Saturday, March 1, 2008 Zer0 is g00d!
Usually, when we think of "zero," we think of something negative such as zero points on a score board, zero on a test, zero dollars in our checkbook, etc. But "zero" can be good, very good :)!
Do you know what's in your water? It's not easy to find water that's just water. Yesterday, we bought "ZeroWater," a water filtration system that completely removes organic contaminants and metals. The kit included an electronic water tester TDS. This TDS meter is a very cool gadget! It's the same testing tool used in labs to check for the presence of contaminants. We had lots of fun testing water from different sources. Our tap water showed 031 (parts per million), our filtered water that we had been using (Pur) showed 020, and bottled water showed 038 . But when we tested the water that's been filtered by our new system, the meter showed 000 (hence the name "ZeroWater"). As pure as it gets, folks :)! The reading 000 indicates that the tester detects no traces of dissolved solids and chemicals that are usually found in your tap and bottled water. We're joking about taking this meter with us when we go eat out at restaurants and using it to test their water. Water Inspectors we are!!!
Now...wouldn't it be interesting to have a heart tester that can detect if there are any contaminants (jealousy, envy, bitterness,....sins)? We all would hope/desire to get the reading 000 which reflects a "pure" heart! I told you, "Zer0 is g00d!" :)
The test: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
The result: "Who can say, 'I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin'?" Proverbs 20:9
The solutions:
1. Pray and ask God to cleanse our heart. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1John1:9
2. Live our life according to God's Word. "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word." Psalm 119:9
The benefits:
"Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior." Psalm 24:3-5
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8
"The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." 1Timothy1:5 |
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Thursday, February 14, 2008 True Valentine~True Love
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"For God so loVed the world,
That He gAve
His onLy
begottEn
SoN
That whosoever believeth
In Him
should Not perish,
but have Everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV
Do you know what love is?
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." 1John 3:16
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Sunday, November 18, 2007 A Heart Exam
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I think a heart exam seems appropriate :) (no...not a warning about fat & cholesterol piled up during Thanksgiving feasts). What is our heart condition? "A thankful heart is a happy heart." (a theme message in Madame Blueberry) Do we have a thankful heart? Truly thankful? Not thankful only for material things...for worldly pleasures, but truly thankful to God for everything and in all circumstances... Do we daily thank God for who He is and what He has done? Or do we only thank Him when He answers our prayers the way we want, or only when we have been blessed with something big?
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:4-5
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57
"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our 'God is a consuming fire.'" Hebrews 12:28-29
"By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name." Hebrews 13:15
"Thankfulness is the soil in which joy thrives." ~Unknown
"When thou hast thanked thy God for every blessing sent,
What time will then remain for murmurs or lament?" ~Unknown
A thankful heart not only produces a happy heart but also gives us a right/pleasant attitude. The attitude of awe, admiration, reverence, and gratitude for the Almighty God! Other benefits include contentment, joy, peace, complaint-free atmosphere, no envy, no covetousness, desire/eagerness to give and share, etc., besides doing God's will.
I will never forget what a dear friend of mine said when I visited her and her daughter at the hospital after a car accident that took her son's life and left her daughter in critical condition. I went there to encourage and comfort her but instead her words touched me deeply. She said, "I'm so thankful that the Lord gave me all those years to homeschool my kids. I thank Him for all the time we spent together." She retained a thankful heart throughout the whole ordeal. Wow...isn't that a wonderful example of "giving thanks in all circumstances"?
A Simple Prayer of Thanksgiving by Helen Steiner Rice
I come not to ask, to plead or implore You,
I just come to tell You how much I adore You,
For to kneel in Your Presence makes me feel blest
For I know that You know all my needs best...
And it fills me with joy just to linger with You
As my soul You replenish and my heart You renew,
For prayer is much more than just asking for things--
It's the peace and contentment that quietness brings...
So thank You again for Your mercy and love
And for making me heir to YOUR KINGDOM ABOVE!
Father, We Thank Thee by Grenville Kleiser
Father, we thank Thee:
For peace within our favored land,
For plenty from Thy bounteous hand,
For means to give to those in need,
For grace to help in thought and deed,
For faith to walk, our hands in Thine,
For truth to know Thy law divine,
For strength to work with voice and pen,
For love to serve our fellow men,
For light to goal ahead to see,
For life to use alone for Thee,
Father, we thank Thee. |
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Friday, October 5, 2007 Our Household Rules
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OUR HOUSEHOLD RULES
1. Obey immediately
("Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." Colossians 3:20)
2. Be respectful/Show respect for authority
("Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:32)
3. Be honest and truthful
("The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in men who are truthful." Proverbs 12:22)
4. No complaining or arguing
("Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." Philippians 2:14-15)
5. No revenging
("Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18)
6. Be encouraging/No putting others down
("Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29)
7. No tantrums/Be self-controlled
("Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." James 1:19-20)
8. Be considerate
("So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12)
9. Be responsible
("Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load." Galatians 6:4-5)
10. Have a servant heart/Help with chores
("Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms." 1Peter4:10)
11. Have good/right attitudes
("Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24)
12. Be kind/No hurting others
("Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
"Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1Timothy 4:12
"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10
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Friday, September 28, 2007 Kindness
Wouldn't this world be a lovely, warless place if everybody is kind to one another? Wouldn't families be a lot happier if everyone in the family is always kind to one another? Wouldn't the poor and needy no longer be in need if everybody shows kindness? Wouldn't conflicts and arguments be quickly resolved (or not even take place) if people always use kind words? A while back I wrote a (somewhat relevant)post titled, Taming the Tongue.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
"Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else." 1 Thessalonians 5:15
"And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful." 2 Timothy 2:24
"He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God." Proverbs 14:31
"An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." Proverbs 12:25
Why..oh why is it hard for us to be kind sometimes? Is it because...the other person is unkind/mean to us, it's inconvenient for us, we're too busy doing our own things, we don't get recognized/rewarded, we just don't feel like it (or we're in a bad mood), or perhaps people keep taking advantage of our kindness...?
Does God tell us to be kind only if/when 1. others are kind to us, 2. it's convenient for us, 3. we're not busy, 4. we get recognized/rewarded, 5. we feel like it, 6. people appreciate our kindness...? NO! He simply commanded us to be kind! The Good Samaritan is a wonderful example of kindness. Remember...Jesus said, "Go and do likewise." I'm so pleased and touched when my kids secretly do their siblings' chores without being told to, save the last piece of dessert or treat for their sibling, let their siblings go first, complimenting their siblings, comforting their siblings when they're sad/upset, etc. (kindness doesn't always come easily for my kids, but they're learning and trying :))
Kindness has no price tags. We shouldn't expect anything in return. Even if nobody has noticed, God does :). Doing what pleases God should be more than enough motivation for us. We are to be kind to others, not because they deserve it, but because it's the right thing to do. I have failed miserably time and time again. I only have myself to blame. Please pray for me. Thanks! I'm so glad and grateful that God is patient with me. His kindness towards us is immeasurable, in spite of what we do or don't do. I know I certainly don't deserve it.
In my opinion, kindness is...
C aring about others' feelings and considering others' needs and wants above our own
O ffering help, support, sympathy, prayers, encouragement, and friendship
O beying the Lord's commands: "Love your neighbor as yourself" and "Do to others what you would have them do to you"
L oving others in words and actions. Love is patient, love is kind.
Be kind...be cool! :)
"Speak kind words and you will hear kind echoes." Unknown
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Mother Teresa
"Learn to say kind things--nobody ever resents them." Unknown
"Can you ever remember a time when you regretted having said a kind word?" Unknown
"Hatred and anger are powerless when met with kindness." Unknown
"Speak your kind words soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." Unknown
"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now." Unknown
"Kindness is a language which the deaf man can hear and the blind man can read." Mark Twain
"One kind act will teach more love of God than a thousand sermons." Unknown
Kind hearts are the gardens,
Kind thoughts are the roots,
Kind words are the flowers,
Kind deeds are the fruits.
Take care of your garden
And keep out the weeds,
Fill it with sunshine
Kind words and kind deeds.
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
My prayer today: Lord, please create in my heart the unselfish kindness, that I may serve You and others joyfully...that I may be sunshine in the lives of others...that I may reflect Christ accurately...In Jesus' name, I pray...Amen. |
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Saturday, July 7, 2007 Have we committed a crime?
"What is the greatest crime in the desert? Finding water and keeping silent." Eastern proverb
"Jesus answered her (the Samaritan woman), 'If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.'....Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thrist. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'" John 4:10, 13-14
We (Christians) have found the living water but...have we been keeping silent? Have we committed the greatest crime in the spiritual desert?
You Forgot My Soul
You lived next door to me for years
We shared our dreams, our joys, and tears.
A friend to me you were indeed...
A friend who helped me when in need.
My faith in you was strong and sure
We had such trust as should endure.
No spats between us ever rose;
Our friends were like...and so our foes.
What sadness then, my friend, to find
That after all you weren't so kind.
The day my life on earth did end
I found you weren't a faithful friend.
For all those years we spent on earth
You never talked of second birth.
You never spoke of my lost soul
And of the Messiah Who'd make me whole.
I plead today from Hell's cruel fire
And tell you now my last desire.
You cannot do a thing for me...
No words today my bonds will free.
But do not err, my friend, again;
Do all you can for souls of men.
Plead with them now quite earnestly,
Lest they be cast in Hell with me.
~Author Unknown
Are we truly loving our neighbors as ourselves? Are we being driven by God's love to reach the unsaved...to help quench their thirst by leading them to the Source of Living Water?
"Save some, O Christian! By all means, save some. From yonder flames and outer darkness, and the weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, seek to save some! Let this, as in the case of the apostles, be your great, ruling object in life, that by all means you might save some." Charles Spurgeon
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Friday, March 30, 2007 Taming the Tongue
"Taming the tongue is a tough, troubling, tiring task to tackle triumphantly!" Try saying that ten times fast :). Okay...let's take it seriously now. How many times have you wished you didn't say what you just said? Oops...we can't take our words back! Words can heal, help, or hurt.
"We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, set the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:2-8 It is so important to constantly guard our tongue.
"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who hold his tongue is wise." Proverbs 10:19
"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3
"The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly." Proverbs 15:2
"The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." Proverbs 16:24
"He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." Proverbs 21:23
"One of the first things which a physician says to his patient is, 'Let me see your tongue.' A spiritual advisor might do the same." N. Adams
"When anger spreads through the breast, guard your tongue from barking idly." Sappho
"Sometimes you can make a more effective statement by holding your tongue." anonymous
"Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." Benjamin Franklin
"When I want to speak...let me think first:
-Is it true?
-Is it kind?
-Is it necessary?
If not, let it be left unsaid." Babcock
Tired of tongue troubles? Have you heard of a tool called, "Tongue Tamer"? A censor microchip implanted in our tongue that zaps the tongue everytime it utters bad words, mean words, untrue words, inappropriate words, any words that are not pleasing God and automatically disables the tongue for a period of time until the tongue is ready to behave :). A deluxe version even comes with a decibel control so yelling and screaming become instantly mute, except in emergency/ life & death situations. If you have, please let me know. Oh...I wish I could invent that. Just imagine.... While you wait for that tool, perhaps you would like to try my "g.r.e.a.t." tip :)!
Our speech should be: Gentle and gracious
Respectful
Encouraging
Appropriate
Truthful
Have a "g.r.e.a.t." talk today  !
"May the words of my mouth and
the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in Your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Psalm 19:14
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Sunday, February 25, 2007 Defending the Faith SONday: Got questions? Investigate.
"Jesus answered, 'I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" John 14:6
Today I would like to introduce another author (a former atheist) who sought the Truth and found Him through his personal "investigation." The author's name is Lee Strobel (www.leestrobel.com). I recommend the following books: 1. The Case for Christ, 2. The Case for Faith, and 3. The Case for a Creator. Since Easter is approaching, you may also want to pick up The Case for Easter (only $2.99). It's a wonderful, inexpensive book that makes a perfect gift (evangelistic tool) for friends or relatives (or anyone you know) who have doubts about Christianity and/or don't know what Easter is really all about :). Let us all stand up and boldly proclaim the Truth!
"To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, 'If you hold on to My teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.'" John 8:31-32 |
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Sunday, February 18, 2007 Defending our Faith: "Blind Faith" vs. "Intelligent Faith"
JoJo Tabares asked fellow bloggers to join her in posting a Defending the Faith SONday post (www.homeschoolblogger.com/CommunicationFUNdamentals/287120). I think it's a great idea. Let us all rise up as Defenders of the Faith!
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do it with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1Peter 3:15-16
Do you know why you believe what you believe? God does not want us to have "blind faith;" instead, He gives us mind so we can reason logically and intelligently. We also need to have the right attitude and approach (with gentleness, respect, and clear conscience). Today I would like to introduce an author/speaker who has spent the past 39 years of his life speaking, teaching, and writing on apologetics (defense and proof of Christianity). His name is Josh McDowell (www.josh.org/apologetics/). I especially recommend three of his books: 1. More Than a Carpenter, 2. Evidence that Demands a Verdict (Historical evidences for the Christian faith), and 3. Don't Check Your Brains at the Door (for Highschoolers, written with Bob Hostetler).
"Faith in Christianity is based on evidence. It is reasonable faith. Faith in the Christian sense goes beyond reason but not against it." Paul Little
"The evidence of God's existence and His gift is more than compelling, but those who insist that they have no need of Him or it, will always find ways to discount the offer." Blaise Pascal |
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Wednesday, February 14, 2007 What is LOVE?
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." 1 John 3:16
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10
"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love." 2 John 6
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
What Is Love
(by Helen Steiner Rice)
What is love?
no words can define it--
It's something so great
only God could design it.
Wonder of wonders,
beyond man's conception,
And only in God
can love find true perfection.
For love means much more
than small words can express,
For what man calls love
is so very much less
Than the beauty and depth
and the true richness of
God's gift to mankind--
His compassionate love.
For love has become
a word that's misused,
Perverted, distorted,
and often abused
To speak of light romance
or some affinity for
A passing attraction
that is seldom much more
Than a mere interlude
or inflamed fascination,
A romantic fling
of no lasting duration.
But love is enduring
and patient and kind,
It judges all things
with the heart, not mind.
For love is unselfish--
giving more than it takes--
And no matter what happens,
love never forsakes.
It's faithful and trusting
and always believing,
Guileless and honest
and never deceiving.
Yes, love is beyond
what man can define,
For love is immortal
and God's gift is divine.
Let's live a life of love! "If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:15-16 |
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Sunday, December 31, 2006 Another year of living for God!
"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23
Happy New Year, everyone! It is so comforting and refreshing to know that God’s compassions are new every morning on any day of any year. Let’s get bundled up in His great love and rest assured in His faithfulness. Have a blessed year! Let’s make each day count for the Lord’s glory.
"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
Another year is dawning
Dear Father, let it be...
In working or in waiting,
Another year with Thee.
~ F.R. Havergol
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us." Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Thursday, December 21, 2006 Love, Peace, Joy
LOVE: Do you know that the Christmas story is actually a love story? "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" (John 3:16) Because of God’s love for us...sinners, Jesus came... Jesus died...Jesus rose...and Jesus will return. A love story that never ends! The greatest redeeming love that the world would ever know! Let us all share His love with everyone this Christmas and throughout the years.
PEACE: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) The Prince of Peace Himself gave us His promise! During this busy time of the year, let us all rest at the feet of Jesus.
Christmas Hush
May the quietness of Christmas,
The calm and holy hush
Of that first advent season,
Still our Christmas rush.
May our memories of the manger
Reassure us, ease the stress
Of troubled hearts in troubled times
With His peace and quietness.
~Kay L. Halliwill
JOY: Joy to the world and joy to you! May the joy of CHRIST's birth be in your heart now and always! "As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:9-12) Are we doing that? The Lord fill us with joy so that we can be a joy to others. Are we bringing joy to the Lord and into the lives of others? Smile, encourage, reach out, and give...not just at Christmastime, but throughout the year.
The Joy of Giving
Somehow, not only for Christmas
But all the long year through,
The joy that you give to others
Is the joy that comes back to you;
And the more you spend in blessing
The poor and lonely and sad,
The more of your heart’s possessing
Returns to make you glad.
~John Greenleaf Whittier
May the Lord fill your heart with His love, your soul with His peace, and your life with His joy!
Merry CHRISTmas and God bless us,everyone! |
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Sunday, October 22, 2006 It is more blessed to give than to receive!
My kids get so excited every year around this time. Why? They get to pack shoe boxes!!! In our homeschool co-op, I annually collect shoe box gifts for Operation Christmas Child (a project of Samaritan's Purse founded by Franklin Graham). These boxes will be given out to children around the world who are living in extreme poverty, in constant fear because of wars/fighting, or in disaster-struck areas. These simple gifts will brighten up the children's life with God's love, joy, and hope. These shoe boxes are also evengelistic tools; they give local believers the opportunities to tell children about Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, through Gospel literature and evangelism programs.
This is a wonderful project to get your kids involved in. Kids in America have so much to be thankful for, yet many take their plenty for granted. This is one of many ways we can share with others in need. For details (including the collection center near you), please visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ or call 1-800-353-5949. The collection week this year is November 13-20. If you cannot do the shoe boxes this year, please still consider praying for the boys and girls who will receive shoe boxes that they may come to know (and receive) the best gift of all, the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ!
By the way, there are so many ways we can give, especially near Christmastime. Many Christian organizations (ex: Gospel for Asia, World Vision, etc.) have gift catalogs available from which you can purchase lambs, cows, chickens, pigs, goats, fishing boat, Gospel literature, VBS material, wells, etc. for native missionaries and needy children/families. These kinds of gifts touch lives and make significant impacts. Giving (especially secret giving) is such a joy!
"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain." Emily Dickinson
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord JESUS Himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35 And you know...Jesus is always right! :)
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Saturday, August 5, 2006 God's All-Star Champions
This past week (Monday to Friday) my kids participated in a Vacation Bible School (VBS) at a local church where one of our friends attend. My daughter was one of the helpers. This is her second year of helping VBS at that church. She decorated the church, set up the props, prepared snacks, counted the offering, etc. My boys (natural athletes) enjoyed all the sports and games while learning about living and winning God's way.
The VBS's theme is God's All-Star Champions (wearing God's gear, "the full armor of God.") My 7 yo son was one of the 3 kids who succeeded at memorizing Ephesians 6:11, 13-18 (putting on the full armor of God) . My daughter already had that memorized so she was able to help her brother memorize the verses. My 4 yo son managed to memorize other shorter verses. At home we always encourage one another on Bible memorization. We try to keep it fun and interesting while reminding our kids its importance and benefits. "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105
The Bible class's teacher at VBS complimented my boys for their obedience, attentiveness, pleasant smiles, and great knowledge of the Bible. That made my day/week  . I praise God for His blessings upon our kids...our family. I often say to my kids, "Let's shine for Jesus!" They do shine!
I'm so thankful that my kids are on God's team. They truly are God's all-star champions!
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Monday, June 26, 2006 Hide-and-Seek
Kids love to play hide-and-seek. I think adults do, too (in different ways). Some adults seem to think that they could hide their sins, their weaknesses, their troubles, or their shameful past. At the same time, they try to seek all sorts of things to fulfill their lives. We should ask ourselves, "What are we seeking?"
Are we seeking riches, comfort, luxury, fame, recognition, status, love, appreciation, approval, compliments, power, control, success, revenge, self-indulgence, beauty enhancement, coolest car, latest high-tech gadgets, the best curriculum :)?
Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (referring to food and clothes, not those things listed above) will be given to you as well." Romans 14:17 says, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men."
Therefore, let us:- seek God and His ways
- seek His will/His plan for our life
- seek God's knowledge and wisdom
- seek opportunities to serve Him
- seek time to spend with Him
- seek to praise and worship Him
- seek to please and honor God in all our words, actions, thoughts, attitudes, and desires
- seek ways to spread the Gospel/to save the lost/to reach the unreached
- seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
- seek to be salt and light in this world
- seek godliness with contentment
- seek to bear good fruit
- seek to love others as ourselves with God's love
- seek to help the needy, the widows, the orphans, the afflicted, the hungry, the unborn babies, the homeless, the defenseless
- seek to train our children in the way they should go (according to the Scriptures)
- seek to put God's Word into practice.
By the way, nobody can hide from God. I don't know why some people still try (they haven't learned from Jonah yet?). Life is short. Quit hiding and start seeking God! "You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:13 The best promise with a lifetime guarantee!!! No better deal than that!!!
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Thursday, June 22, 2006 My Megamotto
Usually, a motto is a short phrase or sentence that states what someone believes or stands for. Well, mine is "megamotto."
Here it is: Cling to God daily/faithfully (Psalm 62:5-7)
Trust God totally (Psalm 37:5-6, Psalm 62:8, Proverbs 3:5-6)
Obey God unconditionally (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 119:60)
Live simply/contentedly (1 Timothy 6:6-8, Hebrews 13:5)
Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Love sincerely/deeply (1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 4:8)
Serve wholeheartedly/humbly(1Peter4:10-11,Colossians3:17)
Work diligently (Colossians 3:23, Galatians 6:9)
Speak kindly/truthfully (Proverbs 12:19, 22)
Act justly/responsibly (Micah 6:8)
Share willingly/generously (1 Timothy 6:18, Hebrews 13:16)
Forgive freely (Colossians 3:13)
Spend (time, money, energy) wisely (Matthew 25:23)
Encourage frequently (Hebrews 3:13)
Finally, do it all for God's glory! (1 Corinthians 10:31)
I think it's neat to have a motto because it's sort of a guideline for one's life. Of course, our ultimate guideline should be the Word of God!
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Monday, June 19, 2006 Living for God
Living for God (1 Peter chapter 4) is what our family strives to do. I chose that boat template because it reminded me of Matthew 4:19, "'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'" That's who I want to be and want my children to be no matter what careers they may end up having. The Great Commission is not a suggestion but a command from Jesus with a promise. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20 God gave us the title (fishers of men) and the clear job description. How awesome it is to serve the King of kings, the best Boss in the universe!!! We (our family) desire to live daily according to God's will...nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Living for God!!!!!
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