"With full knowledge of your past failings and present defects of character, God chose you anyway! ~ that's mind blowing grace! It's also a truth that's hard to hold onto when you're having a bad time and under-performing spiritually. So, what does it mean to be chosen?
(1) To be chosen is to be seen as unique. Each one of us cries out to be noticed as special, not just one more of the same. And with God 'everybody is somebody'. In his eyes there are no misfits, rejects, or second-class citizens.
(2) To be chosen is to be recognized as having something to contribute. Chosen people are significant. Their biographies get written and read because their stories matter. THey establish God's kingdom on earth. Understand this: God thinks you have something to contribute that no-one else can.
(3) To be chosen means to be wanted by God. For people with empty hearts and wounded pasts, the only true basis of self-worth is God's unchanging opinion of you revealed in his word.
In the world, being chosen often means to be chosen at some else's expense. But, God doesn't choose in that way. No, his plan for you doesn't diminish the lives of others; it enhances them. In God's plan, those who are chosen are always chosen for one reason-to serve. When we begin to see one another as being chosen by God, we'll begin to love and respect one another in a way we never have before. And that will profoundly change every relationship we've got." -anonymous-
31 October 2007
30 October 2007
27 October 2007
Because Jesus lives!!!
God sent His Son,
They called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove My Saviour lives
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know, He holds the future
and life is worth the living
just because He lives!!
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
William and Gloria Gaither
Wonderful truth!
They called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove My Saviour lives
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know, He holds the future
and life is worth the living
just because He lives!!
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives.
But greater still the calm assurance,
This child can face uncertain days because He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living just because He lives.
And then one day I'll cross the river,
I'll fight life's final war with pain.
And then as death gives way to victory,
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives.
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, All fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living just because He lives!
William and Gloria Gaither
Wonderful truth!
25 October 2007
24 October 2007
Loading the burden to the Lord
Hudson Taylor said these words when he was rebuked because of whistling his favorite hymn after hearing that his friend was in danger: "Do you rather want me to be anxious and troubled? it is certainly will not help my friend and it incapacitates me to do my work. Thus, I load the burden to the Lord."
21 October 2007
What Christ has done for me?
These past two weeks had been an interesting week, an eye opening, a humbling week, tough, but most rewarding. I thought I have learnt and reminded myself about what Christ has done for me, I thought I have known it reasonably well but in reality I have only made a wee bit progress. I enjoy learning the bible, knowing that Christ has brought salvation, freedom, and life for me. But, I didnt really know the meaning until I had to go through a test. I didnt really know what it means to delight in what Christ has done for us. Truly, it has to be God Himself that give us the understanding so that we may truly take joy in what he has done for us. I have often wandered why some christians can be so passionate about the gospel...this normally happens when I have lost my joy or when my feeling towards it was average. I know it is a sad thing but I have to be honest about it. Then, these days God made me understand...yeah I think I got it. Last two weeks I was sick and to make things worse I didnt feel well spiritually either. I realized that I dont live under God's grace most of the time. We thought we have depended on God but we are not and try to take things on our own strength. I was reminded that no matter how I feel whether I am weak or sick, Christ has brought victory for me. I am victorious because of Christ. Christ has fought the battle head to head with the devil on the Cross. I have given total control of my life to Christ and the devil has no authority over me, no power over me. The Holy Spirit that lives in me is greater than any other spirit in this world. The devil shudders at the name of Jesus, he cant easily forget the defeat on the Cross, it was finished! Praise be to God. I grieve over my many defeats, doubts on who I really am in Christ, it is because I dont know...o God help. When Paul told Timothy the reason why he should not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord nor of him his prisoner is because God does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and self control. Fear has no hold over us, Christ is on our side, it is him who justify us, who can be against us? truly who? satan has no power if God has decided. he can not alter God's plan. No way, far be it. I thought I have understood what Christ has done for me yet today I acknowledge that I have not and I can not until He makes me understand. He who gives good gifts will surely give wisdom especially about Himself :).
Quote of the day: Spiritual warfare is real and is here, not somewhere in asia or africa. You gotta be ready for it.
Quote of the day: Spiritual warfare is real and is here, not somewhere in asia or africa. You gotta be ready for it.
16 October 2007
CF Ball 50's glamours
May be my last ball...I never know...had lotsa fun though
Many thanks to Teri for dress and stuff
Winks*
Winks*
It's not your fault
These words were said to a guy that years ago when He was young, he was physically abused by his parents, people that suppose to love him. Well-said indeed by his psychiatrist that cares about him, not merely doing his job. The part that really significant was when he said to his old friend that hire him to help the abused guy. He said that He was not going to push the guy, to make him feel like a failure, to make him use his old familiar tool which is his defense mechanism. The guy is allowed to make his own choices in life and he ought to be free to do it. the psychiatrist's old friend wanted the young guy to follow a course set by him, a glamorous job that will set the guy up high because he was way talented. The psychiatrist refused to work with his old friend, forcing the guy to do what his friend's want, eventhough the guy owes good deeds to his old friend. He just know that to do so will not be helping the damaged guy at all.
good will hunting
On another note, what a friend the guy had! a person who was able to walk back with him to his past and come out together strong. Reminding me of people God had put in my life, that has inspired, that is available to walk with me through those dark valleys and come out strong and safe.
good will hunting
On another note, what a friend the guy had! a person who was able to walk back with him to his past and come out together strong. Reminding me of people God had put in my life, that has inspired, that is available to walk with me through those dark valleys and come out strong and safe.
13 October 2007
2 Timothy 1 - 9
Now, we are moving on memorizing the second book of Timothy. Let see If I still remember.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.
To Timothy, my beloved child.
Grace , mercy, and peace from God the Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and now I am sure dwells in you as well. For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power, and love, and self control.
Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner. But, share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Tim 1 - 9 (this is where we are up to)
Psalm 19: 7 - 11
The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple
The precepts of the Lord are right,rejoicing the heart
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever
The rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold
Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned, in keeping them there is great reward.
This is our joy and desire. May this inspire to you to treasure the word of the Lord.
Appreciate your prayers as we hold each other accountable in memorizing His precious words. May we be ever ready and competent in handling the sword of the Spirit. Amen.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.
To Timothy, my beloved child.
Grace , mercy, and peace from God the Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.
I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and now I am sure dwells in you as well. For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power, and love, and self control.
Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner. But, share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but because of his own purpose and grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Tim 1 - 9 (this is where we are up to)
Psalm 19: 7 - 11
The Law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple
The precepts of the Lord are right,rejoicing the heart
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever
The rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold
Sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned, in keeping them there is great reward.
This is our joy and desire. May this inspire to you to treasure the word of the Lord.
Appreciate your prayers as we hold each other accountable in memorizing His precious words. May we be ever ready and competent in handling the sword of the Spirit. Amen.
2 John
We have been memorizing 2nd John, so I thought I post this letter to remind myself and you.
2 John 1 - 13 according to ESV
The elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth and not only I but also all who know the truth. Because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever.
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's son in truth and love.
I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth just as we were commanded by the Father. And now, I asked you dear lady, not as though I were writing you a new commandment but the one that we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh, such a one is the deciever and the antichrist.
Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for but may win a full reward.
Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God.
Whoever abides in the teaching, has both the Father and the Son.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not recieve him into your house or give him any greeting. For whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
Though I have much to write to you I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
The children of your elect sister, greets you.
2 John 1 - 13 according to ESV
The elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth and not only I but also all who know the truth. Because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever.
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's son in truth and love.
I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth just as we were commanded by the Father. And now, I asked you dear lady, not as though I were writing you a new commandment but the one that we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh, such a one is the deciever and the antichrist.
Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for but may win a full reward.
Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God.
Whoever abides in the teaching, has both the Father and the Son.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not recieve him into your house or give him any greeting. For whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.
Though I have much to write to you I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
The children of your elect sister, greets you.
12 October 2007
Life in the Middle of October
I havent blogged for ages. These days had been tough and hard as I journeyed with the Lord. I have fallen into being anxious and faithless. Then, the Lord brings me to my senses through people what He had achieved for me on the Cross. The freedom from slavery of sin including disbelieving His power, sovereignty, and love. Christ has broken the yoke, has burst my bonds, and yet sometimes you do not realize that you are free. You can conquer sins in your life by the power of God. I can ask for forgiveness and by His love He cleanses me from all unrighteousness. As He brought me through the book of Jeremiah this morning, I can feel His grief and yet compassion towards unfaithful Israel and Judah. His calling was for them to return to Him, to acknowledge their guilt. He said that He will not be angry forever for He is merciful. Isnt He great and generous? that I am free and can embrace His hands again? Oh Lord, I am sorry for failing to trust you. Help me as you help faithless Israel. Thanks.