For those who at time find it difficult to go a distant when life storm emerges. May these encouraging words lifted up your spirit and lend a hand to overcome the storm.
- Last posting on Monday, 12, October 2009, (36 Postings).
1. God will Make a Way — Don Moen
- Last posting on Monday, 12, October 2009, (36 Postings).
1. God will Make a Way — Don Moen
God will Make a Way, where there seems to be no Way. HE works in ways we cannot see, HE will make a way for me.
2. Seven "Ones", Ephesians 4:4-6 — Dave Branon
One body—we are a single family unified for one purpose
One Spirit—we all have the Spirit as our power source
One hope—we all look forward to the same future
One Lord—we all trust the same Person in charge
One faith—we all trust Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation
One baptism—we all have a single identity
One God and Father—we all share the same source of our existence
What a difference it would make if we all could dwell on those seven "ones."
3. The mind of Jesus Christ — Lovingly set aside;
- A heavenly throne for an earthly manger.
- Majestic splendor for suffering and shame.
- The rights of the Son for the place of a slave.
- The regalia of glory for the robes of humanity.
4. Coming togetherComing together is a start; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
5. On education — Chin Hing lamented on 11.35p, 12.08.2004
Education in principal extract and honed survivor instinct. The phrase "You give a fish, it will last a day. You teach them to fish, it will feed a lifetime"
uphold the core foundation. Educator are builder of tomorrow leader. Profiteer instill greed upon these leader.
6. Wrinkle of Age — Myron Taylor wrote:
"Time may wrinkle the skin, but worry, doubt, hate, and the loss of ideals wrinkle the soul."
7. The cycle of faith and doubt — Herb Vander Lugt
A vocation, a marriage, and a relationship to Jesus generally begin with a honeymoon period; then enter a time during which the realities of life gradually replace the early building stage. This often leads into a time marked by varying degrees of disillusionment and discontent.
When we're in a crossroad of Decision-Making:-
At work, one can quit or continue as disgruntled worker or see the problems through.
In marriage, one can escape by divorce or continue in a lacklustre relationship or set about to mend the marriage.
In christian life, one can drop out or
coutinue as an unhappy and defeated believer or determine to work through the difficulties.
8. Weathering Life Storm — Christ’s victory
— God is a safe dwelling place in life's storms.
How often we too face situations that seem overwhelming and impossible. It’s in those times that we need to find our confidence in Jesus. Our first instinct may be to back away in fear. But that’s exactly when we need to look to Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2), who will raise His nail-scarred hand and say, “Stay with it. Run the race. I’ve run it before you, and in My power you can win. You can do it!”
Christ’s victory in the past gives courage for the present and hope for the future.
2. Seven "Ones", Ephesians 4:4-6 — Dave Branon
One body—we are a single family unified for one purpose
One Spirit—we all have the Spirit as our power source
One hope—we all look forward to the same future
One Lord—we all trust the same Person in charge
One faith—we all trust Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation
One baptism—we all have a single identity
One God and Father—we all share the same source of our existence
What a difference it would make if we all could dwell on those seven "ones."
3. The mind of Jesus Christ — Lovingly set aside;
- A heavenly throne for an earthly manger.
- Majestic splendor for suffering and shame.
- The rights of the Son for the place of a slave.
- The regalia of glory for the robes of humanity.
4. Coming togetherComing together is a start; keeping together is progress; working together is success.
5. On education — Chin Hing lamented on 11.35p, 12.08.2004
Education in principal extract and honed survivor instinct. The phrase "You give a fish, it will last a day. You teach them to fish, it will feed a lifetime"
uphold the core foundation. Educator are builder of tomorrow leader. Profiteer instill greed upon these leader.
6. Wrinkle of Age — Myron Taylor wrote:
"Time may wrinkle the skin, but worry, doubt, hate, and the loss of ideals wrinkle the soul."
7. The cycle of faith and doubt — Herb Vander Lugt
A vocation, a marriage, and a relationship to Jesus generally begin with a honeymoon period; then enter a time during which the realities of life gradually replace the early building stage. This often leads into a time marked by varying degrees of disillusionment and discontent.
When we're in a crossroad of Decision-Making:-
At work, one can quit or continue as disgruntled worker or see the problems through.
In marriage, one can escape by divorce or continue in a lacklustre relationship or set about to mend the marriage.
In christian life, one can drop out or
coutinue as an unhappy and defeated believer or determine to work through the difficulties.
8. Weathering Life Storm — Christ’s victory
— God is a safe dwelling place in life's storms.
How often we too face situations that seem overwhelming and impossible. It’s in those times that we need to find our confidence in Jesus. Our first instinct may be to back away in fear. But that’s exactly when we need to look to Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2), who will raise His nail-scarred hand and say, “Stay with it. Run the race. I’ve run it before you, and in My power you can win. You can do it!”
Christ’s victory in the past gives courage for the present and hope for the future.
It’s better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and despair.
Our afflictions are not designed to break us but to bring us to God.
9. Passion of Jesus Christ — Isaiah 53:5
— He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.
Jesus being savagely whipped by a soldier. As the cruel scourge came down upon Christ's back, the onlooker shuddered, for the terrible cords left ugly, gaping wounds upon His bleeding, swollen body. When the one wielding the lash raised his arm to strike the Lord again, the man rushed forward to stop him. As he did, the soldier turned, and the dreamer was startled to see his own face!
10. Miracle — Excerpt from The Prince of Egypt Movie
In this time of fear, When prayer so often proved in vain,
Hope seemed like the summer birds,
Too swiftly flown away,
Our afflictions are not designed to break us but to bring us to God.
9. Passion of Jesus Christ — Isaiah 53:5
— He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.
Jesus being savagely whipped by a soldier. As the cruel scourge came down upon Christ's back, the onlooker shuddered, for the terrible cords left ugly, gaping wounds upon His bleeding, swollen body. When the one wielding the lash raised his arm to strike the Lord again, the man rushed forward to stop him. As he did, the soldier turned, and the dreamer was startled to see his own face!
10. Miracle — Excerpt from The Prince of Egypt Movie
In this time of fear, When prayer so often proved in vain,
Hope seemed like the summer birds,
Too swiftly flown away,
There can be miracles, when you believe,
Though hope is frail, It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles, You can acheive
When you believe, Somehow you will,
when you believe
11. What is Worthy of honour — Excerpt from The Prince of Egypt Movie
A Single Thread in a Tapestry, Though its Colour brightly Shine,
Can never see its purpose,
In a pattern of the grand design
And the stone that sits on the very top, Of the mountain's mighty face,
Does it think it's more important, Than the stones that form the base
So how can you see what your life is worth, Or where your value lies
You can never see through the eyes of man, You must look at your life through heaven's eyes
A lake of gold in the desert sand
Is less than a cool, fresh spring
And to one lost sheep a shepherd boy
Is greater than the richest king
If a man lose everything he owns
Has he truly lost his worth
Or is it the beginning
Of a new and brighter birth
So how do you measure the worth of a man, In wealth or strength or size
In how much he gained or how much he gave
The answer will come to him who tries
To look at his life through heaven's eyes
And that's why we share all we have with you, Though there's litte to be found, When all you've got is nothing,
There's a lot to go around
No life can escape being blown about
By the winds of change and chance
And tough you never know all the steps, You must learn to join the dance
So how do you judge what a man is worth
By what he builds or buys
You can never see with your eyes on earth, Look through heaven's eyes, Look at your life through heaven's eyes.
12. Season wishes for peace, charity — Words of Wisdom from the late Mother Teresa's, 27.08.1910-05.09. 1997.
Which is the best day in Life? Today.
What is the Greatest blunder? Forsaking oneself.
What is the Greatest defeat? Despair
What makes one feel the happiest? Helping others.
What is the most valuable present? Forgiveness.
What is the shortest route? Straight route.
What is the most blessed policy? Smile.
What is the biggest obstacle? Fear.
What is the root of all evils? Selfishness.
What is the most preferred need? Communications.
What is the worst feeling? Hatred.
What is the indispensable? Family.
What is the feeling that makes one the happiest? Inner peace.
What is the most beautiful in the world? Loye.
13. Human Fallacy ie, Bondage to sin, Roman 7:14-17 — St. Paul
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.
14. Knowing God Personally — Simpson
Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, now it is His Word;
Once His gift I wanted, now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, now Himself alone.
15. Marriage philosophyEven teeth bite the tongue; what more with husband & wife. Take the good, remove the bad, it will lead to harmony.
16. Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi — A powerful model of this longing to bring positive change in a hurting world:
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
17. A Sin By Any Other Name
Today, it is popular to call sin by more acceptable names. But using euphemisms for offenses against God will only weaken our resistance and trivialize sin’s harmfulness to us. Sin was not just “an error of judgment.” Nor was it a mere “slip of the tongue” or an “indiscretion” in a “moment of weakness.” Sin as it is was—a serious offense against the Lord—and must not play down the gravity of the offense.
18. Life destiny — Concerns of what was and what would be.
There's a saying "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery; But, today is a Gift. That's why it is call The present.
19. Breaking Point — Take for Granted or Be Gratitute
1 Thessalonians,
(5:16) Be joyful always;
(5:17) pray continually;
(5:18) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
20. Changing the WorldMaking Effort is good; But, Where the effort is made will change our life.
- Coming to Christ is the begining.
Message remain unchange. But, Method of Doing it varies.
21. Growing Through Grief — (Psalms 119:67,71).
Grief changes our perspective on life. It is trite but true that how we deal with sorrow will make us either bitter or better.
22. Handle Conflict
At the heart of all conflict is a selfish heart.
23. A Timely Word — Ephesians 4:17-32
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
Words are like that. They are powerful instruments for good or for ill. We can use words in destructive ways, or we can use words in constructive way and encourage.
24. Influence Of Godly Mom's — Susannah Wesley spent one hour each day praying for her 17 children. In addition, she took each child aside for a full hour every week to discuss spiritual matters with him or her.
Here are a few rules she followed in training her children: Subdue self-will in a child and work together with God. Teach him to pray as soon as he can speak. Give him nothing he cries for and only what is good for him if he asks for it politely. To prevent lying, punish no fault that is freely confessed, but never allow a rebellious, sinful act to go unchecked. Commend and reward good behavior. Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child.
25. SPEM praying — Praying for spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Scripture illustrates God’s care in each of these areas.
Spiritual: Jesus prayed for His disciples: “Sanctify them by Your truth” (John 17:17). Truth leads to spiritual understanding, eliminating confusion.
Physical: Peter had a physical need—release from jail. His friends prayed—and he got out (Acts 12:1-11). In God’s care we find security and rest (Ps. 16:9).
Emotional: Often the psalmists asked God for relief from distress (4:1; 18:6; 107:6-7). He brings hope.
Mental: Insight and wisdom are promised for those who cry out to God (Prov. 2:3-6; James 1:5-7). Through prayer and reading His Word, the peace of God can be found.
26. Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing,
Dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
27. Day of days — thank God for seeing me through that day of days . . . .
Lord, the trials we face at times seem too much to bear. We’re grateful, though, for the reminders in Your Word that You will stay by our side and help us endure till You call us Home. Amen.
First, I said, we must recognize God’s sovereignty. Psalm 139:16 reminds us that life is the exact length God intended. Second, I asked the church never to forget her family. Whether it’s 2 months or 5 years later, the family will never “get over” losing Kristin.
In every desert of despair God has an oasis of comfort.
28. Qing Ming
It is a time to express grief for lost relatives. Customs include grooming gravesites and taking walks with loved ones in the countryside.
Legend has it that it began when a youth’s rude and foolish behavior resulted in the death of his mother. So he decided that henceforth he would visit her grave every year to remember what she had done for him. Sadly, it was only after her death that he remembered her.
29. The cross of Christ — (John 3:16, For God so loved the world that HE gave HIS one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life).
Though hope is frail, It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles, You can acheive
When you believe, Somehow you will,
when you believe
11. What is Worthy of honour — Excerpt from The Prince of Egypt Movie
A Single Thread in a Tapestry, Though its Colour brightly Shine,
Can never see its purpose,
In a pattern of the grand design
And the stone that sits on the very top, Of the mountain's mighty face,
Does it think it's more important, Than the stones that form the base
So how can you see what your life is worth, Or where your value lies
You can never see through the eyes of man, You must look at your life through heaven's eyes
A lake of gold in the desert sand
Is less than a cool, fresh spring
And to one lost sheep a shepherd boy
Is greater than the richest king
If a man lose everything he owns
Has he truly lost his worth
Or is it the beginning
Of a new and brighter birth
So how do you measure the worth of a man, In wealth or strength or size
In how much he gained or how much he gave
The answer will come to him who tries
To look at his life through heaven's eyes
And that's why we share all we have with you, Though there's litte to be found, When all you've got is nothing,
There's a lot to go around
No life can escape being blown about
By the winds of change and chance
And tough you never know all the steps, You must learn to join the dance
So how do you judge what a man is worth
By what he builds or buys
You can never see with your eyes on earth, Look through heaven's eyes, Look at your life through heaven's eyes.
12. Season wishes for peace, charity — Words of Wisdom from the late Mother Teresa's, 27.08.1910-05.09. 1997.
Which is the best day in Life? Today.
What is the Greatest blunder? Forsaking oneself.
What is the Greatest defeat? Despair
What makes one feel the happiest? Helping others.
What is the most valuable present? Forgiveness.
What is the shortest route? Straight route.
What is the most blessed policy? Smile.
What is the biggest obstacle? Fear.
What is the root of all evils? Selfishness.
What is the most preferred need? Communications.
What is the worst feeling? Hatred.
What is the indispensable? Family.
What is the feeling that makes one the happiest? Inner peace.
What is the most beautiful in the world? Loye.
13. Human Fallacy ie, Bondage to sin, Roman 7:14-17 — St. Paul
We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.
14. Knowing God Personally — Simpson
Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, now it is His Word;
Once His gift I wanted, now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, now Himself alone.
15. Marriage philosophyEven teeth bite the tongue; what more with husband & wife. Take the good, remove the bad, it will lead to harmony.
16. Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi — A powerful model of this longing to bring positive change in a hurting world:
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
17. A Sin By Any Other Name
Today, it is popular to call sin by more acceptable names. But using euphemisms for offenses against God will only weaken our resistance and trivialize sin’s harmfulness to us. Sin was not just “an error of judgment.” Nor was it a mere “slip of the tongue” or an “indiscretion” in a “moment of weakness.” Sin as it is was—a serious offense against the Lord—and must not play down the gravity of the offense.
18. Life destiny — Concerns of what was and what would be.
There's a saying "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery; But, today is a Gift. That's why it is call The present.
19. Breaking Point — Take for Granted or Be Gratitute
1 Thessalonians,
(5:16) Be joyful always;
(5:17) pray continually;
(5:18) give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
20. Changing the WorldMaking Effort is good; But, Where the effort is made will change our life.
- Coming to Christ is the begining.
Message remain unchange. But, Method of Doing it varies.
21. Growing Through Grief — (Psalms 119:67,71).
Grief changes our perspective on life. It is trite but true that how we deal with sorrow will make us either bitter or better.
22. Handle Conflict
At the heart of all conflict is a selfish heart.
23. A Timely Word — Ephesians 4:17-32
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
Words are like that. They are powerful instruments for good or for ill. We can use words in destructive ways, or we can use words in constructive way and encourage.
24. Influence Of Godly Mom's — Susannah Wesley spent one hour each day praying for her 17 children. In addition, she took each child aside for a full hour every week to discuss spiritual matters with him or her.
Here are a few rules she followed in training her children: Subdue self-will in a child and work together with God. Teach him to pray as soon as he can speak. Give him nothing he cries for and only what is good for him if he asks for it politely. To prevent lying, punish no fault that is freely confessed, but never allow a rebellious, sinful act to go unchecked. Commend and reward good behavior. Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child.
25. SPEM praying — Praying for spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Scripture illustrates God’s care in each of these areas.
Spiritual: Jesus prayed for His disciples: “Sanctify them by Your truth” (John 17:17). Truth leads to spiritual understanding, eliminating confusion.
Physical: Peter had a physical need—release from jail. His friends prayed—and he got out (Acts 12:1-11). In God’s care we find security and rest (Ps. 16:9).
Emotional: Often the psalmists asked God for relief from distress (4:1; 18:6; 107:6-7). He brings hope.
Mental: Insight and wisdom are promised for those who cry out to God (Prov. 2:3-6; James 1:5-7). Through prayer and reading His Word, the peace of God can be found.
26. Saint Theresa's Prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing,
Dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
27. Day of days — thank God for seeing me through that day of days . . . .
Lord, the trials we face at times seem too much to bear. We’re grateful, though, for the reminders in Your Word that You will stay by our side and help us endure till You call us Home. Amen.
First, I said, we must recognize God’s sovereignty. Psalm 139:16 reminds us that life is the exact length God intended. Second, I asked the church never to forget her family. Whether it’s 2 months or 5 years later, the family will never “get over” losing Kristin.
In every desert of despair God has an oasis of comfort.
28. Qing Ming
It is a time to express grief for lost relatives. Customs include grooming gravesites and taking walks with loved ones in the countryside.
Legend has it that it began when a youth’s rude and foolish behavior resulted in the death of his mother. So he decided that henceforth he would visit her grave every year to remember what she had done for him. Sadly, it was only after her death that he remembered her.
29. The cross of Christ — (John 3:16, For God so loved the world that HE gave HIS one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life).
The cross of Christ reveals the love of God at its best and the sin of the world at its worst.
God took the worst deed of history and turned it into the greatest victory.
30. to be or not to be — William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616), Hamlet Play perspective
[to be” (to go on living) or “not to be” (to take his own life)]
At times, life’s pain can become so overwhelming that we are tempted to despair.
Trials make us think; thinking makes us wise; wisdom makes life profitable.
31. Annie Johnson Flint — Orphan, Crippling arthritis & Cancer Stricken
HE giveth more grace, As the burden grow greater
HE sendeth more strength, when the labour increase
To addeth affliction HE added his mercy
To Multiplied Trials, HIS multiplied peace.
32. Daniel T.S. Kon, a heart ailment survivor & former sufferer from a bout of depression & extreme anxiety — a Reason to live.God took the worst deed of history and turned it into the greatest victory.
30. to be or not to be — William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616), Hamlet Play perspective
[to be” (to go on living) or “not to be” (to take his own life)]
At times, life’s pain can become so overwhelming that we are tempted to despair.
Trials make us think; thinking makes us wise; wisdom makes life profitable.
31. Annie Johnson Flint — Orphan, Crippling arthritis & Cancer Stricken
HE giveth more grace, As the burden grow greater
HE sendeth more strength, when the labour increase
To addeth affliction HE added his mercy
To Multiplied Trials, HIS multiplied peace.
Life is a great teacher, and God is the Greatest Teacher.
Death is not a burden. Living is. Those who wish for death must learn how to live. Paradoxically but true, to live well we must learn how to die. Then the fear dissipates and there is life again, like the rays of the sun after the storm.
A little love, a little kindness, some tenderness - that's all it takes. It's not demanding but it goes a long, long way to bring joy to the world. And to those who are burdened, take comfort "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)"
33. Master Designer — Dennis Fisher, ODB Contributor
When the great physicist Albert Einstein was asked if he believed in God, he responded: “We are in the position of a little child entering a huge library filled with books in many languages. The child knows someone must have written those books. It does not know how. . . . We see the universe marvelously arranged and obeying certain laws but only dimly understand these laws.” Although Einstein marveled at the design he saw in nature, he did not believe in a personal Creator. Yet, he does believe there's a Master Designer. When struggling in our beliefs, look upon the stars tonight. In the sky is crafted an amazing road sign pointing to the Designer behind the design.
34. Life Perspective Comparison — Miller, ODB Contributor
It seems there are two kinds of people in this world: those who have an eternal perspective and those who are preoccupied with the present.
One is absorbed with the permanent; the other with the passing. One stores up treasure in heaven; the other accumulates it here on earth. One stays with a challenging marriage because this isn’t all there is; another looks for happiness in another mate, believing this life is all there is. One is willing to suffer poverty, hunger, indignity, and shame because of “the glory which shall be revealed” (Rom. 8:18); another believes that happiness is being rich and famous. It’s all a matter of perspective.
35. Understand One Another— David H. Roper, ODB Contributor
One of the best ways for spouses love each other is the attitude of understanding. It is imperative for a husband to “dwell with [his wife] with understanding” and vice versa. Everyone whether married or single, longs to be understood by others at the deepest possible level. We’re born with that need, and we never seem to outgrow it.
It’s feeble avoidance to say we can’t understand one another. We can and we must. It takes time—time spent in one another’s presence asking questions, listening intently and asking again. It’s as simple and as difficult as that. No one, of course, can fully plumb the mystery of another person’s heart, but we can learn something new every day. The wise man of Proverbs called understanding “a wellspring of life” (16:22), a deep source of wisdom to all who seek it.
Nurturing understanding takes time—one of the most precious gifts we can give to others. How we choose to spend our time is the surest indicator of how much we care for those we love.
36. Be thankful for everything— Julie Ackerman Link, ODB Contributor
—Retrospective on gratitude.
We need not be thankful for the bad choices someone makes, but we can be thankful in the circumstances because God can use the resulting difficulties for good.
A Story was told about the time St. Paul was imprisoned with Onesimus, a runaway slave. He certainly didn’t have to give thanks for his bad situation. Yet his letter is full of gratitude because he knew that God was using it for good. Onesimus had become something more than a slave; he was now a beloved brother in the Lord.
Knowing that God can use all things for good is more than enough reason to give thanks in everything. Giving thanks in difficult circumstances is a small detail that makes a big difference.
Bottom Line: God has not promised to keep us from life’s storms, but He will keep us through them.
Return to Menu Page
No comments:
Post a Comment