I started working when I was in high school. I work for my parent's grocery and would get 100 pesos for a 12-hour duty being a cashier and helping in the computation. In college, I use my vacation time doing summer jobs and before I finish college, I already have a job as technical support in ePLDT. Everytime I pursue a new job, I would have three days to two weeks vacation only before embarking the new career.
There would always be a backup plan and because of His grace, the Lord has always provided new jobs even without having to seek.
It is one thing to be strong, another thing that your strength be tested. Before I hit another decade, I have wanted to work abroad, not to stay for long but to see what's out there. During the time of stay, numerous times I encountered how to wait. And with waiting, another thing is to wait without assurance (that's faith). It is somehow relieving to wait when you know you are waiting for something but to wait for uncertainties will require much more than planning each day's list of to dos and goals.
To be honest, waiting for uncertain things is really testing my steadfastness and patience. I know myself that when a plan (which I have carefully checked and prayed about) doesn't happen, I get uneasy. My nerves would like to break off and I become fidgety. I very know of that as it happened with my sister, my friends, and family. Coming to think of it, it might be because during my childhood, my family would always plan on going out, and at the last minute, it does not happen. I find myself not talking for the next hours to next days just because things doesn't go as planned. It happens countless times that I developed silent anxieties as with planning and going. All this has been surrendered to God and I thank Him for the grace which is like an infinity pool I swim to.
The first three months of trying to seek a job abroad, we would stay inside the flat looking for opportunities online (yes, application online is the best possible way)-- I had to wait. When I got the interviews, I had to fast for the job I liked (which well God has greater plans why I wasn't able to get that), and upon exit for residence visa, I had to wait again (without certain date when the visa will be released). During the months of staying-- I waited til I turn one year and finish off some goals.
Two days before the flight, the plan to go home was cancelled indefinitely. I knew that everything in the past had come to test me and my patience. Everything has been set. It has been planned (coupled with prayers). Surely, this is a delay and I had to wait for completion of papers despite all the days of previous waiting.
The powerful thing that happened is that God has provided the extension of my patience. I knew I could flare up. I admit, I still feel the disappointment as this has been talked about and raised two months before. I couldn't even believe that I told them I understand it perfectly as it happened, it is beyond their control, while at the back of my mind, I knew there were faults. I have set aside concerns and focus on the great things that God can do in my days of waiting. I know I have tendencies to take matters at hand but this time, I just let some things go out of my control which was painstakingly relieving. I know I am a work in progress and growing to maturity.
The emphasis of the waiting, in most contexts where the words for waiting occur, is on the impact waiting on the Lord’s return should have on our daily walk. The waiting in the bible actually points to our waiting in the Lord for His coming and its importance on daily walk. The little waitings in our lives (waiting to finish school, waiting for land a job, waiting in line, waiting for celebrations and many waitings we can think of) are but preparation to how we should wait upon the Lord. Not solely by our own strength, not by our power, not with the gritting of teeth but waiting with hope and love, waiting joyfully, waiting patiently.
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
and yes, there is a promise for those who wait for the Lord -- He will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31), Talk about command but with promise. The main objective and focus in our lives is that when we get the understanding on the waiting for the Lord, the waiting on other small things (that sometimes overwhelms us as we become out of focus, letting it be magnified big) in our lives will become easier as it should be.
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Day 42 Desert and Storms
We were created to experience abundant life (Genesis 1:26...so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.") but because of sin, we experience seasons of life apart from abundance. It may not be always summer but we can be assured that God is there through any season.
We know when we are in the season of blessings and abundance, when all is well, when things are going our way, when we are being blessed. In my devotions, I took looks at other seasons we experience in life.
In the desert.
Hosea 13:5 (NLT)
5 I took care of you in the wilderness, in that dry and thirsty land.
In the desert we may not have problems we can't face but we are so empty, we don't seem to be advancing. When it feels that even our spiritual life is dry. It isn't really bad in this season unless because of sin. We know that it could only be consequence of what we've done wrong, but apart from any of it, season of dryness can be an opportunity for us to receive new things, fresh water. A time to stay in faith, a time to trust God. Being human, Jesus himself conquered all temptations in the dessert (Matt. 4)
In the storm.
Mark 4:37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
In the storm is where we are being bombarded by so many things that's happening. Thunderstorms, waves rocking our state of balance, life so swamped. It may seem that He doesn't care if we drown. But He is with us. He calms the storm.
In the desert, there's hunger and need. Rest assured He will provide.
In the storm, we learn quietness and trust, we have to be still and know He is God.
We know when we are in the season of blessings and abundance, when all is well, when things are going our way, when we are being blessed. In my devotions, I took looks at other seasons we experience in life.
In the desert.
Hosea 13:5 (NLT)
5 I took care of you in the wilderness, in that dry and thirsty land.
In the desert we may not have problems we can't face but we are so empty, we don't seem to be advancing. When it feels that even our spiritual life is dry. It isn't really bad in this season unless because of sin. We know that it could only be consequence of what we've done wrong, but apart from any of it, season of dryness can be an opportunity for us to receive new things, fresh water. A time to stay in faith, a time to trust God. Being human, Jesus himself conquered all temptations in the dessert (Matt. 4)
In the storm.
Mark 4:37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
In the storm is where we are being bombarded by so many things that's happening. Thunderstorms, waves rocking our state of balance, life so swamped. It may seem that He doesn't care if we drown. But He is with us. He calms the storm.
In the desert, there's hunger and need. Rest assured He will provide.
In the storm, we learn quietness and trust, we have to be still and know He is God.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Day 25 Advise to Self
1. Love yourself.
Your love for yourself (and others) stems from the truth that God loves you. Knowing you are loved by your Creator, you will also love yourself. How do you love yourself is actually how you love others, it is actually assumed (Matt 22:39). Loving self doesn't mean we'll become self-centered. It is about caring for your being. Eat right. Exercise. Keep healthy. Keep sheltered and warm. Read. Nurture yourself. Take care of your body (Ephesians 5:29) You have to feel loved by God and that self-love is a product of you taking care of yourself for Him.
2. Give Yourself Grace
Don't blame yourself too much. Learn that when we ask God for forgiveness with a genuine repentance, He forgives and so we should also forgive ourselves. We make ourselves higher than the One who forgives when we don't forgive ourselves. Give yourself grace.
3. Believe in Yourself (through Christ).
Actually, believe that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil 4:13). If you believe too much yourself, your joy or sadness will come only from you, which can lead to feeling highly praised or condemned. Your joy should always come from Jesus Christ. Your beliefs should be rooted on Him. You can only do it with God because apart from Him you can do nothing. Always stay connected.
You are loved, cared for, and secured in the love of God. Regardless people care or not about you, you know yourself and God has created and love and has been ever looking at you. True security and comfort can only be found in Him.
Your love for yourself (and others) stems from the truth that God loves you. Knowing you are loved by your Creator, you will also love yourself. How do you love yourself is actually how you love others, it is actually assumed (Matt 22:39). Loving self doesn't mean we'll become self-centered. It is about caring for your being. Eat right. Exercise. Keep healthy. Keep sheltered and warm. Read. Nurture yourself. Take care of your body (Ephesians 5:29) You have to feel loved by God and that self-love is a product of you taking care of yourself for Him.
2. Give Yourself Grace
Don't blame yourself too much. Learn that when we ask God for forgiveness with a genuine repentance, He forgives and so we should also forgive ourselves. We make ourselves higher than the One who forgives when we don't forgive ourselves. Give yourself grace.
3. Believe in Yourself (through Christ).
Actually, believe that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil 4:13). If you believe too much yourself, your joy or sadness will come only from you, which can lead to feeling highly praised or condemned. Your joy should always come from Jesus Christ. Your beliefs should be rooted on Him. You can only do it with God because apart from Him you can do nothing. Always stay connected.
You are loved, cared for, and secured in the love of God. Regardless people care or not about you, you know yourself and God has created and love and has been ever looking at you. True security and comfort can only be found in Him.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Day 24 Wisdom and Knowledge
God gives wisdom. It is His gift and He gives to those who ask.
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
There is a fine line difference between knowledge and wisdom. In knowing this, we can be able to handle those gifts when we ask of them from God.
It is said that knowledge is the information gained through learning, gathered overtime through study.
I once was asked why I can answer even the trivial things and knows many things, and answered with all humility that I love reading. Reading and studying give us understanding and knowledge. I remember when I was in grade school, my mother would ask me on the assignments and forces (yes, forces haha) me to learn. I remember those lazy afternoons that I had to study. Reading and learning has become a habit to me (thanks mom) that even after my parents have gotten busy in so many things I have acquired a good deal of habit. (God has been working out on my life). Studying has been so easy for me since then. I would not even review and still be able to answer. Sometimes I would think that I could have read the night before so I could have been the highest in score (lols).
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
There is a fine line difference between knowledge and wisdom. In knowing this, we can be able to handle those gifts when we ask of them from God.
It is said that knowledge is the information gained through learning, gathered overtime through study.
I once was asked why I can answer even the trivial things and knows many things, and answered with all humility that I love reading. Reading and studying give us understanding and knowledge. I remember when I was in grade school, my mother would ask me on the assignments and forces (yes, forces haha) me to learn. I remember those lazy afternoons that I had to study. Reading and learning has become a habit to me (thanks mom) that even after my parents have gotten busy in so many things I have acquired a good deal of habit. (God has been working out on my life). Studying has been so easy for me since then. I would not even review and still be able to answer. Sometimes I would think that I could have read the night before so I could have been the highest in score (lols).
Please don't get me wrong, this isn't pride. I just don't want to show false humility. I perfectly acknowledge that mom's prayers were answered that I may be at honor roll and these habits were formed because of Him. Only when Jesus changed my life that I have desired wisdom.
The bible instructs is to acquire wisdom. It is supreme (Proverbs 4:7). When Solomon asked for it (1Kgs 3:9), God was pleased (v10)
Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement. It is not acquiring much information and being able to answer quizzes.
As Christians, we can have knowledge on what the bible is, its content, but it is wisdom that tells us when and how to use it. Wisdom acts upon knowledge. The following verse distinguishes wisdom from knowledge which is the attitude I am desiring from God.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
True faith seeks God for wisdom in times of testing and trials, and decision making. Wisdom isn't knowing many things, but utilizing all we have and acknowledging everything comes from God. Wisdom is attitude, not intellect.
The bible instructs is to acquire wisdom. It is supreme (Proverbs 4:7). When Solomon asked for it (1Kgs 3:9), God was pleased (v10)
Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement. It is not acquiring much information and being able to answer quizzes.
As Christians, we can have knowledge on what the bible is, its content, but it is wisdom that tells us when and how to use it. Wisdom acts upon knowledge. The following verse distinguishes wisdom from knowledge which is the attitude I am desiring from God.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
True faith seeks God for wisdom in times of testing and trials, and decision making. Wisdom isn't knowing many things, but utilizing all we have and acknowledging everything comes from God. Wisdom is attitude, not intellect.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Day 22 Finding God's Will
Growing up, I would always hear about God's will. For me, it used to be like some kind of a big future thing. A destination. A settlement. Specifics. Maybe He wants me to be a missionary in South Africa, be a pastor in China, win a community for Christ, or marry the Christian boyfriend I would have and raise a Christian family serving altogether in one church.
If that's what I think His will is, I am not yet there. I would have been frustrated by now if I had not know His revelations because I am still single, I am yet to become a pastor, I am still in my desire that my whole family would go to church altogether.
Is it actually seeking Him first to know His will, not seeking His will to know Him.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
If that's what I think His will is, it will lead to my misunderstanding on God's will and I would regret my decisions when I fail on something I prayed and thought was the will for me.
This topic was very resilient that one Sunday not so long ago, I had to ask an elder some guidance regarding my current situation then, of a different concern. Along our conversation, it lead to a question with "You don't know God's will?". It hit me. I just said I knew it already but after that, I have kept contemplating. What do I know of it. Have I been doing things that will lead me to that "will" He has for me. What's really God's will for my life.
This topic was very resilient that one Sunday not so long ago, I had to ask an elder some guidance regarding my current situation then, of a different concern. Along our conversation, it lead to a question with "You don't know God's will?". It hit me. I just said I knew it already but after that, I have kept contemplating. What do I know of it. Have I been doing things that will lead me to that "will" He has for me. What's really God's will for my life.
I just know that God's will is in the bible. But what does it really mean? Is it something that I'd look for passages that would strike me, and say ahhh, this is specifically for me and His will for my life. I need to go to my Nineveh (thinks of my Nineveh) and plan the trip so I won't be eaten by big fish.
(Although there will be cases that I might have to do so based from my calling that will unfold with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.)
I was always clueless and always trying to get into that 'will' then. In all these misunderstandings God has been gracious, He loves me more than I think He does. He wants me seeking Him first, and all these things (my desires based on the want to know His will) shall be added into my life.
We are free from the burden of trying to discover God’s will ahead of time. It is not a maze for us to perfectly navigate in order to reach our end goal, but instead, God desires for us to trust Him with all of the twists and turns.
God is sovereign over my life. Yes, He has specific plans for my future, but He does not expect me to find out the details of His plan before I get there. So this whole idea of finding God’s will for my life has been me searching for something God does not want to reveal.
Because we do not know, we will trust the One who holds it. If we fully know what His will is, we would probably just sit back and take all necessary paths to be there. Trust would be of less essence. But because we do not know what lies ahead, we keep on trusting God with our future, with what's going to happen when we commit our plans and desires to Him.
The bible is our guide to knowing who He is, what He wants us to be, and how He saved us to be with Him, and in this, our decisions will be based from His words. The bible changes our thoughts, and so when we have renewed minds, all our ways would depend on God's word. We wouldn't decide on anything that's against what the bible says. If we pray for wisdom that is says in Proverbs and James, we can decide with confidence as He gives us the Spirit to help us in anything we would pursue, regardless of its outcome. Knowing there is peace is important. Isn't it wisdom to know that even if our plans won't succeed, we can still choose to depend God for comfort, love, and direction? There's still life we can enjoy.
We are free from the burden of trying to discover God’s will ahead of time. It is not a maze for us to perfectly navigate in order to reach our end goal, but instead, God desires for us to trust Him with all of the twists and turns.
God is sovereign over my life. Yes, He has specific plans for my future, but He does not expect me to find out the details of His plan before I get there. So this whole idea of finding God’s will for my life has been me searching for something God does not want to reveal.
Because we do not know, we will trust the One who holds it. If we fully know what His will is, we would probably just sit back and take all necessary paths to be there. Trust would be of less essence. But because we do not know what lies ahead, we keep on trusting God with our future, with what's going to happen when we commit our plans and desires to Him.
The bible is our guide to knowing who He is, what He wants us to be, and how He saved us to be with Him, and in this, our decisions will be based from His words. The bible changes our thoughts, and so when we have renewed minds, all our ways would depend on God's word. We wouldn't decide on anything that's against what the bible says. If we pray for wisdom that is says in Proverbs and James, we can decide with confidence as He gives us the Spirit to help us in anything we would pursue, regardless of its outcome. Knowing there is peace is important. Isn't it wisdom to know that even if our plans won't succeed, we can still choose to depend God for comfort, love, and direction? There's still life we can enjoy.
Is it actually seeking Him first to know His will, not seeking His will to know Him.
No matter what your future plans are, God wants you to seek and glorify Him right now. Simply put, God’s will is your growth to be like Christ and glorify Him in all things.
If you'd ask me what's the will of God in my life right now, it is to live in holiness as He is holy. God wants us to seek Him, to trust in Him. To believe even without seeing. To be faithful, even without grasping full understanding. He wants us to live everyday giving God all the glory, to small things like whether we eat or drink, even to acknowledging Him, putting Him first and praying for guidance for big decisions in our lives.
God's will is not a mystery to be solved but a road to be traveled.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV
Friday, March 18, 2016
Day 19 Commitment
When I committed my life to Christ when I was in Grade 6, my prayer was Psalm 51:10. A pure heart. Being nearing two decades since then I've been to different churches, heard many teachings, learned many doctrines - in all this, God has all been there to see me through. His grace abounds and His love overflows. After that commitment, I had been aware that He never stopped looking at me in all my ways. He loved me before that commitment, loved me too long in the past, and will love me without end. Because of this love, I didn't want to break His heart. My desire to holiness is just a product of knowing He loves me everlasting.
He has directed my paths and even allowed my uturns in times I am almost about to be ruined. His Spirit always led me into knowing truths. Many seasons and desperations came and went about but all the more He shows Himself loving as well as holy.
Far more than just being in the church, being Christian is being Christ-like.
Just start. Just trust. Just commit our lives to Christ.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Day 17 Tired
Last night I slept with my all day clothes. I was too exhausted I didn't even bother to get up and change after I went to bed at 8. The past days were tiring and sleepless. When we have not gotten rest, we become weary and our emotions get loose. That's how it was last night. The past days were also at my spiritual highs and as much as I wanted it an everyday state, it isn't so yesterday. Then this paragraphs I read helped me.
The reality of human life is that there will be some days that aren’t mountaintop experiences. Some days will be filled with conflict, homework, errands, laundry, loss, pain, bitterness and—hardest of all—apathy. I wish every day were filled with great community, exciting missions work, christian concerts and prayer gatherings. But the truth is, most of our lives are spent somewhere between these two realities. Most days we get a little of both. (Relevant Mag)
Being a Christian has little to do with how we feel, but everything to do with God’s covenant with us.
The sign of an authentic relationship with God is that it allows itself to change over time. In any relationship, we have to adapt and fight to overcome new challenges. If we try to cling to how it was at the beginning, we will never grow in actual relationship. The truth of God’s unconditional love for us never changes, but we have to let that truth be expressed differently as needed in different seasons. (Relevant Mag)
Being a Christian has little to do with how we feel, but everything to do with God’s covenant with us.
The sign of an authentic relationship with God is that it allows itself to change over time. In any relationship, we have to adapt and fight to overcome new challenges. If we try to cling to how it was at the beginning, we will never grow in actual relationship. The truth of God’s unconditional love for us never changes, but we have to let that truth be expressed differently as needed in different seasons. (Relevant Mag)
Andddd.
I've been eating Indian and Pakistani food that my officemate said I am the only Filipino she knows who eat like one of them.
Day 16 The Redemption of Grace
Grace was name that I had to ask God healing from. For so many years, I prayed for redemption from that word.
I read one story about grace. Tammy helps unwed mothers and takes good care of them in a home where they are fed and loved. She met Sara, one of the residents, who has been selling her body to feed her heroin habit, Tammy was forced to choose between offering some sort of practical assistance, and kicking Sara out of the program. Tammy made a deal with Sara that she would personally pay for Sara’s heroin habit, if Sara would refrain from prostituting herself. Tammy reasoned that if she could remove the guilt and shame associated with prostitution, Sara might have a chance of reestablishing her value, thereby gaining the strength to overcome her habit.
While walking this morning, I was so moved. My heart began crying out of love that I felt from Jesus. Their story might be too much compared to my experience but this grace is one of the moving stories on how God can give grace to us. God accepted me even before I came to Him. He loved me despite my sins. When I entered the church, He used me in His ministry despite my stubbornness. Like Sara, I had my withdrawals, I would cry myself to sleep. But God - He gave me home and identity. My transformation wasn't overnight or over the weekend. It took many years of finding His love has always been there every single time. It was grace.
I read one story about grace. Tammy helps unwed mothers and takes good care of them in a home where they are fed and loved. She met Sara, one of the residents, who has been selling her body to feed her heroin habit, Tammy was forced to choose between offering some sort of practical assistance, and kicking Sara out of the program. Tammy made a deal with Sara that she would personally pay for Sara’s heroin habit, if Sara would refrain from prostituting herself. Tammy reasoned that if she could remove the guilt and shame associated with prostitution, Sara might have a chance of reestablishing her value, thereby gaining the strength to overcome her habit.
While walking this morning, I was so moved. My heart began crying out of love that I felt from Jesus. Their story might be too much compared to my experience but this grace is one of the moving stories on how God can give grace to us. God accepted me even before I came to Him. He loved me despite my sins. When I entered the church, He used me in His ministry despite my stubbornness. Like Sara, I had my withdrawals, I would cry myself to sleep. But God - He gave me home and identity. My transformation wasn't overnight or over the weekend. It took many years of finding His love has always been there every single time. It was grace.
Currently listening to: Only Grace by Matthew West
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Day 12 Present Suffering
Our present suffering cannot compare to the glory and joy that's coming.
Last Monday, I was given the honor to share about Stewardship of Time in our lifegroup and one of the main points I shared on how to use time was about 'thinking about eternal significance' in whatever circumstance we have.
Paul writes
Rom 8:18 NIV—I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that the glory that will be revealed in us.
Last Monday, I was given the honor to share about Stewardship of Time in our lifegroup and one of the main points I shared on how to use time was about 'thinking about eternal significance' in whatever circumstance we have.
Paul writes
Rom 8:18 NIV—I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that the glory that will be revealed in us.
The passage talks about the future eternal glory that will come. Our resurrection with Christ; which we eagerly await. In our earthly life, our focus should always be eternal life with Christ. We may sometimes forget about it, so the bible tells us to 'remember'. For in whatever circumstance we are in, in full or hunger, in joy or famine, everything should always point to Christ. Thanking Him for everything as we continually surrender our lives to God.
I like the song Before the Morning by Josh Wilson and so as the movie Shawshank Redemption.
During the times of troubles and heartaches, we see life in a limited distance. But life is not a snapshot as the song goes. The big picture of our life is eternity past and eternity future. Where the later we await to obtain. We can acquire that eternal life through Jesus Christ, who endured the world, endured suffering.
In the movie Shawshank Redemption, the guy who was imprisoned awaited for his hope of a good life outside the jail. All the hours, days, weeks, years of planning (to escape; it's just a story) lead him to do things subtly, getting favors and all, doing good) gave him hope despite all those hardships. Afterall he got his freedom and it was shown he wasn't the suspect of the crime. He was just drunk then. The movie was very clever.
I like the song Before the Morning by Josh Wilson and so as the movie Shawshank Redemption.
During the times of troubles and heartaches, we see life in a limited distance. But life is not a snapshot as the song goes. The big picture of our life is eternity past and eternity future. Where the later we await to obtain. We can acquire that eternal life through Jesus Christ, who endured the world, endured suffering.
In the movie Shawshank Redemption, the guy who was imprisoned awaited for his hope of a good life outside the jail. All the hours, days, weeks, years of planning (to escape; it's just a story) lead him to do things subtly, getting favors and all, doing good) gave him hope despite all those hardships. Afterall he got his freedom and it was shown he wasn't the suspect of the crime. He was just drunk then. The movie was very clever.
Let us allow God to have complete liberty in our lives as we fully submit to Him, everything. Before God’s message can liberate other people, His liberation must first be real in us.
The Grace to the Humble
I used to walk alone going to and back from office. It takes about 40-50 minutes depending on my strength. One particular afternoon, an officemate walked with me. Just few steps away from office, she saw 5 dirhams on the road and quickly held it. There wasn't any other people in the area and so she took it. I thought, if I was alone, I could have gotten it. I shoo my thoughts away and smiled at it. Very inappropriate thoughts. Haha!
This morning, upon finishing a teaching about humility and grace, I started to pray on my way to office asking God for forgiveness for everything I've done wrong. As I bow down my head (yes, while walking, looking at the road floors) I saw 100 dirhams! I held it and checked the roads, there was a group of people walking towards the other area. I waited for some time (and looked for signs that someone is trying to find something. None. Walking towards office, I also try to check my back for any signs til I reached office. It was for me! :)
James (in 4) reminded us about Proverbs 3:34, that God gives grace to the humble. I am not saying that the 100 dirhams was because of the humility I showed bowing down. It was just an extra experience for me as I take the step on surrendering God everything this morning.
From the podcast I heard it says "I'm sure there's anger, I'm sure there's bitterness", but when we submit out lives to God; telling Him all that we are and the things we just can't be at that moment, telling Him how much we can only endure, and our tendencies to take matters into our hands, get angry, embittered; that we are not okay." He will be our Savior and deliver us. He is very gracious to the humble. Accepting before Him that we are not okay and acknowledging He is there to help us is a sign of humility.
This morning, upon finishing a teaching about humility and grace, I started to pray on my way to office asking God for forgiveness for everything I've done wrong. As I bow down my head (yes, while walking, looking at the road floors) I saw 100 dirhams! I held it and checked the roads, there was a group of people walking towards the other area. I waited for some time (and looked for signs that someone is trying to find something. None. Walking towards office, I also try to check my back for any signs til I reached office. It was for me! :)
James (in 4) reminded us about Proverbs 3:34, that God gives grace to the humble. I am not saying that the 100 dirhams was because of the humility I showed bowing down. It was just an extra experience for me as I take the step on surrendering God everything this morning.
From the podcast I heard it says "I'm sure there's anger, I'm sure there's bitterness", but when we submit out lives to God; telling Him all that we are and the things we just can't be at that moment, telling Him how much we can only endure, and our tendencies to take matters into our hands, get angry, embittered; that we are not okay." He will be our Savior and deliver us. He is very gracious to the humble. Accepting before Him that we are not okay and acknowledging He is there to help us is a sign of humility.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Day 8
Last night, I was awaken by cramps 2-3 times. By 1:30 AM I awoke as I felt I was to get up already for work ( I would thank God if I wake up at 5 and will still have an hour more to sleep but 1:30AM?! I just gotten sleep!.I also had dreams I couldn't figure out. I am okay, maybe it's just my body feeling anxious for the hard days. It is normal though. It was better than feeling numb and all would just explode.
Though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly I am being renewed day by day. It wasn't all that bad. Sometimes I have to go through sufferings to reach my journey to contentment to whatever i gain or lose in life. I just know that in all these, whether joy or suffering, I must always show my religion, the religion of Christ-likeness. I had my share of wrongs and mistakes and or it might be just ways for me to learn, but the important thing is what will my response be to all these sufferings.
I don't know how long should I be writing about this.
Cont.. after posting this, I found the ff paragraphs from my online reading or utmost.org
The things we try to avoid and fight against— tribulation, suffering, and persecution— are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. “We are more than conquerors through Him” “in all these things”; not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn’t know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Paul said, “I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation” (2 Corinthians 7:4).
The undiminished radiance, which is the result of abundant joy, is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can change. And the experiences of life, whether they are everyday events or terrifying ones, are powerless to “separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
I should be able to prove my religion in the valley, not just in the city.
Though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly I am being renewed day by day. It wasn't all that bad. Sometimes I have to go through sufferings to reach my journey to contentment to whatever i gain or lose in life. I just know that in all these, whether joy or suffering, I must always show my religion, the religion of Christ-likeness. I had my share of wrongs and mistakes and or it might be just ways for me to learn, but the important thing is what will my response be to all these sufferings.
I don't know how long should I be writing about this.
Cont.. after posting this, I found the ff paragraphs from my online reading or utmost.org
The things we try to avoid and fight against— tribulation, suffering, and persecution— are the very things that produce abundant joy in us. “We are more than conquerors through Him” “in all these things”; not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. A saint doesn’t know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Paul said, “I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation” (2 Corinthians 7:4).
The undiminished radiance, which is the result of abundant joy, is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can change. And the experiences of life, whether they are everyday events or terrifying ones, are powerless to “separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
I should be able to prove my religion in the valley, not just in the city.
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