It is my heart desire to obey the Lord. I do not want to go about doing things that I believe is good for my eyes, my mind, my desire of my flesh but I want to honour my Lord by seeking Him first above all things.
Thus, when I'm spending time with Him this afternoon, I specifically put aside all the things that need my urgent attention. I want to place him first. I want to know my Lord.
God is true to His word. When we open our hearts to seek after His ways, He will show us the way.
Hence, this is what He has reveal to me.
Isaiah 8: 6-8
6"Because this people has rejected
the gently flowing waters of Shiloah
and rejoices over Rezin
and the son of Remaliah,
7 therefore the Lord is about to bring against them
the mighty floodwaters of the River -
the king of Assyria with all his pomp.
8 and sweep on into Judah, swirling over it,
passing through it and reaching up to the neck.
Its outspread wings will cover the breadth of your land,
O Immanuel!
My observation for the above is Isaiah is proclaiming the destruction of Jerusalem because Gods' people chose to reject the gentle guidance from Him. In another word, the people made a choice not to obey Gods' loving guidance and gentle care but chose to go about to do what they think is best for them.
As a result, Gods' used discipline to discipline his children. He used the enemy as a tool to bring His people back to humility and dependance on Him. We know that eventually, Jerusalem was invaded, and God's people was capture as exile. As a result of their willful pride, they lost their land.
Whatever that does not brings life to his children, a loving father will have to discipline his children, so that they will once more come into an ongoing relationship with Him.
--------------
I do know that there is something that I have to let go. I do know that my Pap wants me to let go the root of of weaknesses to Him. Therefore, I will. My choice now is to let go and spend time building my life. I do know that being in a relationship is one part of my bigger picture in life. I can and I will guard this freedom that the Lord wants me to dwell and grow stronger in. We are two individual put together as one to build His Kingdom. Relationship between a man and a woman is never meant to be inward-looking but to be outward looking and each of us have the responsibility to continue to seek the Lord to know what are the core things that this relationship is building on, to know what He wants both of us to be, to do and to look forward to.
--------------
Father, I thank you that you are so loving and caring. You are my Lord and really, I do not want to box u in my selfish desire. In all the things that you have given me, I do not want to hold tightly. I treasure you, my giver, not my gift. You are more valuable than other temporal things.
Therefore, Papa.. my heart is where you will dwell in. I will surrender all. I will cherish you. I will love you. I will adore you. I will obey you. I will fear you. I will stand here. I will be ready.
Loving you.
Doremi
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Leaning on the Source
Scripture (Proverbs 22)
4 Humility is the fear of the LORD;
its wages are riches and honor and life.
6 Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
will have the king for a friend.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
Observation
Vs 4
- What does it takes to be humble?
Humility towards another person means that I'm willing to lay down my pride and own ways to willingly submit all of these to this someone.
What does it mean to be humble before the Lord?
To submit and surrender our KOGAE to the Lord and with attentive ears and heart, to obey Him.
I do know that to humble ourselves before the Lord always work out for the best.
A lot of times we find it hard to obey Him is because subconsciously, we have yet to trust in the Lord. Indirectly, we are saying that our ways far supersede His ways. Indirectly, we are saying that our knowledge and ability to judge the situations are far better than His.
This scripture reveals the beauty of humbling ourselves to the Lord. And that is, we will receive riches, honor (respect) and life. Riches to me here does not truly mean physical wealth but richness in obtaining wisdom. This I see is far more valuable than diamonds and rubies or even luxurious houses/cars/$$$$$. What is the use of accumulating this so-called success we deep within, we know that the vacuum in our soul can only be filled by Him?
=============
Vs 6&15
- There are 2 categories of "children" that I see here:
i) Parents => Children/ Kids
ii) Leaders=> New International Students/Young believers
In the midst of building the community and the next generation, it is crucial for us, the future parents & leaders to start educating and nurturing our "children" in the ways of the Lord. I believe that it is easier to teach, train, encourage and discipline our "children" when they are young. Be it by age or by faith.
==============
Vs 11
- One who is pure in heart, speak and acts in grace will have friendship from well-esteemed authority.
Application
- To draw near to God. To fear Him because I love him and wants to please Him. To obey Him when He speaks.
- To be responsible to those who is following me. To be accountable to my mentors. To look forward to teaching and educating my children in the ways of the Lord.
- To pursue purity of heart and wise speech, not necessarily to gain friendship from higher authority but to imitate Christ' ways in life.
Prayer
Father, you never failed to amaze me. Your words are beautiful and they give me meaning. Father, you are the only one who can fill the yearning in my heart and soul. Father, I pray that I will not loose focus on other things but to run to you, yearning after you and to draw from you. I know that I can do NOTHING apart from you, my Father. Therefore, let the source of all my thoughts, words and actions come from you alone.
Loving you,
Doreen C.
4 Humility is the fear of the LORD;
its wages are riches and honor and life.
6 Start children off on the way they should go,
and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
11 One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace
will have the king for a friend.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.
Observation
Vs 4
- What does it takes to be humble?
Humility towards another person means that I'm willing to lay down my pride and own ways to willingly submit all of these to this someone.
What does it mean to be humble before the Lord?
To submit and surrender our KOGAE to the Lord and with attentive ears and heart, to obey Him.
I do know that to humble ourselves before the Lord always work out for the best.
A lot of times we find it hard to obey Him is because subconsciously, we have yet to trust in the Lord. Indirectly, we are saying that our ways far supersede His ways. Indirectly, we are saying that our knowledge and ability to judge the situations are far better than His.
This scripture reveals the beauty of humbling ourselves to the Lord. And that is, we will receive riches, honor (respect) and life. Riches to me here does not truly mean physical wealth but richness in obtaining wisdom. This I see is far more valuable than diamonds and rubies or even luxurious houses/cars/$$$$$. What is the use of accumulating this so-called success we deep within, we know that the vacuum in our soul can only be filled by Him?
=============
Vs 6&15
- There are 2 categories of "children" that I see here:
i) Parents => Children/ Kids
ii) Leaders=> New International Students/Young believers
In the midst of building the community and the next generation, it is crucial for us, the future parents & leaders to start educating and nurturing our "children" in the ways of the Lord. I believe that it is easier to teach, train, encourage and discipline our "children" when they are young. Be it by age or by faith.
==============
Vs 11
- One who is pure in heart, speak and acts in grace will have friendship from well-esteemed authority.
Application
- To draw near to God. To fear Him because I love him and wants to please Him. To obey Him when He speaks.
- To be responsible to those who is following me. To be accountable to my mentors. To look forward to teaching and educating my children in the ways of the Lord.
- To pursue purity of heart and wise speech, not necessarily to gain friendship from higher authority but to imitate Christ' ways in life.
Prayer
Father, you never failed to amaze me. Your words are beautiful and they give me meaning. Father, you are the only one who can fill the yearning in my heart and soul. Father, I pray that I will not loose focus on other things but to run to you, yearning after you and to draw from you. I know that I can do NOTHING apart from you, my Father. Therefore, let the source of all my thoughts, words and actions come from you alone.
Loving you,
Doreen C.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Steadfast Obedience
Scripture
20 The wise store up choice food and oil,
but fools gulp theirs down.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity [c] and honor.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.
Observation
- It is important to cultivate the heart of saving for long term purposes/rainy days.
- Righteousness & Love => Life, Prosperity (Peace) and Honor (Respect)
- The Lord rules all our plans.
- Even when we have equip ourselves, the Lord will be the one who determine the final outcome of the battle that we are in.
Application
- I want to truly steward the monies that the Lord has given me. I want to be prudent and wise with my $$$$$.
- In all the things that I'm doing, I want to do it right in the eyes of the Lord. I want to choose to love. I want to truly live in the freedom that He has for me, to live in peace. I want to know that I'm standing firm, holding on to his ways even in the midst of pressure. As cool as cucumber..:) hehehe
- My plans, my ways, my future, my works and relationships: I want to commit and surrender it to my Lord. only He will knows where I am heading. I want to walk by faith and not by sight. I want to truly trust and respect Him, His authority and his timing.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your words, your truth. Father, let me not take you for granted but I want to stand tall and firmly planted in you. I want to say that you are my light that shines the way for me. Father, just as you have guide me, show me how I can be a role model to those who are searching for you. Thank you Papa, for you have given me a purpose in life that is bigger than just earning huge amount of $$$$/gaining power and authority. All these are what the world system view as success. But, my Lord, to follow and obey you are far more valuable & meaningful than all of these.
Loving you always,
Doreen C.
20 The wise store up choice food and oil,
but fools gulp theirs down.
21 Whoever pursues righteousness and love
finds life, prosperity [c] and honor.
30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that can succeed against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
but victory rests with the LORD.
Observation
- It is important to cultivate the heart of saving for long term purposes/rainy days.
- Righteousness & Love => Life, Prosperity (Peace) and Honor (Respect)
- The Lord rules all our plans.
- Even when we have equip ourselves, the Lord will be the one who determine the final outcome of the battle that we are in.
Application
- I want to truly steward the monies that the Lord has given me. I want to be prudent and wise with my $$$$$.
- In all the things that I'm doing, I want to do it right in the eyes of the Lord. I want to choose to love. I want to truly live in the freedom that He has for me, to live in peace. I want to know that I'm standing firm, holding on to his ways even in the midst of pressure. As cool as cucumber..:) hehehe
- My plans, my ways, my future, my works and relationships: I want to commit and surrender it to my Lord. only He will knows where I am heading. I want to walk by faith and not by sight. I want to truly trust and respect Him, His authority and his timing.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your words, your truth. Father, let me not take you for granted but I want to stand tall and firmly planted in you. I want to say that you are my light that shines the way for me. Father, just as you have guide me, show me how I can be a role model to those who are searching for you. Thank you Papa, for you have given me a purpose in life that is bigger than just earning huge amount of $$$$/gaining power and authority. All these are what the world system view as success. But, my Lord, to follow and obey you are far more valuable & meaningful than all of these.
Loving you always,
Doreen C.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Surrendering all
Scripture (Proverbs 20)
3 It is to one's honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
6 Many claim to have unfailing love,
but a faithful person who can find?
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin"?
24 A person's steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
through love his throne is made secure.
===========================================
Observation
- How quick it is for each of us to be angry at someone. You can certainly feel your blood boiling when anger arises within you. But Gods' word said in many of his earlier advices that when we allow anger to take control of the situation, the consequences are bad. It takes one with a steady character to be calm and in control. Ive got to learn lots in this area on how to be patient and not let my emotion takes control over me.
- Faithfulness, Loyalty, Sincerity & Purity of Heart. A lot of us seems to say they have all these, but truly when time of testings come, will these traits shine as brightly? I sound like a cynic. gee
- The Lord is the only one who knows where we are going and where we will ends up to. Who are we, to say that I want to go this ways and succeed in this area?
-Love and faithfulness secures ones heart.
Application
It is so important to choose to be loving and stay faithful. Anger in any relationships will only makes it worst. How good it is to stay loving and faithful in the relationship that I'm called to. It gives me security.
I will choose to place my trust in God and JC. To trust solely and keep loving and be faithful. I ve to refocus my heart not on the circumstances and the past but on what is true, lovely, admirable, long lasting.
Prayer
Lord God, give me eyes, ears, heart of faith to know that you are in the midst of this. May you begin to bring me closer to you. To seek you first above all things. Father, I want to surrender my all to you. What I treasure I want to surrender it to you. Trusting you. Obeying you.
Loving you,
Doreen C.
3 It is to one's honor to avoid strife,
but every fool is quick to quarrel.
6 Many claim to have unfailing love,
but a faithful person who can find?
9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure;
I am clean and without sin"?
24 A person's steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
28 Love and faithfulness keep a king safe;
through love his throne is made secure.
===========================================
Observation
- How quick it is for each of us to be angry at someone. You can certainly feel your blood boiling when anger arises within you. But Gods' word said in many of his earlier advices that when we allow anger to take control of the situation, the consequences are bad. It takes one with a steady character to be calm and in control. Ive got to learn lots in this area on how to be patient and not let my emotion takes control over me.
- Faithfulness, Loyalty, Sincerity & Purity of Heart. A lot of us seems to say they have all these, but truly when time of testings come, will these traits shine as brightly? I sound like a cynic. gee
- The Lord is the only one who knows where we are going and where we will ends up to. Who are we, to say that I want to go this ways and succeed in this area?
-Love and faithfulness secures ones heart.
Application
It is so important to choose to be loving and stay faithful. Anger in any relationships will only makes it worst. How good it is to stay loving and faithful in the relationship that I'm called to. It gives me security.
I will choose to place my trust in God and JC. To trust solely and keep loving and be faithful. I ve to refocus my heart not on the circumstances and the past but on what is true, lovely, admirable, long lasting.
Prayer
Lord God, give me eyes, ears, heart of faith to know that you are in the midst of this. May you begin to bring me closer to you. To seek you first above all things. Father, I want to surrender my all to you. What I treasure I want to surrender it to you. Trusting you. Obeying you.
Loving you,
Doreen C.
Friday, November 7, 2008
I surrender all
Scripture (Proverbs 14)
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.
Observation
-One who is bitter know the state that they are in. Noone will truly understand how and why they feel the way they do. An onlooker will try to encourage by giving good advices to this person but truly, it is unnecessary. Bitterness goes beyond anxiety. Bitterness is one step before resentment. One who is bitter prefer to have someone close to them to just be with them.
When a bitter person finally comes out from the shell, the joy of overcoming bitterness can only be understood by the person. No one will truly understand this joy except for God himself. No man will understand this joy when one has come out victoriously out of the bitterness.
Application
I do not understand why I am in where I am now. But, I do know that there is sunshine behind the clouds. I know that I will come out victoriously and experience the true found joy and freedom, very soon.
Prayer
Lord God, I'm glad that I'm here in where you have placed me in. There are so many things that I have to hold and I truly want to release all of it to you. You alone are my desire. You alone are my place of refuge. Therefore, I surrender all to you now.
Loving you,
Doreen C.
10 Each heart knows its own bitterness,
and no one else can share its joy.
Observation
-One who is bitter know the state that they are in. Noone will truly understand how and why they feel the way they do. An onlooker will try to encourage by giving good advices to this person but truly, it is unnecessary. Bitterness goes beyond anxiety. Bitterness is one step before resentment. One who is bitter prefer to have someone close to them to just be with them.
When a bitter person finally comes out from the shell, the joy of overcoming bitterness can only be understood by the person. No one will truly understand this joy except for God himself. No man will understand this joy when one has come out victoriously out of the bitterness.
Application
I do not understand why I am in where I am now. But, I do know that there is sunshine behind the clouds. I know that I will come out victoriously and experience the true found joy and freedom, very soon.
Prayer
Lord God, I'm glad that I'm here in where you have placed me in. There are so many things that I have to hold and I truly want to release all of it to you. You alone are my desire. You alone are my place of refuge. Therefore, I surrender all to you now.
Loving you,
Doreen C.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Listening Ears
Listening Ears Edit 02:57PM Wednesday 05 Nov '08
Scripture (Proverbs 12)
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
27 The lazy do not roast [b] any game,
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.
Observation
- Anxiety is usually cause by fear. Anxiety stops one from truly living in freedom. When one is surrounded by anxiety, they usually do not see a way out; hopelessness drives he/she to look inward and sometimes, the problem is magnify more than it is meant to be.
Where does "a kind word" comes from?
It usually comes from someone who cares for us. Someone who work with us. Someone whom we are in relationship with ie: partners/friends. That is why it is so important for each of us to journey together with someone. That is why we are never meant to cultivate individualism or to be a lone ranger. God places people around us to support us when we are not able to cope with circumstances. We need people. We desire to have supportive relationships.
- Laziness, laziness. Where does it comes from? Is it intentional or simply out of ignorance? As written in the Gods' word, it clearly states the consequences of laziness. Those who are lazy will loose out while the diligent ones will feast on the fruits of his/her labour.
Application
-I'm glad that Ive friends to turn to. People whom I can trust to pour out to. I'm glad that Ive intentionally chose to build relationships with those whom God has placed around me. I see the reason now as opposed to previous years. I particularly want to say thank A. Kim, Joey, Tracy.... for being there when I needed them most. Thank you for your wisdom, listening ears and love. :)
- I want to "roast" my hunt and share the fruits of my labour. *full stop*
Prayer
Lord God, I will obey you. You are the reason why I'm here. Father, continue to guide me. I'm listening.
Loving you,
Doreen C.
Scripture (Proverbs 12)
25 Anxiety weighs down the heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.
27 The lazy do not roast [b] any game,
but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.
Observation
- Anxiety is usually cause by fear. Anxiety stops one from truly living in freedom. When one is surrounded by anxiety, they usually do not see a way out; hopelessness drives he/she to look inward and sometimes, the problem is magnify more than it is meant to be.
Where does "a kind word" comes from?
It usually comes from someone who cares for us. Someone who work with us. Someone whom we are in relationship with ie: partners/friends. That is why it is so important for each of us to journey together with someone. That is why we are never meant to cultivate individualism or to be a lone ranger. God places people around us to support us when we are not able to cope with circumstances. We need people. We desire to have supportive relationships.
- Laziness, laziness. Where does it comes from? Is it intentional or simply out of ignorance? As written in the Gods' word, it clearly states the consequences of laziness. Those who are lazy will loose out while the diligent ones will feast on the fruits of his/her labour.
Application
-I'm glad that Ive friends to turn to. People whom I can trust to pour out to. I'm glad that Ive intentionally chose to build relationships with those whom God has placed around me. I see the reason now as opposed to previous years. I particularly want to say thank A. Kim, Joey, Tracy.... for being there when I needed them most. Thank you for your wisdom, listening ears and love. :)
- I want to "roast" my hunt and share the fruits of my labour. *full stop*
Prayer
Lord God, I will obey you. You are the reason why I'm here. Father, continue to guide me. I'm listening.
Loving you,
Doreen C.
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