~~Personality Traits to Enhance Your Christian Life~~

Happened to read this in The Shepherd's Guide booklet. Father, I pray that You continue grant me an open, sensitive and humble heart to learn and walk side by side with You. Let Your word sink into my spirit and soul. Those have ears, may You open up their ears to listen; those have eyes, may You allow them to see You.

1. Compassion - the feeling for another's needs that leads to helping that one without expecting anything in return.
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

2. Courage - the strength from God that enables you to endure any trial or danger.
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

3. Forgiveness - the ability to overlook another's weaknesses or mistakes by expressing Christ's love.
Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

4. Honesty - being free of deceit and fraud, having the quality of being honorable and upright in character and actions.
2 Corinthians 8:21 - For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.

5. Obedience - submission to God and to those whom He puts in authority over you.
1 Samuel 15:22 - But Samuel replied: " Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. "

6. Patience - the ability to accept and remain calm in difficult situations.
Colossians 1:11 - being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

7. Self-control - bringing your body under subjection through instant obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 25:28 - Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

8. Tolerance - acceptance of other people and their beliefs and actions even when you do not agree with them.
Romans 14:13 - Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

9. Purity - keeping yourself uncontaminated from the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

10. Consistence - not wavering but remaining the same, no matter what the circumstances.
1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

11. Convictions - the developing of firm beliefs, based on Bible principles, which will not change no matter what the circumstances.
Titus 2:12 - It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

12. Responsibility - the reliability or trustworthiness to do what is expected of you.
Romans 14:12 - So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

13. Reverence - a feeling of deep respect, love, honor, and esteem.
Psalm 89:7 - In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.

14. Humility - being meek, modest in spirit, without wrongful pride in yourself or your accomplishments, giving God credit for your achievements.
1 Peter 5:5,6 - Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, " God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. " 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

15. Dependability - being reliable and trustworthy to do what you say you will do.
Luke 14:27 - And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

16. Determination - firm decision not to quit but to go on, regardless of opposition.
Luke 9:62 - Jesus replied, " No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God. "

17. Doing Your Best - putting your whole mind, body, and soul into a task required of you.
Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

18. Manners - ways of behaving which depict Christian character in your life.
1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

19. Initiative - readiness and ability to start a course of action, a quality of being a leader.
Ephesians 5:15, 16 - Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Honestly, I can't fulfill any of the above. Thank God that even though we are not perfect and sometimes it is best described as wretch, He is forever perfect. We are made holy because He is holy. With the help of the Holy Spirit everything is possible in due time. He is an able God. Let's continue to run the race with confidence for God is with us. Immanuel. Amen.

~~He reigns~~

It is pretty inspiring to hear Joel Osteen's sermon today. God is speaking to me through him. He say sometimes God allows the current door to close so that He can provide a better open door. He say if the current dream dies off, make another one and move on confidently for God is always with us even when we don't feel His presence!! We should be positive and open-minded about changes that happen now and then. God has the power to transform current mess into a message that will spurr you on. The setback that you are facing right now might be another beautiful setup pre-arranged by God. Hebrews 3:13-14 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end of the confidence we had at first. (Oh Lord father, may you continue to show me and guide me how to be faithful in my walk with You till the very end.) This reminds me of an article titles God always answers prayer by Dr. Robert Schuller.

" When the idea is not right, God says, "No."
No - when the idea is not the best.
No - when the idea is absolutely wrong.
No - when though it may help you, it could create problems for someone else.

When the time is not right, God says, "Slow."
What a catastrophe it would be if God answered every prayer at the snap of
your fingers. Do you know what would happen? God would become your
servant, not your master. Suddenly, God would be working for you instead of
you working for God.

Remember: God's delays are not God's denials. God timing is perfect. Patience
is what we need in prayer.

When you are not right, God says, "Grow."
The selfish person has to grow in unselfishness.
The cautious person must grow courage.
The timid person must grow in confidence.
The dominating person must grow in sensitivity.
The critical person must grow in tolerance.
The negative person must grow in positive attitudes.
The pleasure-seeking person must grow in compassion for suffering people.

When everything is all right, God says, "Go."
Then miracle happens:
A hopeless alcoholic is set free!
A drug addict finds release!
A doubter becomes as a child in his belief.
Diseased tissue responds to treatment, and healing begins.
The door to your dream suddenly swings open and there stands God saying,
"Go!"

God reigns, indeed!! After weeks of struggling with the disappointment of not being able to go for mission as planned, I really thank God for granting me this inner peace and gladness in heart to serve Him irregardless of circumstances that revolving around us. I can tell you, it is not easy to come back to the heart of worship once again. It is not so much about what we want, how we feel, how things happen, it is all about Him and Him alone. Proverbs 16:9 - In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. The verse might sound simple yet the supremely profound meaning behind how many can grasp? How many is ready to let go and let God be God?

~~Jesus knows best ~~
I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
And I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.

And I don't worry about my future
For I know what Jesus said
And today he walks beside me
For He knows what lies ahead.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

Amen.

A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul. Let's persevere and continue to run this race with confidence, patience and overflowing of passion.

~~Against all odds~~

I have been wrestling with the thought of mission ever since I passed my first subject at Global Universty ( I truly thank God for His grace, mercy and provision that lead me through the examination. When I am weak, He is strong; when I am poor, He make me rich). The following verse keeps reciting over and over in my head. I find myself indulge in the pursue of going out to the vast field God has created- mission field.

Matthew 9:37 - Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Things that used to matter me become insignificant, things that I enjoy most become less prominent. All of sudden, I find myself viewing thing from a totally different window. The scenery outside this window is borderless. It is so magnificient and marvelous that no word can give the full measure of its greatness. My scale of life starts to lean heavily on the other side of the world - a world that I never been, a world that I have no idea with. It sounds pretty similar to the call of Abram (before God rename His to be Abraham - a father of many nations). The instruction is simple, just go to the land that I will show you. Yet the struggle in my heart is great, there seem to be thousand and one reason for me not to go. What a great weight You have placed in my heart!

I start telling my Christ sisters and brothers that I wish to go for short-term mission, where ever that God has prepared a place for me. Days and weeks passed by, even when I am not in tiptop condition to go, even when I am not in my ever-ready, good to go situation, You are going ahead of me. You allow me to peep through the door of China and Domican Republic. At the same time, there is two open doors for mission at the same timing. Both going on April! There is no such wonderful collision and coincident in life except it is from God!

Before I can get over the decision of going for mission, right in front of me is a big T-junction. Each is unique and rich in its own culture. Either path that I choose to take will lead me to a place that I never dreamt of going, a height that I never expect to reach and a journey that I never anticipate to savior.

China - recommended by one of my newly met Christ sister who is staying at Dallas, Texas. She is not able to go with me. If i chose to go, I will have to go with people that I have no idea with. I might have to fly all the way from Albany to Texas alone and go with them from there. This half a globe journey is going to cost me twice the amount I needed compared to relative short journey to Dominican Republic. There are limited places for this trip and currently the vacancies kind of filled unless miracle happens...

Despite the fact that China should not be the choice based on human rational, God say go! Go with gladness and readiness to spread my Words. I will show you that nothing is impossible with me. Take courage! Matthew 21:21 - Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.even when I say move to the moutain, the moutain will move. Ultimately, it is My name that will be gloried and honored. People around you will have a glimpse of My power and manifestation in You, and they will know that I am the God. (Father, let Your Holy Spirit reign, reign down on me. Create in me a humble and crystal clear heart that purely, solely and wholly for You. Take away all my selfishness and self-centeredness. I surrender all)

I start seeing myself sitting in a vehicle heading towards the place that You want me to be. The view outside the window is breathtaking and the environment inside my heart is flooded with thanksgiving and admiration. The best expression I can give is none other than staring in awe. No wealth and possession in the world is comparable to Your great love. It is far far exceeding anything that I can name of. When no word can express Your great love, I can only bow down in adoration.

Against all odds, I drafted out a letter tittle "HOPE" to ask for donations. Somehow, You keep convince me that it is in the darkest hour that Your light will be brighter and more shining. (Father, I pray that You will continue reveal the beauty, sweetness and satisfaction of following You in me. Unleash Your power and Your will oh Lord father. May You continue to go before me, cover the place that You want me to go with prayers so that whenever I open up my mouth it is You that do the talking, it is Your word that pierce through the inner most of their hearts, it is You that touch and transform lives. Father, I pray that Your seeds will fall on the right soil for You promised that those seeds are going to produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown in Your perfect timing. Help me to remain firm and sturdy in You. Help me to understand and accept the fact with full confident that even though I might be the one that water the seeds, it is You who is able to make it grow. Help me not to lose my heart when thing does not go my way and when times are tough. Help me to root and ground deeper in You in face of adversity. Show me how to love You and appreaciate Your love for me.)

** HOPE **

As most of you already knew it is my desire to go for short-term mission if there is a chance. Currently there is an open door to Yunnan, China. In this remote area, there is a group of people who are at the end of their rope, living in despair, discouraged and simply in need of the touch from God. This mission trip is a combined effort of Borger’s Baptist Church and First Chinese Baptist Church of Dallas (FCBC). This coming trip from 2 Apr-11 Apr 09 will be their 6th trip there. The main purpose of this trip is to provide medical care (mainly eye examination and oral examination) to the villagers there. For more information about this mission trip, kindly go to http://www.borgerfbc.org/missions_gallery.html and select "Asia Video June 2008".

Some of you may ask why China? Why must I fly half of the globe to China? Isn’t there a nearer place where I can do the same kind of work, helping those in need? I can’t really give you a specify answer. All I can say is my heart sink and my tear refuse to stop at the very thought of not being able to go there. I can’t wait to transform those sulking faces to smiling faces though I won’t be there for long. I wish to join them leaping in joy and dancing in happiness... for just a moment... will you grant them this opportunity to do so? Will you give them one reason to smile in face of bleak future? Will you allow me to warm their hearts and touch their lives today? May I convey your love, care and concern personally to them? This is how much I wish this little dream of mine can come to pass. I thanked God for placing such a wonderful weight in my heart.

Sometimes I wonder what is the real meaning of life? Finally I got the answer. Deep in my heart, I long to be a hearts lifter, burden carrier and smile collector. I will try my best! ^.^

Shall we give those hearts a lift together? I may not know how much differences I can make, how great the impact is going to be and how many lives I can touch in this 10 day trip. But I promised I will try my very best to bring glimpse of sunshine to everyone that God put in my life.

I can’t do it alone without your generous support. I humbly seek for your help. No amount is too small. Please give as God leads you. Thank you.

His follower,
Agnes Tan

Father, will You grant me this opportunity to sent this letter out in due time?
While waiting for Your perfect timing, may You grant me the serenity to juggle between disappointment and anticipation. Give me the courage to continue walk with You fully by faith and not by sight.

Father, may You never satisfy my hunger, my thirst and my desire to know You more each day. May Your will be my will, Your purpose be my purpose, Your way be my way. I believed one day this burning desire that You have placed in my heart will come to pass.

**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** ~~ special thank to Lifang for this sweet and timely encouragement, AMEN!!!!