Another of God's faithful servant has return to the Lord.
That's why the rain came pouring down for 4 hours.
I have learned a lot from this faithful servant.
A servant who was faithful to the very end of his race.
A servant hard to be found while battling cancer.
He still choose to serve the Lord although he was down with cancer.
Doctor said he only have a few months to live, but no God extend the estimation of time and bless him and his family with an additional of a few years.
Truly the Lord was gracious to him and his family.
Note, he was healed conpletely from cancer before it started his battle again.
I observed him as he serve in church, with a smile on his face even as he sang and worship God.
True joy can only be experienced from God alone.
He was tired, worn out from his chemotherapy, but he was still involved in serving as a missions chairperson in church.
Though at times, he was discouraged but yet he still remain faithful to God.
I have learned a lot from him and a person i will look up to.
Right now, many of us will grieve at his loss.
But one day, we will meet him again in heaven.
I am sure right now he is enjoying himself in heaven with no more pain, cancer, sickness, disappointments, sorrows.
Instead he is in the presence of God right now.
I am proud of this faithful servant and i will take the lessons learnt from his life and put it into practise.
Monday, August 30
Yes, Jesus Loves Me!
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
Matthew 19:14 "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. '"
Friend to Friend
I believe that much of our stress is the result of a constant and innate quest to be loved and to love. The problems come when we look in the wrong places for love. When we know God, we know love. When we experience His unconditional love, we are then freed and empowered to love ourselves and others. I have personally discovered that it is just downright frustrating and completely impossible to live the Christian life when you are not a Christian. I tried.
For years, I desperately struggled to be a Christian with only head knowledge of who God was and wanted to be in my life. The result was a pitifully shallow existence with stress and frustration as my constant companions.
I grew up in a Christian home, attending church every time the doors were open. I sang all the right songs, spoke all the right words and did all the right things in front of all the right people. I fervently prayed that my works would validate my faith and desperately hoped that by following the rules, I would please the Ruler. It was not until middle school that the spiritual integrity of a dynamic youth pastor made me hunger and thirst for something more. I wanted to know God. I needed to experience the unconditional love of God.
During a special Saturday evening church service, I sat in my usual spot, clutching the back of the pew in front of me while wrestling with God over the condition of my soul and my eternal security. After all, I was a very active church member, a soloist and pianist for our worship services, and even directed a children's choir. How embarrassing to walk down that aisle, admitting to everyone that I'd been living a lie.
My mind argued that I knew all about God - and then the deeper truth of that argument hit me. Yes, I knew about Him but I didn't know Him. His perfect love settles for nothing less than an intimate and loving relationship with his children.
That night I met Jesus! I surrendered all that I knew about myself to all that I knew about Him. While the course of my life was changed forever, I quickly discovered that I still had to deal with life on a daily basis and still had to face stressful situations. The difference was that God's love preceded me, surrounded and sustained me as I lived each day. Knowing we are loved fosters contentment and peace in our hearts, and when our hearts are filled with peace, there is little room for stress.
One of the highlights of my day is when our 13 month-old-grandson is getting ready for bed. No, it is not his favorite time of the day, but his mom has a routine that works well. She gives Justus a bath, during which he absolutely soaks every square inch of the bathroom. His squeals of laughter and loud splashes can be heard by everyone in the house. Danna then wraps him in a big, fluffy towel and brings him to everyone so that they can see the "clean baby" and give him a goodnight kiss. Next come lotion and pajamas followed by "bah" which means, "It's time to read a book." The light in his room is then dimmed, the musical fish sing and dance across the ceiling ... and Justus settles down in his crib with Elmo in one hand and his blanket in the other, falling fast asleep within seconds. In a perfect world - which this is not - that scenario is played out every night.
However, on nights when Justus does not feel well, or needs a few extra hugs, Danna will ask me if I would like to rock him. I know. It is a rotten job but somebody has to do it! I scoop that precious little man into my arms and we settle into the rocker in his room. As we rock, I sing to him. I have quite a repertoire of "Mimi" ballads, but when I start to sing "Jesus Loves Me," Justus always looks up at me with his big brown eyes and gets very still and quiet until the song is finished. I put him in his crib and he usually does go right to sleep. However, last night, it was a different story.
Danna has been teaching Justus sign language and one of his favorite words to sign is "more." When I finished singing and started to get up, Justus stretched out his little hands and signed "more." Did I sit back down and sing some more? Do birds fly? Do fish swim?
With tears streaming down my face, I sang "Jesus Loves Me" until he was sound asleep. I sat in the rocker, just holding him, thinking about how very much I love this baby boy. In that quiet moment, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, "Mary, Jesus loves you, too." As Justus and I rocked a few minutes longer, the stress of the day melted away and I revisited the moment I met Jesus and first experienced His unchanging love. That quiet celebration filled my heart and left no room for anything but the love of God.
Yes, Jesus loves me, and He loves you, too.
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
Matthew 19:14 "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. '"
Friend to Friend
I believe that much of our stress is the result of a constant and innate quest to be loved and to love. The problems come when we look in the wrong places for love. When we know God, we know love. When we experience His unconditional love, we are then freed and empowered to love ourselves and others. I have personally discovered that it is just downright frustrating and completely impossible to live the Christian life when you are not a Christian. I tried.
For years, I desperately struggled to be a Christian with only head knowledge of who God was and wanted to be in my life. The result was a pitifully shallow existence with stress and frustration as my constant companions.
I grew up in a Christian home, attending church every time the doors were open. I sang all the right songs, spoke all the right words and did all the right things in front of all the right people. I fervently prayed that my works would validate my faith and desperately hoped that by following the rules, I would please the Ruler. It was not until middle school that the spiritual integrity of a dynamic youth pastor made me hunger and thirst for something more. I wanted to know God. I needed to experience the unconditional love of God.
During a special Saturday evening church service, I sat in my usual spot, clutching the back of the pew in front of me while wrestling with God over the condition of my soul and my eternal security. After all, I was a very active church member, a soloist and pianist for our worship services, and even directed a children's choir. How embarrassing to walk down that aisle, admitting to everyone that I'd been living a lie.
My mind argued that I knew all about God - and then the deeper truth of that argument hit me. Yes, I knew about Him but I didn't know Him. His perfect love settles for nothing less than an intimate and loving relationship with his children.
That night I met Jesus! I surrendered all that I knew about myself to all that I knew about Him. While the course of my life was changed forever, I quickly discovered that I still had to deal with life on a daily basis and still had to face stressful situations. The difference was that God's love preceded me, surrounded and sustained me as I lived each day. Knowing we are loved fosters contentment and peace in our hearts, and when our hearts are filled with peace, there is little room for stress.
One of the highlights of my day is when our 13 month-old-grandson is getting ready for bed. No, it is not his favorite time of the day, but his mom has a routine that works well. She gives Justus a bath, during which he absolutely soaks every square inch of the bathroom. His squeals of laughter and loud splashes can be heard by everyone in the house. Danna then wraps him in a big, fluffy towel and brings him to everyone so that they can see the "clean baby" and give him a goodnight kiss. Next come lotion and pajamas followed by "bah" which means, "It's time to read a book." The light in his room is then dimmed, the musical fish sing and dance across the ceiling ... and Justus settles down in his crib with Elmo in one hand and his blanket in the other, falling fast asleep within seconds. In a perfect world - which this is not - that scenario is played out every night.
However, on nights when Justus does not feel well, or needs a few extra hugs, Danna will ask me if I would like to rock him. I know. It is a rotten job but somebody has to do it! I scoop that precious little man into my arms and we settle into the rocker in his room. As we rock, I sing to him. I have quite a repertoire of "Mimi" ballads, but when I start to sing "Jesus Loves Me," Justus always looks up at me with his big brown eyes and gets very still and quiet until the song is finished. I put him in his crib and he usually does go right to sleep. However, last night, it was a different story.
Danna has been teaching Justus sign language and one of his favorite words to sign is "more." When I finished singing and started to get up, Justus stretched out his little hands and signed "more." Did I sit back down and sing some more? Do birds fly? Do fish swim?
With tears streaming down my face, I sang "Jesus Loves Me" until he was sound asleep. I sat in the rocker, just holding him, thinking about how very much I love this baby boy. In that quiet moment, the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart, "Mary, Jesus loves you, too." As Justus and I rocked a few minutes longer, the stress of the day melted away and I revisited the moment I met Jesus and first experienced His unchanging love. That quiet celebration filled my heart and left no room for anything but the love of God.
Yes, Jesus loves me, and He loves you, too.
Saturday, August 28
Wednesday, August 25
Today's Truth
"I who speak to you am he" (John 4:26 NIV).
Friend to Friend
The harsh mid-day sun beat down through a cloudless sky. The morning breeze had long since stilled as the heavy air weighed a body down. The weary, worn woman picked up her empty water jug, a reflection of her empty life, and headed to Jacob's well to draw her daily supply.
Jacob's well was a bustling place for community life among the women in the small village. It was their one chance to leave the confines of home and mingle with friends. They caught up on the latest gossip, exchanged village news, and shared homemaking tips. Most women came to the well in groups...no surprise there. But Ramona ventured out alone.
"It would be nice if I could go to the well in the cool of the morning or the calm of the evening like all the other women," she mumbled to herself. "But it's just not worth it. I'm tired of the condescending stares, the buzzing gossip, and the snide snickers. Why, last week, Mariah yanked her five-year old daughter's arm to keep her from getting too close to me. What? Did she think I would contaminate her if she brushed my robe? No, I prefer the searing sun to their glaring gazes."
Ramona peeked out of the door. "High noon. The coast is clear."
The Samaritan woman easily balanced the five-gallon water jug atop her veiled head and made her way to the community well. Her thoughts of rejection continued as she plodded down the dusty trail. She felt as empty as the jug she carried. All I've ever wanted was to be loved. What's so wrong with that? Five times I've tried and five times I've been rejected. Married and divorced, married and divorced. Tossed away like an old worn sandal. Rejected by men. Shunned by former friends. I guess I'm just a throw-away person that nobody really wants.
Ramona's thoughts were interrupted as she reached her destination and noticed a lone man sitting by the well's edge. What's a Jew like that doing in a place like this? She mused. I'll just keep my eyes down and pretend he isn't here.
But he was there. And he was there for a purpose.
His unexpected words pierced the silence.
"Will you give me a drink," He asked.
A Jewish man would never stoop so low as to speak to a Samaritan woman, she thought. He's just like all other men. He won't speak to me in public where people can see, but he is all too eager to engage when he wants something. I'll show him.
With a hint of sarcasm, the woman replied. "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink? Isn't that against the rules?"
Jesus ignored her sarcasm and cut right to the chase. He was more interested in winning the woman than winning the war of words. "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asked you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Now he had her attention. What in the world is living water? What is the gift? Who is this man? Without realizing it, she lowered her water jug and began lowering her emotional walls as well.
"And how are you going to get this living water?" she laughed. "You don't even have a bucket? Are you just going to reach down in the well with your hands? Our forefather, Jacob, gave us this well. Are you saying that you are greater than Jacob? That you can give us something better than he has given?"
Even though Jesus was trying to move her thinking from a physical need to spiritual truth, she was not quick to follow.
"Drink from this well," Jesus continued, "and you'll be thirsty again. But if you drink from the well that I'm speaking of, the well of living water, your thirst will be quenched forever. Not only that, you'll have a spring of water living inside you that will bubble up and spill over onto those around you."
"Give me that water!" she said. "Oh how I'd love to never come to this well again!"
The woman didn't understand what "living water" was all about, but if it meant that she didn't have to come to the well every day and face the condemning comments and stoic stares from the other women in the town, she wanted it.
"Go, call your husband and come back."
Suddenly, the warmth she had felt earlier began to seep from her soul and the empty chill returned with a vengeance.
"I don't have a husband," she flatly replied, retreating behind harsh features and a practiced face.
"You are right," Jesus continued. "I'm glad that you admitted it. I applaud your honesty. The truth is, you have had five husbands and the man you're living with right now is not your husband. So you are telling the truth when you say you don't have a husband."
There was not a hint of condemnation in Jesus' voice. He simply stated the facts like he would have noted the day's weather condition or the price of eggs at the market.
Suddenly the years of her pitiful life passed before her and she saw herself all alone...emotionally empty and desperately thirsty. How did he know that about me? She wondered. Who is this man? Is he a prophet?
Trying to skirt the real issue at hand, the woman tried to engage Jesus in a theological debate. She tried to divert the conversation away from her life and onto a safer subject. "Sir, I get the idea that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem. Which is it?"
"Believe me," Jesus said, "one day you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. A time is coming and actually has now come, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. That's what God really wants. It is not about where you worship but whom and how."
"Oh well," she shrugged, "I know that Messiah is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
Jesus looked intently at the woman, and for the first time in his ministry, he told someone his true identity. "I who speak to you am he."
She wanted to laugh, to cry, to worship at his feet, but before she could do any of those things, a cloud of dust and the rumble of male voices interrupted their conversation. Jesus' friends had returned from the market and stopped short; amazed that Jesus was talking to a woman alone. But even more startling than who he was talking to, was what he had just said..."I am he."
Then leaving her water pot, she ran back to town and told the townsfolk about the Messiah she met at Jacob's well. She had met the man of her dreams-- what she had been longing for all her life. She had met the Messiah.
"I who speak to you am he" (John 4:26 NIV).
Friend to Friend
The harsh mid-day sun beat down through a cloudless sky. The morning breeze had long since stilled as the heavy air weighed a body down. The weary, worn woman picked up her empty water jug, a reflection of her empty life, and headed to Jacob's well to draw her daily supply.
Jacob's well was a bustling place for community life among the women in the small village. It was their one chance to leave the confines of home and mingle with friends. They caught up on the latest gossip, exchanged village news, and shared homemaking tips. Most women came to the well in groups...no surprise there. But Ramona ventured out alone.
"It would be nice if I could go to the well in the cool of the morning or the calm of the evening like all the other women," she mumbled to herself. "But it's just not worth it. I'm tired of the condescending stares, the buzzing gossip, and the snide snickers. Why, last week, Mariah yanked her five-year old daughter's arm to keep her from getting too close to me. What? Did she think I would contaminate her if she brushed my robe? No, I prefer the searing sun to their glaring gazes."
Ramona peeked out of the door. "High noon. The coast is clear."
The Samaritan woman easily balanced the five-gallon water jug atop her veiled head and made her way to the community well. Her thoughts of rejection continued as she plodded down the dusty trail. She felt as empty as the jug she carried. All I've ever wanted was to be loved. What's so wrong with that? Five times I've tried and five times I've been rejected. Married and divorced, married and divorced. Tossed away like an old worn sandal. Rejected by men. Shunned by former friends. I guess I'm just a throw-away person that nobody really wants.
Ramona's thoughts were interrupted as she reached her destination and noticed a lone man sitting by the well's edge. What's a Jew like that doing in a place like this? She mused. I'll just keep my eyes down and pretend he isn't here.
But he was there. And he was there for a purpose.
His unexpected words pierced the silence.
"Will you give me a drink," He asked.
A Jewish man would never stoop so low as to speak to a Samaritan woman, she thought. He's just like all other men. He won't speak to me in public where people can see, but he is all too eager to engage when he wants something. I'll show him.
With a hint of sarcasm, the woman replied. "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink? Isn't that against the rules?"
Jesus ignored her sarcasm and cut right to the chase. He was more interested in winning the woman than winning the war of words. "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asked you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Now he had her attention. What in the world is living water? What is the gift? Who is this man? Without realizing it, she lowered her water jug and began lowering her emotional walls as well.
"And how are you going to get this living water?" she laughed. "You don't even have a bucket? Are you just going to reach down in the well with your hands? Our forefather, Jacob, gave us this well. Are you saying that you are greater than Jacob? That you can give us something better than he has given?"
Even though Jesus was trying to move her thinking from a physical need to spiritual truth, she was not quick to follow.
"Drink from this well," Jesus continued, "and you'll be thirsty again. But if you drink from the well that I'm speaking of, the well of living water, your thirst will be quenched forever. Not only that, you'll have a spring of water living inside you that will bubble up and spill over onto those around you."
"Give me that water!" she said. "Oh how I'd love to never come to this well again!"
The woman didn't understand what "living water" was all about, but if it meant that she didn't have to come to the well every day and face the condemning comments and stoic stares from the other women in the town, she wanted it.
"Go, call your husband and come back."
Suddenly, the warmth she had felt earlier began to seep from her soul and the empty chill returned with a vengeance.
"I don't have a husband," she flatly replied, retreating behind harsh features and a practiced face.
"You are right," Jesus continued. "I'm glad that you admitted it. I applaud your honesty. The truth is, you have had five husbands and the man you're living with right now is not your husband. So you are telling the truth when you say you don't have a husband."
There was not a hint of condemnation in Jesus' voice. He simply stated the facts like he would have noted the day's weather condition or the price of eggs at the market.
Suddenly the years of her pitiful life passed before her and she saw herself all alone...emotionally empty and desperately thirsty. How did he know that about me? She wondered. Who is this man? Is he a prophet?
Trying to skirt the real issue at hand, the woman tried to engage Jesus in a theological debate. She tried to divert the conversation away from her life and onto a safer subject. "Sir, I get the idea that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem. Which is it?"
"Believe me," Jesus said, "one day you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. A time is coming and actually has now come, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. That's what God really wants. It is not about where you worship but whom and how."
"Oh well," she shrugged, "I know that Messiah is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."
Jesus looked intently at the woman, and for the first time in his ministry, he told someone his true identity. "I who speak to you am he."
She wanted to laugh, to cry, to worship at his feet, but before she could do any of those things, a cloud of dust and the rumble of male voices interrupted their conversation. Jesus' friends had returned from the market and stopped short; amazed that Jesus was talking to a woman alone. But even more startling than who he was talking to, was what he had just said..."I am he."
Then leaving her water pot, she ran back to town and told the townsfolk about the Messiah she met at Jacob's well. She had met the man of her dreams-- what she had been longing for all her life. She had met the Messiah.
Tuesday, August 24
I may start fretting at how much failures i am encountering, but i choose not to.
Yes, i can just post on facebook, today i feel like a failure/ i give up!
No, i still believe there's a chance for me to prove myself.
I may not be good in playing volleyball, but i may be good in some other games.
I may be a not so smart student, however in working life, they are not going to ask you how much books you have studied? Or what is your grades?
They are gonna look at your attitude, conduct, confidence, perspective, desire to get the job, involvement, people relations skill, management, responsibility, leadership qualities.
So , i know i can do better than this!
"What can the world give me? Eveything will just last temporarily. All i need is God! "
Yes, i can just post on facebook, today i feel like a failure/ i give up!
No, i still believe there's a chance for me to prove myself.
I may not be good in playing volleyball, but i may be good in some other games.
I may be a not so smart student, however in working life, they are not going to ask you how much books you have studied? Or what is your grades?
They are gonna look at your attitude, conduct, confidence, perspective, desire to get the job, involvement, people relations skill, management, responsibility, leadership qualities.
So , i know i can do better than this!
"What can the world give me? Eveything will just last temporarily. All i need is God! "
Monday, August 23
Sunday, August 22
Today's worship service was at my cousin's church.
One of the song that touched me most was 'At the Cross'.
This certain phrase spoke to me this morning.
I lay my burden down, at the foot of the cross.
I believe that when Jesus died on the cross, He carry not only our sins but our burdens.
So surrender to Him all your burdens.
We can't be carrying these burdens all the days of our lives right?
One of the song that touched me most was 'At the Cross'.
This certain phrase spoke to me this morning.
I lay my burden down, at the foot of the cross.
I believe that when Jesus died on the cross, He carry not only our sins but our burdens.
So surrender to Him all your burdens.
We can't be carrying these burdens all the days of our lives right?
Saturday, August 21
Friday, August 20
Lord, when i prayed the prayer 'Let Your will be done.'
I mean it. Although i need to face the tougher side of studies, yet i will still trust in You.
I know that one day i will succeed and excel.
I know that trusting in You and being obedient to You is not an easy task.
In fact it takes up faith, faith that comes from within.
I am taking on the challenge.
Because You, O Lord is bigger than any other problems in this world.
Whom shall i fear?
Although the devil tries to break my faith down, with You on my side, i have gain victory!
Thank you Lord for this moulding stage, i need it!
=)
I mean it. Although i need to face the tougher side of studies, yet i will still trust in You.
I know that one day i will succeed and excel.
I know that trusting in You and being obedient to You is not an easy task.
In fact it takes up faith, faith that comes from within.
I am taking on the challenge.
Because You, O Lord is bigger than any other problems in this world.
Whom shall i fear?
Although the devil tries to break my faith down, with You on my side, i have gain victory!
Thank you Lord for this moulding stage, i need it!
=)
Tuesday, August 17
Today's Truth
Romans 12:11 (NLT) "Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically."
Friend to Friend
God uses our work as one of His tools to mold us into who He wants us to be. Stress comes when we view our job as our main life mission instead of seeing our work as an opportunity to provide the tools we need to accomplish our life mission. The apostle Paul writes, "Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love" (Acts 20:24 LB). Paul worked as a tentmaker, a church planter, an author. His purpose never changed, but his work certainly did. Many of us do not need a different job. We simply need a different attitude and a new point of view about the job we have. Begin by envisioning Jesus standing in the midst of your work place as your real boss. Then look for the life lessons God provides through your work.
God uses my work to teach me responsibility. Meeting deadlines, completing assigned tasks with excellence, showing respect for co-workers (even the abrasive ones) and working without supervision are all valuable life lessons learned on the job. When we try to cut corners, stress steps in and wreaks havoc in our attitude about work.
God uses people at work to teach me about relationships. Cooperation, fairness, flexibility, humility and patience are relationship skills of a successful worker. Stress comes when we stray from the guidelines God gives us for serving others. Our workplace is not only one of our God-ordained mission fields; it is a classroom for learning to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable and, in short, be "God with skin on." You may very well be the only sermon your co-workers ever hear.
God uses my work to teach me how to serve. The way we serve God is by serving others. God wants us to grow spiritually at work by becoming a servant to those with whom we work. It is easy to serve those who sit beside us on a pew each Sunday, but a real servant serves on the job. God asks us to accept others unconditionally, encourage other continually, forgive others freely and help others willingly.
Attitudes never sit still. They constantly move and change. An attitude is a pattern of thinking, a filter through which we view life. We can choose to be honest about our attitude at work and we can choose to change our attitude about work, but most importantly, we can choose to pray for God's attitude about work. When we can't change our attitude, the One who lives in us can give us His attitude. Exchanging our attitude for His always eliminates stress.
Romans 12:11 (NLT) "Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically."
Friend to Friend
God uses our work as one of His tools to mold us into who He wants us to be. Stress comes when we view our job as our main life mission instead of seeing our work as an opportunity to provide the tools we need to accomplish our life mission. The apostle Paul writes, "Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love" (Acts 20:24 LB). Paul worked as a tentmaker, a church planter, an author. His purpose never changed, but his work certainly did. Many of us do not need a different job. We simply need a different attitude and a new point of view about the job we have. Begin by envisioning Jesus standing in the midst of your work place as your real boss. Then look for the life lessons God provides through your work.
God uses my work to teach me responsibility. Meeting deadlines, completing assigned tasks with excellence, showing respect for co-workers (even the abrasive ones) and working without supervision are all valuable life lessons learned on the job. When we try to cut corners, stress steps in and wreaks havoc in our attitude about work.
God uses people at work to teach me about relationships. Cooperation, fairness, flexibility, humility and patience are relationship skills of a successful worker. Stress comes when we stray from the guidelines God gives us for serving others. Our workplace is not only one of our God-ordained mission fields; it is a classroom for learning to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable and, in short, be "God with skin on." You may very well be the only sermon your co-workers ever hear.
God uses my work to teach me how to serve. The way we serve God is by serving others. God wants us to grow spiritually at work by becoming a servant to those with whom we work. It is easy to serve those who sit beside us on a pew each Sunday, but a real servant serves on the job. God asks us to accept others unconditionally, encourage other continually, forgive others freely and help others willingly.
Attitudes never sit still. They constantly move and change. An attitude is a pattern of thinking, a filter through which we view life. We can choose to be honest about our attitude at work and we can choose to change our attitude about work, but most importantly, we can choose to pray for God's attitude about work. When we can't change our attitude, the One who lives in us can give us His attitude. Exchanging our attitude for His always eliminates stress.
Monday, August 16
Yesterday's reunion was another reunion that can never be forgotten.
Most of the time we were doing was eating and chatting.
Not forgetting, taking pictures on the escalator.
Trying out bowling for my first time.
I prefer bowling than snooker.
And our team won!
Consists of mike, me and chuan sheng!
Love the team spirit!
We should have that kind of team spirit when we play a game.
Not to take things too seriously or too lightly.
The high 5's we gave each other were encouraging each other that no matter what we're still a team.
Hopefully next time round, there's more people who can make it.
Most of the time we were doing was eating and chatting.
Not forgetting, taking pictures on the escalator.
Trying out bowling for my first time.
I prefer bowling than snooker.
And our team won!
Consists of mike, me and chuan sheng!
Love the team spirit!
We should have that kind of team spirit when we play a game.
Not to take things too seriously or too lightly.
The high 5's we gave each other were encouraging each other that no matter what we're still a team.
Hopefully next time round, there's more people who can make it.
Saturday, August 14
August 12, 2010
Strength for the Storm
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth.
Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. Endurance then develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation."
Friend To Friend
Life is filled with storms of one kind or another. In the midst of those storms, we tend to respond as if God has somehow been caught off guard. The storm makes no sense. We can't explain why terminal illness strikes godly people. We don't understand how our strongest friends can become our fiercest critics. The anguish of a broken marriage or the overwhelming heartbreak of a prodigal child drives us to doubt God's purpose, plan and provision. The fear of financial ruin paralyzes us. God understands.
The Bible is filled with men and women who were storm survivors - people of God who endured great pain and weathered intense life storms because they chose to follow Him. The Apostle Paul, known for persecuting and murdering Christians, was forever changed when he met Jesus Christ. While God gave him a life of great power and eternal impact, it was also a life filled with great storms. Paul learned to "patiently" endure the troubles, hardships and calamities that came his way. (2 Corinthians 6:4 NLT)
Because grain was a precious food source to the Romans, threshing grain was a natural part of every day in ancient Rome. In pictures of early Rome, one man is always seen stirring up the sheaves while another rides over them in a crude cart equipped with rollers instead of wheels. Sharp stones and rough bits of iron were attached to these wheels to help separate the husks from the grain. This simple cart was called a "tribulum" from which we get our word "tribulation."
No Roman ever used his tribulum as a tool of destruction - only refinement. God uses our trials and storms as tools of refinement to build in us endurance. The word "endure" comes from two Greek words that when combined, give the meaning "to remain under." It is the capacity to stay under the load, to remain in the circumstances without running away or looking for the easy way out.
The purpose of every storm is to purify and cultivate endurance. Like Paul, we may sometimes feel as if we are being torn to pieces under the pressure of circumstances. But his challenge to the Romans compels us to re-examine our perspective and response to each storm we face. "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. Endurance then develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation" (Romans 5:3-5 NLT).
Endurance is never passive. It is the picture of a soldier staying in the heat of the battle under terrible opposition but still pressing forward to gain the victory.
There are few things that we can count on in this unpredictable life - but we can count on storms to come. We can also count on God's continual and unfailing strength for those storms. When the hard times come, when bad things happen, we do not have to wonder where God is. Instead we can hold on to the promise that is found in Jeremiah 16:19, "Lord, you are my strength, and my protection. You are a safe place for me to run in times of trouble" (NLT).
An old seaman once said, "In fierce storms we can do but one thing. There is only one way to survive. We must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there." Richard Fuller commented on the old seaman's words:
"This, Christian, is what you must do. Sometimes, like Paul, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you. Reason cannot help you. Past experiences give you no light. Only a single course is left. You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may -- winds, waves, cross seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers -- no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness and his everlasting love in Christ Jesus."
No matter what storm rages in your life today - no matter how fierce the winds or how high the waves may be - where you are is no surprise to God. Heaven is not in a panic. Keep your gaze on Him and your glance on the raging waters. "Lash yourself" to Him and He will supply everything you need to stand firm in a storm
Strength for the Storm
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth.
Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. Endurance then develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation."
Friend To Friend
Life is filled with storms of one kind or another. In the midst of those storms, we tend to respond as if God has somehow been caught off guard. The storm makes no sense. We can't explain why terminal illness strikes godly people. We don't understand how our strongest friends can become our fiercest critics. The anguish of a broken marriage or the overwhelming heartbreak of a prodigal child drives us to doubt God's purpose, plan and provision. The fear of financial ruin paralyzes us. God understands.
The Bible is filled with men and women who were storm survivors - people of God who endured great pain and weathered intense life storms because they chose to follow Him. The Apostle Paul, known for persecuting and murdering Christians, was forever changed when he met Jesus Christ. While God gave him a life of great power and eternal impact, it was also a life filled with great storms. Paul learned to "patiently" endure the troubles, hardships and calamities that came his way. (2 Corinthians 6:4 NLT)
Because grain was a precious food source to the Romans, threshing grain was a natural part of every day in ancient Rome. In pictures of early Rome, one man is always seen stirring up the sheaves while another rides over them in a crude cart equipped with rollers instead of wheels. Sharp stones and rough bits of iron were attached to these wheels to help separate the husks from the grain. This simple cart was called a "tribulum" from which we get our word "tribulation."
No Roman ever used his tribulum as a tool of destruction - only refinement. God uses our trials and storms as tools of refinement to build in us endurance. The word "endure" comes from two Greek words that when combined, give the meaning "to remain under." It is the capacity to stay under the load, to remain in the circumstances without running away or looking for the easy way out.
The purpose of every storm is to purify and cultivate endurance. Like Paul, we may sometimes feel as if we are being torn to pieces under the pressure of circumstances. But his challenge to the Romans compels us to re-examine our perspective and response to each storm we face. "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us--they help us learn to endure. Endurance then develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation" (Romans 5:3-5 NLT).
Endurance is never passive. It is the picture of a soldier staying in the heat of the battle under terrible opposition but still pressing forward to gain the victory.
There are few things that we can count on in this unpredictable life - but we can count on storms to come. We can also count on God's continual and unfailing strength for those storms. When the hard times come, when bad things happen, we do not have to wonder where God is. Instead we can hold on to the promise that is found in Jeremiah 16:19, "Lord, you are my strength, and my protection. You are a safe place for me to run in times of trouble" (NLT).
An old seaman once said, "In fierce storms we can do but one thing. There is only one way to survive. We must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there." Richard Fuller commented on the old seaman's words:
"This, Christian, is what you must do. Sometimes, like Paul, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you. Reason cannot help you. Past experiences give you no light. Only a single course is left. You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may -- winds, waves, cross seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers -- no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness and his everlasting love in Christ Jesus."
No matter what storm rages in your life today - no matter how fierce the winds or how high the waves may be - where you are is no surprise to God. Heaven is not in a panic. Keep your gaze on Him and your glance on the raging waters. "Lash yourself" to Him and He will supply everything you need to stand firm in a storm
Friday, August 13
Salt Movie
Watch movie with my friends today. Eng Hoe, Mei Xian and Evelyn.
Though just the 4 of us, but we had fun!
We even had the stuff the most pop corns in your mouth competition.
Well of course Eng Hoe won, since he's mouth is SO big.
Enjoyed it a lot with the small company.
Hopefully more movies/meet up/shopping/ buffet to come! =)
Wednesday, August 11
Tuesday, August 10
Monday, August 9
Had 3 hours of sleep
Woke up at 3.30am to get ready
Dad sent me back to kl
Reached college at 8.10am, rushed all the way to the 3rd floor for class
After 1 hour of class, back to my apartment.
Had about and hour plus of rest.
Went back to college for classes.
Right now, my head is floating in the air.
Needs more rest.
Saturday, August 7
In my heart i know i want to do something related to helping people rather than just numbers.
What can numbers do in the long run besides increasing and decreasing the money value or market share or something else?
I love maths, no doubt about it.
But i made up my mind to do psychology till my parents changed my mind.
It's all about the lack of time to finish studying and become a practised psychologist.
If i want to come out as one, i need to finish my masters which is about 5 to 6 years of hardwork!
But if some other arts-based course, it takes at the most 3 years.
Accounts is good, accounts enables you to earn a lot of money.
But at the end am i happy?
Really not sure about this.
Lord, help me!
I feel like i am climbing a stairs but not knowing where it will lead me.
Okay, enough of rantling
What can numbers do in the long run besides increasing and decreasing the money value or market share or something else?
I love maths, no doubt about it.
But i made up my mind to do psychology till my parents changed my mind.
It's all about the lack of time to finish studying and become a practised psychologist.
If i want to come out as one, i need to finish my masters which is about 5 to 6 years of hardwork!
But if some other arts-based course, it takes at the most 3 years.
Accounts is good, accounts enables you to earn a lot of money.
But at the end am i happy?
Really not sure about this.
Lord, help me!
I feel like i am climbing a stairs but not knowing where it will lead me.
Okay, enough of rantling
Tuesday, August 3
Sunday, August 1
Start of a new week and a new month too!
Last week i was still in hibernating mode.
Had really long naps which i don't know why i am doing it.
This week i will start afresh.
Have to start gearing up for my qualifying test which will be next month.
This test is to determine whether will i be qualified to take the january exam next year which of course i can't screw this test!
By God's grace, enable me to be qualified for this test.
Lots of catching up with studies.
Especially with my weaker subjects.
Lord, see me through this month.
Because time is in Your hands.
Ending this post with a wide smile on my face.
Remember to smile too!
Last week i was still in hibernating mode.
Had really long naps which i don't know why i am doing it.
This week i will start afresh.
Have to start gearing up for my qualifying test which will be next month.
This test is to determine whether will i be qualified to take the january exam next year which of course i can't screw this test!
By God's grace, enable me to be qualified for this test.
Lots of catching up with studies.
Especially with my weaker subjects.
Lord, see me through this month.
Because time is in Your hands.
Ending this post with a wide smile on my face.
Remember to smile too!
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