Love Thy Enemies

'Writer Morris Mandel tells about the little girl showing off her collection of dolls. Although she had many beautiful dolls, her favorite was the oldest one--torn, tattered, and limp. A friend asked why she loved that particular doll so much. The little girl replied, "I love her most because if I didn't love her, no one else would."

In the ugliness of the cross, we find little to love about the people who killed the Savior. Yet, in the final prayer from the lips of our Lord (Luke 23:34-38), He asked God to forgive those who were squeezing the very life out of Him. Such love from our Christ is staggering.

It is easy to love those we like and those who are warm toward us. However, the real test of our Christ-likeness is if we can truly love and pray for our enemies. Jesus taught that we must learn this lesson: Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you (Matthew 5:44 NLT: But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!). In their ugliness to us, our enemies often make themselves so obnoxious that no one else can possibly love them. May we, like the little girl with her doll, say, "I love them the most because if I didn't, no one else would." Such love can be learned as we spend more and more time with our Lord. He taught us and then showed us how to love and pray.

Luke 23:34 NLT

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.'

On revenge, when Jesus quoted from this passage he said, ‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.” [Deuteronomy 19:21]. But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek also’ (Matthew 5:38–39).

Lord, thank you that you are a God of justice and truth. Thank you that you reveal yourself to me as I study your word and spend time in your presence.

1. Lord, Your Word is so heavy and strong that it touches the stubborn heart. Thank You for Your Word. Help me apply this to my life. Amen.

2. Thank You for that dream of victory, O, Lord. The devil is definitely defeated!

3. Praise God for differences in culture, they provide wonderful explorations and a lot of learning.

The Servant Heareth

"A mother overheard her young boy praying one morning before he went to school. As she eavesdropped more intently, she heard him telling God what he planned to do and asking God to help him do it. The wise mother interrupted the lad with these words, "Son, don't bother to give God instructions, just report for duty."

It is still true that for every one man who says, "Speak, Lord, Thy servant heareth," there are ten of us who say, "Hear, Lord, Thy servant speaketh." However, the prayer at Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46) should ever remind us to bend our will and ways to the wishes of the Master. Since He was human, Jesus dreaded the agony of the Cross. Yet He chose to obey, and His prayer of submission is one of the highlights of the New Testament.

It is not always easy to give into God. We, like the lad in our story, would much rather give the orders and ask God to back up our plans. However, real praying is learning what He desires for our lives and then doing it. Sometimes prayers of submission take only moments and at other times they may take hours. Regardless of the length, when we can sincerely come to Him and say, "Your will be done," we are then able to face anything that comes."

Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 

1. Thank You for the Pedometer! It helps in motivating me to walk.

2. Praise God for language teachers! :)

3. Hallelujah for raw veggies! So tasty.

Pray For Each Other

"Several young boys were hunting crabs. When they caught them, they placed the ugly creatures in a wicker basket. Some adults passed by on the beach and noticed that the basket had no lid. One of the men called, "Hey, you boys had better cover that basket or the crabs will get away. "Naw, they won't," replied one lad. "If one crab tries to climb up, the others pull him down."

Often in life when someone tries to climb up, he is pulled down by so-called friends. However, the real friend is one who helps a person actualize his goals. And, Jesus is a friend that "sticks closer than a brother." One day, when Jesus told Peter that Satan was out to trap the brash fisherman, Peter put up a good front and claimed he would never deny the Master. Jesus, being a true friend, said: But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail (Luke 22:31-34).

Praying for one another is imperative. If we really love each other we must boost, not pull down. Christ taught us how to be real friends and hold one another up in prayer. Today, it would be well to take time to remember all those around us. Let us pray that God will keep them true and help them actualize their spiritual goals."

Luke 22:32

"But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

1. Thank You for a really wonderful rest.

2. Thank You for meeting the new team via Skype. These guys are super experienced!

3. Praise God for new friends who are very accommodating. Thank You for a healthy, raw dinner. :)

Not My Own

"Psalm 44:1-12

1. Trust

It is vital to put your trust in the right place. Your trust should not ultimately be in your own strength (‘It was not by their sword that they won … I do not trust in my bow’, vv.3,6). Rather, you are to trust the Lord. ‘It’s you,you who saved us’ (v.7, MSG).

The psalmist looks both backwards and forwards. As he looks back he says, ‘It was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them’ (v.3b). As he looks forwards he says, ‘You are my King and myGod … Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes … you give us victory over our enemies’ (vv.4–5,7).

Lord, as I face the challenges of today and of the future, I thank you for the victories you have given us. I do not rely on my own strength for the future but instead put my trust in you.

Luke 13:31-14:14

2. Courage

It is not surprising, humanly speaking, that Jesus was crucified after three years of ministry. He was a man of great courage. When Jesus was told ‘run for your life! Herod’s on the hunt. He’s out to kill you!’ (v.31, MSG) he replied, ‘Go tell that fox …’ (v.32). Here, we see that Jesus had the courage to take on one of the most powerful (and evil) men of the day.

Nor was Jesus afraid of confrontation with the scribes and Pharisees. He did not avoid them. He often spent time in their company. It must have been tempting simply ‘to eat’ (14:1) with those who liked him and accepted him rather than with those who were suspicious and critical – those who watched his every move.

He had the courage to heal the man ‘hugely swollen in his joints’ (v.2, MSG) on the Sabbath and then to confront the Pharisees about their views on this subject.

Lord, give me courage to make the right choices and to face every challenge."

1. "Lord, may my values to be more like your values. May my thoughts and my ways become more like your thoughts and your ways. May what matters to me be what matters to you." Thank You for this wonderful prayer.

2. Thank You for the rest under warm covers.

3. You provide angels everywhere. Thank You for giving me people who are making my stay here just so great.

Timezone Change

"The famous philosopher Diogenes once looked intently at a large collection of human bones piled one on another. Alexander the Great stood nearby and became curious about what Diogenes was doing. When he asked, the philosopher replied, "I am searching for the bones of your father, but I cannot seem to distinguish them from those of the slaves." Alexander got the point that all are equal in death.

Jesus taught us there is another place where all men are equal, and that is before the throne of God. In His parable of the two men coming to pray, the Pharisee went away not justified because of pride in his heart (Luke 18:13-14). The publican returned to his house forgiven because he admitted his sin and asked God's mercy. The point of the story is twofold; first, man receives nothing from God when he comes filled with pride, and second, all men can receive forgiveness from God when they come in simplicity, sincerity, and humility.

God's Word lets us know God is no respecter of persons. We might be impressed with the veneer of a man, but God treats all who come to Him with the same mercy and acceptance. Whether we be a prince or a pauper, a clergyman or a clerk, we still receive the same grace from the hand of our Master."

1. This is it! The day I have changed time zones. The day I have said "until then" to family and friends. But it is about You, not about me. Thank You.

2. Thank You for a very warm welcome and an amazing, cozy, hotel-like room!

3. Hallelujah to very friendly and really accommodating locals!

Get Out Of The Way, Pride!

'A wise philosopher, wishing to teach his students about the pitfalls of pride, said, "When a king removes his crown for rest, he puts it on a nail and not on a human head. This is because a person seeing that the crown would fit his head, would strut, start to feel he was fit to be a king, and little by little would feel more fit to be a king than the king himself. But, a nail remains a nail."

Jesus told about a very foolish and proud Pharisee. He had the crown of religion on his head and was bragging to God (Luke 18:10-12). He told God he was glad he was not as other men. In essence he said, "God, you really ought to be very proud of me. There are so many things I don't do." Jesus said that God did not even listen to this man's praying.

We must learn quickly there is no good in us. We are only righteous as Christ makes us righteous. The moments we spend in prayer bragging about what we are or what we have done are just as worthless as speaking the words into midair. We must remember we do not have our crowns yet. When we get to heaven, they will be distributed, but we probably won't even want to wear them then. Rather, we will want to cast them at the feet of the King of kings and Lord of lords.'

1. Who Am I? Thank You, Lord, for Your gift. Thank You for Your grace and mercy everyday.

2. It was a funtastic futsal game! Play, play, play and be happy!

3. Lord, thank You for being there. Thank You for letting myself listen to You. We know You are always at the right timing. I love You, Lord.

Based on Faith

"When a minister finished speaking at a medical school, a young cynic came forward to say, "I have just dissected a cadaver completely, but no place did I find a soul. How can you tell people a soul exists?" The minister asked, "When you opened the brain, did you find a thought? When you opened the heart, did you find love? When you dissected the eye, did you discover vision?" The obvious answer was no, and the young doctor got the point.

At first the prayer of Jesus recorded in Matthew 11:25-30 sounds strange. Yet, when considered carefully, it tells us why Christianity is available to every man. Our religion is based on faith, not intellectualism. We can never know God through our minds only. We must see Him with our hearts and souls. Because of this, even those who have weak minds can know and love Christ as well as the very brilliant.

We, too, should thank God because we can know Him through faith rather than through intellectualism. It has been wisely said, "He who has a testimony is never at the mercy of he who has an argument." We can know about Christ with our mind. But, to know Christ requires the leap of faith in our hearts."

What an assurance! It gives peace to the heart. Amen!

1. My last day, thank You for a wonderful experience, thank You for this chance. Thank You.

2. Thank You for the light You always give. May I always share it out to all.

3. Supposedly last packing day, too. Thank You for extra strong hands to fill up my boxes.

Even If

"Turning to and following Jesus is the wise thing to do, even if it feels like we are in a rejected minority.

Lord, give me joy in knowing that the wise thing is always to turn to you."

A very strong statement but Amen to this! I'd like to be different.

1. I like the catch-ups, thank You Lord for giving the time to bond.

2. Thank You for Your daily reminder on how to deal with challenges.

3. I am grateful for being blessed with amazing friends! Had super fun tonight!

Guide or Last Resort?

"Prayer becomes a priority when we realize that we need God’s help. David needed God’s assistance in a dangerous situation as he considered fighting the Philistines in the city of Keilah. Before engaging in battle, “David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’” (1 Sam. 23:2). God gave His approval. However, David’s men admitted that the enemy forces intimidated them. Before a single sword was lifted against the Philistines, David prayed again. God promised him the victory he later claimed (v.4).

Does prayer guide our lives, or is it our last resort when trouble strikes? We sometimes fall into the habit of making plans and then asking God to bless them, or praying only in moments of desperation. God does want us to turn to Him in moments of need. But He also wants us to remember that we need Him all the time (Prov. 3:5-6). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Dear God, please guide me as I walk through this life. Help me not to act only by my own wisdom, but to seek Your will in every situation.

God wants us to pray before we do anything at all. —Oswald Chambers"

Amen! This is so true, forgive me if I pray only during selected times.

1. The last requirement is finally done. Thank You, Lord!

2. Had a good walk around Labrador. Quite a relaxed area. 

3. Day 3 of my packing, have disposed some stuff, thank You for extra hands. Again. :)

The Best Way, Always

"Our goal should not be to see how many years we can live but instead to live fully in loving service to the Lord for all the years we are given. —David McCasland"

1. Every conversation is inspiring. Hallelujah to the light You bring. :)

2. You bring people to us who share their experiences so that they become a good reminder for us to realize what truly matters. Thank You for times like these.

3. Thank You for helping hands.

"There is a humorous story about the man who fell off a galloping horse. His foot caught in the stirrup and the horse dragged him for four miles. He ended up in the hospital badly bruised. Later he told a friend about the incident saying, "You know, I hadn't gone but about two or three miles before I figured out something was really wrong."

Jonah was apparently as dense as the man dragged by the horse. He disobeyed God, sought his own way, and ended up in deep trouble. Yet, he apparently did not repent of his evil until he had been in the fish's stomach for some time. Finally, he came to himself and prayed (Jonah 2). God heard him and deposited him near the city to which he was to preach.

We can learn some important lessons from Jonah. First, regardless of how unpleasant a task God asks us to do, we should do it. Our rebellion will always bring about something far more unpleasant. And, we also can learn God still forgives our disobedience if we pray. Today, may we pray that we will willingly follow the Lord in His desire for our lives. Paul learned it was hard to kick against the goads. God's way is always best."

Doubt, Fear, and Inadequacy

"God does not force himself upon you, but he promises to reveal himself to you if you honestly seek him. 

We have seen that the wisdom of the Book of Proverbs foreshadows Christ, who is the wisdom of God. It is not just a matter of learning some ‘top tips for life’, but learning from the source of wisdom himself.

However, seeking God requires discipline and patience – you have to learn to wait on God. You can miss out if you are in too much of a hurry.

Lord, thank you that when I find you I find life. Help me to seek you daily, to wait patiently for you and to listen to your instructions."

Luke 11:5-32

People have many doubts in this whole area. They wonder, ‘If I ask will I receive?’ Jesus says simply: ‘I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you’ (v.9).

Even if you have cleared the first hurdle of doubt, you may trip up on the next hurdle of fear. The fear is about what you will receive. Will it be something good?
Of course, it is important that there is no unforgiveness or other sin in your life, and that you have turned your back on all that you know is wrong. However, even after you have done that, you may have a vague feeling of unworthiness and inadequacy. You may not believe that God would give you anything.

Deuteronomy 4:15-5:33

Seek God persistently

Jesus encourages you not to be put off easily. He tells a story to show the power of ‘persistence’ (v.8, AMP) in even imperfect human relationships (vv.5–8).

He then goes on to explain how persistence is just as important in your relationship with God. ‘Keep on asking ... keep on seeking ... keep on knocking ... For everyone who asks and keeps on asking receives; and he who seeks and keeps on seeking finds; and to him who knocks and keeps on knocking, the door shall be opened’ (vv.9–10, AMP).

Jesus particularly relates this to receiving the Holy Spirit (v.13). You need to keep on seeking for more of the Holy Spirit and his wisdom and power in your life.

Jesus deals with some of the principal difficulties you may have in receiving from God.

1. Doubt

Jesus must have seen that they were a little sceptical because he repeats it in a different way: ‘Keep on seeking and you will find.’ And again he says a third time: ‘Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.’

He knows human nature so he goes on a fourth time: ‘For everyone who asks receives’ (v.10). They are not convinced so he says it a fifth time: ‘Everyone who keeps on seeking finds.’ Again a sixth time: ‘To everyone who keeps on knocking, the door will be opened.’

Why does he say it six times? Because he knows our tendency to doubt. You may find it very difficult to believe that God would give you anything – let alone something as wonderful as his Holy Spirit and the gifts that come with the Spirit.

2. Fear

Jesus uses the analogy of a human father. If a child asks for a fish, no father would give them a snake. If a child asks for an egg, no father would give them a scorpion (vv.11–12). 

It is unthinkable that we would treat our children like that.

Jesus goes on to say that in comparison with God we are evil! If we would not treat our children like that, it is inconceivable that God would treat us like that. God will not let you down. If you ask for the Holy Spirit and all the wonderful gifts he brings, that is exactly what you will receive (v.13).

3. Inadequacy

It is sometimes easier to believe that he will give gifts to very advanced Christians, but not to us. But Jesus does not say, ‘How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to all very advanced Christians.’ He says, ‘How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ (v.13).

The second part of the passage teaches us to make sure we are seeking the right things. Some people were seeking, ‘for a sign from heaven’ (v.16). These same people were attributing the work that Jesus was doing through the Holy Spirit to the devil (v.15).

Jesus points out that the devil does not drive out demons (vv.17–20) as Jesus did. Then he tells them not to seek ‘signs’. The only sign we need is the sign of the resurrection (vv.29–30). This is the sign that Jesus is greater than both Solomon and Jonah (vv.31–32).

Don’t seek the wrong things. Seek God, his kingdom, his righteousness and his Holy Spirit.

Lord, today I ask you to refill me with the Holy Spirit. Forgive me for any sin that could be a barrier to receiving. Please fill me with the love, power and wisdom that come from your Spirit.

Seek God personally

You can have a personal relationship with God. God says to his people, ‘To you it was shown, that you might realise and have personal knowledge that the Lord is God’ (4:35, AMP).

Moses tells the people of God that they will be scattered amongst the nations (4:27). But he said, ‘If from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul’ (v.29).

We see this same emphasis on our relationship with God at the start of the Ten Commandments. We live in a world that thinks the only thing that matters is how we relate to other people. How we relate to others is hugely important and it is the subject of commandments six to ten (5:16–21). However, there is something even more important than how you relate to others. Your relationship with God is the most important aspect of your life.

It is out of this relationship that your love for others should flow. God is not an optional extra in your life. Moses says, ‘The Lord your God is a consuming fire’ (4:24). He loves you. He chose you and wants to bless you with his presence (v.37). He is a ‘merciful God’ (v.31). He has set you free from captivity, as he freed the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery’ (5:6).

It is in this context that he tells you to put your relationship with him above everything else (commandments one to four, vv.6–15). The next priority is your relationships in the family (v.16). Then your relationship with others (commandments six to nine, vv.17–20). Finally, commandment number ten addresses your thought-life (v.21).

Moses tells the people to ‘listen’ to these instructions, ‘learn them’, ‘live them’ (v.5:1, MSG). If you seek God daily, wholeheartedly and persistently, you will find life in all its fullness, and it will transform the way that you love and serve others.

Lord, thank you for your amazing promise that, ‘If … you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul’ (v.29). Help me to do that each day – to experience personally your love and great strength, to listen to your commandments and to obey them and to live under your blessing."

1. I am so blessed by Your Word, help me really to apply it. Thank You for Your guidance.

2. My last week and thank You for Your provision. Simply thank You.

3. Packing starts today. Praise God for energy. :)

Only By His Grace

"Psalm 42:1-6a

Only God himself can satisfy this thirst. Knowledge about God will not satisfy your inner thirst. You need to cry out, as the psalmist did, for God’s presence. Meet with God (v.2) and pour out your soul (v.4).

Worship is key. ‘I was always at the head of the worshipping crowd, right out in front, leading them all, eager to arrive and worship, shouting praises, singing thanksgiving – celebrating, all of us, God’s feast!’ (v.5:6a, MSG)

Lord, my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for you. Lord, only your presence can satisfy my deep inner thirst. I hope in you and praise you my Saviour and my God.

Deuteronomy 6:1-8:20

Your love for God flows out of his love for you. His love for you is not dependent on any innate moral quality that you possess. It is the grace of God – loving us inspite of our sins, weaknesses and failures. 

God allows you to go through tests and trials so you can learn by experience that doing things his way is the best way. If you will not serve and worship him in the hard times of life (the valleys), you may not consistently serve and worship him in the good times (the mountain tops). Mountain tops encourage us. But valleys mature us. 

The danger of forgetting God because of affluence – ‘do not forget the Lord’ (v.12). In the enjoyment of the gift, you can sometimes forget the giver. (Deuteronomy 8:6–20 expands on this.)"

1. Amen! There is no better way of explaining these verses. Hallelujah! Thank You, thank You, Lord for Your grace.

2. I have had the best Salmon Sakura ever! Thank You!

3. I am so blessed tonight by Hillsong. Indeed, there is no other name.

Magnet of Thankful Hearts

"Oliver Wendell Holmes wisely said, "If you give me a dish of sand and tell me there are particles of iron in it, I might look for them with my eyes and search for them with my clumsy fingers and be unable to detect them; but let me take a magnet and sweep through it, and how it will draw the almost invisible particles by mere power of attraction. The unthankful heart discovers no mercies but the thankful heart sweeps through the day, and as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find in every precious hour some heavenly blessing."

May we pray "Oh, Father, Who has given us so much, give us one more thing--a thankful heart." The psalmist concludes the great "Hymnbook of Humanity" with the clear commandment to praise God. He says: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Then, to add emphasis, he demands: Praise the LORD! (Psalm 150).

Today, let us allow the magnet of our thankful hearts to sweep over our memory and recall all the things God has done for us. Then, let us take a moment to praise Him each time a memory comes. We must learn to thank Him also for the tragedies of our lives, for in them we have begun to know Him better. Praise the LORD!

Psalms 150:6 NLT

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the lord ! Praise the lord!"

Amen!

1. As the song says "My heart is filled with You," thank You so much for really open doors and the fact that the harvest is ready!

2. No pain, no gain. Did rock climbing today and it was so much fun.

3. Thank You for the love! May You use me more!

Decisions, Not Conditions

"Richard Wurmbrand tells of the joy believers knew while confined in Nazi prison camps. Although many were cursing their lot, hating their captors, and plotting revenge, believers were serving their Christ faithfully, sincerely, and with great joy. Both the believer and unbeliever were subjected to the same conditions. However, one reacted as a saint while the other reacted as a sinner.

Viktor Frankl reminds us that true happiness in life depends not on conditions but on decisions. If our hearts are firmly turned toward Christ then we can and will joyfully worship Him--in good times and bad. This seems to be the essence of Psalm 148. Wherever we are, with whatever we have, we should still praise the Lord.

When our praise is based on God's goodness, rather than the conditions of our lives, then we have reached the state of true faith. No matter what the conditions, we will remain true. Like Paul, we learn both to be abased and to abound. Circumstances do not dictate our happiness--that is a result of a living relationship with Christ. And when He is in our hearts, we cannot help but sing--whether it be from the mountaintop or from the cellar.

Psalms 148:1 NLT

Praise the lord ! Praise the lord from the heavens! Praise him from the skies!"

1. Hallelujah for such an amazing message from You! I love it!

2. Finally THE party for the dancers, I have never danced so much! :D

3. Thank You for the genuine people around me. They are beautiful blessings.

Three Things

Luke 9:10-27

"He calls you to aim at three things which together comprise love for others and love for Jesus.

1. No sin

Sin is the opposite of love. In the middle of the word sin is the letter ‘i’. Jesus says, ‘Those who would come after me must deny themselves’ (v.23). God may ask you to make different sacrifices in your life, but the only thing we are all required to give up as followers of Jesus is sin.

Jesus says, ‘Those who would come after me must ... take up their cross daily and follow me, for those who want to save their lives will lose them, but those who lose their lives for me will save them’ (vv.23–24).

Jesus says, ‘All who are ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels’ (v.26).

Every day the challenge of love requires little acts of self-denial.

2. No self

Effectively Jesus invites his followers to ‘come ... and die’. The cross today is a symbol of hope. However, then it was a symbol of pain, shame, disgrace and ultimately death.

Jesus said that if we live lives of selfish ambition – even if we are the most successful person of all time and ‘gain the whole world’ (v.25) – it will do us no good at all. The way to find life in all its fullness is to abandon our lives to the love of Jesus and of others. Jesus says we must take up our cross daily and follow him (v.23).

Being willing to give up your life is the ultimate act of love. This is the example which Jesus set first. He calls us to follow his example: ‘cleave steadfastly to me, conform wholly to my example in living and, if need be, in dying’ (v.23, AMP).

3. No secrecy

Jesus says, ‘All who are ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels’ (v.26).

If you love Jesus you must not be ashamed of him. Sometimes even taking his name on our lips is a challenge. Nor must we be ashamed of his teaching. If you want Jesus to be proud of you, you must be proud of him. If you love people you will want everyone to know about Jesus."

Amen!

1. Thank You for hard-earned reward! =)

2. Praise God for ears that listen.

3. Alleluia for preparing my heart for this new adventure!

Learning To Appreciate

A middle-aged couple appeared before a divorce court seeking a final separation. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?" the judge asked the woman. "Yes," she firmly replied, "We have been married fifteen years and all that time I have kept house, cooked meals, and..." She paused tearfully and the judge asked, "And did he find fault with you?" "No," she said, "It's not that, but in all that time he has never once said 'Thank you.'" 

Often we forget the thoughtfulness of a "Thank you." And at times we even take God for granted. Therefore, the psalmist reminds us that it is a healthy thing for us to praise God. Praise is a habit we need to learn for the pure development of our souls (Psalm 147). 

Learning to praise God is beneficial to other areas of our lives as well. Expressing appreciation to God daily spills over into our personal relationships; we begin appreciating people. Today, let us seek ways to thank God for all He has done for us. And let us carry this appreciation over into our jobs, our school, and our families. In doing so, we will quickly learn that praising God can make us happier and healthier people. Today, "Praise ye the Lord!"

1. I cannot ask for more for all the blessings God is giving me in different packages. Praise God.

2. Thank You for Your mercy. May I have mercy to others, too.

3. Praise God for patience. Under the heat.

Power and authority are words we rightly associate with Jesus’ ministry. However, they are not unique to Jesus. Jesus called his disciples together and ‘gave them power and authority … to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick’ (9:1–2). This is the ministry to which every one of Jesus’ disciples is called (Matthew 28:18–20). His power and authority are available to you today.

Lord, help me to follow your instructions – to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Help me to follow your example closely and to learn to minister with power and authority.

Breaking the Walls Down

Ephesians 2:14-16 NLT

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

1. Tests may have begun, Lord, but I know You are there to lift me up. Thank You.

2. Thank You for a dollar off during notarization! :D

3. Done with 1.5 steps out of 3. One step at a time.

Hardening of Hearts

"When God hardens the heart, all He does is step away and stop striving with us. For example, the first time I commit a particular sin, my conscience bothers me. In His grace, God is convicting me of that evil. God is intruding into my life, trying to persuade me to stop this wickedness. If He wants to harden me, all He has to do is to stop rebuking me, stop nudging me, and just give me enough rope to hang myself.

We see in Scripture that when God hardens hearts, He does not force people to sin; rather, He gives them their freedom to exercise the evil of their own desires (James 1:13–15)."

1. Documents are on stand-by. Thank You, Lord.

2. One task down! Yey, hallelujah for the blessing of a helping hand.

3. Thank You for always being there for guidance and for Your wisdom.

You Are ALIVE!

'Legend tells of a weary traveler who was making his way on a lonely road when he noticed a dry, shriveled leaf in the path. Picking it up, he was amazed at the perfume it exuded. "Oh, you poor withered leaf," he exclaimed. "Where did you get this exquisite perfume?" The leaf replied, "I have lain in the company of a rose." 

Leading the congregation in this Old Testament prayer, the Levites express a similar thought (Nehemiah 9:5-38). If there is any beauty in Israel's history, it is because that nation had been in the presence of God. In this long and beautiful prayer, the religious leaders recall how God had been with them throughout the years in their good and bad hours. Their response to this companionship was a sacred pact of devotion to the Lord forever. 

Today, let us review what God has done for us personally. We, too, are like the dry, withered leaf. If there is any beauty in our lives, it is because we have been in the company of the Rose of Sharon. In response, we pledge ourselves to His Kingdom, determined to stretch ourselves to reach the world for the Lord we love. With the songwriter we pray, "Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me."'

1. This is just purely amazing message. Thank You.

2. Hallelujah for surrounding me with great people and great memories!

3. Thank You for life, for hope, and for eternal life. Thank You because You are ALIVE!

The Boy And His Skates

"A little boy was given a pair of skates he had long wanted. He tried his best to balance himself on them but kept falling to the hard concrete. 

A passerby noticed the lad's persistent efforts and constant falling. He said, "Son, if I were you, I would give up. Otherwise, you might get hurt." With tears in his eyes, the boy looked up from the ground and said, "Mister, I didn't get these skates to give up on; I got them to learn on." 

Nehemiah already knew God's will. He had prayed about the wall, and so the people began to build it. However, they had hardly started when the enemies came and threatened them. Wisely, Nehemiah paused to pray, and one sees in this prayer the steel will of Nehemiah and his people (Nehemiah 4:1-6). He seems to have said, "God, You do the watching, we'll do the work." 

Determination and prayer paid off. Anything worthwhile we do for the Kingdom is going to be bitterly opposed by the enemy. However, if we have received clear direction from God, then we should have the same determination as the boy on the skates. 

We didn't come this far to give up. We will finish the work God has set before us. God will watch as we pray, and our personal contributions to Christ's Kingdom will be made."

1. Thank You for watching over us.

2. Praise You for every blessing You give, the opportunities to share, and the time You have given for bonding.

3. Thank You for a wonderful movie! =)

This Is Not The End

1. Hallelujah for a wonderful dance! Finally, done done done!

2. Super enjoyed Furious 7!

3. Thank You for providing great contacts!

Jesus died on a Good Friday, but this is not the end.

"Traps, Tests, and Temptations"

1. " David cried out to God. He knew that God was able to forgive him, rescue him, and heal him. Whatever your failings or whatever difficulties you may face, you too can bring them to God in prayer." Thank You, Lord for all of these!

2. "Lord, help me today, with every person I encounter, to have the right words, to bring good news, to have a heart of compassion and to seek to minister to others, as Jesus did. Help me not to be put off by criticism but to keep following the example of Jesus." I really, really, greatly need this, O, Lord. My heart is stubborn, Lord, help me.

3. "‘No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it’ (1 Corinthians 10:13, MSG)." Hallelujah!

Generosity Defined

"There is an emptiness about the way of life which involves becoming ‘rich’, being ‘well fed’, with lots of superficial laughter and gaining a good reputation (Luke 6:24–26). It leaves people feeling ultimately dissatisfied and ‘hungry’ (Luke 6:25).

The way of blessing is totally different. It is the way of generosity. It may involve poverty, hunger, weeping, being hated, excluded, insulted and rejected (Luke 6:20–22) – but it is a way of satisfaction (‘You will be satisfied’, Luke 6:21) and joy (‘You will laugh’, Luke 6:21).

Jesus calls us to be generous towards our enemies. ‘Love your enemies ... If someone grabs your shirt, gift-wrap your best coat and make a present of it ... No more tit–for–tat stuff. Live generously’ (Luke 6:27–29, MSG).

Be generous to everyone; ‘Give to everyone’ (Luke 6:30). This is an attitude of generosity; ‘without expecting to get anything back’ (Luke 6:35)."

1. This is just the message I needed. God is always in perfect timing because He simply knows my heart. Praise God!

2. Thank You for trials, Lord. They are my sandpapers.

3. Hallelujah for surprises! :)

More Than Rubies

1. I cannot thank enough to be able to have very supportive people around me. Thank You, God!

2. "Lord Jesus, thank you that true wisdom is found in a relationship with you. You are more precious than rubies and nothing I desire can compare with knowing you. Help me today to act wisely and to speak words of wisdom that bring blessing to others."

3. Praise God for hearing people's prayers. You are amazing! :)

One Step at a Time

1. Complete Stage 1. Now, stage next. Thank You.

2. Thank You for wonderful catch-ups and good walk.

3. Hallelujah for open doors, I pray for nurturing the planted seed.

Capturing Possibilities

"Problems have a way of capturing our full attention. We become totally absorbed in them and cannot see anybody or anything. This is what happened to Elisha's servant. Surrounded by the enemy, his faith faltered and he cried, Alas, my master! What shall we do? Elisha merely prayed that God would help him see the angels encamped around them rather than the enemy (2 Kings 6:15-18). The prayer was answered, and the servant relaxed.

Often, we concentrate on the problems rather than the possibilities. In prayer, God desires that we exercise faith, rather than fretting in His presence. Today, may we become less preoccupied with our problems and more captured by the possibilities as we relax in Him."

1. Amen! Thank You, Lord.

2. Concert time! Praise God for all the fun!

3. Hallelujah for friends!

Endurance

Romans 5:3-5 NLT

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

1. I love this verse. Thank You for Your love.

2. Hallelujah for my relatives' thoughtfulness and for the wonderful sharing. Thank You for such blessings!

3. Make every minute count. Praise You, Lord, for simple things.

Love Without Measure

1. I just cannot help but share this from Our Daily Bread:

John 19:17-24

It was a bit unusual, but three times in one day I heard the same song. In the early afternoon, I visited a home for the elderly. As part of her prayer at the end of our time together, Willie, one of the residents, said, “Sing with me, ‘Jesus Loves Me.’ ” In the evening, I attended a gathering with young people who sang it while pounding out the beat with their hands and feet.

Later that evening, I received a text message on my phone with an audio recording of my 2 1/2-year-old grandniece with a sweet little voice, singing, “I am weak, but He is strong.” People in their nineties, teenagers, and a toddler all sang that song that day. After hearing that simple song three times, I began to think the Lord might be telling me something.

Actually, He gave us all this message long ago: “I love you.” We read in John 19 that He allowed people to put a crown of thorns on His head, mock Him, strike Him, strip Him, and crucify Him (vv.1-6). He had the power to stop them, but He said very little (v.11). He did it all for love’s sake to pay for our sins and to rescue us from punishment. How much does God love us?

Jesus spread out His arms and was nailed to the cross. He died for us, then rose again. That’s a precious fact for young and old.

—Anne Cetas

The truest measure of God’s love is that He loves without measure! —Bernard of Clairvaux

2. You know when to soften one's heart. You always give surprises that can stir a heart. Thank You, Lord.

3. Had a very lovely evening with good food and great friends. Thank You for the fellowship.

All I Can

"John Wesley once wrote, ‘Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.’"

1. What a complete thought! Thank You, Lord, for these words that give encouragement and inspiration. You never ran out of them.

2. "As CS Lewis put it, ‘True humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less.’" Here is another wonderful line. May I be more like this. Thank You. I don't mind being bombarded with Your Word. 

3. Praise God for I have completed one stage! I hope to use it as a start wherever I go.

Grass Is Greener Where?

"The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence – it is greener where we water it."

1. This is a strong statement to me. Thank You for giving light and directing our hearts to be contented.

2. Thank You for bringing more people into this amazing cloud. May You send Your angels as I face the new chapter authored by You.

3. Praise God for connections!

Be Faithful To Me

"God saves a person, fills him with the Holy Spirit, and then says, in effect, “Now you work it out in your life, and be faithful to Me, even though the nature of everything around you is to cause you to be unfaithful.” And Jesus says to us, “. . . I have called you friends. . . .” Remain faithful to your Friend, and remember that His honor is at stake in your bodily life."

1. God did not indeed promise a problem-free life but He offers peace in spite of these all. Thank You, Lord.

2. Hallelujah for moments with old friends. And to have met people with the same vision. This is really amazing.

3. You have the purpose why You have made people. May Your will be done. Thank You for the life. May I use it wisely.

Sorrow to Beauty

'Henry Ward Beecher, who had known much sorrow in his own life, remarked, "There are many fruits that never turn sweet until the frost has lain upon them; there are many nuts that never fall from the bough of the tree of life till the frost has opened and reopened them; and there are many elements of life that never grow sweet and beautiful till sorrow touches them."'

1. "...and there are many elements of life that never grow sweet and beautiful till sorrow touches them." I just love how it was said. Thank You, Lord.

2. I can feel different types of doors opening, You are so good! I cannot thank You enough.

3. Hallelujah for bringing like-minded people together! When You work, it is always in an amazing way I cannot describe. 

Weekend of Outpouring!

"When we pray God hears more than we say, answers more than we ask, gives more than we imagine – in his own time and in his own way."

1. When it rains, it pours. Today, I went for my 5-km blind run. The idea of this is to run the 5-km with the persons with special needs. The other idea is that 2 people can register as partners and they will take turns in running a distance of 500 m blind-folded to know how it feels to be blind and then complete the rest of the non-competitive race.

I was rushing to the event when I saw a mom and her daughter wearing the race shirts and trying to look for the correct exit to the event. I ushered them to the area and then I realized that the girl is visually-impaired. Since I registered alone, I decided to join them in the run.

Adelyn, 14, is not used to running unlike her mom but she managed to complete the 5-km run with flying colors in spite of her condition! I was so blessed. Sometimes, those who lack something are even the ones who give hope and strength. I was so energized once more and she is now an inspiration to her friends. She said she can start encouraging her friends to do what she did. I was so touched. She melted my heart. God is just so good! Hallelujah!

2. Trekking, bonding, and laughing together. Rains fell down, we were wet but it was part of the fun! Thank God for protection.

3. Thank You for being able to do a record-breaking number of steps in a day!

This was such a memorable weekend for me for it was a weekend of outpouring! Amen!

Series of Heart-Warming Events

Today gave me a series of heart-warming moments only God can give.

Today, I met Moses, that man born with cerebral palsy who learnt different sign languages on his own just so he can interact with his deaf friends in spite of his physical condition. Wow, Lord, thank You for bringing Moses to me. =)

I rushed to the association for the deaf around 3 PM to catch my last class only to realize at the end that I was in the wrong class! I crashed into the (Singapore Sign Language) SGSL Workshop and even had group activities with those who were there. I did not have the slightest idea that it was not the class where I am supposed to be in. I just enjoyed sitting there and learning. When they started handing out the feedback form, my eyes widened when I saw the title in the form. Whooops.

In the group activity in the class, I met a 17-year old girl named Yenlin who started asking me how I've got myself inclined to sign language and I told her about how I was inspired by my church in the Philippines through song-signing during worship.

When we were parting, the skies turned suddenly dark and droplets of water began to make the tik-a-tak sound on the ground. Yenlin immediately brought out her umbrella and handed it to me quickly saying that I'd take it because her parents are anyway waiting for her on the other side of the road. I was surprised that she was graciously giving her umbrella to me. She said I made her happy today because of the encouragement she has received to learn sign language. To God be the glory! Then she disappeared into the footbridge while I stood there staring at the dark skies.

I barely made 10 steps when I saw Moses in front of me trying to get a cab for himself. Then I understood that God gave me the umbrella to provide shelter to Moses who was struggling to hail a cab while he uses all his energy left to balance himself using his 4-foot walker. I believe that God did not provide the cab so we could talk more. We ended up walking towards the MRT half an hour later as he shared his story. His condition makes him very tired easily but in spite of all these, he takes care of his mom who recently had a stroke. And spends most of his free time learning the language of the deaf.

Tears began to form at the corner of my eyes as I repeatedly thanked God how much blessed I am to have met people who will constantly remind me that the best gifts from God have already been provided to me. I just have to keep recognizing them and keep having a contented heart. 

Moses is disabled but it did not stop him from making a difference in this world, in fact, his goal is to reach out more especially to the deaf. God is just so amazing! I stand in awe! He uses the most imperfect people to become an excellent example in this cruel world. All glory, honor, and praise to You, Lord. Amen!

Wisdom Is Yours

1. Running kit in, which means I am ready for an early Sunday morning run with the impaired. Interesting!

2. I have breathed it out, please light my path, O, Lord. Thank You for Your Word.

3. Hallelujah for the wisdom that You provide, O, God. Please pour more over to Your servant.

Devotion:

James Russell Lowell wisely observed, "There is no good arguing with the inevitable; the only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat." Although there are times we must learn to intercede, there are other times God simply says "No." We should learn to leave it at that.

Moses wanted desperately to go into the Promised Land. He prayed about this often until one day God reminded Moses that he had been forbidden to enter. God said: Enough of that! Speak no more to Me of this matter. The case was simply closed, and Moses learned to live with that decision (Deuteronomy 3:21-29).

There may be times when we do not like the answers to our prayers. But God is not a genie in a bottle we can conjure up to do our bidding. 

We serve Him; He does not serve us.

Therefore, we cannot expect all our prayers to be answered with a "Yes." The wise believer sincerely believes God knows best. Like Christ, we must learn to pray, "Nevertheless, not what I want, but Your will be done."

Adrenaline Rush

1. One day rehearsal, no time to be nervous before stage performance, but it was just so good! Thank You, Lord.

2. Thank You for Your healing, I felt way better just before the show.

3. Praise God for connections who can give sound advise and provide great assistance. Hallelujah!

With Love & Forgiveness

1. I believe in Your healing power, thank You.

2. Thank You for this one opportunity to dance. With just one day rehearsal.

3. Thank You for a great and interesting talk.

"Jesus is subject to insults and false accusation. When you are slandered or bad-mouthed be thankful that God allows you, in a tiny way, to enter into the sufferings of Jesus and pray that God will help you to respond as he did – with love and forgiveness."

Against The Wind

"It is in the tough times that the object in which you trust is really put to the test. But, as Henry Ford wrote, ‘When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.’ Trust that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)."

1. This is such a great encouragement! Thank You, Lord!

2. Three down. One more to go. Thank You so much.

3. There is a time for everything. Thank You for the short moment with friends. Praise God for family.

Errands Done

1. Last day of errands, spent time on more important things than dwelling on making a complaint.

2. Wart removed from Dad after returning to clinic twice. Freedom!

3. Great catching up with relatives once more. Awesome stories never end!

Where The Light Shines

1. A day of testimony. May God indeed light my path as I take my steps. Help me, Lord, follow You.

2. Great day to see everyone. I miss the church.

3. The Ketchup Community was finally visited after many attempts. Food was good.

Just Control

1. I took the time to rest, thank God. Sleep is important.

2. One day delay, patience is required. This is considered normal.

3. Thank You for control and understanding. I need all these to stay calm.

Fresh Air

1. The To-Do list was quite long for the time given. Thank You for allowing me to tick each item.

2. Patience is indeed one of the most important ingredient in keeping one controlled and calm. But prayer is the strongest weapon one can have.

3. Thank You for a breath of fresh air with pine scent.

Home Sweet Home

1. The day of full rest for me, literally. Thank You.

2. It is so great to be home. Time for home-cooked meals.

3. And a little time for TV. :D

Reality

1. Praise God for energy even when we were sleepless. Patience has been tested a lot. This is reality. Thank You likewise for meeting new people.

2. Today, we have met a brave mom who boldly shared the good news to those who were in the queue while waiting for the mall to open in the next 2 hours. Hallelujah! May this be a great example to me.

3. Thank You for Your provision, You never fail to keep us calm no matter what.

Extra Hands

1. Thank You for an awesome last class. I would have wished Beginners' Class 2 but may Your will be done.

2. Thank You for extra hands in helping me carry my luggage. And for the last train bound to airport plus the last bus for the extra hands to reach home.

3. Hallelujah for a safe flight. Thank You for traveling mercies.

Moved By Hurts

1. Thank You, Lord, that I am still moved by hurts.

2. Praise God no handover is required. Done for today.

3. No time wasted, just keep organizing. Thank You for giving the time.

Right Time Is Today

"Indeed, the right time is now. The consequences of your life depends on what you do today."

1. Thank you for our eyes to appreciate the wonderful colors of today.

2. Two down today. Thank you, Lord, for being with us today.

3. Hallelujah for bonding time. All glory to You.

Believe To Receive

Mark 11:24-25 NLT

"I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.  But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

1. Yes, I believe, Lord. Thank You.

2. One at a time. One down today. Thank God for almost 2-hour high-impact energy and for the opportunity to shadow!!!

3. Thank You for reminding about fruits, Lord. I don't want to end only with a label.

"Forgiveness sometimes takes great courage but it restores relationships and brings great joy. It is said that, ‘The first to apologise is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest.’"