Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Courage to Try Again

Failure can either cripple us or propel us to greater heights. When we fail, we often are fearful to try again for fear of seeing history repeating itself. At other times, our feelings of incompetence and inadequacies hang over us depressingly.

Peter was a powerful example of someone who turned his failures into stepping stones. Jesus picked him up after he denied Him. What Jesus saw was not failure or betrayal; He saw the heart of gold that was in Peter. He saw what people could not see in the natural. He gave Peter the courage to try again in the midst of utter shame, which could have hampered him from moving on. The tenderness of Jesus melted Peter’s heart where no one could. In many ways, we may have gone through the Peter’s experience in our lifetime, we have a loving God who loves us too much to let go of us.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Mary did You Know

The Bible tells us that Mary cherished what God was doing in and through her. The baby, Jesus, whom she was carrying, would be great. He would do wonders and He would rule and reign over all. Mary knew that Jesus would bring hope and deliverance. The miracle took place when Jesus came and set men free.


Mary did You Know


Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.


Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.


The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.


Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

Friday, April 09, 2010

Make His Praise Glorious

When I look out of my window at home, I am amazed at the beauty of God’s creation. The beautiful fluffy white clouds and blue sky show the beauty and the glory of the Lord. God has created this universe; He spoke the world into existence. All creation declares and proclaims His greatness. We see His glory in all the earth. We sing because our hearts are overflowing with God’s goodness. Make His praise glorious!

Make His Praise Glorious

Praise the Lord of heaven
Praise the Lord of earth
Praise Him for His mighty power
Praise Him for His works
Praise the Lord ye nations
Praise the Lord ye kings
Praise Him all creation
Let your voices sing
Praise the Lord

Shout with joy to God all the earth
Sing glory to His name
Tell aloud His marvelous worth
His righteousness proclaim
Glory and honor and blessing and power be unto the Lord
Come and let us make His praise glorious

Praise the Lord with music
Praise the Lord with strings
Praise Him with the harp and lyre
Let the cymbals ring
Praise the Lord with trumpets
And the tambourines
Praise the Lord in chorus
Let your voices sing
Praise the Lord

Behold, how good it is to sing praises to our God
How pleasant and fitting to praise Him
Behold, how good it is

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

Overwhelming Gratitude

Every time we partake of the Holy Communion, we remember the broken body and spilled blood of the Lord. We remember His sacrificial love for us. Our hearts well up with thanksgiving for all He has done for us.

A grateful heart is a distinct characteristic of a Christian. When we bring to mind the goodness and graciousness of our loving God, we leave no room for anxieties, worries and fear. Our hearts are overwhelmed with gratitude for the blessings of family and friends, home, finances, food, clothing, education, resources etc. Nothing that we have belongs to us for we are merely His stewards. He sustains us and gives us energy and capabilities to make a living. If we are ever full of ourselves, we will hamper the move of God in our lives. Humility is the doorway that invites the presence of the Lord to work in and through us for His glory.

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Empower Us, Lord

God has given us His Spirit so that we are empowered to live for Him. The strength of God’s Spirit gives us wings to soar like the eagle. We ride on the wind of the Spirit and see through His eyes. He builds us up in faith to experience the thrill and joy of walking in the Spirit. We must never be sugarcoated Christians that melt in the presence of heat or water. On the contrary, when the storms of life come crashing down on us, we will not be drowned. When the fire of tribulation rages in us, we will not burn. His Spirit fortifies us from within. He is with us in the storm and the raging fire. He empowers us as we triumph in Him to raise a shout of victory. We raise the banner of Christ in victory. Through the finished work of Christ, we live to enjoy each day full of life, hope, wholeness and fullness by the power of His Spirit.

Saturday, April 03, 2010

The Father's Love Letter

I came upon this Father's Love Letter Narration Video and am deeply encouraged by it. Allow Abba Father to speak His love into our lives.

http://www.fathersloveletter.com/video.html

Friday, April 02, 2010

He Understands our Pain and Agony

If anyone asks me if I know what depression is, I will say ‘Yes’. I have gone through depression at different times. The recurring depression is devastating. I know the pain, agony, anguish, helplessness and despair that depression brings. I am able to identify and share my experiences because the Lord has helped me in my utter desperation and despondency. Only His love can lift me up from valley so deep.
Jesus understands our pain and suffering deeply. He was betrayed, physically and emotionally hurt, flogged, despised, abandoned, scourged, forsaken and died a cruel and excruciating death on the cross. He went through unimaginable suffering and pain. He does not leave us in despair. He is the only one who can sooth our gnawing pain. He is the only one who can dispel our paralyzing fear. He brings wholeness to us, Spirit, Soul and body. The balm of Gilead is offered to all who needs His miraculous healing power, flowing from the cross of Calvary. As we remember the suffering of Jesus on the cross, our hearts well up with thanksgiving for His great and enduring love.