Just read this:
That was the problem of the Christians in Ephesus- they had left their first love.They did all the right things, but out of duty, not love. If you've just been going through motions spititually, dont be surprised when God allows pain in your life. Pain is the fuel of passion- it energizes us with an intensity to change that we dont normally possess. C.S Lewis said pain is God's megaphone. It is God's way of arousing us from spiritual lethargy. Your problems are not punishment; they are wake up calls from a loving God. God is not mad at you, He is mad about you and will do whatever it takes to bring you back into fellowship with Him. God told the captives in babylon, "When you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, i'll make sure you wont be disappointed."
February 25, 2008
21st bday
This birthday isnt one with loud parties or deafening music but it is one that makes me cry and smile all at once! I am so loved by my cg! If you're reading this, thank you sooooo much for everything!!!!! The greatest gift that God gave me this 21st year is the assurance of His love :) everyday. On saturday, i watched 'passion of christ' over breakfast with my dad and i couldnt stop crying. It was as if God was saying, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) I did that just for you. I love you." Yesterday the pastor shared that sometimes, we do not know what we really want. He wasnt pointing to trivia wants but he was talking about the deepest and greatest need of our hearts. Sometimes, we chase after the things that we thought we want yet feel empty and dissatisfied when we have those things but Jesus wants us to know the truth. Even if it takes alot of pain to speak the truth, He will because He loves us and want to set us free-the way God intended things to be... This is a birthday that i run straight to God, telling Him that i need Him more than anything and i never want to leave those arms again!
February 18, 2008
Unconditional covenant
Have you ever realised that the covenant that God made with Abraham was unconditional?! God committed Himself to do certain things for Abraham and the nation that would come from Him. Failure or unbelief on Abraham's or Israel's part would not set aside this covenant. This simple truth really hit me because I was reminded of God's faithfulness and unconditional love! Sometimes we doubt God and ask questions like, 'Will You really bring me through this?', 'Can i really trust You without knowing how things will work out, where You are leading me or even why things happened the way they did.' Yet God patiently deals with our stubborness and tenderly reassures us of His love all the time :) God is so amazing! He is the God who created the universe, the God who holds everything in His hands, the God who parts the sea, and He is a God who delights in every detail of our lives!
February 17, 2008
Holydays (pics 7)
Another heart-shaped coral
The yellow bird that stays upside down
This sign has grammatical errors
Holydays (pics 4)
The infinity pool
The place where i spent most afternoons
My parents were strolling on the beach (the two stick-like people in the background)
February 16, 2008
Holydays
Just got back from a trip with my family from Bintan. Had holydays instead of a holiday! :) That place is gorgeous. When I look at the clear blue sea, pristine beaches, towering trees, mighty waves, flocks of birds, uncountable stars, feel the soft white sand beneath my feet, i'm reminded of God's wonder and glory. He is the God who parts the sea, the God who makes mountains tremble, who sets the stars in their place and know them all by name, the God who creates the earth and sustains it, the God who is so wonderful! How awesome is our God! Just like the lyrics from the the song, Magnificent.
"Who compares to You? You who set the stars in their place. You who calm the raging seas that came crashing over me. Who compares to You? You who bring the morning light. The hope of all the earth is rest assure in Your great love."
I spent most of the day lying on a hammock and reading psalms and "The Purpose Driven Life". Felt so overwhelmed that tears kept flowing from my eyes. I was overwhelmed by God's love and by the true meaning of 'the heart of worship'. The heart of worship is surrender. Rick Warren penned this beautifully.
He wrote, " Abraham followed God's leading without knowing where it would take him. Hannah waited for God's perfect timing without knowing when. Mary expected a miracle without knowing how. Joesph trusted God's purpose without knowing why circumstances happened the way they did. Each of these people were fully surrendered to God."
These words remind me that He is with me ALL the time and He knows EXACTLY what I'm going through and He LOVES me so much and all He wants me to do is just to TRUST HIM. There are times when i still grieve, times when i doubt but God has never leave nor forsake me through it all. How great is our God! I pray that He will be my everything, and I'll live to worship HIM all my life!
Psalms 37:5 "Depend on the Lord; trust Him and He will take care of you." (NCV)
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