7 And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
10 Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his Christ.
For the accuser of our brothers,
who accuses them before our God day and night,
has been hurled down.
11 They overcame him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens
and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea,
because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury,
because he knows that his time is short.”
Masquerade? Mask, is it something that sometimes we do wear around….not visible but it is somehow a way to hide ourselves? People often disguise themselves by wearing a “mask”. Talk about being hypocrite….we shouldn’t be like Pharisees. Satan often use our weakness. We disguise our weakness, sometimes it is almost in perfection. Does this apply to the hidden sin which is the root of all the evil?
Sometimes when I thought of it, it is quite horrible, terrible and scary experience of being here. But I know that with God by my side, I shall fear not. God is always my protector, my Shepherd I shall not want. In this era of post modernism, there are too many things which are used as an intermediate for doing a sin. Or rather could we say that it is some of the excuses that we are trying to find to reason out our sins? Is this excusable. Are we deceived?
Halloween is here soon, sometimes I am between to celebrate as it is an event or not to. This has been lingering in my mind. What are we celebrating actually? What are we joining? As it is an event?
Fearful as I am in this world, I should be as cautious as it is. But I know, God is always my guide and He is strong. He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. (1John 4:4) This earth as sojourners, but it is a journey to grow towards a more glorious moment in the heaven.
Until that day, let’s not be deceived but rather live godly lives that reflect the image of Christ, for He is “a man of truth; there is nothing false about Him” (John 7:18 NIV). — C. P. Hia
posted at 9:46 AM
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Readings: 1 Corinthians 3:1-17
Response: Many times I am not really a strong willed person. Neither do I make up my mind nor I could make my own stand strongly. But I think that throughout my life, God has always been guiding me.
Our body is the temple of our Lord(1 Cor 3:17) How wonderful it is that knowing God is right in us. Not away far away from us. It is just like our heart beating. Feel it. Be a gatekeepers of our heart. (Proverbs 4:23) Self discipline and of self control. Be aware of what is worldly, self centered, self ambitious. Well, I think it is not an easy job to it, but hope that I could begin little by little everyday to learn and to apply.
Galatians 5:22- 23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And again it reminded my of being able to have self control. God is the source of self-control, we will glorify God by bearing these fruits.
What is spoken is easier that what is done. But action do speaks louder than words. I am still in the process of even beginning it. posted at 8:49 AM
["Were able to set aside"selfish ambition". They were happy to see others elevated above themselves when it was for the common good. Can the same be said about us?] ---Herb Vander Lugt
posted at 9:26 PM
Monday, April 13, 2009
Readings:John 7:33-39
耶和华是爱，让我心中充满平安与快乐。 令我福杯满溢， 他让渴的不再渴，因为心中将充满活水。 我心充满安慰，我知主深知我心， 主的恩典丰富了我的生命， 困境中他保守勉励。 让我日子如何力量也如何， 他的恩典够我用。 无尽感恩，求主这一生引领我。 posted at 11:25 AM
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter Sunday!
Readings:Romans 5:12-21
Response: Sin is conquering the earth since the days. Days when it shall be traced back to the legacy of Adam and Eve.
Just as what Bible says so that the sin was brought by a man but in God's abundant love for all, so through Christ we are made righteous. (1 Peter 3:18) Because of disobedience, many were made sinners and through one Man's obedience, many will be made righteous. How great is God's love. His victorious reign.
Today is Easter Day! A day of remembrance. The great price because of the Great Love and of the Great Love brings greater Salvation for all. Resurrection of God brings victory, hope for all. (1 Peter 1:3)
Sometimes when I get into all of these 'great' words of God's gracious, loving, omnipotent, omnipresence, omniscience nature. God is really Love, for what we are actually just sinner. God did not treat us like a cast away but bringing us back, leading us back just like a sheep when it went astray.
(Romans 3:23) We sinners have fall short to the glory of God but where sin is abounded, grace abounded much more........grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 John 1:9)
Reminder: Remember the Greatest of the greatest!
We as brides....should always be prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom. posted at 11:13 AM
Monday, April 6, 2009
Readings:2 Chronicles 20:3-17
Response: Later having finals, what a feeling I have now. Feeling of uncertainty of my destiny that lies above me. A fusion of tension, panic and worry and afraid. What I can really count on is just God, God's wisdom on my. I could only do is the part where I need to do my best and leave the rest to God.
As I read ODB, there is a sentence where it states that "I'm happy to assure you that a person with nothing left but God has more than enough for great victory!" Lord, this reminds me to cling onto You. Your Sovereignty has brought the victory to the people of Judah.
I felt a sense of comfort where it states in 2 Chronicles 20:17" You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.....Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you."
I learn that how arrogant I am to be so self-sufficient. I need to turn my eyes to Him, that my life is in You Lord, and my hope is in Him, I need nothing more than the presence of the Lord and his reassuring promises.
Reminder: When all you have is God, you have all you need. (Not something necessary to be your wants, but it is sufficient to your needs.) posted at 11:03 AM
