Monday, October 31, 2011

I have decided


What an amazing weekend. First retreat with Pathway and also first time leading Pathway. I was honored to be able to lead one of the services. Definitely great time of fellowship and learning. Praise God!


No matter how much we fail God. Just reminded that he'll always take us back.


Monday, October 3, 2011

Convinced

31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”

~ Luke 16:31

The parable sets to remind me that ultimately life is short. The rich man is cast away to Hades not because he is rich, but because he forgot the teachings of Moses and the prophets. He was too comfortable in his life and showed no compassion to those that were suffering. Whereas, Lazarus suffered greatly as a beggar and sits at the right of Abraham. Seeing that nothing can be changed in his predicament, he asks Abraham to send Lazarus back. 

Verse 31 was the response that hit home for me. The verse reminded me of the disciples that followed Jesus around. The whole time they saw miracles one after another, yet when it came down to declaring their faith, they all ran. Examining my life, I see that even though I have the Bible, if I'm not convinced to change my ways I too will be excommunicated with God. Though it is a brimstone and fire type of message, I believe God is telling me that, I need to actively seek him out and change my ways. 


First things first.. that means reading the word more to know "Moses and the Prophets". Then secondly to obey HIS teachings.


Heavenly Father, forgive me for my lack of diligence. I am the rich man too comfortable to change and to self-centered to show compassion. Help me to not ignore the people "outside of my gates", but remind me that all things I have are given from you. I ask that you help me to trust and obey.


In your Sons name
Amen. 



preview of the retreat promo video. must pray for the event. 


 song that ties the video together. 


 


Sunday, September 25, 2011

Choked up in Life

S: 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,
   “‘though seeing, they may not see;
   though hearing, they may not understand.’[a]

14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.  

Luke 8:10, 14

O:  Jesus explains that those who have the Holy Spirit in their hearts have the ability to depict God's will and message. But those who don't know Christ, will only hear and see, but won't  grasp the concept of God's intentions. Though I can't verbally hear Jesus speak through his parables, I know that God moves in my life. I was given the ears to hear, and eyes to see, but I do not practice it all the time. If I were to measure where my life is at, I would be the seed that feel among the thorns. I never really mature because I'm so caught up in life. Need it be relationships, money, fun, family, friends... its always me first then God.... This needs to change

A: Put God at the center of my life. How?... Read more, pray more, sing more? I'll try those for now. 

P: Jesus, show me how to free myself from the thorns of life. I can see that being caught up in worldly desires is choking my spiritual life, so I ask you Jesus to help me to change. Thank you for the cross.

In Jesus name
Amen.
 

Monday, September 19, 2011

Awaken from Spiritual Slumber.

S:
33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 

O:
Simeon was righteous and devout man who was filled with the Holy Spirit. Upon waiting for the consultation of Jerusalem, the HS revealed to him that he will meet the Messiah before his time on this earth ends. After seeing Jesus, Simeon prophesy that he will be not only the Messiah that was promised in the scripture, but the one who will separate the flock. Men will either "fall or rise", but none will be the middle. Jesus is that sword, the one who cleaves and separates the soul from salvation or destruction.

A:
Jesus did not come to fulfill our earthly needs, but he came to serve God's purpose of raising the believers from those who will fall. I feel like the Holy Spirit is directing me that I can no longer fall within amongst the crowd and blend in. God calls me forth to no longer be lukewarm, as He will spit them out, but to be on fire for Him. Be bold, the sight of Jesus will empower me to stand up for my faith.

P:
Jesus, thank you for your precious grace that I don't deserve. I pray as I start my day with you, that you would continue to remind me to have my soul cleaved from the patterns of this world. Pierce my heart and awaking me from this spiritual slumber, that I will be able to serve you and obey you today.

In Jesus Name
Amen.

Monday, September 12, 2011

35 All the peoples of the earth
   are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
   with the powers of heaven
   and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
   or say to him: “What have you done?”
 36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Loneliness

3 “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob,
   all the remnant of the people of Israel,
you whom I have upheld since your birth,
   and have carried since you were born.
4 Even to your old age and gray hairs
   I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
   I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Isaiah 46:3-4

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Ways to Live By


  • Pray unceasingly
  • Give sacrificially
  • Dream unreasonably
  • Serve wholeheartedly
  • Love unashamedly
  • Walk innocently
  • Believe undoubtingly
  • Live powerfully

I fail at it all. 

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Father's Day

If roses grow in heaven Lord, then pick a bunch for me. Place them in my dad's arms and tell him they're from me. Tell him that I love and miss him, and when he turns to smile, place a kiss upon his cheek and hold him for awhile

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Turning My Heart

37 Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, O LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”


1 King 18:37



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

A Helping Hand & A Vow

10 If either of them falls down, 
   one can help the other up. 
But pity anyone who falls 
   and has no one to help them up.


~Ecclesiastes 4:10


4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.


~Ecclesiastes 5:4


First of all, God you're amazing when you tug at my heart and affirm me with so many things to do your work. It feels good to follow God's footsteps. Today a friend ask me to visit another mutual friend who's been having a rough time. When he first contacted me I knew it was going to be a tiring day, so I wanted some time to myself tonight so I can ready myself for tomorrow. As I was taking my lunch I feel the spirit tugging my heart to go anyhow, but that wasn't what put me over. As I was walking to lunch, I turned on my life journal audio passage. It was in Ecc 4:10 God spoke to me. "pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up". At that moment I knew God wanted me to go visit tonight. After visiting that friend, I can now say that its more than just having that compassionate character for that friend, but also to those who are an outcast; for all who don't have any friends to pick them up when they fall.. God is teaching me to have compassion for all, especially the forgotten. 

Another verse that caught my (eyes)ears was in Ecc 5:4. "He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vows." When I make promises to God about how I will change after asking for forgiveness, I need to do all that I can to change. God has no pleasure in fools. I am acting like a fool when I try to ask for forgiveness and only end up failing with the same sin. This also applies to the vows I make to honor God with tithe or promises to serve Him. I need not to delay on those promises and live it out now.



Jesus thank you for showing me today that you are real by giving me these signs and affirmations to do your work. Continue to give me the ears to hear and the eyes to see, but more importantly the heart to show compassion to those who are suffering. Help me not to turn a blind eye, but to give, to comfort and to encourage.


In Jesus name
Amen.




Monday, June 6, 2011

Meaningless

S: 9 What does the worker gain from his toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on men.11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. 13 That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.



Ecclesiastes 3:11

O: Everything is meaningless in the eyes of men, but in God there is a direction and purpose. Solomon, being the richest man on earth, states that having wealth and earthly riches is pointless. If anyone, Solomon would know that even having it all, there is only one thing on this earth worth having, which is JC. Verse 11 states that there is a greater purpose other than just working in this world. As a sinner, when I work for myself theres always going to be a greater need even after gaining everything in my hearts desire. I will never be satisfied with all that  I obtain on this earth. God intended me to have a greater purpose in life, a desire for "eternity". Only then when I'm working for Christ I can be satisfied in the "toilings" of life. 

A: I need to make a legacy to make my life on this earth meaningful. This legacy isn't to be the richest man or have the most power, but it's to build up God's kingdom and magnify Him. As a result I must lessen myself and my desire. How do I do this? I need to be obedient to the spirit and make him my source of strength in witnessing and doing good works. Its Him not me.

P: Thank you Lord Jesus for being in my life. From all the things I've been through up in the recent months and to the unforeseen events in future, I have faith that I'm in your hands and that you'll walk with me each step of the way. Help me to put your words into action, as I don't just obtain this knowledge and let it waste away. 

In Jesus name
Amen.


Tuesday, May 31, 2011

I surrender...


"I fail on my own. You do with me what you want to do with me. I surrender"

I feel like I'm failing on my own at this time...

Been having the same dream...

Last few days I've been waking up with the same dream... Jesus fill my longing and take away this heavy heart.



Jesus my Saviour
My Lord and My King
Insulted, rejected
for all our sins
Knowing pain
He went through it all
So I turn to Jesus
He's there when I fall

Lord I need you
Lord I cry out to you
My only refuge
from this world
Lord I need you
Lord I cry out to you
My only shelter
my hope and saviour

Jesus my comfort
my strength and my shield
Sorrow and sadness
He knows how I feel
Knowing my struggles
He went through it all
So I turn to Jesus
Who's been there before

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Boast of Understanding the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 

Thus says the LORD, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the LORD.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Cost of Sacrifice

 24 But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”


~2 Samuel 24:24


What was David's cost of sacrifice? 


In the beginning of the chapter, David takes a census of his land to count all the fighting men within his territory.  He orders Joab and his commanders to lead the census and find all the able-body soldiers who can take up arms. Surprisingly Joab speaks up and questions why David is taking this census. (The battle harden commander would normally not speak up when it pertains to the spirit)


“3 May the LORD your God multiply the troops a hundred times over, and may the eyes of my lord the king see it. But why does my lord the king want to do such a thing?” 


I believe Joab knew the consequences of the census and foretold what it means to question God's power. 


After sometime Joab came back to report how many men were fit to fight in David's army... 1.2 million men... At this point David knew his folly and the pride that took over his humble heart. A normal king/president would take pride in the wealth and power of their nation, but David being a humble shepherd knew that all the power and glory was given by God. By taking the census, David essentially said to God that this is MY POWER and MY GLORY that I've achieved and no longer needed to trust/follow God.

God conveys a message to Gad, David's seer that David will be punished. David is given three options. 3 years of famine, 3 months of being chased by pursuers, or 3 days of plague. In the end David decide to choose God over men and thus suffers the wraith leading to 70,000 men dying.. (does this include women and children?) 



Being a merciful God, He stops the angel from culling Jerusalem. 


David repents as soon as he sees the angel punishing his people. He asks God to punish him and his family rather than the people in his kingdom as they are sheep without knowledge of what sins were committed. 


David built an alter for God at the place where the angel was at. He chose to pay for his sacrifice rather than be given to him for free as one of his people offered. And finally he was afraid to go to that place because he feared the angel.


How can I learn from David's story?


David's pride got to the best of him, but that doesn't mean he wasn't a great man of God cause he caught onto his mistake and learned from it.


What he did right.


1. Recognize Sin -  


"10 David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men"

2. Admit Sin - 


"and he said to the LORD, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, LORD, beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”


3/4. Be disciplined - 


"I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands."


3/4. Ask forgiveness / sacrifice comes at a cost - 


 24 “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”


(Jesus Christ died for my sins, so I don't need to burn any sacrifice, but I should be aware that sinning comes at a cost - of driving the nails deeper into Christ's hand and causing him more anguish.)

Jesus



thank you for dying on the cross and saving me from the full wraith that I deserve. Help me to be reminded that all my blessing are given by you, as it is not my might that everything was achieved, but from your generosity. And when I do sin, help me to be reminded of David's folly and immediately recognize you and seek your forgiveness.


I pray in Jesus name

Amen. 






Thursday, May 5, 2011

Feeling Broken

God I pray you would just fill me with you at this time. I feel so broken and ashamed. Forgive me for my wretchedness. Its only you that can give comfort... I need rest Lord...


Jesus name

amen

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

How Great Thou Art



Amen for singing it on a public station and allow countless ears to hear God's greatness.

Remember to Praise God

25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; 
   he is to be feared above all gods. 


31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
   let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!” 



34 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
   his love endures forever. 



~1 Chronicles 16:25, 31, 34


I gotta say, 1 Chronicles 16 is a gem that inspired a lot of praise songs over the years. I can definitely name like 4-5 with these three verses. Anyhow, It just reminds me how God is to be praised regardless of our state. In our sadness and more so in our happiness because we tend to forget to count his blessings. 


Short and sweet, I need to constantly remember that God is to be praised always and in every circumstance. "Praise him in the mornin', praising him in the evenin', praise him when i'm young and when i'm old"




I praise you God.



This song always gets me... esp this lyrics...

"And Lord we want to thank you
for the works You’ve done in our lives. "



God is always doing work in my life, whether I'm aware of it or not. He makes my joys and trials an example and opportunity to shape and mold me. It's really hard right now.. but i got to constantly be in praise and prayer.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Eyes to see and ears to hear

13 This is why I speak to them in parables:
   “Though seeing, they do not see;
   though hearing, they do not hear or understand.
14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
   “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
   you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
15 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
   they hardly hear with their ears,
   and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
   hear with their ears,
   understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.

~Matthew 13:13-15

Essentially Jesus states that not everyone in the world will have the ears to hear and the eyes to see; not everyone will be able to enter the pearly gates of heaven. 


As I'm beginning to open my eyes tad bit more and hear his faint whisper, I see the desperate need to turn to him. I realize I also need the heart to discern his voice. Without this heart, I wouldn't have the desire to turn from my ways. I need to be able to turn from the patterns of this world... from all the greed, power and lust this world offers to cloud our judgment.

I need to strive to seek him more... To run after him and also help others who can't hear or see him to help seek him out.



Jesus help me to have the ears to hear, the eyes to see and the heart to seek after you. I'm still broken God, I need your healing from my sinful past. Help sustain me in righteousness and help lead those who don't know you to the cross.

I pray all these things in Jesus name



Amen.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

With All I Am

   37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

~Matthew 10:37-39

When I was reading this passage, this is the verse I read rather than the ones listed above...

"Anyone who loves their girlfriend more than me, is not worthy of me"

I realized how much I've fallen from God. I realize the sin I have caused in myself and Julia. And I realize how merciful God is to forgive me. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for me!



This Good Friday service was very emotional for me, but more so than emotions it really touched my spirit to see the Passion of Christ over again with the body of believers. More than just the gorey scenes, I imagined myself ridiculing Jesus and nailing him to the cross with all the travesty I've caused in my sinful nature. As I was talking with Steve, I felt more of a burden to pray more earnestly for Julia. I felt guilt that I have caused her a deep scar which could affect future men in her life. More than wanting her back.. I want her not to be hurt... 

As passion week came to a close, earlier in the week I decided to fast for 40 hours starting from Friday evening to Sunday morning, not to prove I have the willpower, but as a means to help me draw closer to Christ. The 24+ hours has been a physical challenge, but spiritually I haven't been higher. Whenever I get the hunger pangs, I send a quick prayer that Jesus would sustain me. This is the first time taking to elevate my closeness with God by fasting. I've never fasted before... And it has been a blessing... By far I tried really hard to keep it a secret. I want to do this not to prove that I'm a super christian, which is rubbish, but as a means to grow spiritually... I want to not eat spiritual baby food anymore, i want to expand my faith.

Jesus thank you for sacrificing yourself on the cross. I pray you keep sustaining me as my body feels weak... It's hard to think straight properly, but I know this reliance on you is what I need and what glorifies you. Thank you for keeping my spirit strong... And I honestly look forward to celebrating Easter not only because you rose from the grave and conquered sin, but also because i can eat... I'm hungry for you.



I pray all these things in Jesus name


Amen


The Ultimate Sacrifice

Isaiah 53

 1 Who has believed our message
   and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot,
   and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,
   nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,
   a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
   he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
 4 Surely he took up our pain
   and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
   stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
   he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
   and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
   each of us has turned to our own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
   the iniquity of us all.
 7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
   yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
   and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
   so he did not open his mouth.
8 By oppression[a] and judgment he was taken away.
   Yet who of his generation protested?
For he was cut off from the land of the living;
   for the transgression of my people he was punished.[b]
9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,
   and with the rich in his death,
though he had done no violence,
   nor was any deceit in his mouth.
 10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
   and though the LORD makes[c] his life an offering for sin,
he will see his offspring and prolong his days,
   and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.
11 After he has suffered,
   he will see the light of life[d] and be satisfied[e];
by his knowledge[f] my righteous servant will justify many,
   and he will bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,[g]
   and he will divide the spoils with the strong,[h]
because he poured out his life unto death,
   and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
   and made intercession for the transgressors.


Thank you Jesus.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Only Him

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.

~Genesis 28:15

 I need you Jesus.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

JOY - Jesus First, Others Second and You last.

   25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[e]?
   28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear? 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

~Matthew 6:25-34~

As of late, I've been really stressed about my future. Do I want to continue working at Magnachip, do I want to switch companies or even possibly my career? I thought I had everything planned out before this whole breakup. I would work until Julia got out of school, get married and then I would pursue whatever career God had inclined me to do. But as usually my plans are always shut down by unforeseen events. Though it completely and utterly sucks to have plans fall through,I know ultimately God will be glorified through this breakup. 

In this state I could say that my life is easier and I'm letting God take the drivers sit of my life, but it isn't the case. I still have this human urge to plan things out, make goals and pursue after them, as i'm doing now. I've been studying GREs and my next step is to start school retaking my courses and knocking off my prereqs. I'm trying to make my life simplier by following Him, but it isn't the case as new worries are evident. Will I do well? Will I even get into my choice career path? Is this what God wants me to do? I dunno... I worry that I'm just wasting my valuable time on this earth.

God has a plan for me, and what that plan is.. i have yet to figure out...

What I need to do is... stop worrying about the temporal and worry about the eternal. Seek HIS KINGDOM first and his righteousness. If i seek him first He will take care of all my needs. My short term and long term future, and even my future spouse. He'll heal the pain I have in my heart and comfort me in my loneliness. I need to live out my life with JOY, beginning with Jesus first. 

In this passion week, I pray that you would help me to seek after you more. To remember what you did on this earth and ultimately did to forgive mankind our sins. Thank you redeemer and savior

In Jesus name
Amen




Hunger and Thirst

He said:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

I'm so thirsty for Christ. The more I struggle with hurt in my life, the more I need God. It's bittersweet.


Friday, April 15, 2011

Trust and Obey

22 But Samuel replied:
   “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
   as much as in obeying the LORD?
To obey is better than sacrifice,
   and to heed is better than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination,
   and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
   he has rejected you as king.”

1 Samuel 15:22-23

To obey is better than sacrifice... Wow

In this chapter the Lord commands Saul to destroy Amalekites for their wickedness when the Israelites first came to Canaan. God was specific about His command to destroy everything that the Amalekites held in position, which includes everything from women, children, babies and even animals. Essentially God wanted a genocide in wiping out the ethnic group of the Amalekites who did wrong to the Israelites.

God delivered on his promise to Saul, as his battle was a successful in defeating the Amalekites. Unfortunately, Saul didn't obey God's complete instructions as he made exceptions to spare the king and the choice selection of animals. Whether it was Saul greed or his idea to offer the animals as sacrifice, God was infuriated with Saul for disobeying His command. Samuel was then sent to go confront Saul to lay down the shift justice of the Lord. At first Samuel tries to weasel his way out of the conflict blaming his men, but later owns up to his actions when Samuel tells him that God no longer accepts him as king. 

I can definitely relate to Saul. I always seem to ruin what God commands me to do by manipulating his command and twist the truth to get what I want. Whether its skimming off the top or deliberately doing the opposite, it'll still considered missing the mark of God's command which is essentially a sin. Thank God he gives me mercy because I fail all the time in completing his tasks... Rather than being ripped from God's favor, I'm forgiven with Christ's blood, and redeemed to still be his child after so many failures. 

God has made it clear to me that he requires my obedience more than what I can sacrifice for his name. TO OBEY IS BETTER THAN SACRIFICE. Difficult as it is, I'm going to strive more to heed to his commands and to obey even when things get tough or there's a lack of desire to do so. I understand he wants the best for me and obeying allows the best to be come fruition.



God I pray you would spur me to be more obedient to your will. There is nothing greater in life to fear and obey you. Help me to have the same desire as you so that whenever I do your will it would be as natural as breathing. Thank you for your endless mercy.

In Jesus name Amen



Supplemental Verse!

 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Do I fail the test?

 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? 6 And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. 7 Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. 10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.


~ 2 Cor 13:5-10


Do I fail that test?


With his closing statement Paul encourages the church of Corinth to test themselves. What does it mean to test yourself in Christ? In academics, tests are not only used to gauge a persons competence, but also to spur on those lazy individuals to be focus and learn the material rather the person procrastinating. (honestly if there were no test in school i wouldn't learn anything). In a way it acts like a catalyst and gives the individual a sense of urgency. I'm not sure whether these early Christians were lazy about their faith, but these individuals did lack Christ like characteristics of Godly love. Quite possibly even being too focused on the worldly issues. I can relate...


I feel like I do fail that test. Up until recent... I haven't been living a Christ centered life. At most times my back was facing him as I did as I pleased. And whats saddening is the fact that it took me a traumatic event to change my perspective. How much more could Christ have been glorified before this event? But I accept God's will and realize that I had to go through tough times to see the value of Christ. The one who never leaves your side even when you feel that the world is coming down. 


Will I survive the next test when Satan comes knocking at my door? I hope so... I need to make sure I reinforce my faith so that no matter how much Satan huff and puffs at the foundations of my faith, I would not falter to keep pursuing a Christ like life. Reading the word, writing about it, listening to c-music and praying are definitely leading me to the right direction. I also feel that serving and sharing the word is essential to help keep this relationship with God a healthy one. 


Jesus, thank you for forgiving me of my wretchedness. Thank you for giving me mercy. Thank you for dying on the cross and giving us that perfect example to follow.



In Christ alone, my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My comforter, my all-in-all

Here in the love of Christ I stand


There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious day

Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ



No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand








In Jesus Name
Amen