Tuesday, August 12, 2008

~~God's Righteous Judgment~~


Have you ever come across "sand paper man" in your life? They will rub and press on both sides of you to such an extent that breathing in the same space with her/him can be something very taxing and tiring. Honestly speaking I do not know how to deal with this kind of person effectively. (Father, I pray for wisdom, understanding and discernment in this kind of situation) I find it very hard to draw a line between give in to avoid conflict or encourage that person to continue behave that way. One thing for sure is that continuous and long term of giving in will with of without our knowledge build up unspeakable anguish and anger in the heart. One single trigger will ignite the incubated feeling and temper will flare beyond our imagination. Like it or not, deep in our hearts we already give a death sentence to this particular irritant. No matter what he/she does, it is always wrong in our sight. Anger is as cunning as serpent. Without proper management, it will blind your perspective, distort your view, affect your ability to judge and eventually "eat" you up alive. Sooner or later, we will unknowingly promote ourselves as judges of every circumstance. (Father, I am sorry for being so judgmental based on my limited knowledge and restricted resource. I am sorry for always lean so much on my own understanding and feeling. I am sorry to think that I can handle the situation with my own strength. I am sorry that I fail to acknowlege your ability to take full control of every situation. I am sorry to limit your power with my limited thinking.)

Thank you for speak to me in Romans 2:1-4 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

What a truth of life indeed! Who are we there to judge when we ourselves are sinners? In other words, we are in no position to judge. Only Jesus Christ who died for us can judge the world righteously. Romans 15:3 - For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." It is so comforting and promising to learn that God is in full control of the situation. We only need to surrender to Him and acknowlege His just judgment. Romans 12:19 - Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord.

Father, help me to go and let God. Help me to focus on the situation and not on the person itself. Father, may you provide clear mind and constructive wordings in dealing with all kind of circumstances. Help me to appreciate your creation for everyone is your lovely daughter and son. You never give them up from the very beginning and You will never let them go. Infuse my heart with Your great love today, oh my Lord. Help me to welcome every repentance hearts with open arms. For love covers multitude of trangressions and remember sin no more. Thank you for reveal the story of prodigal son. Teach me how to have such an open and loving heart. I pray this in Your precious name. Amen

~~God searches the inner most of every heart. Every secret is lay bare in front of Him. Help me to hide my sins, my trangression, and my iniquity no more. Give me a pure and clean heart. Purify and sanctify me through and through. It is my desire to follow you daily. Yes, Lord, I am willing to take up my own cross. Send forth your refining fire, help me to file away all the impurities of life. I don't wish to be a Porcupine. In order to protect and defense my self, I have to put on the ugly spines. It not only hurts others but it hurts You the most. Fill me with Your glory and equip me the armor of God to lead a victorious life. In front of You, I can only bow down. I love You, my heavenly Father.~~

Friday, August 8, 2008

~~Faith~~


Hebrews 11:1 - Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.

Happened to read this short paragraph written by Max Lucado (1 of my favourite authors). Sometimes I really can't help but amazed by God's creation. Max Lucado is one of the gifted authors that can read the inner most and finest part of one's heart. He has sensitive and tender heart towards God's whispering. Most importantly he responds to God's call. This reminds of Romans 12:6 - 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. I really thanked God for creating such a vast diversity of people with one purpose - to glorify His precious name.

" Faith is trusting what the eye can't see.
Eyes see the prowling lion. Faith sees Daniel's angel.
Eyes see storms. Faith see Noah's rainbow.
Your eyes look in the mirror and see a sinner, a failure, a promise-breaker. But by faith you
look in the mirror and see a robed prodigal bearing the ring of grace on your finger and the kiss
of your Father on your face."

What a beautiful illustration of faith.
My mini version of faith:

"Faith is waking up every morning believing and trusting that this is the day the Lord had make irregardless of what might lie ahead of me. I chose to greet my day with a big smiling face. It is up to us to define our day. If we think it is a good day, it is going to be and vice versa. When thing really go upside down, we still have the courage to thank God for without Him, thing can be from bad to worst. Isn't this reason more than enough to give thank to Him? Man is none other than a breath. Life can be as vulnerable as glass for some and as tough as the bull for the others. God has make them all. There is a reason and purpose for each creation, be it God's children or yet-to-be His children. Do treasure every single one around you. I pray that God will help me to appreciate their presence no matter what kind of people that I come across. Whenver they see me, they (be it sand paper men or nice samaritans) can recognize the little something that You have in store for me - a glimpse of Christ's light that shines in within. Father, I'm sorry that I stumble almost all the times and I thank You for holding me in Your safety palm. Thank You for the free grace and mercy. Thank You for saying that everything is possible. Thank You for saying I will give you rest. Thank You for saying I will direct your steps. Thank You for saying I am able. Thank You for saying I forgive you. Thank Your for saying I will supply all your needs. Thank You for saying I have not given you the spirit of fear. Thank You for saying cast all your cares on me. Thank You for saying I give you wisdom. Thank You for saying I will never leave you or forsake you. Thank you for all the great promises. May You continue to help me anchor deep in You. For You and You alone is worthy and deserve all the praises. Amen.