Journey: Guangxi

We focused on anger and forgiveness today. We all get into conflicts, there are always difference in opinions, and just when people don't get along. It often can spark anger, and tension, but thats completely fine, no one ever said that you had to get along with every person you see. But how you deal with it is whats most important.

When there's conflict, there are two main roads we can take.

Bitterness. You can take this conflict and make it anger, you can twist it into revenge, and act upon it. It can get much worse, its practically playing with fire. Whats worse is that when we are bitter when we hold grudges, it doesn't help. It affects us, our relationship with others as well as our relationship with God. It will eat you from the inside out and the bitterness will eventually start pouring out of you.

Forgiveness. God calls us to forgive, continuously, over and over again. When forgiving, you are channelling Christ's love for us, and similar to bitterness or anything in general, as you channel and invest yourself into something more and more, you eventually start to be it and it starts to reflect and pour out of you naturally.

Along the lines of conflict, forgiveness, and bitterness, the next step is repentance. Especially when you've done something wrong. Repentance isn't a formula, some ritual you do, but it is a choice that you make, a change in thinking. When you decide to confess and repent, you acknowledge what you are doing wrong, and you make an effort and change, to stop, to fight it. This allows for growth, and strengthening in your faith and in your character.

On a short terms missions, even every day, we're dealing with problems and people, we must learn to follow Christ, forgive and love. Turn the other cheek.

²⁵ And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Mark 11:25 

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 

Road to Calvary (III)

Before Jesus was arrested, as the amazing man he was, continue to prove himself by prophesying. Earlier in John 13, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows, and in John 18, that is exactly what happens after Jesus is arrested.

15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest,16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

...

25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.”26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

John 18:15-18, 25-27

In the previous post, Judas represented us as followers of Christ that have fallen short of his glory because we are human and because we are sinners and need the love and help of Christ to reconcile with God. Similarly, here, Peter also can represent us. When we confess, repent and believe in our God, the sinner's prayer says that we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour. But many times, we forget why we say this, what this statement means and what commitment we're getting into exactly.

Saviour. We believe that Christ died on the cross for us, for all of mankind because we have fallen short of God's glory through sin. He is that connection between us and God, granting us the gift of salvation.

Lord. We often forget that when we say Lord, we are letting God take our lives by the reigns, and giving him full access and control. He reigns in our life as Lord. We should know and believe that he has a perfect and better plan for us, and having faith in him will only bring us blessing and happiness.

As a commitment, we are "married" to Christ. Peter, one of the disciples was completely committed to following Christ, but afterwards, he denied knowing him. If you were married, you wouldn't deny that your spouse was your spouse right? What kind of relationship is that? Yet as followers we may have the tendency to deny our God, due to pride, selfishness, and reputation.

Have you ever been a "Peter" in your life? Have you ever denied your faith because you would get ridiculed? judged? "Peter was also with them, standing and warming himself", at first, it seems like such an insignificant line, why is that necessary to be put in? (v. 18) After thinking about it, it shows how two-faced Peter (as well as us) can be. He simply decided to follow the world, "the servant and officers" (who were against Jesus), and join in their activities. This really demonstrates the difference between living IN this world and OF this world. Where do you stand? How far will you go before you decide to go against Christ?

"at once, a rooster crowed." A true demonstration of the power of God. That it IMMEDIATELY crowed, exactly as Jesus predicted. I've felt this before, after sinning, I sometimes feel like Adam and Eve, after biting into that apple after temptation, to have my eyes truly open to realize exactly how disgusting this act was, and how Satan lured us in.

But there's hope. God STILL continues to love us oh so unconditionally. And as long as we have genuine repentance and ask for forgiveness, he will give us another chance, a clean slate as his mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23).

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

Romans 11:33

Well With My Soul

I really loved that song we sang today. It is well with my soul. And I think that i realized something today during the sermon. As Christians, we know that once we believe that we are saved, we have been given salvation and when we are done with our purpose on earth, we will be in heaven, a place without pain, tears or suffering for eternity.

I remember during my baptism interview, i was asked the question, "if you were to die now, would you go to heaven or hell?". I remember answering hell, because I knew of the things i've done, and i was never fully sure of the whole forgiveness idea. How do you know if you're really forgiven?

What I realized today in the sermon is that I really am truly saved. I have believed. My name is written in the book of life, and salvation is already mine! I will be going to heaven to meet with my Lord and Saviour, my spot is secured and he has made a place for me. As long as I continue to have faith in Him, and live my life as a pleasing offering to God and not stray away into the things of this world, im saved.

Finally realizing this and truly embracing it, i couldnt help but smile. Singing that song, i can honestly sing and believe the lyrics, that All is Well With My Soul.

¹³ And now you have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. ¹⁴ The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

Ephesians 1:13-14

Hello, My Name is: Lamb of God

Lamb. The cutest, most purest animal. In its white wool coat, this animal represents our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

But this lamb was killed. The purest of all creatures, white as snow, was taken, beaten, killed and sacrificed, shedding his blood for all the sins of mankind. In the old testament, there would be regular offerings of the lamb, and the best, most healthy/fit animals were the ones to be slaughtered and not eaten as a sacrifice for their sins. But when God sent his Son down from heaven, he, Jesus was the lamb, that perfect sacrifice. Not only was he the PERFECT sacrifice, he was the FINAL sacrifice.

When Christ died on the cross, he died for all mankind. Not just the group of people that witnessed it, not only the generation that lived in that year, but for every single person that was there and was to come as well. Including me and you. He was the last, final, perfect sacrifice, granting us forgiveness of our sins, and salvation if we believed and took Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

We discussed this at our CORE leadership meeting for the MOBS Bible Study today, and it really popped out at me this one time. When we repent from our sins and turn to God, and we say the sinners prayer, we MUST realize that we are accepting Christ as our Lord and Saviour.

Saviour. That God sent his Son to die for us on the cross to save us from the eternal consequence of sin, Death.

LORD. Many people do not realize that when you do choose to run back to Christ and follow him, you're giving up your life for him to reign because you know that he has the best in mind for you and a plan for you.

My World vs The World

"a very personal reflection"

Over the break, rotting away, i've gotten to chance to really think about what im going through. I feel like my life is a mess. Not in an obvious way though, but on the inside, a tornado has torn through and everything is everywhere. Doubt has flooded in and negativity radiates in my mind. Things still feel like they're up in the air, im not sure what to make of it, how much of it is true and how much of it is my mind playing tricks on me. Everything's just a big mess.

Thinking more each day, today i came to this conclusion. My World vs The World.

The World. By saying this, i mean the standards of this world. I guess more towards the academic/future world. Im not trying to boast or anything, just be clear of that. Personally, i havent felt stressed about the entire university thing. I feel very calm, prepared, and im ready for God to guide me wherever he desires. I've always wanted to follow him, but sometimes i can never tell where he wants me to be. The university dilemma, i've always thought, if you make it, you make it. If you dont make it, you dont. I feel like my marks are fine, and will get me where i want to go and i already have gotten offers. I think this is THE WORLD. The things "The World" worries about and cares about. And i feel like i've got that down.

My World. This is in reference to inside, my inner self. From social/physical/emotional side of things. You may or may not have noticed, but loneliness is one of the biggest things i struggle with i think one can say. There are so many things that im dealing with that i want to get rid of, and i want to discover the roots and really destroy it from there instead of the surface pains. From loneliness sprouted the missing sense of feeling good about myself, and about life, from that grew the urge to feel good, which blossomed into temporary satisfaction and sins. The chain continues, as doubt/guilt/anxiety fill in the gaping holes and to be honest im a bit scared of where this may/can lead to. Depression? Suicidal thoughts (but i dont think i have to guts to even attempt that)?

Solution? I honestly dont know. Thinking about all this stuff, from simple things, seeing people together and seeing myself alone, I've been thinking, what is worth living for? If the things of this world is going to fade and deteriorate, why are we still living? Whats the point of all this. Being able to vent out to someone is the best, and im happy i have a PINCH of these people. Talking to him reminded me of so many things. Living for God. He should be enough to live for. And although, yes that is the answer, but sadly i feel like my faith isnt strong enough to say that yet. I feel like many people see me as the mature spiritual one, but when i reflect on it, i dont think im anywhere near spiritual maturity.

So what is the answer? First off, another reminder from the same friend. We're in the midst of Teens Conference at the moment, and he talked to me about their bible study on Hosea. It talked about Hosea and Gomer (who was a prostitute). Throughout the entire passage, Gomer was constantly being unfaithful to Hosea, and long story short, Gomer represents us as Christians and Hosea represents Christ. We are CONSTANTLY going against Christ yet he is still committed to us, continues to love and forgive us. No matter who we are, what we do, God forever loves us. This boggles my mind that God is so willing to care for us and i've even thought, "why is he so stupid for not leaving me. i've done so many things to hurt him and he's just standing there just readying himself to get hurt again". But God is good. All the time.

So we got that down. God forever loves and forgives us when we are unfaithful. But now what? How will this rid of my loneliness, doubt, guilt, and pain? Again, we always point towards the Word. Are you indulging in it everyday? Are you truly spending time with our Saviour? And i confess and admit. No. Im not. And i need to be and should be. But I honestly can say, i dont have the motivation. Why? Im not sure. Why do i allow other things, tv shows, homework, scholarships, overpower and allow devotions and scripture reading to be pushed aside? I need a push. Still a weak Christian, i have lots to learn. I need to fully realize this and i need to put it into action.

Lastly (for now), accountability. I have this with a few people, my pastor who is also my mentor, a close friend or two are there to support me and get me through these rough times. I think i got this down. But if you're reading this and you're going through something, tell someone. A brother and sister in Christ who is spiritually mature and whom you can trust. Accountability is so important. I remember when i first started, i kept telling myself, i can do this with God. All things are possible with Christ right? That is true, but i MYSELF cannot overcome it and be victorious. That's why we are a church and are a family. We are there to support each other. That's why there is fellowship, that's why there is accountability and support, that's why God made other people, for support, love and encouragement. Find that person for you!

More solutions? Im unsure of at the moment. I'll stop here. My process is still going, im still thinking, still reflecting. But at this moment, i can say im at a lower point in life. Feeling lost, sad, alone, and in a blur.

verse of the day: Proverbs 3:5-8

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
⁸ It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.

Forgiveness.

Ephesians 1:7

⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

There's no such thing as 'too big of a sin'. God views all sins equally. From stealing to lying. I used to think that God wasn't able to forgive my sins because it was such a bad thing to do. I didn't know how to get rid of that sin. Then i realized that God forgives each and every one of us no matter what. He does it through his grace and mercy and although we don't deserve it he still offers it to us. It's up to us, whether or not we want to repent. God's love is so amazing. His love for us is so abundant that he was willing to give us his one and only son to die on the cross for our sins.

He's a very forgiving God because he cares for us and he wants us to go to Heaven to spend eternity with him.

Morning Class,

Good Morning Class,

Good Afternoon Class,

Good Evening Class,

Good Night Class.

God is constantly instructing us and teaching us what is right, what is wrong, what pleases him and what angers him. In the verse today, Psalm 25:8 it says,

Good and upright is the Lord;

therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

Instructs SINNERS. Thats you. Thats me. Thats each and everyone of us. Right now, im in a very guilty, disappointed, frustrated moment. And although it says sinners, i cant help to think that im just too sinful to be "enrolled" in this class. That i've done wrong so immensely that i dont deserve it, i dont deserve anything.

But im being reminded that we are all equal in sin. There is no sin that is greater than another and there is no amount of sin that pushes you off the "forgive-worthy" scale. God loves each of us unconditionally no matter what wrong we've done to him, and sometimes its hard to grasp and believe.

Lord, i am a sinner. I have sinned against you, each day, each week and each month. But thank you for loving me and being willing to take me in as your child to instruct me. Open my eyes, grant me wisdom and strength to fight temptation, and to overcome what the Devil tries to trick me with. You are a good and gracious God and i am unworthy to be called your child, yet you still love me.

hidden away

God sees all. And although he has the power to see all, there are many things we still try to hide from him. Sins especially.

Like when Adam and Eve, after they ate the apple from the forbidden tree in the garden of Eden, they immediately tried to hide, cover themselves up for the sin they committed. I think i've realized this a lot too. Before sin, temptation looks so enticing and delicious, and you get closer and closer, and inch by inch it teases you to fall in, and after you taste it, a lick, a drop, or a bite, you immediately see. Like Adam and Eve, their eyes TRULY opened, and i feel like the same happens. Your eyes open and you truly see how disgusting and filthy you are from stepping into the sin. Immediately you want to hide it, pretend like it never happened. But the truth is, God knows, and he sees it.

The thing we need to do is admit, confess, and repent. Ecclesiastes 12:14 says,

¹⁴ For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

God will bring everything you do into the light. And you will be judged for it. BUT if you do confess and be honest to God about it, he will be forgiving and will give you another chance.

Are you still hiding your sins? Whats stopping you from bringing it into the light?

Running Mindlessly

Found this in my devotional today, which reading at school and i thought it was really interesting. Take a quick read!

In Buddhism, a thangka painting typically portrays the wheel of life—the historic representation of the nature of human existence. Central to the painting is the circle of life, which has no beginning or end. Life with its endless reincarnations is a spinning wheel that never stops. Perhaps most ominous about the thangka is that the hands and feet of the devil grip the wheel from behind. It’s obvious who is in control of such a spinning history of futility.

In my office I have a painting by a Christian from Tibet who created a very different thangka. In this thangka, the wheel of life has been invaded by Christ’s incarnation and transcended by Christ’s resurrection. And the hands and feet of the devil are broken free from the wheel. As our text states, Christ disarmed “the powers and authorities” and “made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

Billions of people in our world think that life has no real purpose—that we’re like hamsters on a spinning wheel, running forever in meaningless circles. But history is under God’s control; it had a beginning and will have an end. The devil’s defeat means a world in which all things are made new—even the likes of you and me.

~ Today's Devotionals (iPhone App)

"The hands and feet of the devil are broken free from the wheel." This wheel represented life, the constant battle between world, sin, temptations, struggles and difficulties, we constantly want to give in, and its just too much effort and work to fight it through, but will you fight the good fight? Before, the devil was holding your "wheel of life". After accepting Christ, he's come into your life, broken off the devil's grasp on you and have set you free.

"The devil's defeat means a world in which all things are made new..." All things are made new, your life, your actions, your mind, your heart and your soul. You've been forgiven, given another chance, another shot. A clean slate, no record of any wrongs. God has already conquered the devil, and so can you with his aid and guidance.

Are we like "a hamster on a spinning wheel, running forever in meaningless circles"? Indulging in things we should not be? Or have you stepped off that wheel and have realized your purpose in life?

Clearing The Air: Homosexuality

I know this is gonna be probably one of the more challenging posts im going to write, and its asensitive topic that i'll have to be careful. Im praying that God will give me the wisdom to speak about this properly.

I think lately, the world has started to become more and more open towards this topic of homosexuality, and lots of people are coming out and saying that this is their sexual orientation. The world says that its fine, that love is love, or as one may say "you were born this way".

Im sure most people have the misconception that Christianity hates homosexuality, and just doesn't tolerate it. We do say something about it, but i think many of us dont fully understand or see our perspective on homosexuality.

First of all, yes, the bible clearly condemns the act of homosexuality, for instance in Leviticus 20:13, it says

¹³ If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.

As well as 1 Timothy 1:8-11:

⁸ Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, ⁹understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers,¹⁰the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, ¹¹ in accordance with the gospel of the glory ofthe blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

This is truth. That this act is condemned. It is a sin.

ALTHOUGH it is a sin and is condemned in the Word, it does not mean we have ANYTHING against people who struggle with homosexuality. We are ALL children of God. We may have fallen astray, we may be reunited, but EACH and EVERY one of us were created in His image. We are all loved by God and He wants each and everyone of us to turn to him and repent.

As Christians, we love because God loved us first. We should not be judging and do not have the right to judge because God is the true judge in the end. What im trying to say is that as Christians we are not going to exclude and shaft those who are homosexual, (or who have done committed any other sins). We are to love everyone no matter of what they are struggling with. We are all sinners, that is true, and everyone is equal. The one who lies about their homework is just as sinful as the one who committed adultery. Society has ranked all these "wrongs" but in God's eyes, we have ALL fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23).

We do not agree with the act one may commit with homosexuality (or any other sin), but we love all people because we all belong to God.

For my own personal thoughts, as a Christian, i do not know why God does not allow man to lie with man, i dont understand why love cannot be what it is, why cant we love anyone we want. I think its because this isnt how God intended. He made man and women to become one flesh, not man and man, or woman and woman. Although i have all these questionings and thoughts, I still believe that it is condemned and that it is a sin. There are so many things we as humans cannot understand, but God knows, and we can find out when we get there.

I think that feelings cannot be controlled. Whatever you feel is whatever you feel, whether if it is towards someone of the opposite or of the same gender. Homosexuality is the sin of when you act upon your feelings. When you decide to follow and conform to the patterns of this world. "Are you asking me to fight against my feelings then?" you may ask, yes, i think if you are struggling with this, fight against it. It may the hardest thing ever, fighting against yourself, but God will never give you anything you cannot overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13). If your mind, heart and spirit is there, anything is possible with God's almighty power.

All sins can be forgiven. If one whole-heartedly is willing to repent, confesses their sin to Christ, you will be forgiven. God is great, he is just and will forgive (1 John 1:9).

verse of the day: Romans 12:2

² Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

It's All Gone.

^{Psalm 103:11-12}

¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

We've all seen rocks before right? Have you ever tried skipping rocks on a lake or ocean? Where does the rock go? To the bottom of the lake or ocean, you can't get it back once it's thrown. It's gone and the dirt on the rock is now gone.

Think about it this way, the "dust and dirt" on the rock is like your life. What is it like to try to clean your inner self?
Imagine these things wrapped around the stone in your hand. Now throw the stone, as far and high as you can! Watch it splash and disappear, the ripples also fade away.
Is it possible to get your stone back? But, do you want to get it back?

When God forgives us it's all gone, it's forgotten and it's not to be retrieved. Close yours eyes, breathe deeply, and savour the cleansing of God's forgiveness. He has now made you pure. He is a forgiving God and we need to ask for forgiveness and repent.

Thank God for his forgiveness and make sure you forgive yourself.

Luke 17:1-4

¹ And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! ²It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. ³ Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, ⁴ and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

luke 17:1-4

The past few days, i've really come to realize that when reading his Word you need to be extremely focus. Its never a one-time read kinda thing. You have to read it once, read it again, and read it again. There are lines that you may not get at first, second, or third glance, but you really have to break it down.

Here are the main points I got out of the passage.

being the one that causes others to sin is worse that "drowning yourself in the ocean" (as used in the passage). As brothers and sisters in Christ, we should be working together and supporting each other in spirit and in love. Not pulling each other down. After reading this, i immediately thought of Kelly's talk about dress code at semi formal events. Girls should not be wearing short dresses, or low cut dresses that can easily be temptations for guys. Thinking about it, i really hope im not doing anything that causes others to sin, and if i am i hope im notified about it and i'll do my best to change it.

forgive. Christ forgave and loved us first and we must also learn to do so. Like the passage says, if they confess and repent, we must forgive. Dont hold a grudge towards others, like it says in Ephesians 4:26. One may turn on you, and backstab you over and over again, but if they truly confess, learn to forgive. Even though you forgive, i dont think you still have to be their friend and place your trust in them, but ensure you are both on good terms.

Lamentations 3:22-23

²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

²³ They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

Kelly shared this verse on Sunday and its been my iphone wallpaper since. I never knew it said that in the Bible and i love how great of a reminder it is. Each new day, God has given us new mercy, and a new chance. This doesn't mean you can just mess up your day and sin because the next day is new, but it means that our God is a gracious, loving and forgiving God. If you realize and confess your sins, he will forgive. The past is the past, what matters is that you change in the present and you keep the momentum going for the future.

I think we ought to remind ourselves daily of this, that God is good and that his love for us is eternal and overflowing. Praise God!

Forgiven.

Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Jesus is a forgiving man. He didn't let anyone get to his head. We often get judged on by others, whether it be because of our religion, race, or style. We may get compliments that boost our self-esteem but at the same time we get insults that lower it.

Jesus had faced many temptations. He conquered them all by trusting in God. We must do the same. We must forgive those who curse at us or make fun of us. We have to be like Christ.

He forgave us of our sins, thus, we must forgive others.

great reminder.

I think Kelly's sermon today was really great. I've always loved her sermons and how she's so straight forward and direct. Ha, it was pretty hard to follow along because i didnt bring a pen, so i was doing everything on my iphone. It was pretty intense, having the put headings, and typing, and browsing through the bible on cue and at light speed, but i think it helped with keeping me focused. I guess i'll write the notes i took down today. (italized is my personal expression tonight)

Questions For The Heart:

a) Do you despise yourself and think you are a fake?

b) Do you discount your positive characteristics and feel you do not deserve praise?

c) Do you brag about your flaws?

d) Do you destroy your own personal success?

- it isnt healthy to dwell on these things and let it take over our lives!

To be honest, when reading these questions, i think yes is my answer to most of them if not all of them, and its not the best trait of mine. The series is called "Being More Confident" (or something along those lines), but i really am not. I do look down upon myself, and i never trust and have confidence in my work. I made it my resolution to be more confident about myself this year. See how it goes. Yah know, once i saw the title of the message today, i knew God was whispering in my ear, if not yelling. This was.. "my message".

How to Deal with Shame and Guilt

a) Accept that God's Forgiveness is REAL. (Romans 8:1-4)

- punishment for sin, which is death is paid for by God, by having Jesus Christ come and die for us

- its easier to accept God's forgiveness than the consequences of sin

- God DEMANDS that the penalty is paid

- to overcome shame, we have to believe that God has forgiven us, its real!

b) Change the way your THINK. (Romans 8:5-7, Galatians 5:22-23, Philippians 4:8)

- we need to live as SAVED people, not as PRISONERS to sin

- set out mind on the SPIRIT instead of the WORLD. This will give us peace and goodness

- Galatians 5:22-23 is the fruit of the spirit. If we continue to meditate on these things, they will be at the forefronts of our minds, replacing sinful desires, and we'll soon learn to embody these traits

- Philippians 4:8 says we need to change our mindset, know and believe that we are REDEEMED people who are loved by God.

- looking glass self: "you are what you think other people think you are

- every morning is a clean slate. As long as we realize, confess and repent in the present, now, the past is the past and has been forgiven. (this was so important to me, and i'll definitely need to continously remind myself of that)

c) Be FILLED with the Holy Spirit. (Romans 8:9-11, 2 Peter 1:3)

- if the spirit raised Christ from the dead and abides in you, wont it do the same?

- ACCEPT his forgiveness and CHANGE how you think.

- Dont let Satan take over!

"As we face condemnation, we can have confidence and know that we are free."

I found all these as great reminders. May we continue to change our perspective, dwell on God, The Spirit and eternal things, and stray away from the temptations of sin.

Because He First..

Because He First Loved.

Because He First Forgave.

Because He First Shined.

Im reading this eBook by John Piper called "Exposing The Dark Work of Abortion", and i've only read the intro, but this one thing stuck out to me, which i think, like everything else i've been writing about, is a great reminder.

We follow Christ and we do what we do because he did it first.

To sum up what he wrote, he went through 4 passages:

IT DOES NOT SAY: "We dont forgive because then we will earn forgiveness from Christ." (Eph 4:32)

- we forgive because we have already been forgiven.

IT DOES NOT SAY: "We dont imitate Christ to then be adopted." (Eph 5:1)

- the verse says as LOVED CHILDREN, we dont need to do something to be his child because we already are.

IT DOES NOT SAY: Walk in love so that Christ will start loving us and give himself up for us."(Eph 5:2)

- Its Christ loved us and gave himself for us, and THAT is why we walk in love.

IT DOES NOT SAY: Be light of the world so that you can become children of light" (Eph 5:8)

- we are already children of light, so continue to radiate his love and life.

"Forgive-out of your forgiveness. Love-out of your being loved. Shine-with the light that Christ is in you." - John Piper

Clearing The Air: Temptation & Sin

There are many many misconceptions with Christianity, especially with us, the followers, for putting out a bad representation of Christ and his image and life towards others. But today i want speak about the misconception about sin.

Sin. Sin is when one fails to please God, does something ungodly, that isnt glorifying Christ. From stealing to pornography, from murder to adultery. All these things are sin. They dont please God and they dont raise his name.

Temptation. Desire. These two things are what people usually get mixed up about. When you desire something, may it be the thought to steal something, "oh i want that chocolate bar" or when you're tempted to cheat on a test. These things are COMPLETELY normal. God created us to desire things and want things, this isnt sinning. Its the first step. Sinning is when you actually act upon your temptation. When you do take the chocolate bar and walk out, when you do look over your friends shoulder and copy down their answer.

Sinning. We all will fall short of God's glory. And if we confess and repent, God will forgive us. BUT, dont take it for granted. He will forgive you, but this doesnt mean you can keep sinning because "oh he'll forgive me anyways". We have to work towards pleasing God. Try your best to walk away from Satan's temptations, and resist from acting upon it.

Something to remember: God will NEVER give you something more you can bear. he knows you can conquer it. Its up to you if you want to conquer it or not. So what's your decision? You? or Him?

Guide Me.

We all like to be independent. Whether it be doing your own laundry or going off to university. We often think of when we’re independent we are by ourselves, no one’s there to tell you anything.

But let’s take a step back. Who was there to die for you? Who was there to forgive your every sin? Who was there to lead you when you were struggling?

JESUS CHRIST (:

He’s always there when we need help. He guides us and makes our every move. He knows each of our names, how many strands of hair we have on our head, and everything in between.

I, personally, forget that He’s up there waiting. But in the end I realize that anything is possible with Him.

It even says in Matthew 19:26, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

In the devotion for today Rick Warren says, “God made you so that you would not be able to see into the future no matter how much you try. Why did God do this? He did it so you would depend on him.”

I don’t know how else you can say it. He wants all of us to depend on Him.

He’s there for us and always will be.

Keep In Step!

This reminds me of that familiar song we sang years ago at church when we were young. "The fruit of the spirit, is love joy peace, patience kindess, goodness, the fruit of the spirit is faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." What fruits are you bearing in your life and what fruits are you lacking?

Let Us Keep In Step With The Spirit

Jon Walker

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25 NIV)

When we ignore the Holy Spirit, there's little difference between the way we live our lives and non-believers who live their lives disconnected and independent from God.

"But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means" (1 Corinthians 2:14 NLT).

Our objective is to become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Ask God to teach you to hear his still small voice and to be sensitive to promptings from the Spirit that he's placed inside you. Then, believe the truth that he will guide you through the decisions and details of your life.

As you learn to walk in the Spirit, God will never ask you to do anything that violates his Word. Promptings from the Holy Spirit will always line up with the Bible; however, they may not line up with your church-ianity traditions or pre-conceived notions.

For the next few weeks, keep a list of all the times you sense the Spirit prompting you. This will help you learn to be sensitive to the Spirit, but it will also strengthen your resolve to be obedient to God's guidance as you see his constant, loving interest in the details of your life.

And what if you blow it? Remember God's grace! If you misunderstand the Holy Spirit's prompting or disobey it, then confess your failure to God; he is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9). Fall on his grace and remember that you are in the school of Christ. He knows you're learning; he sent the Holy Spirit to teach you.

The holy spirit has been given to us by God to guide us and to lead us through life. We alone cannot do much, we dont know, but with God's tools, His Word and The Holy Spirit, we are able to make the right decisions that will be pleasing and will bring us good for God knows what's best for us. We must also learn to have faith in Him. If we dont trust the savior of all creation, the maker of the universe, how are we able to give up our decisions, our wants for Him?

This last part i think is CRUCIAL for every Christian to be constantly reminding themselves of. That God is faithful to forgive because he loves us. Personally, i have times where after a "big sin", guilt will come and eat me up, and then i'd ask for forgiveness. But we should be repent on a daily basis if not hourly. We need to be constantly reminding ourselves that we are sinners and that we cant do anything without Christ.

The Fruit of The Spirit. Its quite the list, but learn to bear all the fruits equally. I've posted about the individual fruits themselves, click HERE to check it out! :)

keep in step with the spirit. a day at a time.

Jason