sick?

We all sick, now and then, sometimes for long periods, sometimes for short periods, but I'm sure that everyone has gotten sick once or twice before. When we're sick, its because our immune system is down and weak, and we fail to fight against the bacteria and germs out there.

Same for our spiritual health. We have to make sure we are spiritually fit, in his Word, in his Life and in his Love. If our spiritual immune system is weak, Satan can easily break into us and bring us down. We can't let that happen!

For some people, it is because of a weak spot, for instance, the eyes may be weak, and one may be continuously looking at things that are not holy and are inappropriate, or maybe its one's mind, that their judgement is clouded at times, and they easily give into temptation.

When we're sick, doctors give us medications that treat what is wrong, it doesn't treat our entire body, but only what is wrong. The antibodies or drugs go right to the source, and that is how we should be treating our spiritual health, at the root. We shouldn't be using "pain-killers", because it only targets surface area problems, we need to go right to the source. Usually, its the heart. We must learn to guard our hearts above all else because everything we do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23).

Reflect on your health, not just your physical health, but your spiritual health too. Are you sick? Are you weak? Easily targeted by the Devil? Need a cure? Don't tackle the surface problems, go straight to the heart. Keep your spiritual immune system fit!

¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:12-17 

Unity.

When we take a look under the hood of a car there are many parts that have to work together in order for the car to run smoothly and achieve it's purpose. We may not notice the importance of the cooperation until it fails. The same is true in relationships. Your relationships with others can run smoothly... and they can also stall (just like a car). 




Philippians 2:1-2

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

God wants us to be united with the Spirit and one another. When Christians listen to the Spirit, we can be like a smoothly running engine. But when we push ourselves before others, when we're out of step with the Spirit, we're like an engine with parts that won't cooperate.

mistakes, not failure

Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone isn't perfect. We've all fallen short of God's glory. But although we make these mistakes, and stumble, we cannot admit failure.

Today was another embarrassing worship session for me. I always seem to somehow mess up on stage, and make a fool of myself. Do i save it well? I don't know, but today during a particular song, i was in the moment and thought the song was over, but apparently it was just the interlude, they played longer, and then i realized it was the chorus again. I go to sing again, but then they die down, and i assume its the end of the song, only to realize its not. So I sing the ling really oddly, say "SORRY" and keep going. Mistakes. They're acceptable, but i can't admit failure and just walk off the stage. I just laughed it off. Whats best was that I could look out into the congregation, and see my friends smiling back at me, and i couldn't help but feel reassured, and smile as well.

Many times, we get the vibe that following Christ means perfection, that we have to 100% holy and righteous, can't have any slip ups, but thats a misunderstanding. God knows we can't be perfect, but that doesn't mean we should just give up and stop altogether. Instead, we should strive for it. God knows when you're trying, so persevere!

¹⁶ 

for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,    but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.

Proverbs 24:16 

Speech.

When you eat something spicy what does your mouth feel like? How do you react? 


Maybe you gulp a glass of water, fan your mouth with your hand, close your mouth, relish the burn, and start to sweat. Whatever you do, it's practically automatic. Your body sends a signal to your brain saying "Help!" Your brain reacts, sending signals to your body. Before you know it, you're gulping a glass of water. Your mouth feels better. 




Mark 13:11

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

Did you know the Holy Spirit has the power to give you words to say? Not words to crush or intimidate, but words to teach and to reveal God's Spirit. The Holy Spirit knows what you say, even when you don't. And just as your brain moves you to cool down your spice-abused mouth, the Holy Spirit moves you to speak. 


Have you ever spoken God's words?


If you don't remember that a glass of water is available when your mouth is burning, your brain will find an alternative. Likewise, if you don't rely on the Holy Spirit within you for words to say, you'll find an alternative to God's words- your own. 

Higher Ways.

Surely you have had that sinking feeling. As you crammed for a test or looked through a new computer program. It comes when you learn just enough to realize how much you don't know.
When you were a child, your world was limited. There were probably times when you felt independent or though that you could make better decisions than your parents. They might have been amused as you stubbornly learned lessons the hard way. 


Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! 

    How unsearchable his judgments,

    and his paths beyond tracing out! 

³⁴ 

“Who has known the mind of the Lord?

    Or who has been his counselor?"

³⁵ 

“Who has ever given to God,

    that God should repay them?”

³⁶ 

For from him and through him and for him are all things. 

    To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Consider how very little we actually understand God's higher ways. It's ironic that realizing how little we know might be our first glimmer of wisdom. 
Imagine how silly you would feel telling a rocket scientist how to operate a phone. Or how ridiculous it would be to offer Albert Einstein advice about arithmetic. These verses remind us that God knows all and doesn't need us to explain to him what is best. He can be trusted. 


The Holy Spirit is a mystery. As long as we live on earth, we will probably never understand these higher ways - how the Spirit helps us when we pray, guides us in decisions, and protects us from hard. The Holy Spirit is sometimes referred to as the "Comforter." Perhaps the greatest 'comfort' of all us realizing we don't have to know everything. 

continue to pray

Im completely guilty of not spending enough time with Christ in prayer. Usually, its short and simple before meals, and long and lengthy before I head to bed.

Prayer is so important with Christ, its our only form of communication with Him. Thinking about it, sometimes I really feel like I'm just using Christ, with all my requests, not only for myself but for other people as well. We've learnt to pray Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. I know that many of us usually just skip to supplication. God is not our vending machine for us to take advantage of.

I really hope that i can continue to pray more, its hard to go to him in prayer sometimes, but its so important and i hope i can continue to practice that.

Remember that prayer can be simple, it doesn't have to be formal and crazy, God hears you, you can cry out, you can speak softly, he's listening.

²⁴ Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:24 

Prep It Up.

We often do a lot of prep for certain things like a semi, date, prom, etc. As a girl we often (of course) shower, do our hair, do our nails, and all that stuff. We prepare ourselves for that night or whatever it may be. We try to look our best and act our best for that certain moment.

Are you always preparing yourself for God's coming? What do we do to prep ourselves. We never know when he's coming. We often read the Bible and study it but there's no point in doing all that if we don't apply it to our lives. Living out a Godly life is always important. A 'Sunday Christian' is never acceptable. We have to work salvation into our everyday life in every single detail. We can't just keep it as some head knowledge.

We have to always be prepared for the coming of Christ.

:)

Reflecting on the past week, i think my week was a hundred times better than the week before, I could smile on the windy, rainy walks to school, i could laugh genuinely and be joyful. God is good. Im so happy that things picked up. Im in a very content place in my life right now. Although there are still struggles, and hardships i feel like so much has been lifted off. I know God will allow more challenges to come my way, but I'm ready to take them on knowing they will only make me stronger. There isn't much content to the post, but after such an amazing week, i really needed to be thankful for what God has given me, the people, the opportunities and the infinite blessings.

Praise God for an amazing week. He is Good.

¹¹ Light shines on the righteous     and joy on the upright in heart.  

¹² Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,    and praise his holy name.

Psalm 97:11-12 

Journey: Guangxi

Unity.

Unity is necessary on all projects, on all levels, to have a good communication, and good relationships with one another. Without unity, the team can easily fall apart. Especially in a missions trip, when you're in the battlefield, you need all the support you can get, and without it, its extremely easy for Satan to tear and bring you down.

There are four main things that will break unity.

Gold. Resembling material possessions, if we have an attitude of wanting something to gain out of it, may it be money or a gift, its isn't the right attitude to serve with. You're there to give, not gain.

Glory. Serving and helping out, you are usually using your gifts and talents to glorify God, but if you are doing it with intentions of receiving praise and to show off your talents, for your own glory, that is also the wrong perspective to view ministry.

Guys/Girls. Ministry is not an opportunity to mingle and to get to know others, brewing relationships, especially romantic ones.

Gods. Before you go on a missions, you have to know the priorities in your heart. Where does God stand? He should be at the top. Are there other things that may be fighting that spot with God, may it be people, or materialistic things, but we have to make sure we have the right heart and attitude before entering the battlefield.

All these things have one thing in common, they all do not have God in mind. They're all self-oriented attitudes. All team members should have God first, working to please and honour him, and with the same goals and attitudes, unity can thrive.

Practical ways to sustain unity.

1) Positive and good communication. Do not assume things and over analyze things. Learn to confront others in love and privately.

2) Rejoice with one another. Seeing yourself and others succeed are always great motivations, learn to support one another. Share with others how God is working in your life!

3) Empathize with one another. Don't hide your feelings, be vulnerable and share with others, and be sensitive when someone decides to open up to you. Its through transparency will tighter relationships be made.

4) Be generous with one another. Take care of one another and give to one another. These members are your team for the missions time period, watch out for each other.

5) Forgive one another. You're going to be spending x amount of days with the same people, and you can get frustrated. In times of stress and trouble, things will get hard, but forgive each other.

6) Affirm our common goal. Be constantly reminded of why you are here and who you are serving. Its easy to get distracted and stray away in the pride and the hype of all things.

¹⁰ I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

1 Corinthians 1:10 

Wheels.

It takes a while to walk from point A to point B but, if we had something on with wheels we'll obviously go faster.


We may give up after a long run and our energy level has disappeared. We often rely on cars or buses to take us to places. These help us with reaching our goal faster. 


The Spirit anoints what we do, touching our lives with his power, putting wheels under out feet. Not pushing us along while we do nothing, but adding his energy to our effort to enable us to glide. 

Poured Out.

We often listen to our favourite music when we do our homework, while driving, etc. When we hear our favourite song we tend to turn it up so we can jam to it. You block yourself from hearing anything else. 


Romans 5:5 
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.


Listening to music is like pouring a song into your hear; the Holy Spirit pours love into your heart. Through the Holy Spirit's power, you can see beyond faults and despite selfishness and without prejudices and past your own fear. You can see someone the way God sees that person. And then, through the same power, you can love that person. 

The I's Of The World

We've taken over.

Walking home today after school, on such a beautiful day, i looked up to the sky to see this aircraft flying by. I don't know what it was, the point of view, or the blue skies, but it looked really ... "majestic"? What hit me was that there were people on that plane. And I soon realized how advanced our society is now, that we've taken over. There are people on land, there are people underground, there are people miles under the ocean, and there are people miles into the sky.

Although I believe that God gave us this earth for us to live in, but thinking about how much we've used it, and how we aren't taking care of it. Society today is all about "i". Think about it, iPhone, iTunes, Apple has most definitely channeled that "i" concept. Even in the real world, people are constantly thinking about themselves, and using others to get to the top. We've become really selfish in our thinking, and we often forget to put others first and love others as well.

¹² For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Matthew 23:12 

Everything is Beautiful

Joel 2:18-27
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Have you ever read the book as a child about the caterpillar that kept eating through the leaves? It was a flip book and each new page had a different hole that the caterpillar ate through. In real life, we may see a broken leaf with holes, but it may also be a work of art; beautiful in every way. What makes this leaf beautiful is the soft glow of light that shines through it, and when we compare it, we realize that it is like our lives.


Sin eats at us; it causes holes and destruction, but it is only when we let God's light shines through is it truly a work of art. Think about it; no matter how bad we've screwed up in life, or no matter how sinful we are, God's like can transform us; his light can shine through anything sin eats through.

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God doesn’t remove all of our imperfections, but He makes us beautiful by shining through them.

change is coming.

Watching Glee tonight, it's extremely relevant at the moment because the kids at McKindly High are graduating, and they're basically going through the phase at the same time as us. As they await their university responses, as they plan and start to prepare to move out, as they say their final goodbyes and go their separate ways. Tonight's episode really helped me realize the change that was coming and how unprepared I was.

I felt like I am somewhat prepared. I know where i want to go next year, and I'm excited to move out. Like I said in previous posts, all the academic portions I'm prepared and ready to go with, but with friends, family, relationships and people, I'm not ready to say my final goodbyes. I can't help but to think of what the last moment with the people of this stage of life will be like. What will happen our last time, everyone together. I cannot bear to think of how life will be like in a new environment with new people.

Although these people aren't completely gone and cut from my life, but its very probably that certain people will fade, and only the true friends will remain. Who? Maybe people I want, maybe people that will surprise me. Whether or not i like it, this change is coming.

God has a plan. This is something that is very reassuring for me. That he has a perfect and better plan already being incorporated. But as excited I am to see it, and watch it unravel, i know that parts of it do not consist of what I want. For instance, this specific friend, or this particular situation. So I'm scared, while at the same time I'm excited.

What I can do now, is live in the moment and truly treasure all God has blessed me with here and now and continue to move forward from there. The change is coming, most possibly faster than i want.

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Jeremiah 29:11 

Significance.

It may be easy to feel insignificant in this huge, busy world. Everyone wears similar clothing from similar stores, everyone eats fast food, everyone hears the same songs on the radio, everyone sees the same billboards that start the cycle all over again.


Job 33:3-6


³ My words declare the uprightness of my heart,
    and what my lips know they speak sincerely.
⁴ The Spirit of God has made me,
    and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
⁵ Answer me, if you can;
     set your words in order before me; take your stand.
⁶ Behold, I am toward God as you are;
    I too was pinched off from a piece of clay.


As Elihu begins his speech to Job, he includes a vital element for all believers in God. That we are created and given life by God. Think about all the intricacies of your body. The cell reproduction, your immune system, the colour burst in your eyes. Think of a finger print. All the swirls. No one else has the exact same finger prints as you do. 


Elihu said, "I am just like you before God," speaking about the sinful nature of mankind. We are all sinful, yet God has made our fingerprints, irises, and SNA different from each others.


Thank God for the uniqueness he has given to you. Thank him for giving you the breath of life and significance, even in a crazy, bustling world. 

Cutting A Trail

Proverbs 4:1-7
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Did you know that the most of the major highways of Michigan were first built by the Native Americans within that area? Before the Americans came, the Native Americans made trails about 12-18 inches wide, giving enough space for individuals to walk in a single file. Following them, the horses would eventually make the trail bigger. Then, wagons were developed and these trails became larger, and finally they became dirt roads and now highways. 


"Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live"." [Proverbs 4:1-4]


Solomon's father told him what his father, David, had told him, and passed the knowledge down through the generations. Eventually, Solomon told his children what his father had passed onto him and this paved the way for his sons and eventually, grandsons. Just like the highway "built" by the Native Americans, we too can leave trails for our brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters.


"Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." [Proverbs 4:6-8]


Just as we make a trail, younger generations will follow and that trail will eventually be a highway to God's glory. 

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When we follow God, we blaze a trail for those who would follow.

Poor Reception.

The Spirit moves. Imagine there's a radio station broadcasting on the frequency you've selected, but the transmitter isn't close enough. There's a station somewhere trying to connect with you. Trying to bring you the talk, music, news, and commercials its staff had created and sent out onto the airwaves. You're just not close enough to hear it. If you were to dial into a station that plays gentle, quiet music clearly you can hear it right? The signal is crisp and clear but most importantly, you're close enough so that you can hear it. 


God is not far away. He's near. god has set up camp in your neighborhood. Your room. Your life. 
If you've committed your life to him, you can believe he's there in the person of the Holy Spirit. It's a promise. 


Acts 2: 37-39

 ³⁷ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

 ³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

holy living.

 ¹ As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. ² For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

 ³ It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; ⁴that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵ not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; ⁶ and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. ⁷ For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. ⁸ Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

 ⁹ Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other. ¹⁰ And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more, ¹¹and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, ¹² so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Now that we have hope, now that we know that our salvation is assured, our support group and accountability is there, and we know that all hardships are apart of a plan, we must continue to live. Again, as I was skimming through scripture, I came across this passage and I feel like it sums up how we should live in simple and understandable terms.

Our main purpose for all of us on this earth is to please Christ. (v.1) Recently, i've been thanking God for each day in prayer, but ironically at night before I go to bed. I finally was able to spend some time this morning to thank him for another breath, and another day to live. We have been blessed with such opportunity in this life to be able to be something bigger. It doesn't necessarily mean famous, but because we are so privileged with education, and wealth, we should use it please Christ. Every breath, every word, every action and thought should be honouring to our God and Saviour. I try my best to do that. I've felt that as long as we strive to live a holy life, we are doing well. But recently, i've questioned, am i really doing this? Or am i still living a doubled life? The fact that a few of my friends can still joke around about Christianity, thinking thats its okay with me, is that a problem? Is it bad that i laugh with them, but its just that our intentions behind aren't necessary the same? Am i not showing and representing my God well enough? Am i really pleasing and glorifying God in ALL i am doing?

Flee from sexual immorality. (v.3) Its interesting how thats the first thing that is brought up. Looking at our world today, sex is something that has been completely changed. Doing it casually is completely accepted in today's society, but God created it to be saved for marriage, to be shared with your spouse. We've spoiled it and ruined it. Sex has gotten more and more "popular" lately and i would say that its one of the bigger problems out there lately, when used for the wrong intentions, so many things can go wrong. Hearts broken, lives taken, the consequences are endless and painful. This really requires self control. Especially with the internet, so many things are so easily accessible, easy doors that lead to temptation and eventually sin. We have to learn to control ourselves, and use our bodies for honouring purposes. (v.4)

Holy life. Holy living. (v.7) No one can be perfect. We as humans are all flawed, but we can fight. That shows growth, it shows commitment, and as long as we have that drive to be holy and we are continuously working towards it, God will acknowledge and take note of that. But sometimes, there are the lukewarm followers, the double faced Christians. (v.8) We talked about this in the sermon yesterday, that there are "Christians" that know that sin is wrong, know what they should be doing, yet CHOOSES to do the opposite. What bothers me the most with this is that they are misrepresenting Christ, which affects everyone around them, easily hindering others from getting to know the true being of Christ.

Love. (v.9-10) God is love. Therefore by following him and committing to him, we should also love others. Love is the foundation of all of this. Because of God's love, Christ was sacrificed for you and me. Without this unconditional love, there would be no faith, and no hope. Love can be hard sometimes, whether if its loving your enemy or confronting someone else, but with love as your intention, God will continue to guide us through. You are loving God by loving others.

These last two verses (v.11-12) seem to somewhat sum up everything. Leading a quiet life. From what I understand this time reading it, pride is addressed. Don't be boasting about yourself, and don't be cocky about yourself. "So that you will not be dependant on anybody." Lately i've started to realize this about myself. That i am extremely reliant on others. I always need someone there, and as some may say "clingy". Yes, friends and a support group are essential, but you cannot fully rely on them all the time. The truth is that they will fail you one day, and they may not even be there one day. If you invest yourself too much into others, you will fail to be independent. Im trying to learn to be less of that "clingy" character, to build confidence and to stop relying on others so strongly.

 ¹ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:1 

All Day With God

1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
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When do you usually pray? Before meals? With your small group? On Sundays only? Devotions? What is prayer to you? An ask list for God? A time to spend with a friend? Praising and worshiping the Lord?


"Pray continuously." [1 Thessalonians 5:17]


This is a charge for us to pray each and every single moment of our lives. That doesn't mean that you need to randomly fall to your knees and pray in front of the entire cafeteria. Nor does it mean you must be closing your eyes every second. Nope.


It means that we bring everything to God daily; every decision and chose we make, we lift it up to God. For me, prayer is simply a heart to heart with God. Yes, he is our Father, and yes, he is God Almighty, but he is also our friend. At times, I even call him "Daddy" instead of "Heavenly Father"! Whatever happens in our lives and whatever we're doing, remind yourself that God wants to be a part of that every single day. So lets lift up everything to him and rejoice always as we know he will always pick up when we call!

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True prayer is a way of life, not an emergency detour!

Live with a Purpose.

God is at work in you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Even when you don't fee like much is going on, God's Spirit is moving, bubbling, welling up from the very depths of your life. 


John 5:2-9 

Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

 Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

   The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,

After 38  years of waiting. Waiting to experience this miraculous moment. The moment to submerge himself in the stirred up pool. A man's life was dramatically changed. He experienced the love of Christ bubbling up in his life. 

God wants our lives to be like the water that is stirred up. He wants us to provide hope for the lost, rest for the weary. He wants to full us with the miraculous.

With Christ you can. Bubble with joy. Shake with excitement. Move with power. Live with a purpose. 

more than just pain,

¹² Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. ¹³ But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. ¹⁷ For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? ¹⁸ And,

   “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
   what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

 ¹⁹ So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:12-19

Suffering. We constantly have obstacles we face, whether we like it or not. This past week was definitely not one of my best weeks. Im so glad that i pulled through. I don't know how this upcoming week will be like, but my head is up high and I'm ready to start it off right.

Everyone is always questioning suffering. Why God allows it. Why we have to go through it. As Christians, i've learnt that its a trial for good. God has a greater plan and a lesson to teach us through it. I guess for myself, this week taught me a few things.

First to cry out to God. We talked about this in sunday school today too. When Jonah was in the belly of the fish, it was only when he finally submitted himself to Christ and cried out was when God answered. We often, too often go to friends and others first before God. We should always be going to God first. Last weekend, i was ready to give up, but crying out to God reassured me. Through his Word, through music and worship, and through friends. God hears you. But its when you fully give yourself to him, finally realizing that you cannot do anything more, you're helpless and are in need of a greater power. I think thats a general lesson from suffering. Knowing you can't do it alone and you need the help of Christ.

Also i've learnt about reminders. Watching that video, "I Am God's Original Masterpiece". I've constantly been repeating that to myself, constantly telling myself that I'm not junk. God doesn't make junk. I think in times of tribulation, you need to really listen for God. That video was exactly what i needed to hear to get through the rough patch, it may not necessarily be the same message for you, but there's something out there if you're willing to seek it.

God grants us these pains ultimately for growth and for character. Rejoice in your suffering. (v.13) This is still difficult for many people to understand. How can I be happy that I'm in pain? You're happy because you know that God will nurture you with these trials to strengthen you. Sometimes, i don't know what I'm saying, but i pray to Christ saying "thank you for giving these struggles, i don't know why and what you're trying to teach me but I'm willing to learn."

Don't be ashamed that you're going through these things. (v.16) I've learnt that you are never alone in your struggle. Everyone has their own package of pains and worries, we're just in a world that has adapted to hiding these flaws well because its looked down upon. I can confidently say that I'm going through many trials. I hope that i can use these trials to help others, to inspire others, and inform others that I'm fighting through it, and you shouldn't give up.

Yes, i completely agree. Suffering is hard, its tough, i don't like it, no one does, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. God has reasoning for this. Whether you see it or you don't, learn to put your trust in him knowing that he will give you whats best for you. Let us continue to push forth, committing our lives to Christ, continue to reflect his love and life and doing good. (v.19)

came across this article. take a look!

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13 

Undiscovered Country

2 Timothy 3:14-17
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A few months ago, a movie came out called Journey 2 with Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical) and Josh Hutcherman (The Hunger Games). I never watched it, but I got the plot. They basically stumble upon an undiscovered country. Now, if you're in an undiscovered country, what would you do first? 


Look at the wildlife?


Find water?


Try to discover any other humans in this place?


Build a shelter?


Pray and worship God?


"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." [2 Timothy 3:16-17]


The scripture is like an undiscovered country for many Christians, and new Christians. Will you look at the word? Find the living water? Discover humans who are just like you, flawed and sinful? Build your shelter upon the foundation of life? Pray and worship God? It's been given to us by God, and is used for his purpose. We have new treasures to discover, and let's start with the word of God. 

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Rich treasures of God’s truth are waiting to be discovered by you.

Birthday Party.

Birthdays. It happens every single year. No matter how spectacular or no party at all. There is still a day to celebrate. Today it was my friend's birthday. We went for dinner then to her house and throughout this little party of hers it made me realize how muxh she's affected my life. From good to bad she was still in my life. I feel like we had a rough start but a new relationship has begun. I was the last person to leave her house and during the time when we were talking it made me think to myself "i should just give her a second chance" from this dsy forward i've made a promise to myself that i would put the past behind and start fresh. It's never fair if you keep bringing up the past. Through this party i really thank God for giving me the chance to start fresh with her. She's challended me as well as supported me and that's all i ask for. I realized that hpshe's different. She is unique and i think that through this experience with her i feel like our friendship has grown so much and hopefully will last a lifetime.

Investment Advice

1 Peter 1:1-11
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Stocks; I never understood them. They go up and down, and people's money go in and out, while their life savings fluctuate dangerously. The point is, whether the economy is amazing or horrifying, the money you invest will eventually turn into a greater reward at the end. 


"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trails. These have come so that your faith -of greater worth than gold, which may perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." [1 Peter 1:6-7]


Even though times may be amazing, or horrifying, God wants us to invest in our life into Christ; our life's character is our spiritual "account" (in terms of money and banking), except we know what the reward in the end is. We don't need to worry about whether or not the reward in the end will be worth it because we already know the glory and compassion God has for us; obviously it'll be greater than anything else on Earth!


Remember, we come here without anything, and when we leave this Earth, we leave with nothing physical; the only thing that stays with us is our character! Here, Paul is telling us to invest our character into God, embodied with faith, love, joy, wisdom, self-control, perseverance, godliness, and kindness. 


"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your soul." [1 Peter 1:8-9]


When we invest our character into God, we will realize the calling of Christ and have knowledge of Christ. We will be greatly rewarded in heaven!

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Now is the time to invest in eternity. 

more tears?

who would've thought there'd be more tears to come today.

Today we had a first small drama practice with a group of friends for ACUPE night, our annual coffeeshop-like event, they decided to remake the chisel video (above) by the skit guys and i was re-watching it beforehand and something just hit me. I had to go upstairs and because i couldn't hold it. Im not sure what it was, but something was tugging at me.

Listening to it carefully, it was exactly what i needed to hear. It was exactly what I was needed to be reminded of.

I am God's original masterpiece. That was the catchline of the video.

I always think lowly of myself, i don't think I'm worthy of anything, i don't think I'm good enough for anything or anyone, i can beat myself down to pulp, but with others, I'm able to encourage, and praise them, but with myself, its the complete opposite. I never have faith in my work, i need so much reassurance, its horrible. Sometimes i think that i've failed at life. To the point where there's no turning back, that i've ruined it.

Junk. I think I'm junk.

In the video, "God" says "you've listened to so many voices for far too long that aren't of me. You think you are junk don't you? You really, really, really, really think you are junk. Listen to me. I don't make junk. What does that say about me."

God doesn't make junk. Thats insulting to him.

I also constantly compare myself to others, and that was something that was needed to be chiseled off. Im always thinking of how people are so great and how I'm not, what they have and what i don't, what I'm missing.

God doesn't make copies.

I can feel all the weight on me. All the dirty nasty things that need to be chiseled off. God needs to come in and do that, but will i let him take over and do i have the faith to let him do what he needs to do? I say yes, but i think there are parts of me that are still resisting.

I am God's original masterpiece.

I am God's original masterpiece. 

I am God's original masterpiece.

And so are you.

¹³ For you created my inmost being;    you knit me together in my mother’s womb. ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;    your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14