The one with Double Checking

Passage: 1 Samuel 23:2-4
Praise: My Heart Will Trust (by Ganns Deen)

In this passage, David asked the Lord twice about his direction. This may seem like a sign of lack of trust in God but in this case, David asked for a confirmation from God. Many times, when we are faced with major decisions in our life, God has a direction for us and we have a direction for ourselves. Many times, we mistake our emotional responses as a word from the Lord. That's why it is important to ask God for confirmation.

Today, I am in the process of asking God about where he wants me to serve. During my visit to Victory New Manila, I got a feeling that this may be the place for me to serve. However, with today's reading, I know that I must continue to pray to the Lord for his wisdom. Of course, I will serve together with my husband so I pray for a clear direction from Him for both of us.

Lyrics of My Heart Will Trust
Was it not Your mighty hand that put the stars into their place?
Was it not at Your command that dust became the human race?
Was it not your plan to dedicate the world to man?
I won't be afraid,I will trust Your loving way.

Was it not Your tower of fire that led my fathers into light?
Was it not Your great desire for me to see Your might?
Please forgive me, Lord for all the doubts here in my mind
I'm yours to use, What have I to lose?

My heart will trust in You, my God
My heart will sing in the shadow of your wing
If I die to serve You
I'm ashes into dust
I rest assured, I will stay secure
And my heart will trust.

The one with Martha and Mary

Passage: Luke 10:41-42
Praise: Praise the Name of Jesus

It's been a long time since I posted. The spam commenters discouraged me from posting. My husband, with his blogging prowess, did something to the settings which will lessen spam posts.

This passage about Mary and Martha's actions when Jesus visited them speaks to me about the right attitude in approaching life. Many times, we make ourselves so busy with a lot of things--work, family, church, friends, entertainment, etc. that we forget that the most important part of our life is our relationship with God. Martha was concerned about cooking and preparing things for Jesus, thus, neglecting the more important activity of actually being with Jesus and talking to him.

Jesus, in his compassion, did not correct Martha harshly (This may be seen in his double address for Martha showing concern). In the passage, I specially appreciated Jesus' statement "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Many times, our worries take our focus away from what is truly important--Jesus. In fact, if we lean on Him, there's no mountain we can't face and no problem unsolved. Because Jesus is sovereign, there is nothing to be worried about.

Praise Jesus for his gentleness, love and grace.

Prayer Request:

My father is suffering from an eye disease called glucoma. Please help me pray for his healing.

The One with Jesus at Gethsemane

Passage: Matt. 26: 36-46
Worship: All for Love

The last part of the worship song "All for Love" inspired me to reflect back on Jesus at Gethsemane. At that time, Jesus knew that Judas had betrayed him and He prayed to God if the cup of suffering may be taken away from him. Still, Jesus with all his love for me took the cup of suffering to save from from eternal separation from God. This expression of love cannot be explained in words but only felt in the Spirit.

Jesus, before going off to pray privately, instructed his disciples to keep watch for him. However, when he returned, he saw them sleeping (not once but 3 times!). Indeed, I had broken Jesus' heart countless times when I was too lazy to heed his word. Many times, I followed my own instincts and chose not to trust him. Nevertheless, Jesus is gentle with me. He forgave me even if I have such a stubborn heart.

It is my prayer that I continue to see God's love in my life and share this with others as well. I pray that I will not be shy to defend my faith and testify of His love. Jesus' cross has brought me back to God. I want to share that discovery with others.

The one with Relying on God

Passage: 2 Chronicles 14:11
Praise: I Will Call Upon the Lord

Regardless of what or who our enemy is, the Lord is ever so willing to help us if we only rely on his strength and providence. Many times, I feel powerless in the face of certain situations. At times, I even feel oppressed and I know I'm not alone. However, I realize that I am very much blessed despite of hardships. Everyday, I learn to appreciate that God puts me in trying situations in order to polish me and mold my character.

Today's word taught me that in good times and in bad, trusting God ensures that I am victorious. Asa prayed to God and God delivered him. This shows how important communicating to God is in our life. Prayer is our direct link to God. Without it, we cannot be strong. I am so blessed to have a living God who hears my prayers.

The one with Gladness

Passage: Psalms 21:6
Praise: He Has Made Me Glad

Today, I had another trying experience at work. On the onset, I felt myself shaking with frustration but I didn't do anything. It took all my effort to calmly handle the problem and pray for God to help me. Now I realize that it doesn't matter whether I got my way or not. I learned that I need God's strength and understanding. Truly, when we are praying for something, God also test to see if we are serious in giving our burden to him. Because of my reaction, I now realize that I am yet to build my faith about the situation.

Today's reading revealed to me that the Lord wants me to be glad in spite of problems because I am blessed in many ways. Today's word teaches me to look at the bright side of being God's child. This makes me realize how my everyday struggles are temporary and that what I look forward to for eternity is sooooo much better than this world. Yes! One day in the house of God is better than a thousand days in the world.

My heart's desire is to mature into a Christian who is always glad in good times and in bad. One who trusts God completely and does not worry about things. I pray that my heart attitude change more each day and with God's help, it is not impossible.

The one with the prayer request

Let us all pray together for the comfort of survivors and the families left behind as a result of the South Asia earthquake. May the Lord Almighty heal their bodies, their hearts and their spirits.

The one with the Mighty God, Part 2

Passage: Psalms 93:4
Praise: Mighty is our God

I had been experiencing some work-related problems for some time now. I always said that I shall pray about it but I can't seem to let go of the bitterness inside me. Yesterday, I attended a service at CCF with my good friend, April. Before going to the service, I personally asked April to give me some godly advise about my problem. She encouraged me to just continue praying about it. Sad to say, I didn't feel faithful enough to do that.

God truly knows my stubborn heart. During the service, Pastor Soriano talked about the power of prayers to turn burdens into blessings! This message spoke to me directly as I needed to hear a fresh perspective on prayer. Praise the Lord for filling my spiritual needs. Today, I started praying for my work situation and I believe God with his transforming power will cause a miracle to happen.

I had been using a guide entitled Open the Eyes of my Heart for my recent devotions and today's suggested prayer point says: "Are you facing a challenge today? God is mighty; His power is great. Ask God to walk with you through the difficulty and to reveal Himself through it." This is exactly what I will do. This work situation will be resolved through God's mighty power! I believe that with all my heart. What a mighty God I have!

The one with the Mighty God

Passage: Philippians 2:9-10
Praise: What a Mighty God We Serve

One of my most favorite promises from God's word is in Revelation 7:9-10 where it says that:

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

I look forward to that day when I will be among brothers and sisters singing praise to God Almighty. Oh, what a wonderful day it will be to have no more tears, no more pain and all things are made new.

But for now, Jesus still has a lot to do with me. I still have many imperfections that need His sharpening. Early today, I realized that right after I had my devoted time, I started thinking ill of a person. Truly, I am so far from what Jesus wants. I am yet to develop the unconditional love that Jesus himself had given to me. The most wonderful thing is that Jesus has promised to forgive me and help me change. I love that song "Change my heart, O Lord. May it every true. Change my heart, O Lord. May I be like you."

The one with God as an Awesome God

Passage: Exodus 15:11
Praise: Awesome God

Awesome is a word I love to use to describe God. Indeed, He is awesome in many ways. His great love, power and wisdom inspires me to say HE IS AWESOME!

The word awesome is used quite freely these days. It is used as an expression to describe situations that are deemed "cool" by the young folk. Remember the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles saying "Awesome, dude!" Still, when I reflect on the meaning of awesome--it should be something that takes ones breath away. Something so great, one cannot explain it.

When I think about God's love and his sacrifice on the cross, I cannot help but become speechless. No words can describe God's expression of love for me. Truly, he is not just awesome because of his works but for who He is. During free worship, I usually find myself singing "there is none like you, Lord" or expressing words that expresses his greatness beyond compare and I will continue to sing such praise for God is awesome in this place.