This weekend was a great one. You were speaking to me, calling me and answering my prayers. It was my first time attending Mission Fest and I loved it. Next year, I will make it a full day affair. I only attended 2 sessions on Saturday and I was hungry for more... I met up with Marie Ens who told me Cambodian adoptions would be delayed at least another year and then I heard an uplifting message about Christianity spreading like wide fire through China and Ethiopia. Praise you Lord. Shaine Claireborne spoke at our service on Sunday and he was amazing. When I came home and to share some highlights of the seminar with my husband, I choked up telling him about Mother Theresa. I couldn't get over how selfish I am compared to God's selflessness through Mother Theresa. She always ensured she had the "worse" so that no one would be worse off than her. She did not bitch or complain, so just took it. In fact she always took the worst pair of shoes - shoes that didn't fit. She did that for so long that her feet became deformed, yet she did not say a word... wow and what have I to share.
People always ask, "Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is there starvation? Why is there war? If there is a god, why does God let this happen?" God's answer, " I created a solution... you. The question becomes, why do we let these things happen? There is enough food and medicine to heal all in the world... but greed gets in the way... our selfishness gets in the way... our morality gets in the way..." Father, I get it now... my role as a teacher is share this message, to teach our next generation about morality... about doing the right thing all the time, and not for an award, but because the reward is far greater than money...
Matthew 13:1-23
Story of the Farmer Scattering Seed
This is a parable I've heard many times and I ask myself, what kind of a plant will I become. However, the new message is this: You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others have not. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them... People see what I do, but they don't really see. People hear what I say, but they don't really hear, and they don't understand (11-13)
At first, I believed that I was the crop that landed on rocky soil. I received God's message with joy, but as life through curve balls at me, I lost my faith in God because I was not "grounded" in the word and lacked trust. However as years passed I began to feel that I was the crop that landed in the thorny ground. I hear and accept the good news, yet I let the materialist desires of this world crowd my mind and harden my heart, moving me away from God... I must admit I still hold these tendancies. For a while, I actually believed that I was a crop that landed in good fertile soil, representing a heart that truly accepts God's message... but then I realized how far removed I was as tears rolled down my face when I spoke about Mother Theresa and her selflessness.
I can never be a Mother Theresa. I accept that, but can I be more like Christ? When Judgement Day comes, God will not ask if I believe in Him, but "When I was a stranger, how did you treat me?"
Romans 11: 1-6
God's Mercy on Israel
For this passage, I feel God is telling me, 'you are not the only alone. God will save us not by our good works but because of his kindness and love which is free and undeserving.'
Showing posts with label judgement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label judgement. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Sin and Shame... Judgement Awaits...
I forgot how exhausting work is... prepping for science labs and projects...ahhhh...
Definitely looking forward to this weekend... =)
Matthew 3:1-12
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
John foreshadows the coming of Christ. I am actually quite alarmed that John primarily ate locusts with honey. John baptised all who wanted a new life through the confession of sins. He became so famous that Pharisees and Seduces were coming to get baptized. However, John did not baptize them, instead he called them a brood of snakes! Because they did not "practice" what they preached. They did not turn from their sin. They were only giving God lip service.
Romans 2: 1-16
God's Judgement of Sin
God does not show favouritism (11)... This resonates with me because there are times when I wonder if God loves me less and if I am dealt "harsher" cards in life. I know it is wrong to think this way, but it's my "humanity" that I'm fighting against.
God's law is written within us, many a time, we don't have to know the Word, to know what is right in God's eyes. Judgement Day will come... This was interesting as I do inherinently believe God will judge us all and it doesn't take a literate person to figure out how to live a life that is righteous.
Definitely looking forward to this weekend... =)
Matthew 3:1-12
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
John foreshadows the coming of Christ. I am actually quite alarmed that John primarily ate locusts with honey. John baptised all who wanted a new life through the confession of sins. He became so famous that Pharisees and Seduces were coming to get baptized. However, John did not baptize them, instead he called them a brood of snakes! Because they did not "practice" what they preached. They did not turn from their sin. They were only giving God lip service.
Romans 2: 1-16
God's Judgement of Sin
God does not show favouritism (11)... This resonates with me because there are times when I wonder if God loves me less and if I am dealt "harsher" cards in life. I know it is wrong to think this way, but it's my "humanity" that I'm fighting against.
God's law is written within us, many a time, we don't have to know the Word, to know what is right in God's eyes. Judgement Day will come... This was interesting as I do inherinently believe God will judge us all and it doesn't take a literate person to figure out how to live a life that is righteous.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Waiting Game
Yikes! Definitely went on a break these past few days... very sick and had lots to do... still have lots to do. I started a new cross-stitch! =)
Acts 17: 16-34
Paul Preaches in Athens
Paul spoke out against the idol worship in Athens. He preached to any and all who would listen. He was even asked to debate his "religion" with scholars. This makes me think that I need to do the same... speak out against idols... or at the very least live by this...
James 2:10-13
A Warning Against Prejudice
Whatever we say or do, we will be judged. If we are not merciful towards others, how can expect God to be merciful towards us?
I thank you for your continued words of support and guidance. We are embarking on our last kick at the can with reproductive medicine. I have no expectations from this next set of procedures. I leave it all in your hands, Lord. For without your blessing, there is nothing. When speaking with the doctor, the chances of a pregnancy per IUI is less than 5% per month. With IVF, we were looking at 15%. Father, you are one of miracles, but I have come to the crossroads and I am OK with not ever having to be pregnant. Our sermon last week was great. I was reminded that I am your prized possession and that I am lovable. You are not punishing me. Circumstances happen, tragedies happen... they are not necessarily God's will, but things we or others close to us bring about out of fear or because of a costly choice. We don't always see the bigger picture or our purpose... you do.
Satan will tempt us with the one thing we can't have. Father, you have blessed us with everything, but a baby. This is what Satan can use to tempt us. I am thankful, that I have not become bitter and have turned away from you. I am thankful that my husband is slowly turning back to you. For it is only in you, that we will find eternal and righteous comfort.
I trust you, Lord. I will not be angry if I am not pregnant over the next 3 months. In fact, I will be elated that this stuggle will be over and I will be able to move to another chapter of my life. I have no question that you have equipped my husband and me with all the tools to be a great parents and teachers. It is now a matter of time.
Acts 17: 16-34
Paul Preaches in Athens
Paul spoke out against the idol worship in Athens. He preached to any and all who would listen. He was even asked to debate his "religion" with scholars. This makes me think that I need to do the same... speak out against idols... or at the very least live by this...
James 2:10-13
A Warning Against Prejudice
Whatever we say or do, we will be judged. If we are not merciful towards others, how can expect God to be merciful towards us?
I thank you for your continued words of support and guidance. We are embarking on our last kick at the can with reproductive medicine. I have no expectations from this next set of procedures. I leave it all in your hands, Lord. For without your blessing, there is nothing. When speaking with the doctor, the chances of a pregnancy per IUI is less than 5% per month. With IVF, we were looking at 15%. Father, you are one of miracles, but I have come to the crossroads and I am OK with not ever having to be pregnant. Our sermon last week was great. I was reminded that I am your prized possession and that I am lovable. You are not punishing me. Circumstances happen, tragedies happen... they are not necessarily God's will, but things we or others close to us bring about out of fear or because of a costly choice. We don't always see the bigger picture or our purpose... you do.
Satan will tempt us with the one thing we can't have. Father, you have blessed us with everything, but a baby. This is what Satan can use to tempt us. I am thankful, that I have not become bitter and have turned away from you. I am thankful that my husband is slowly turning back to you. For it is only in you, that we will find eternal and righteous comfort.
I trust you, Lord. I will not be angry if I am not pregnant over the next 3 months. In fact, I will be elated that this stuggle will be over and I will be able to move to another chapter of my life. I have no question that you have equipped my husband and me with all the tools to be a great parents and teachers. It is now a matter of time.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Come, Little One, Come...
John 21: 1-14
Jesus Appears to 7 Disciples
In Christ's 3rd encounter after his resurrection, Jesus helps his disciples gather fish and meets them for breakfast. The disciples do not ask if he is Jesus, they know he is.
Please help me to be more like Jesus' disciples, especially Simon Peter, who upon hearing your name, jumped into the lake to swim to you. Help me to be as trusting as Simon Peter.
Hebrews 4:7-13
Promised Rest for God's People (cont'd)
"Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done." (13)
There will come a day when we will have to face God and explain our choices. I want to be able to stand before him, proud. I want God to be proud of me - proud of the fact that he was able to use me to help others. I want to be a blessing to others.
Just yesterday, we went to PCRM. I know that this will be our last bridge to "natural child birth", at least as natural as we can have a baby. This time the endevour will be IUI with Clomid, a drug to stimulate superovulation. I do have my doubts. I believe it's because I don't want to put my trust in Science, but rather in God. God, I know that if this is your will, I will be pregnant. However, I will not overstress or even think much about it. This is a worry I will pass on to you.
My heart is very much entrenched in adopting overseas. Even if I were to be pregnant naturally, I still want to adopt another child. I can't help, but feel this is coming from you. This trip to Cambodia and Wilson's trip to Vietnam... all of our experiences, though separate, are meaningful insights to your bigger picture for us. I know you hear my cries and my prayers. I know they will be answered in your time, not mine. I have been impatient most of my life, working as fast as I possible can. I equate myself to being crazy rabbit - a true task master.
Someone once told me that my child is out there, I just have to call his/her name, but at the same token, this child must want to also be mine. So "Child of mine," hear my voice, "It is time to come into this world. Do not be afraid. We will love you as much as Christ loves us."
Jesus Appears to 7 Disciples
In Christ's 3rd encounter after his resurrection, Jesus helps his disciples gather fish and meets them for breakfast. The disciples do not ask if he is Jesus, they know he is.
Please help me to be more like Jesus' disciples, especially Simon Peter, who upon hearing your name, jumped into the lake to swim to you. Help me to be as trusting as Simon Peter.
Hebrews 4:7-13
Promised Rest for God's People (cont'd)
"Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done." (13)
There will come a day when we will have to face God and explain our choices. I want to be able to stand before him, proud. I want God to be proud of me - proud of the fact that he was able to use me to help others. I want to be a blessing to others.
Just yesterday, we went to PCRM. I know that this will be our last bridge to "natural child birth", at least as natural as we can have a baby. This time the endevour will be IUI with Clomid, a drug to stimulate superovulation. I do have my doubts. I believe it's because I don't want to put my trust in Science, but rather in God. God, I know that if this is your will, I will be pregnant. However, I will not overstress or even think much about it. This is a worry I will pass on to you.
My heart is very much entrenched in adopting overseas. Even if I were to be pregnant naturally, I still want to adopt another child. I can't help, but feel this is coming from you. This trip to Cambodia and Wilson's trip to Vietnam... all of our experiences, though separate, are meaningful insights to your bigger picture for us. I know you hear my cries and my prayers. I know they will be answered in your time, not mine. I have been impatient most of my life, working as fast as I possible can. I equate myself to being crazy rabbit - a true task master.
Someone once told me that my child is out there, I just have to call his/her name, but at the same token, this child must want to also be mine. So "Child of mine," hear my voice, "It is time to come into this world. Do not be afraid. We will love you as much as Christ loves us."
Friday, September 2, 2011
Pain, Suffering and Ridicule is what we will face for God
John 9:13-41
The Blind Man and Spiritual Blindness
When the blind man was no longer blind, he shared this miracle with everyone. The Pharisees questioned him, asking how could a prophet or the Messiah heal someone on the Sabbath. The once blind man said," God does not listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. Never since hte world began has anyone been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. If thise man were not from God, he couldn't do it." (31-33)
In a conversation between the blind man, Jesus and the Pharisees, Jesus says, " I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind... for you remain guilty if you claim you can see" (39-41)
In the commentary on this passage, I am told that I don't need special training to share the gospel or my love for Christ and God. Once we accept Jesus in our hearts, the Holy Spirit will lead us. Our eyes will be open to things we did not see or feel before. This world we live in is bound by greed, power and sin - this is Satan's evil world, not God's.
So Father, I pray for your spirit of protection and I thank you for opening my eyes. My husband has left on a trip to Vietnam for 2 weeks. We both agreed that all our future vacations must be done together. It's heartbreaking to be apart even for a few days, let alone 2 weeks... and for this particular summer it will be us being apart for 4 weeks. However, I know that this opportunity arose so that we could both grow closer to you independently. I thank you wholeheartedly for always letting us seek you out. All we ever need to do is ask. Father, continue to pray for his safety abroad and for your shield of protection around him. I know the evil that lurks where he goes and I pray that you will give him wisdom and strength and will power to not give in to the temptations of gambling and overindulgence. Please give him a time a inner peace and rest through you.
2 Timothy 1: 8-14
Encouragement to be Faithful
Today's passage starts off with a bold statement: So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. (8) This is what I need to live by. The next statement in this passage that is screaming out to me is this: And that is why I am suffering here in prison. I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. Remember to live in the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus (12,13).
I am reminded that I am not suffering in vain and by comparison, my suffering is no where near that of Paul's. Father, I trust you know best. Whatever pain and suffering I endure here on earth, is temporary, and it is done in your name to bring you glory. There will be lessons learned, but I know you will be there to support me and guide me and use me as your living testimony. I pray that you continue to stir in my heart the courage to fight your fight and not fall into the traps of Satan's world.
The Blind Man and Spiritual Blindness
When the blind man was no longer blind, he shared this miracle with everyone. The Pharisees questioned him, asking how could a prophet or the Messiah heal someone on the Sabbath. The once blind man said," God does not listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will. Never since hte world began has anyone been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. If thise man were not from God, he couldn't do it." (31-33)
In a conversation between the blind man, Jesus and the Pharisees, Jesus says, " I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind... for you remain guilty if you claim you can see" (39-41)
In the commentary on this passage, I am told that I don't need special training to share the gospel or my love for Christ and God. Once we accept Jesus in our hearts, the Holy Spirit will lead us. Our eyes will be open to things we did not see or feel before. This world we live in is bound by greed, power and sin - this is Satan's evil world, not God's.
So Father, I pray for your spirit of protection and I thank you for opening my eyes. My husband has left on a trip to Vietnam for 2 weeks. We both agreed that all our future vacations must be done together. It's heartbreaking to be apart even for a few days, let alone 2 weeks... and for this particular summer it will be us being apart for 4 weeks. However, I know that this opportunity arose so that we could both grow closer to you independently. I thank you wholeheartedly for always letting us seek you out. All we ever need to do is ask. Father, continue to pray for his safety abroad and for your shield of protection around him. I know the evil that lurks where he goes and I pray that you will give him wisdom and strength and will power to not give in to the temptations of gambling and overindulgence. Please give him a time a inner peace and rest through you.
2 Timothy 1: 8-14
Encouragement to be Faithful
Today's passage starts off with a bold statement: So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. (8) This is what I need to live by. The next statement in this passage that is screaming out to me is this: And that is why I am suffering here in prison. I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. Remember to live in the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus (12,13).
I am reminded that I am not suffering in vain and by comparison, my suffering is no where near that of Paul's. Father, I trust you know best. Whatever pain and suffering I endure here on earth, is temporary, and it is done in your name to bring you glory. There will be lessons learned, but I know you will be there to support me and guide me and use me as your living testimony. I pray that you continue to stir in my heart the courage to fight your fight and not fall into the traps of Satan's world.
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