is praying for us. In fact, the Bible tells us that He lives to intercede for us (see Hebrews 7:25).
This is what gave young Stephen courage when he stood before his accusers who were ready to put him to death. Full of the Holy Spirit, he was given a glimpse of Jesus in heaven and said, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand”(Acts 7:56).
Seeing Jesus gave Stephen the ability to run the race and finish it.
Seeing Jesus also gave Simon Peter the ability to walk on the water. As he kept the Lord in sight, He did the impossible.
It is important to keep our eyes on Jesus. Why? Because circumstances will disappoint and, at times, devastate us. People will let us down and fall short of our expectations. Feelings will come and go. But Jesus will always be there to cheer us on.
He has run before you. He is the ultimate winner. He will show you how to run. But you have to keep looking to Him.
Copyright © 2008 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
How much is that doggie at the window?
Today's YM lesson was on self-worth. Whilst preparing for it, I reflected on how much i am worth. As i begin to do so, i am reminded of the difference between how the world put a price tag on us and how God values us.
Self-esteem may go up or down depending upon what is happening to you. Get an "A" on a test and you feel great, but if you fail you feel terrible. Self-esteem is changeable. Self-worth however differs from self-esteem. Self-worth is what you are born with. As one of the creations of the universe you are worthwhile and have value, which cannot be taken from you. You can’t lose it.
I am a Child of God. ( John 1:12, Galatians 3:26, 28, Romans 8:14-16 )
God loves me and I am part of God’s family (Ephesians 1:4-5)
I am a heir with Christ ( Romans 8:17, Galatians 4:6,7)
I am God’s workmanship and I have a purpose ( Eph 2:10, philippians 1:6)
I have been bought with a price (1 Corin. 6:19-20)
So watcha gonna do about it? (Jeremiah 1 – The calling of Jeremiah)
“The book of Jeremiah depicts a remarkably introspective prophet, a prophet struggling with and often overwhelmed by the role into which he has been thrust. Jeremiah alternates efforts to warn the people with pleas for mercy until he is ordered to "pray no more for this people"
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)
Self-esteem may go up or down depending upon what is happening to you. Get an "A" on a test and you feel great, but if you fail you feel terrible. Self-esteem is changeable. Self-worth however differs from self-esteem. Self-worth is what you are born with. As one of the creations of the universe you are worthwhile and have value, which cannot be taken from you. You can’t lose it.
I am a Child of God. ( John 1:12, Galatians 3:26, 28, Romans 8:14-16 )
God loves me and I am part of God’s family (Ephesians 1:4-5)
I am a heir with Christ ( Romans 8:17, Galatians 4:6,7)
I am God’s workmanship and I have a purpose ( Eph 2:10, philippians 1:6)
I have been bought with a price (1 Corin. 6:19-20)
So watcha gonna do about it? (Jeremiah 1 – The calling of Jeremiah)
“The book of Jeremiah depicts a remarkably introspective prophet, a prophet struggling with and often overwhelmed by the role into which he has been thrust. Jeremiah alternates efforts to warn the people with pleas for mercy until he is ordered to "pray no more for this people"
Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Believe in God’s Plan.
God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you” (1:5). God designs us just as purposefully, with a specific mission in mind
Believe in God’s Presence.
2x God told Jeremiah, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you” (1:8,19) God is telling us the same thing. Jesus would never leave or forsake us. Hey, If God wanna hang out with you, you must be really important.
Believe in God’s Protection
God gave jeremiah 3 images of strength and protection. He said, “ I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall” (1:18). In other words, “You are invincible in me!” Problems would come, but Jeremiah would stand. In the same way, Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble…”but take heart, I have overcome the world.
Behave like you’re worth it.Receiving all this assurances from God makes little difference unless we act on what he says. Jeremiah had to take what God said and live it. He obeyed.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Live to Love Life. Love to Live Life.
I asked God to take away my pride. And God said "No". He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up.
I asked God to make my body whole. And God said "No". He said your spirit was whole, your body was only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience. And God said "No". He said patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness. And God said "No". He said He gives me blessings, happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare me pain. And God said "No". He said suffering draws me apart from worldly cares and brings me closer to Him.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. And God said "No". He said I must grow on your own. But He will prune me to make me fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. And God said "No". He said He will give me life, that I may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me. And God said "Ah, finally you have the idea!"
We love others because God loves us
(1 John 4:11)
I asked God to make my body whole. And God said "No". He said your spirit was whole, your body was only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience. And God said "No". He said patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness. And God said "No". He said He gives me blessings, happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare me pain. And God said "No". He said suffering draws me apart from worldly cares and brings me closer to Him.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. And God said "No". He said I must grow on your own. But He will prune me to make me fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. And God said "No". He said He will give me life, that I may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me. And God said "Ah, finally you have the idea!"
We love others because God loves us
(1 John 4:11)
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Rain.
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there until they have watered the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty,but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the LORD for a memorial,for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
- Isaiah, Chapter 55:10-13
Running in the Rain, from the Rain, to the Rain
Recently, its been raining alot. It comes and yet there is more than sound to it. There is power in those trillions of drops. The earth absorbs the rain and from that there is abundant growth. Rain sustains life. Rain sustains us. We would die without rain.
We use umbrellas to keep us from getting wet. We devise all sorts of ways to keep the rain at bay. I remember seeing a little boy running in the rain. He laughed as he ran and had his mouth open and his tongue out. He did not mind getting wet. In fact, he seemed to love it. He ran and ran through it, his mouth wide open, drinking the rain and laughing.
Isaiah writes of rain as the power and love of God. There is a purpose to God’s rain, God’s love. For we hide from love, for love can hurt us. If it rains real hard, when love comes to us hard and real, we even close our eyes because it hurts. If we are frightened, we may even cry tears from the rain that flows through our bodies.
Love asks a lot of us. We have all sorts of umbrellas to protect us from the exacting demands of love. Yet, love is the one thing in life that we can trust, for love is from God and there is a purpose to it. We do not always see that, and so we shield ourselves. But God still sends the rain, still sends his love. If we knew what it was that God sends us, we would run through it with each other and laugh and drink all the way. We would love getting drenched.
Think of it this way - for it was God on the far side of that crazy storm, drenching me with the rain of his love as I ran toward him.
Anyone wanna join me in the rain?
- Isaiah, Chapter 55:10-13
Running in the Rain, from the Rain, to the Rain
Recently, its been raining alot. It comes and yet there is more than sound to it. There is power in those trillions of drops. The earth absorbs the rain and from that there is abundant growth. Rain sustains life. Rain sustains us. We would die without rain.
We use umbrellas to keep us from getting wet. We devise all sorts of ways to keep the rain at bay. I remember seeing a little boy running in the rain. He laughed as he ran and had his mouth open and his tongue out. He did not mind getting wet. In fact, he seemed to love it. He ran and ran through it, his mouth wide open, drinking the rain and laughing.
Isaiah writes of rain as the power and love of God. There is a purpose to God’s rain, God’s love. For we hide from love, for love can hurt us. If it rains real hard, when love comes to us hard and real, we even close our eyes because it hurts. If we are frightened, we may even cry tears from the rain that flows through our bodies.
Love asks a lot of us. We have all sorts of umbrellas to protect us from the exacting demands of love. Yet, love is the one thing in life that we can trust, for love is from God and there is a purpose to it. We do not always see that, and so we shield ourselves. But God still sends the rain, still sends his love. If we knew what it was that God sends us, we would run through it with each other and laugh and drink all the way. We would love getting drenched.
Think of it this way - for it was God on the far side of that crazy storm, drenching me with the rain of his love as I ran toward him.
Anyone wanna join me in the rain?
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
A Year Older
Thanks to all who wished me and thanks to all who didnt. As i look back, I am filled with much gratitude and appreciation to those who have found me worthy of their time and enery, for those who stand by me constantly and those who have taught me valuable lessons. I will not publicly name all of you, but you know. I thank God for all of you.
Today marks an increased in the number of days i have lived, but decrease the number of days i am to live.
Here's a story on my special day for that special you.
A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master [the Creator of humankind] is there and that is enough."
1 Corinthians 1:8
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Today marks an increased in the number of days i have lived, but decrease the number of days i am to live.
Here's a story on my special day for that special you.
A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master [the Creator of humankind] is there and that is enough."
1 Corinthians 1:8
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Saturday, January 5, 2008
I Adore
The universe is at Your feet
Gives You praise
Evermore
The stars will light the sky for You
Always
God be praised
And we sing
The Lord is on high
The Lord is on high
I adore You
I adore You
And there's none that compares
To Your majesty O Lord
I adore You
I adore You
And I stand
In wonder of Your love
We will crown You King forever
Living Saviour
Jesus Redeemer
Lord of Heaven
Robed in majesty
Crowned in glory
Creation adores You
Holy Holy
God almighty
And forever the Lord is exalted
Hear the angels
Shout His anthem
Ever-living
God we adore You.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Fitting In
Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet. - Matthew 14:3-5
Today, many Christians are afraid to do the right thing, or to speak up when their friends do something they shouldn’t. Teenagers shop lift or tease others because they are told it is “Cool,” and if they don’t they will be “mocked” for being a goody-two-shoes. People do things because they want to fit in.
Just like Herod, who was afraid of what his people would think. He did not worry as much about whether it was right or wrong, but instead of pleasing other people. John the Baptist did the exact opposite! He stood up to the King, and told him, EVEN YOU KING, You are breaking God’s laws! He told Herod, a man who was not used to being corrected that he was acting as a criminal.
John corrected Herod, knowing that Herod would imprison him, and probably worse. And yet the fear of being beaten, imprisoned, or even killed did not stop John. How powerful is Gods word that a “lowly man” such as John would not be afraid of retribution, while the very Great King he spoke against was worried about what his people would think of him.
John knew that a Christians power does not come from man, but from God. Just as Herod knew that his power did not come from God, but from men. John knew that there was nothing that Herod could do to him that would separate him from God, but rather that by standing up for what was right, he was serving God.
My question today is, Why are Christians afraid of what people will think about us? Why are we more concerned with “fitting in” than we are with serving God, and sharing his truth with others? Why do we forget that God has more power than all men combined?
So today maybe we should try to do what is right, even if our friends might laugh at us… After all, I would rather fit in with God.
Today, many Christians are afraid to do the right thing, or to speak up when their friends do something they shouldn’t. Teenagers shop lift or tease others because they are told it is “Cool,” and if they don’t they will be “mocked” for being a goody-two-shoes. People do things because they want to fit in.
Just like Herod, who was afraid of what his people would think. He did not worry as much about whether it was right or wrong, but instead of pleasing other people. John the Baptist did the exact opposite! He stood up to the King, and told him, EVEN YOU KING, You are breaking God’s laws! He told Herod, a man who was not used to being corrected that he was acting as a criminal.
John corrected Herod, knowing that Herod would imprison him, and probably worse. And yet the fear of being beaten, imprisoned, or even killed did not stop John. How powerful is Gods word that a “lowly man” such as John would not be afraid of retribution, while the very Great King he spoke against was worried about what his people would think of him.
John knew that a Christians power does not come from man, but from God. Just as Herod knew that his power did not come from God, but from men. John knew that there was nothing that Herod could do to him that would separate him from God, but rather that by standing up for what was right, he was serving God.
My question today is, Why are Christians afraid of what people will think about us? Why are we more concerned with “fitting in” than we are with serving God, and sharing his truth with others? Why do we forget that God has more power than all men combined?
So today maybe we should try to do what is right, even if our friends might laugh at us… After all, I would rather fit in with God.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
A New Year With The Lord
A new year is about to unfold
With new opportunities to explore
Doors will open for new experiences
New adventures with the Lord
Remember not the former things
The things of this past year
The Lord will do new things in us
Much more than we are aware
For He will make a way for us
As we put our trust in Him
And He will guide our every step
By His presence we have within
What God has placed within our hearts
We find we’ll be able to do
If we look for the opportunities
We’ll see the door to go through
We mustn’t let anything hold us back
But rise up and take our place
And be all that God wants us to be
With a fresh touch of His grace
© By M.S.Lowndes
Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. - Isaiah 43:18-19.
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