Philippians 6:8 states
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
What a challenge in our world today to think of ONLY things that are TRUE, NOBLE, RIGHT, PURE, LOVELY and ADMIRABLE. A few days ago--well about a week ago-- I was reading the news and came across an article about a recent cover album of Lady Gaga's album. Although it is often not wise to read beyond the article and continue on to the comments posted below (as I have learned from reading the news daily since 2009---they can be so hurtful), I usually can not help but to read them anyways. I was in absolute amazement when I read the comments in regards to the album cover.
Personally, when I saw the album cover, I almost gagged. It looked so devilish, and I could not help but to shake my head in amazement on how the devil has worked his way to making satanic materials so appealing and intriguing. From the responses, all of the people seemed to have been disappointed that the album cover looked "cheap" or that the Gaga could have tried something even more daring. Have we become so blind as not to see that we wrestle against not against flesh and blood but spirits beyond our nature?
We have. Unfortunately though, we have become so desensitize to these things that the devil himself could walk in front of us, shake our hands, tell us that he is indeed the devil and that he wants the worse for us, and we would laugh at him, dance with him, chat with him, finally accepting his invitation to take the ride with him.
We are losing touch with absolute reality, and a whole bunch of us have no idea.
Truth is, I look at all of these celebrities (esp. the Gaga), and I see a broken person, who is saying all of these things but has completely lost it. To me, she looks like a person who goes to bed every night in pain, and in depression. As soon as the devil is done using her and her team, she will hit the ground very hard. She is on the path to destruction and nobody is able to stop her.
I don't know how much I can do, but I will make it a point to pray for her. Think on this...just as God used Saul to fight on His team (as Paul), imagine if there was an 180 degrees turn from her? How powerful would that be to the world who is closely following her and looking up to her?!! [Deep, son!]
As for you, church, PRAY!!! Pray for the future of our society!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Captivate Us
Wow, it's just amazing to take the time out to read my previous posts. Apparently in October, I was feeling the heat academically, and praying for a testimony as I was overwhelmed with work, as the semester was ending. Well, guess what. I ended up receiving all As in all FIVE of my classes. Obviously, I made it. I would like to say that I don't know how it happened, but I'd be lying.
God did it.
He is such an a.ma.zing God.
I thought last semester was tough....well, this one was no better. Except that I learned half way through that worrying wasn't going to do anything meaningful for me. As God has lead me in the past, I should be sure that He would lead me again. As I left the "worrying" to God, focused my devotion around Numbers 14, continued to spend time with Him in the morning and once again committing to a small groups this year...I can't tell how faithful my Lord has been.
With 4 classes to fulfill requirements for, 160 hours of internship to complete, 4 schools to work with in four different districts, 2 commitment to spiritual groups as well as Sabbath commitments, and a wonderful relationship to balance, there is no question that there were times I wonder if I would be able to fulfill everything to the extent I would like to. So once again, I challenged God, and asked for a testimony, and once again I believe He will do what He said He would do- take care of me, and guide me.
With one week and a half left for school, here are my testimonies:
1. I passed a very important exam that I was a bit nervous about since I waited the day before to actually study for it. Lord willing, I will be alive to graduate with my M.A. degree this summer. yay :-D. God, You're amazing.
2. I have fulfilled all the requirements for the class that I was struggling to find motivation to complete. 4 ten-plus pages of reports done (worth half of my grade), and 2 presentations and papers completed (the other half). Apparently, I reached mastery. God, You're great.
3. For my practicum class, I had slightly given up on having to complete all my 160 hours this week because I didn't think it would actually come true. For the first time, I was okay with having a Deferred Grade in my transcript. Today, when I calculated my hours, I am 5 hours short of fulfilling the 160 hours needed. Dear God, should I say more?
4. The small groups that I was part of this summer, has been the best yet. It was amazing, and as of Sunday, we concluded our last meeting. Even when we don't know what we need, You step right in and provide it for us, Lord. As far as church-related commitments, I have successful taught the classes, even played the piano and sang. It's good to use what you have, even when you don't think you have much to offer, to praise God, I have realized.
5. Finally, as far as relationship. There is so much to say, but each day, not only to learn more about my awesome boyfriend :), but I also learn more about myself, and about the AWESOME GOD we both serve. God's timing is certainly the best. I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you God for the people you send in my life. You always know what I need, even when I don't think I need them. I thank YOUU!!!!.
Doubting a little yourself? check out the story of the Israelite in Numbers 14. Take the journey with them, watch how Moses reasoned with God, and listen to how God responded.
For those who choose to believe in His word, He will never fail you. Doubt Him no more.
----> BE BLESSED!!!! <-------
God did it.
He is such an a.ma.zing God.
I thought last semester was tough....well, this one was no better. Except that I learned half way through that worrying wasn't going to do anything meaningful for me. As God has lead me in the past, I should be sure that He would lead me again. As I left the "worrying" to God, focused my devotion around Numbers 14, continued to spend time with Him in the morning and once again committing to a small groups this year...I can't tell how faithful my Lord has been.
With 4 classes to fulfill requirements for, 160 hours of internship to complete, 4 schools to work with in four different districts, 2 commitment to spiritual groups as well as Sabbath commitments, and a wonderful relationship to balance, there is no question that there were times I wonder if I would be able to fulfill everything to the extent I would like to. So once again, I challenged God, and asked for a testimony, and once again I believe He will do what He said He would do- take care of me, and guide me.
With one week and a half left for school, here are my testimonies:
1. I passed a very important exam that I was a bit nervous about since I waited the day before to actually study for it. Lord willing, I will be alive to graduate with my M.A. degree this summer. yay :-D. God, You're amazing.
2. I have fulfilled all the requirements for the class that I was struggling to find motivation to complete. 4 ten-plus pages of reports done (worth half of my grade), and 2 presentations and papers completed (the other half). Apparently, I reached mastery. God, You're great.
3. For my practicum class, I had slightly given up on having to complete all my 160 hours this week because I didn't think it would actually come true. For the first time, I was okay with having a Deferred Grade in my transcript. Today, when I calculated my hours, I am 5 hours short of fulfilling the 160 hours needed. Dear God, should I say more?
4. The small groups that I was part of this summer, has been the best yet. It was amazing, and as of Sunday, we concluded our last meeting. Even when we don't know what we need, You step right in and provide it for us, Lord. As far as church-related commitments, I have successful taught the classes, even played the piano and sang. It's good to use what you have, even when you don't think you have much to offer, to praise God, I have realized.
5. Finally, as far as relationship. There is so much to say, but each day, not only to learn more about my awesome boyfriend :), but I also learn more about myself, and about the AWESOME GOD we both serve. God's timing is certainly the best. I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you God for the people you send in my life. You always know what I need, even when I don't think I need them. I thank YOUU!!!!.
Doubting a little yourself? check out the story of the Israelite in Numbers 14. Take the journey with them, watch how Moses reasoned with God, and listen to how God responded.
For those who choose to believe in His word, He will never fail you. Doubt Him no more.
----> BE BLESSED!!!! <-------
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