This GUY! ^^- I admire!! Feeling so blessed!! :)
Encouragement for the day for you!! Happy Sabbath, ya'll!! Last Sabbath of the year, make it an amazing one!
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Friday, December 28, 2012
Happy Sabbath!!!
This GUY! ^^- I admire!! Feeling so blessed!! :)
Encouragement for the day for you!! Happy Sabbath, ya'll!! Last Sabbath of the year, make it an amazing one!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
12/25/2012
Merry Christmas!!! :) What an awesome year it has been. God has been so faithful!!!!!
So glad that the King of kings came on earth to save us of our inequities and our sins!! I am so excited about eternal life with Him.
Today was an amazing day with big sis and fiancee thanks to awesome church friends and [Lim] family!!
two words: brrrr and yum.
Check it out in pictures (Sprague Lake and Bear Lake Trials). We're officially Colorado-ans....hahaha.
Merry Christmas!!! :) What an awesome year it has been. God has been so faithful!!!!!
So glad that the King of kings came on earth to save us of our inequities and our sins!! I am so excited about eternal life with Him.
Today was an amazing day with big sis and fiancee thanks to awesome church friends and [Lim] family!!
two words: brrrr and yum.
Check it out in pictures (Sprague Lake and Bear Lake Trials). We're officially Colorado-ans....hahaha.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
God Restores
God never said the road would be easy, in fact He predicted that (2 Timothy 3: 12)"everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." A preacher once reminded that we are in the middle of a war, and there is no middle ground. You're either on God's side or you're not. As in all wars, there are casualties. As a result, no one should be shocked that life is hard. Casualties come in all forms, shapes and sizes. It could be the death of a family or a friend, receiving a speeding ticket, losing friendships, experiencing financial problems, depression, struggling with a specific sin. It could also be something as "small" as losing your key, dealing with a cold, etc.
The battle isn't really what you're dealing with, as much as it is how you're handling it. Do you betray your own? Deny God? Give up on life? or do you TRUST and Deal with the situation in faith?
It is no wonder that James 1: 2-4 encourage that we "consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
I am no different than anyone on earth. As I grow older, it is so easy to get upset at God because life "seems to be getting harder and harder". In fact, the past couple years, my relationship with God has had many ups and MANY downnnnsss. (mercy!) There have been and will continue to be tears, heartaches, pains, etc., but deep down inside, I know that I am and will be nothing without God. There is no way I would dare deny Him after what I have seen Him done in my life.
If you feel as if your life is headed down a DEAD END street...if you are struggling to find the meaning or a purpose in your life...if you are finding yourself unable to forgive certain deeds in your life that you have done...if you are dealing with depression, have lost those you thought had your back.......
Always remember, dear friend, that GOD RESTORES. Just take it one day at a time. You have a purpose in life...in His time, with your trust and faith, He will reveal it to you. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.
This song has been on repeat since the first time I heard it way back when!!
The battle isn't really what you're dealing with, as much as it is how you're handling it. Do you betray your own? Deny God? Give up on life? or do you TRUST and Deal with the situation in faith?
It is no wonder that James 1: 2-4 encourage that we "consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
I am no different than anyone on earth. As I grow older, it is so easy to get upset at God because life "seems to be getting harder and harder". In fact, the past couple years, my relationship with God has had many ups and MANY downnnnsss. (mercy!) There have been and will continue to be tears, heartaches, pains, etc., but deep down inside, I know that I am and will be nothing without God. There is no way I would dare deny Him after what I have seen Him done in my life.
If you feel as if your life is headed down a DEAD END street...if you are struggling to find the meaning or a purpose in your life...if you are finding yourself unable to forgive certain deeds in your life that you have done...if you are dealing with depression, have lost those you thought had your back.......
Always remember, dear friend, that GOD RESTORES. Just take it one day at a time. You have a purpose in life...in His time, with your trust and faith, He will reveal it to you. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.
This song has been on repeat since the first time I heard it way back when!!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
TRUE LOVE
The summer of 2010 started like a regular summer until the most amazing man (;)) stepped in. Very long story short (one day i'd be UBER GLAD to share it with you, but until then ;)!), we started talking and eventually began dating. Over the course of the year and half plus we have been dating, one thing (to sum it all up) that we have learned is that the key to our relationship is....you guess it! COMMUNICATION. (Please don't underestimate that skill). Learning to excel at this skill as individuals (to God and each other) and as a couple has been the instant glue in our relationship....and believe me, it's been a journey, but one that has been and continues to be an extremely satifying journey.
Through COMMUNICATION, we have learned how much we are different(gender differences, personality differences, worldviews, temparament) as well as how much we are similar! (our needs, our dreams and our hopes). We recognize two important things: 1) only through communicating have we been able to understand how we are different and why, and 2) only through our communication have we been able to recognize how AMAZING GOD IS.
Check this out: Do you REALLY think that the differences between a way a man and a woman think is coincidental? If you do, you have missed the GREATER purpose of relationship as well as the width and depth of God's love.
God is a God of diversity. In all things that He does, He seeks to be glorified. God commands that we love one another as we love ourselves. He knew that He could only show us the extent of His love if He could stretch our minds to learn how to respect and appreciate differences in others. After all, WE are different from God.
WE are humans. HE is God.
WE are mortals. HE is immortal.
WE are sinful. HE is holy.
We are selfish. HE is not.
WE are limited in knowledge. HE is omniscient.
WE are limited in our powers. HE is omnipotent.
Despite our differences (HIM being the perfect ONE), He still loves us UNconditionally. He is patient with us. Yet it's funny that as imperfect beings, WE tend to be the impatient ones. WE think we're the best out there and everyone should be and think like US. We are impatient and disgusted that other people are different, or think differently or act differently. We are easily turned off by OTHERS' sinful nature, yet fail to realize that WE ARE basically on the same boat. We fail to realize that everyone has the same basic needs, thaty they just have a different way of expressing or receiving those needs because of how life has shaped them. If only we had time to communicate with these people we would find out how SIMILAR we are.
What I have learned in my relationship with the most awesome man in my life is that without communication, our relationship would have already ended. Without being patient enought to sift through our differences, we would not have had the amazing opportunity to find those similarities. If we had not found those similarities, we would have given up already because we would've thought we were "incompatible". If we had given up, we would have missed out on the joy and the happiness of experiencing a secure, honest and loving relationship (praise GOD for wisdom and patient!). The fire wasn't easy to go through, but it made it alot feasible knowing that we could communicate to each other and help each other during the chiseling process. We came out lookin' better than ever, feelin' better than eva, and lovin' each other better than ever.
It is the same in our spiritual relationship with God. We are extremely different from God (we think and act differently), but both God and us want to the same thing- the best for us as human beings. But how can we understand each other if we are so different? Our differences are basically that God is "spiritually discerned" and we are not. How can we be spiritually discerned? COMMUNICATION!!!!!! Praying without ceasing.... Even Jesus did it...there's a reason for that. Praying for the Holy SPIRIT who is our comforter and our guide.
GOD IS RELATIONAL. and ultimately, if we are seeking TRUE LOVE (which is Him), we must seek Him first and through Him, find our perfect earthly one. I did ;)
BE BLESSED.!
Through COMMUNICATION, we have learned how much we are different(gender differences, personality differences, worldviews, temparament) as well as how much we are similar! (our needs, our dreams and our hopes). We recognize two important things: 1) only through communicating have we been able to understand how we are different and why, and 2) only through our communication have we been able to recognize how AMAZING GOD IS.
Check this out: Do you REALLY think that the differences between a way a man and a woman think is coincidental? If you do, you have missed the GREATER purpose of relationship as well as the width and depth of God's love.
God is a God of diversity. In all things that He does, He seeks to be glorified. God commands that we love one another as we love ourselves. He knew that He could only show us the extent of His love if He could stretch our minds to learn how to respect and appreciate differences in others. After all, WE are different from God.
WE are humans. HE is God.
WE are mortals. HE is immortal.
WE are sinful. HE is holy.
We are selfish. HE is not.
WE are limited in knowledge. HE is omniscient.
WE are limited in our powers. HE is omnipotent.
Despite our differences (HIM being the perfect ONE), He still loves us UNconditionally. He is patient with us. Yet it's funny that as imperfect beings, WE tend to be the impatient ones. WE think we're the best out there and everyone should be and think like US. We are impatient and disgusted that other people are different, or think differently or act differently. We are easily turned off by OTHERS' sinful nature, yet fail to realize that WE ARE basically on the same boat. We fail to realize that everyone has the same basic needs, thaty they just have a different way of expressing or receiving those needs because of how life has shaped them. If only we had time to communicate with these people we would find out how SIMILAR we are.
What I have learned in my relationship with the most awesome man in my life is that without communication, our relationship would have already ended. Without being patient enought to sift through our differences, we would not have had the amazing opportunity to find those similarities. If we had not found those similarities, we would have given up already because we would've thought we were "incompatible". If we had given up, we would have missed out on the joy and the happiness of experiencing a secure, honest and loving relationship (praise GOD for wisdom and patient!). The fire wasn't easy to go through, but it made it alot feasible knowing that we could communicate to each other and help each other during the chiseling process. We came out lookin' better than ever, feelin' better than eva, and lovin' each other better than ever.
It is the same in our spiritual relationship with God. We are extremely different from God (we think and act differently), but both God and us want to the same thing- the best for us as human beings. But how can we understand each other if we are so different? Our differences are basically that God is "spiritually discerned" and we are not. How can we be spiritually discerned? COMMUNICATION!!!!!! Praying without ceasing.... Even Jesus did it...there's a reason for that. Praying for the Holy SPIRIT who is our comforter and our guide.
GOD IS RELATIONAL. and ultimately, if we are seeking TRUE LOVE (which is Him), we must seek Him first and through Him, find our perfect earthly one. I did ;)
BE BLESSED.!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Do you WANT to Hear God?
This year, specifically, God has been revealing Himself in ways that I never thought were possible. He has put me through FYRE...and today I can testify that my faith and character have strengthened...again, in ways that I never thought were possible.
Testimonies are too much for me to share, and I don't even know where to start. The past couple of weeks though, (beginning of April), I have been participating in this April Fast with a young group of people, which requires me to do two things: spend more time in His word, and one day a week together- to fast for 12 hours.
Long story short, the more I started to lengthen my time with God, the more I wanted to spend time in His presence. The more I spent time in His presence, the more peace I experienced. The more peace I experienced and am still experiencing, THE MORE I BEGAN/am beginning TO HEAR HIS VOICE. and the more I hear(d) His voice, THE STRONGER MY FAITH.
----> I remember a couple of months ago, it was a struggle to wake up in the morning because I was overwhelmed by the daily 'required' tasks. I would be so tired, and would rush through my devotion (it's so funny because my previous experiences already have testified that it is when I was the most busy, that I needed to spend the MOST time with God!) but hey, isn't it easier to "blow off God" since we can't see Him and focus on our job requirements since we have to say our bosses, for example?
I struggled to wake up..and today, God woke me up at 4:30am....and I have been spending time with Him for at least an hour, and I really don't want to stop.
{MY DEVOTION TODAY: Acts 10 ---> noticed that both characters were praying and because they were praying, they were able to hear God, which led to a reunion, which led to the Holy Spirit's presence in their midst. As a result, souls were saved!!!!). You can't blow off PRAYER!!!!
----> I also remember not feeling the aspect of "fasting" because it was just too much. But I have always asked the Lord for the experience of hearing His voice...and to make a long story short, if you want to hear God's voice...FAST!!!! and PRAY. you will be so hungry that you won't even have the energy to worry, and because you won't have energy to worry, you will be able to hear the Holy Spirit.
What's up with this whole Holy Spirit talk?
Well, check this out: if the Holy Spirit is supposedly your Comforter, and Your Guide...then doesn't it make sense to PRAY for Him so that He can help you make better decisions in your daily life? (duuuuhhhhh. :)
Anyways, this month has been A BLESSING x10. Things are being revealed to me (about myself first and most), and I can not stop being amazed at what God has done, is doing, and will do.
Trust HIM!!!
Testimonies are too much for me to share, and I don't even know where to start. The past couple of weeks though, (beginning of April), I have been participating in this April Fast with a young group of people, which requires me to do two things: spend more time in His word, and one day a week together- to fast for 12 hours.
Long story short, the more I started to lengthen my time with God, the more I wanted to spend time in His presence. The more I spent time in His presence, the more peace I experienced. The more peace I experienced and am still experiencing, THE MORE I BEGAN/am beginning TO HEAR HIS VOICE. and the more I hear(d) His voice, THE STRONGER MY FAITH.
----> I remember a couple of months ago, it was a struggle to wake up in the morning because I was overwhelmed by the daily 'required' tasks. I would be so tired, and would rush through my devotion (it's so funny because my previous experiences already have testified that it is when I was the most busy, that I needed to spend the MOST time with God!) but hey, isn't it easier to "blow off God" since we can't see Him and focus on our job requirements since we have to say our bosses, for example?
I struggled to wake up..and today, God woke me up at 4:30am....and I have been spending time with Him for at least an hour, and I really don't want to stop.
{MY DEVOTION TODAY: Acts 10 ---> noticed that both characters were praying and because they were praying, they were able to hear God, which led to a reunion, which led to the Holy Spirit's presence in their midst. As a result, souls were saved!!!!). You can't blow off PRAYER!!!!
----> I also remember not feeling the aspect of "fasting" because it was just too much. But I have always asked the Lord for the experience of hearing His voice...and to make a long story short, if you want to hear God's voice...FAST!!!! and PRAY. you will be so hungry that you won't even have the energy to worry, and because you won't have energy to worry, you will be able to hear the Holy Spirit.
What's up with this whole Holy Spirit talk?
Well, check this out: if the Holy Spirit is supposedly your Comforter, and Your Guide...then doesn't it make sense to PRAY for Him so that He can help you make better decisions in your daily life? (duuuuhhhhh. :)
Anyways, this month has been A BLESSING x10. Things are being revealed to me (about myself first and most), and I can not stop being amazed at what God has done, is doing, and will do.
Trust HIM!!!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
my GOD IS AWESOME!!!!!
The peace I am experiencing right now in my life despite the uncertainties of the future....priceless. Dear God, thank you for YOUR LOVE!!!
I have been doing something different lately. I was reminded a few months ago that prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue. I could not wrap my head around how to "listen" to God while praying(that would take MAD LONNNNNGG, right?)...so this week, I decided to do something different.
1)Pray (intercede on behalf of others and myself), THEN
2)Journal what has been going on with me, then
3)Ask a question, usually "where do you want me to go from here, Lord?" or "what do you want to do right now?" etc. Finally,
4)RANDOMLY open my Bible to place and whichever chapter I come across (pick the one in its entirety)... read and write down my thoughts.
Amazing. Exciting. Creative. Powerful.
I shall start sharing what God has been speaking to me starting tomorrow!! It's good to know that I am not just praying (talking and talking and talking) and not listening :). The WORD is MY LIGHT.!
My GOD IS AWESOME (a friend shared this dynamic song with me!)
I have been doing something different lately. I was reminded a few months ago that prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue. I could not wrap my head around how to "listen" to God while praying(that would take MAD LONNNNNGG, right?)...so this week, I decided to do something different.
1)Pray (intercede on behalf of others and myself), THEN
2)Journal what has been going on with me, then
3)Ask a question, usually "where do you want me to go from here, Lord?" or "what do you want to do right now?" etc. Finally,
4)RANDOMLY open my Bible to place and whichever chapter I come across (pick the one in its entirety)... read and write down my thoughts.
Amazing. Exciting. Creative. Powerful.
I shall start sharing what God has been speaking to me starting tomorrow!! It's good to know that I am not just praying (talking and talking and talking) and not listening :). The WORD is MY LIGHT.!
My GOD IS AWESOME (a friend shared this dynamic song with me!)
Friday, March 30, 2012
the way God works.
For the past couple of months, or maybe years (lol), especially being in school, it's been really hard for me to not feel a bit..."trapped". I remember the days when I was so ambitious and excited about life...so ready to conquer the world, so focused and so determined..and it's not that much has changed, except that I have been feeling as if I have been "stuck" in the same environment, place, system (educational) for years now. I am a future-thinker. I love to plan, dream of doing different things in life simultaneously, direct my own life...but because of studies, studies and more studies, I have been so limited in what I could/can do...and that sometimes can make me feel so frustrated and extremely miserable!! (ahhh, because being "trapped" leaves little room to "move around" and "experience freedom").
As such, when I notice that others can have that opportunity to do different things (have a career already, for example), it makes me grow impatient. Yet, lately, I have been realizing that while there is greatness in focusing on the future, it's so easy to miss the blessings and enjoy the present. It is no wonder that I start feeling unsatisfied with the place I am in life, and wishing that I was "done already" so I can "do something with my life", wishing that I was this and that and feeling so useless....WHOMP WHOMP.
Thus, this evening as I am spending time with God, and reading a testimony online, I am led to 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. The verses read: Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
God led. I needed to hear those words.
We are not perfect. We will never be. Our present is there (in whatever shape or form) to humble us and to remind us that this life is NOT our own! In this case, God chose my present to nullify the things that are, so that I can't boast before Him. What powerful verses. I need to memorize ASAP.
As such, when I notice that others can have that opportunity to do different things (have a career already, for example), it makes me grow impatient. Yet, lately, I have been realizing that while there is greatness in focusing on the future, it's so easy to miss the blessings and enjoy the present. It is no wonder that I start feeling unsatisfied with the place I am in life, and wishing that I was "done already" so I can "do something with my life", wishing that I was this and that and feeling so useless....WHOMP WHOMP.
Thus, this evening as I am spending time with God, and reading a testimony online, I am led to 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. The verses read: Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
God led. I needed to hear those words.
We are not perfect. We will never be. Our present is there (in whatever shape or form) to humble us and to remind us that this life is NOT our own! In this case, God chose my present to nullify the things that are, so that I can't boast before Him. What powerful verses. I need to memorize ASAP.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Love Takes Time
What is right in Christian relationships?
How far should Christian couples go?
Check this out and let God lead you.
It might sounds difficult or revolutionary...but there's nothing worth something that's easy to achieve!!
Song of Solomon 8:4: "Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, not to awaken love until the time is right."
click here ----> FOR A HEALTHY, GODLY RELATIONSHIP THAT GLORIFIES GOD!!
How far should Christian couples go?
Check this out and let God lead you.
It might sounds difficult or revolutionary...but there's nothing worth something that's easy to achieve!!
Song of Solomon 8:4: "Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, not to awaken love until the time is right."
click here ----> FOR A HEALTHY, GODLY RELATIONSHIP THAT GLORIFIES GOD!!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Don't go back!!
AMEN, JESUS!!! Someone shared this song with me today and I can NOT stop listening to the song...God is amazing!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Do Not Rebel, and Do NOT be Afraid
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible- Numbers 14: (7-10)
And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Sometimes, it is easy to give up after running 14 miles out of the 15miles of the struggle. It always seems that the last mile is the hardest, but God who sees the end from the beginning bids us to NOT give up,do NOT rebel and NOT be afraid because the land ahead of us is SWEETER, and EXCEEDINGLY GREAT. The next chapter in our lives is better, sweeter than honey. Though the enemy tries to discourage, God is so ever faithful.
So whatever fire you are through right now, as long as you have God on your side (meaning you ARE doing His will), here is my word for you.
Do NOT rebel from your journey (do not complain, murmur, doubt, run away)
AND do NOT be afraid (as you go through this fire, go with CONFIDENCE)
because GOD IS WITH YOU.
Be like the three Hebrew boys today! Count it ALL A JOY to face trials and tribulations (James 1)
Blessings!
And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.
If the LORD delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.
Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.
Sometimes, it is easy to give up after running 14 miles out of the 15miles of the struggle. It always seems that the last mile is the hardest, but God who sees the end from the beginning bids us to NOT give up,do NOT rebel and NOT be afraid because the land ahead of us is SWEETER, and EXCEEDINGLY GREAT. The next chapter in our lives is better, sweeter than honey. Though the enemy tries to discourage, God is so ever faithful.
So whatever fire you are through right now, as long as you have God on your side (meaning you ARE doing His will), here is my word for you.
Do NOT rebel from your journey (do not complain, murmur, doubt, run away)
AND do NOT be afraid (as you go through this fire, go with CONFIDENCE)
because GOD IS WITH YOU.
Be like the three Hebrew boys today! Count it ALL A JOY to face trials and tribulations (James 1)
Blessings!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Remain in Me
In studying John 15 on Wednesday night, the Word says “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing". It was noted that God did not ask us to "bear" fruit, He asks that we REMAIN in HIM so that we may bear fruits. Branches do NOT bear fruits...their primary job is to REMAIN in the vine, and naturally they will bear fruits. so LET that be our primary to concern- to REMAIN IN GOD. It will save us from working hard to produce results, and instead use that energy to focus on God.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Powerful. Powerful.
Last Sabbath, I spent the time with friends watching "Roger Morneau's" video (interview) on his trip into the supernatural.
I remember watching both parts of that interview and feeling extremely upset that the devil has infiltrated our society so much and so deeply that it is nearly impossible to open the eyes of the mass and letting them see how far into the devil's trap that WE have fallen.
Yet in the midst of my anger, disappointment and temporary depression, I remembered that we served a MIGHTY GOD, and that despite our faults and our cracks, He won't let us GO (thought he wont force us to serve Him either).
I can't go too much into the video I watched, but here are ways he suggested that we keep our eyes on Christ, and flee from the devil.
1) Remove anything in your household that is NOT of God, for having ungodly possession is an open avenue for the devil. These would include: CDs, DVDs (no matter how good they are), foreign artifacts or materials that have some type of peculiar meanings, etc....
2) Read Matthew 27: 24-54 EVERY DAY.
3) MEMORIZE SCRIPTURES!!!!
4) Ask the Lord for His Holy Spirit to surround you.
5) Don't ask the Lord to "take away" your struggle/specific sin, ask Him that he REMOVES that desire from you, and the strength to endure as you're being refined.
6) Recognize that the battle is not yours. YOU CAN NOT FIGHT AN INVISIBLE BEING. I repeat, YOU can NOT fight an INVISIBLE being. You do not have the tools, BUT GOD DOES!!!
7) Pray. Pray. Pray!!!!
"Four things let us ever keep in mind: God hears prayer, God heeds prayer, God "The word of God is the food by which prayer is nourished and made strong." E. M. Bounds
"The word of God is the food by which prayer is nourished and made strong." E. M. Bounds
"You can do more than pray after you have prayed; but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed." A.J. Gordon
I remember watching both parts of that interview and feeling extremely upset that the devil has infiltrated our society so much and so deeply that it is nearly impossible to open the eyes of the mass and letting them see how far into the devil's trap that WE have fallen.
Yet in the midst of my anger, disappointment and temporary depression, I remembered that we served a MIGHTY GOD, and that despite our faults and our cracks, He won't let us GO (thought he wont force us to serve Him either).
I can't go too much into the video I watched, but here are ways he suggested that we keep our eyes on Christ, and flee from the devil.
1) Remove anything in your household that is NOT of God, for having ungodly possession is an open avenue for the devil. These would include: CDs, DVDs (no matter how good they are), foreign artifacts or materials that have some type of peculiar meanings, etc....
2) Read Matthew 27: 24-54 EVERY DAY.
3) MEMORIZE SCRIPTURES!!!!
4) Ask the Lord for His Holy Spirit to surround you.
5) Don't ask the Lord to "take away" your struggle/specific sin, ask Him that he REMOVES that desire from you, and the strength to endure as you're being refined.
6) Recognize that the battle is not yours. YOU CAN NOT FIGHT AN INVISIBLE BEING. I repeat, YOU can NOT fight an INVISIBLE being. You do not have the tools, BUT GOD DOES!!!
7) Pray. Pray. Pray!!!!
"Four things let us ever keep in mind: God hears prayer, God heeds prayer, God "The word of God is the food by which prayer is nourished and made strong." E. M. Bounds
"The word of God is the food by which prayer is nourished and made strong." E. M. Bounds
"You can do more than pray after you have prayed; but you can never do more than pray until you have prayed." A.J. Gordon
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
When Common Sense Doesn't Seem so Common Sense Anymore....
So what happens when statistics are staring straight in your face, piercing your heart as if you've been stabbed, inducing tear fluids as if onions were residing right in your eyes,....do you get overwhelmed? broken? teared up? depressed? discouraged? ready to give up? It's so easy isn't it? It's so easy to give up hope when it appears that the most "common sense" thing to do IS to give up and walk away.
Trust me, I know. Sometimes when GIANTS are facing us, they tend to block heaven's bright light producing a disturbance in your eye sight. All of a sudden, your view of God diminishes as the giant gets bigger. Then you begin to question, which makes more sense?: paying attention to statistics OR paying attention to God? You begin to dismiss the idea that even if there were a 1% chance of hope, God could make you or your situation an exception. You begin to wonder, whether or not you're worth it enough to be part of that 1%, wondering whether or not you can do anything to be part of that 1%....as your faith struggles, and your doubts soar like eagles. Then all of a sudden, your world seems upside down, and confusion takes over.
So what do you do then?
Maybe the answer is to let go of Self, and get on your knees, knowing that God is STILL holy, and He is STILL on the throne. Don't be afraid to ask for signs because when "common sense" makes so much sense, it's hard to argue, but if you allow God to help you distinguish "Godly Sense" from "Common Sense", your world will reverse itself slowly but surely.., flipping the giant upside down, and providing you the full view of God's light shining down.
So today do one thing: LET IT GO and feel His peace. He's on the throne, STILL! :)
"Be still. And KNOW that I am God".
Trust me, I know. Sometimes when GIANTS are facing us, they tend to block heaven's bright light producing a disturbance in your eye sight. All of a sudden, your view of God diminishes as the giant gets bigger. Then you begin to question, which makes more sense?: paying attention to statistics OR paying attention to God? You begin to dismiss the idea that even if there were a 1% chance of hope, God could make you or your situation an exception. You begin to wonder, whether or not you're worth it enough to be part of that 1%, wondering whether or not you can do anything to be part of that 1%....as your faith struggles, and your doubts soar like eagles. Then all of a sudden, your world seems upside down, and confusion takes over.
So what do you do then?
Maybe the answer is to let go of Self, and get on your knees, knowing that God is STILL holy, and He is STILL on the throne. Don't be afraid to ask for signs because when "common sense" makes so much sense, it's hard to argue, but if you allow God to help you distinguish "Godly Sense" from "Common Sense", your world will reverse itself slowly but surely.., flipping the giant upside down, and providing you the full view of God's light shining down.
So today do one thing: LET IT GO and feel His peace. He's on the throne, STILL! :)
"Be still. And KNOW that I am God".
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Bear Each Other's Burdens
How frustrating it is when you are trying to get someone to "get it" and s(he) is taking forever to get to "your level of understanding". If only they were perfect...well, if only WE were perfect.
A Perfect person in his/her eyes, is someone who:
UNDERSTANDS them.
is PATIENT with them.
is HELPFUL.
is able to MAKE HIS/HER life EASIER.
When you are frustrated with someone (especially family members), remember that the PERFECT person LOVES, and that regardless of the person's shortcomings, that person wants to feel loved and valued...
Love is: patient, kind, NOT easily ANGERED, keeps NO records of WRONGS.
IT ALWAYS protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Bear their burdens, and Pray. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST. NO matter how IRRATIONAL they may appear to be. :)
A Perfect person in his/her eyes, is someone who:
UNDERSTANDS them.
is PATIENT with them.
is HELPFUL.
is able to MAKE HIS/HER life EASIER.
When you are frustrated with someone (especially family members), remember that the PERFECT person LOVES, and that regardless of the person's shortcomings, that person wants to feel loved and valued...
Love is: patient, kind, NOT easily ANGERED, keeps NO records of WRONGS.
IT ALWAYS protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Bear their burdens, and Pray. GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST. NO matter how IRRATIONAL they may appear to be. :)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Devotional Thoughts
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!
"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!
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!!!! <-------
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
STILL ALIVE!!! :)
It's been an amazing start to the new year so far!
New semester.
New outlook on life.
And new goals.
I am disappointed though that I have failed to keep up with this religiously, but things just.got.hectic. Many new testimonies of course: from last semester, to safe travels all over, etc.
Interested in doing mission work...on a cruise? (check: http://www.adventistyouth.org/cwm/)
I have the coolest people in my life. fyi. Praise God.
Isaiah 41:10
New semester.
New outlook on life.
And new goals.
I am disappointed though that I have failed to keep up with this religiously, but things just.got.hectic. Many new testimonies of course: from last semester, to safe travels all over, etc.
Interested in doing mission work...on a cruise? (check: http://www.adventistyouth.org/cwm/)
I have the coolest people in my life. fyi. Praise God.
Isaiah 41:10
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Bump on the Road
This, I have got to say, is probably the hardest semester I have ever experienced. 5 classes, filled with out-of-class work, not to mention work and other commitments. It is now week 10, and I AM STILL trying to find motivation! God has been so good. When I look back, I still don't know how I was able to make it these past 10 weeks, and now we're down to 6, and I am worried as a I. do. not. know. what. I honestly believe this is one of those trials that James talks about in his first chapter..You know, the ones that are meant to test your patience, and your faith. Yup, that's it; and believe when I say that I feel like I currently may be feeling like the double minded man who feels unstable right now (faith is lacking!!!).
So I am sitting here- knowing full well that the God I serve is a mighty God, while my mind is aware of that, it hasn't transitioned to my faith. Because every now and then, I look ahead, and see this huge mountain, and trips over....but how long is that going to go? If you are reading this right now, please pray for miracles!!! I really just need to make it this semester and I know everything else will fall into place. I have soooooooooooooooooo many commitments on my plate (leading a spiritual group on campus, doing work for a prof, working with another spiritual group on campus, 5 classes, and outside commitment dealing with those classes. I am happy that Thanksgiving break is around the corner. Maybe I'll get some time to take a deep breath? I pray so.
So here's the deal: Starting tomorrow (well today). I am going to give God 3 HOURS of my time throughout the day. This mountain has GOT to get out of my way and the only way to get it out of the way is to call on the One who built it. Here's how this is going to work. First week of November: (Monday-Tuesday)- 6am-7am, 11:45am-12:45pm, 10-11pm (Wednesday-Thursday)- 6am-8am, 11-45am-12:45pm (Friday)- 6am-7am, 10-midnight In total, I will be giving God 15 hours of my time this week. I am confident by faith that I WILL HAVE A TESTIMONY BY THE END OF THIS SEMESTER. COUNT ON IT!!!!
So I am sitting here- knowing full well that the God I serve is a mighty God, while my mind is aware of that, it hasn't transitioned to my faith. Because every now and then, I look ahead, and see this huge mountain, and trips over....but how long is that going to go? If you are reading this right now, please pray for miracles!!! I really just need to make it this semester and I know everything else will fall into place. I have soooooooooooooooooo many commitments on my plate (leading a spiritual group on campus, doing work for a prof, working with another spiritual group on campus, 5 classes, and outside commitment dealing with those classes. I am happy that Thanksgiving break is around the corner. Maybe I'll get some time to take a deep breath? I pray so.
So here's the deal: Starting tomorrow (well today). I am going to give God 3 HOURS of my time throughout the day. This mountain has GOT to get out of my way and the only way to get it out of the way is to call on the One who built it. Here's how this is going to work. First week of November: (Monday-Tuesday)- 6am-7am, 11:45am-12:45pm, 10-11pm (Wednesday-Thursday)- 6am-8am, 11-45am-12:45pm (Friday)- 6am-7am, 10-midnight In total, I will be giving God 15 hours of my time this week. I am confident by faith that I WILL HAVE A TESTIMONY BY THE END OF THIS SEMESTER. COUNT ON IT!!!!
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