moving out

I have to admit that I am totally in love with the slick themes in wordpress

and a little bit bored with blogger

and yes, i'm moving out

http://uponmyknees.wordpress.com

this post is just in case, if anyone is following this blog, if not, oh well it's totally okay :p

Random Verses

I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. Ecclesiastes 3:10-14

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life - I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything, no gifts no power no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward; I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart; His wounds have paid my ransom

Again, a very familiar hymn, very nice tune, very easy to sing, if we don't pay close attention to the words.

To really look at the words and to sing is another thing, another very difficult thing to do.
To sing and know that we, the wretch, are made treasures, children of God
To sing about the Father turning His face away from His beloved son, because of us
To sing and realize about how it was our mocking voices among the scoffers when Jesus was at the cross.
To sing about how He held on our sins until it was accomplished, He endured it, the separation from the Father He loved.
And how His death brought me life.

Yet, what kind of life are we living?

Again, we realize how unworthy we are.
Nothing to boast except in Him.

I love the last two lines :
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.

Father, God who gives me endurance and hope, help me endure like Jesus did, help my unbelief.

His Eyes is on the sparrow

Early in the spring of 1905, my hus­band and I were so­journ­ing in El­mi­ra, New York. We con­tract­ed a deep friend­ship for a cou­ple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doo­lit­tle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doo­lit­tle had been bed­rid­den for nigh twen­ty years. Her hus­band was an in­cur­a­ble crip­ple who had to pro­pel him­self to and from his bus­i­ness in a wheel chair. De­spite their af­flict­ions, they lived hap­py Christ­ian lives, bring­ing in­spir­a­tion and com­fort to all who knew them. One day while we were vi­sit­ing with the Doo­lit­tles, my hus­band com­ment­ed on their bright hope­ful­ness and asked them for the se­cret of it. Mrs. Doo­lit­tle’s re­ply was sim­ple: “His eye is on the spar­row, and I know He watch­es me.” The beau­ty of this sim­ple ex­press­ion of bound­less faith gripped the hearts and fired the imag­in­a­tion of Dr. Mar­tin and me. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Spar­row” was the out­come of that ex­per­i­ence.

Civilla Martin

I've known the contemporary version of this hymn by Lauryn Hill through the movie Sister Act. It has nice tune, but what I didn't know that time was the words are even more exceptional.

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Sometimes I ask myself that, why should I feel discouraged? even though times are difficult, why do I let the shadows defeat me? Don't I have Jesus, the shining armor, a constant Friend of mine.

And most of the times, those written in the 3rd stanza are very true. When we are tempted, when clouds of affliction come, our songs, our praises turn to sighing, complaining, and it seems as if we have lost hope. Be thankful for through these trying times, we draw closer to Him, set free from our afflictions and most importantly we are reminded and assured that He is our only hope.

As christians, sometimes we forget that from our so many experiences, we felt and we knew God's guidance, God's leading our paths, God's constant care for us. But many times, we just forget and worry again. Help our unbelief, O God. Let us be assured always that Your Eyes is on the sparrow and You are watching over us.

And not forgetting the Refrain though. I like it very much. Very simple, very easy to sing, but can we at all times do that? I pray that God strengthens me so that I can. The more experience, the more struggle, in Him I can then sing :

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

O Master, let me walk with Thee

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer, company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broadening way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live.

O God, let your humble servant walk with Thee, without Your guidance, Your company, there are no reason to keep on living. Help my unbelief, guide my wayward feet, guide them to be patient and follow Your ways. Keep me closer, dearer to You, nourish me with faith, smeared by the sweet and strong smell of Jesus' blood. Grant me assurance of Your might, teach me to be joyful in hope, holding on to Your promise and linger near my God of Peace, my Master, for good.

Strategic Role of Mind in Sanctification

Romans 12:16 (NIV)
Do not be conceited

Proverbs 3:7 (KJV)
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

How we think determines how we live?

Before the Throne of God Above

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea.
A great high Priest whose Name is Love
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart.
I know that while in Heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.

Behold Him there the risen Lamb,
My perfect spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I AM,
The King of glory and of grace,
One in Himself I cannot die.
My soul is purchased by His blood,
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ my Savior and my God!

I was listening to Selah's rendition of this hymn, the music sounded contemporary, and I wanted to find the original music of this hymn. Subsequently while searching, I chanced upon the words of the hymns, which were surprisingly relevant to what I have been through these few days near the exams period.

The second stanza contains a very important and powerful message. A point which most of us might have taken for granted, or even ignored and well again that is the genius satan working. I have been feeling guilty these few days for not being able to study effectively, and to an extent not being able to give my best. The guilty feeling kinda slowed me down even more, and there the vicious cycle continues.

The hymn told me "When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within". I was reminded that while I thought it was normal to feel guilty, it is definitely not from God. Why would God make us feel guilty for something which He has already pardoned us for. Worse still, this guilty in a way blurs my focus on God, making me focus on using my own effort more rather than walking with God.

So how? what should we do?
Look up, look at Him, our Just God, the Perfect One, is satisfied with what we are because He was looking at us through Jesus who had paid for all those guilt we have done.

I think the rest of the hymn is very beautiful as well, I just wish I have enough free time to write up more on what I think the hymn means and how beautiful it is. Well, there's a time for everything. For now, this should be all :)

Lastly, I pray that God opened the heart of more and more people to appreciate hymns more. I myself found singing hymns not only reassuring my faith but also helping me learn facts that I usually take for granted. I find hymns as one of the great blessings as a Christian that I think no one should take it for granted.

PS : There's actually no original composed music for this hymn, I think, it uses tunes from Sweet Hour of Prayer and And Can It Be.

More Love To Thee, O Christ

More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Quoting from Elizabeth P. Prentiss, the author of this hymn :

"To love Christ more is the deepest need, the constant cry of my soul... Out in the woods and on my bed and out driving, when I am happy and busy, and when I am sad and idle, the whisper keeps going up for more love, more love, more love!"

A simple piece of hymn but one which makes me reflect, do I long for the same thing as her? Do I pray that I will love Christ more and more each day? Maybe through so many afflictions, difficulties, suffering and pain, we can so easily say that we love Christ, just to get the comfort we need, not because we really are close enough to Him to say that.

This is my prayer too tonight, for myself, for people around me, for people I care about, that we all have the same eager and deep longing to love Christ more and more in any situation that faces us, be it afflictions and pain or even joy and peace. Loved by an everlasting Love is the reason why we desire to love Christ more.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.
Psalm 119:71

I Am His, and He Is Mine

Nowadays since I have the two books of hymns with me, I love to just take one, randomly, and open any page, randomly as well. I am surprised and caught off guard every time by the hymns in front of my eyes. Not trying to be mystical or any sort but I believe every hymn is beautifully written and composed that I must explore all. Of course, if I choose, I will choose those that I know, somehow :P

Today, I got this hymn : I Am His, and He Is Mine. The title may look simple (I thought so too at first), I do not expect the words to be very theological, I expected it would be simple, judging from the title (prejudice-in-practice :p). But just take a look at all these :

Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know;
Gracious Spirit from above, Thou hast taught me it is so!
O this full and perfect peace! O this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.
In a love which cannot cease, I am His, and He is mine.

Heav’n above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green!
Something lives in every hue Christless eyes have never seen;
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as I now know, I am His, and He is mine.
Since I know, as I now know, I am His, and He is mine.

Things that once were wild alarms cannot now disturb my rest;
Closed in everlasting arms, pillowed on the loving breast.
O to lie forever here, doubt and care and self resign,
While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.
While He whispers in my ear, I am His, and He is mine.

His forever, only His; Who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss Christ can fill the loving heart!
Heav’n and earth may fade and flee, firstborn light in gloom decline;
But while God and I shall be, I am His, and He is mine.
But while God and I shall be, I am His, and He is mine.

The powerfulness of the words came straight from the first stanza : Loved with everlasting love, Led by grace that love to know. It talks about not only the peace from God, but the full and perfect one. And the second stanza continues with the joy of knowing Christ, to be able to see heaven above softer blue, earth around sweeter green which people who does not know Christ will have never seen : Christless eyes have never seen. The skies are bluer, the grass are greener, the birds sang sweeter and the flowers looked lovelier, all because we know that we are His and He is ours.

Then, somehow the third stanza hits me right on my weak spot. Worry, anxiousness, alarming states due to all worldly happenings: exams, assignments. Not to mention how my sleep has recently been badly disturbed by horrid imaginations, visions, sounds. Things that are able to shake my faith. But the hymn says, " Things that once were wild alarms, cannot now disturb my rest, closed in everlasting arms, pillowed on the loving breast". The author repeats again, the everlasting love of God here and added "O to lie forever here, doubt and care and self resign". Resign meaning we do not have to put an effort to remove it, they will on their own move away, because we are in Him. Very deep indeed.

I love the last stanza. I love the assurance despite difficulties. I love the promise of God. His forever, only His, Who the Lord and me shall part? And Christ Himself has said that, assured us of that. He died for us, a perfect salvation, once and for all, forever and no one could ever remove us from Him. The author even assured us more, that where we are and where we would be may change, may disappear, the light which brightens us may grow dim in this world, but while God and I shall be, I am His and He is mine!

Lastly, notice how the last part with I am His and He is mine is always repeated twice. I think we know that Jesus said that we are His and He is ours. But I think the author wanted us to go the extra mile and experience what it really feels like. So, it's as if, if you have really bad memories and forgot most part of the hymn, this is the part that you should always take away with you, so repeat that again : In a love which cannot cease, I am His and He is mine.

... the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. Psalm 104:12

Righteous God?

Does the distinguishing, sovereign purpose of God not throw into jeopardy his attribute of perfect righteousness ?

Romans 9:13 :
"Just as it is written: 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated'."

Isaiah 10:22-23 :
"Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved. For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality"

Sometimes we think how unfair it is for people who seem to do good deeds all their lives, but since they do not know Jesus until the end of their lifetime, they ended up not in Heaven.

Even my non-Christian friend once said, " If your God chooses who to save and who not to save, then how can He be called righteous? Isn't it unfair ? "

Well, Paul said in Romans, "Not at all!"

For God said :
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion"

When God shows mercy, a person does not receive a reward earned by his or her own efforts, rather, God extends sovereign, free grace to people who are morally incapable of any acceptable effort.

God owes mercy to no one, so there is no injustice when mercy is not shown.
The bestowal of mercy is a divine prerogative, it rests solely on God's good pleasure.

God is unfair? Paul thought the idea was clearly unthinkable : " Not at all! "

I remember a song I sang this afternoon, a song which suddenly pops up while I am working on my MATLAB term assignment. Something that we should always pray about and remember always.

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.

O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go

Love Lifted me

I can't decide which picture to use, so I've put on to start the post off, and another one to end it. I like them equally, one for the visual effect and the other one for the deep meaning.

My hymn of the day today is Love lifted me! Indeed, when nothing else could help, His Love lifted me! Note to self : remember that !

Love Lifted Me

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!

All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling
In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.

Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.

I was deeply moved even by the first verse. Somehow it fits me well today. He who hears my cry, He who helps me. I'm not going to write much today. But I am just glad that He is still faithful even when I seem far away, even when I think I am so not worthy of His Care anymore. I guess this even confirms more that no one could ever snatch me from Him. Thanks be to God!

Love lifted me ! Love lifted me ! I would like to shout this out loud the whole night, can I ?

Blessed Assurance

“During the re­cent war in the Trans­vaal,” said a gen­tle­man at my meet­ing in Ex­e­ter Hall, Lon­don, in 1900, “when the sol­diers go­ing to the front were pass­ing ano­ther bo­dy of sol­diers whom they re­cog­nized, their greet­ings used to be, ‘Four-nine-four, boys; four-nine-four;’ and the sa­lute would in­var­i­a­bly be an­swered with ‘Six fur­ther on, boys; six fur­ther on.’ The sig­nif­i­cance of this was that, in ‘Sac­red Songs and So­los,’ a num­ber of co­pies of the small edi­tion of which had been sent to the front, num­ber 494 was ‘God be with you un­til we meet again;’ and six fur­ther on than 494, or num­ber 500, was ‘Bless­ed As­sur­ance, Je­sus is mine.’”

I shut down my laptop, I had my quiet time and I sang this hymn. I read the story, of how Phoebe P. Knapp, the composer, played a tune, her new composition and soon Fanny J. crosby was clapping her hands and exclaimed, "Why, that says 'Blessed Assurance'!"
I am not exaggerating in anyway but I am really WOWed by the hymn and the story, the powerful words and Crosby's God-given talent. She was blind but it was as if her sight is very strong. What are our eyes for if not for the Lord?
I told myself then, I could not just let this go, I must write all these down. I want to remember this.

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

Only in our full submission to God, that we find perfect joy, perfect delight. Only through fully surrendering to Him that we can be at peace. And imagine someone blind yet wrote about visions of rapture now burst on her sight. Rapture : the event in which all Christians on earth simultaneously ascend to join Christ, and are transformed into immortal bodies. Isn't that vision precious? So precious compared to much much things seen on earth.

I particularly like the last verse. The words are so beautiful : Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. Doesn't this really show how deep her love is for her Saviour? only when she understood His perfect love then she can do that. While I sang this part, I sang in awe of how God has used her to bless so many. Doesn't this show the world that though she was blind, and the world saw her as a weakling but her works said these about her " I am weak but He made me strong ".
She was blind, but she watched and waited, looked above. Shouldn't we, those who are blessed with the ability to see, learn from her ?

Open the eyes of our heart Lord, that we, too, can see the greatness of Your mercy, understand the depth of Your love and to be able to love You not through words only, but through our life.

O that will be glory for me!

Where do we find our glory? Where does our glory lie?
Is it our pride? our fame? our reputation? our achievement? or maybe recognition, self-satisfaction? What is it that we are pursuing in this life?

Sometimes I ask myself that when I am too overwhelmed with things on earth.

Life offers so many alternatives of things for us to glorify. For us to put a crown on it. But I guess in God, it comes so naturally, gracefully and spontaneously for us. Like that image of drops of water which just naturally,gracefully and spontaneously form a crown. If you love His Words, do His Will, we will find glory in Him and will in the end be glorified because of Him.

This hymn is particularly touching to me, this evening :

O that will be glory for me

When all my labors and trials are o’er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore,
Will through the ages be glory for me.

O that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me,
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, be glory for me.

When, by the gift of His infinite grace,
I am accorded in Heaven a place,
Just to be there and to look on His face,
Will through the ages be glory for me.

Friends will be there I have loved long ago;
Joy like a river around me will flow;
Yet just a smile from my Savior, I know,
Will through the ages be glory for me.

Such grace, such love, so that just to be near to Him, a look on His face and a smile from Him may be glory for us forever. Men try to find glories in worldly things in vain but let's by grace seek His face instead and feel the glory it brings with it for that is the eternal glory.

O for a Faith

O, for a faith that will not shrink,
Though pressed by every foe,
That will not tremble on the brink
Of any earthly woe!

That will not murmur nor complain
Beneath the chastening rod,
But, in the hour of grief or pain,
Will lean upon its God.

A faith that shines more bright and clear
When tempests rage without;
That when in danger knows no fear,
In darkness feels no doubt.

Lord, give me such a faith as this,
And then, whate’er may come,
I’ll taste, e’en here, the hallowed bliss
Of an eternal home.

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.

Luke 17:5-6

even David said in Psalm 56:3-4

When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
What can mortal man do to me?

Oh Lord, give us such a faith as that

in the garden

As ppl have noticed, making images like the above are one of my hobbies lately :p
Not only it makes me happy, it gives me more motivation to learn about His Words.
Yeay, hitting 2 birds with one stone !

Something interesting from Spurgeon :

Lead the Way

The Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail. (Deuteronomy 28:13)

If we obey the Lord, He will compel our adversaries to see that His blessing rests upon us. Though this be a promise of the law, yet it stands good to the people of God; for Jesus has removed the curse, but He has established the blessing.

It is for saints to lead the way among men by holy influence: they are not to be the tail, to be dragged hither and thither by others. We must not yield to the spirit of the age, but compel the age to do homage to Christ. If the Lord be with us, we shalt not crave toleration for religion, but we shall seek to seat it on the throne of society. Has not the Lord Jesus made His people priests'' Surely they are to teach and must not be learners from the philosophies of unbelievers. Are we not in Christ made kings to reign upon the earth? How, then can we be the servants of custom, the slaves of human opinion?

Exams are nearing, probably will not have that much time to update this blog with my own reflections and thoughts. I just hope that all the posts in this blog will not only be a reminiscing and memory tool for myself, but also be blessings for others. :)

Let me end with another image :

"Christianity has always insisted that the cross we bear precedes the crown we wear. To be a Christian one must take up his cross, with all of its difficulties and agonizing and tension-packed content, and carry it until that very cross leaves its marks upon us and redeems us to that more excellent way" Martin Luther King, Jr.

softly and tenderly

Come home, come home,
You who are weary, come home;
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!

I flipped open my hymn book this evening and chanced upon this hymn called "Softly and Tenderly". It brought me to reminisce the time when I was still back in Medan.

I grew up going to an English-speaking Methodist church and hymns from the Methodist Hymnal were sung every Sunday. I used to sing hymns loudly, maybe because I was proud that I could sing the notes correctly (thanks to piano lessons... -_-"). I did not exactly like them, some being boring and generally I perceived most as too traditional for me. However, some did catch my attention, like this one. I loved the tune it came with. And somehow, I liked the word "tender" and "earnest".

I love the tune to this hymn, but I guess I like the meaning of the songs even more.
I think the late world-renowned preacher, D. L. Moody agrees with me. On his deathbed, he took Will Thompson, the po­et-com­pos­er by the hand, and said, “Will, I would ra­ther have writ­ten “Soft­ly and Ten­der­ly Je­sus is Call­ing” than an­y­thing I have been able to do in my whole life.”

When I sung this hymn, I notice a pattern, probably what Thompson was trying to convey.
The first verse goes :

Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me
See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.

This paragraph contains a statement, how Jesus is waiting at the entrance, 'portals', watching for us, calling us, the lost ones. And it is a fact that we should know. I guess, here Thompson is trying to provide us with a fact that most of us sometimes forget when we get so engrossed and caught up with worldly and temporary things and lose our focus on what is actually eternal.

The second verse :

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading,
Pleading for you and for me?
Why should we linger and heed not His mercies,
Mercies for you and for me?

I think this second verse is rather powerful, especially with the questions asked. It moves on from giving us statements in the first verse to posing us with questions. It's somewhat like why are you doubting my first statement? Why should we wait when the King, the Most High One is requesting for us? wanting us? Why are we looking for momentary comfort, and delay ourselves from achieving the eternal one, when we need not even have to put in effort to look for it. The ageless comfort Himself is pleading for us with His loving mercies. I guess it's kinda true that it's human nature to make things more complicated. Something so precious, so important yet so simple, so effortless, so right-in-front-of-you. Yet we miss that out because we are too busy waiting and looking for those that are more logical, more rational according to us, to what our minds want. Aren't we just making our lives more difficult. Isn't life difficult enough?

The third one :

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.

Again, he gives us statement of what is going on and what will be going on. Those that according to the 2nd verse is waiting and lingering should wake up to the fact that when they are idle, time keeps going on. And of course, death 'that scary thing', is nearing.

The fourth one goes like this :

O for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.

Now, he puts an exclamation mark there. I guess it's like a wake up call for us or probably something to affirm us more. After making a scary statement at the 3rd verse,he affirms us , as if saying 'Don't worry! there's nothing to be feared of because in Him, there is Hope'. He's the Most High One, His power exceeds anything we know of or even what our small and limited mind can think of. So shadows and deathbeds are scary? Even Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:55-56 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
He has promised and it will never fail. And it is indeed wonderful. Why do you think He is softly and tenderly calling? Just look at his nail-pierced hands.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends
John 15:13

I am reminded of the parable of the lost son at this point. Jesus, like the father kept waiting for us to come home and rejoices, honors and even come towards them when the lost ones return. Seriously, I do not think I would even do what the father in the parable did if my son did all those to me. It is beyond what I can do and what my conscience allows me to do. It is just too difficult for me to understand. But indeed, God's grace is unfathomable. That's how deep His love is for sinners.

In the beginning, the prodigal son thought he will be free without the father, didn't he? Didn't he in the end find out how mistaken he is. That is exactly how limited our mind is if we do not turn our eyes on the cross, on Him. We build our own definition of freedom in our minds, "wild freedom" which in the end give rise to consequences which restrict us. How contradicting yet true. Personally, I learnt to start from God. What is the type of freedom that God has? The only way to achieve true freedom is to have a freedom like God's. According to Pak Tong, our God is a God who limits Himself at His own will. That, then is the true freedom. Unlike the uncontrollable freedom of the evil ones possess.

There will be no end to this post if I do not stop myself.

Signing off!

heirs of eternal life

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:3-7

rejoice in suffering

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5

I will not deny the fact that it is very hard to rejoice in suffering. Even small, insignificant ones. There just seems to be voices or thoughts inside that kept giving excuses not to rejoice in sufferings. Firstly, it is just a norm not to do so. Normal people do not rejoice in their sufferings. And secondly, well, people that suffer think that deserve to sigh, cry and complain over their problems, no matter how serious it is. Again, in this post-modern world, the significance of the problem depends on how you see it. And lastly of course, if you rejoice in your suffering, when can you get the comfort for it from others? how do the others know you're suffering inside if you rejoice.

Those thoughts are what exactly went through my mind. Why? because I am too caught up with myself, my feelings, my this and that, in short I am too selfish. I care only to look at sufferings with respect to my own point of views. I learnt too much from this world.

How different it will be if only I try, even for a very short time, to look at the suffering not as what destroys me but what will build me. And think of Jesus, whose sufferings when compared to what I was going through would make mine look like joyous times. He didn't even complain, because He knew He was fulfilling God's plan.

Think this :

Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. Hebrews 5:8-9

and this :

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13

Now, to think about it, shouldn't we be thankful for our sufferings?
Thankful that the Lord let us suffer, because He is a suffering God
Isn't it when we suffer, our circumstances let us understand our suffering God more.
Aren't we striving to be like Him?

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13

Be thankful that through our sufferings, we are made stronger because we lean on Him, our source of strength. Like what Paul wrote to the Romans, suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, which is the quality of being tested and approved, which then confirms our confidence that the glory we hope for will one day be ours.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

moment by moment

Dying with Jesus, by death reckoned mine;
Living with Jesus, a new life divine;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.

Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that He doth not share,
Moment by moment, I’m under His care.

Never a heartache, and never a groan,
Never a teardrop and never a moan;
Never a danger but there on the throne,
Moment by moment He thinks of His own.

Never a weakness that He doth not feel,
Never a sickness that He cannot heal;
Moment by moment, in woe or in weal,
Jesus my Savior, abides with me still.

Moment by moment I’m kept in His love;
Moment by moment I’ve life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine;
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am Thine.

I am thankful to be under His constant care

Abide With Me

I love the fact that there are so many more hymns for me to explore, to understand and to enjoy.
How satisfying to know that they are written solely for God's glory.

It has not been an easy day for me. How weak and vulnerable my faith is when I am physically weak and vulnerable. It's just as if I am so far away from God. Listening to the evil one, to complain, to sigh, to get emotional, to be angry, and most of all, not to lean on God.
However, my God is never weaker than the evil one. He's far far FAR above it. He comforts me. He lets me know that He's there, in my ups and downs. and He IS dependable. I end my quiet time today with this hymn, abide with me.

The hymn author, Henry F. Lyte's last words during his final hours on earth is "Peace! Joy!".
Knowing that he will soon see the Father. No wonder he can write such a powerful hymn.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide; 
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. 
When other helpers fail and comforts flee, 
Help of the helpless, O abide with me. 

We, the helpless, who can help us but Him.
The world tempts us with temporary help,
they will never end our call for help. Only in Him, it is possible.
Only when He abides with us, and us with Him.

I need thy presence every passing hour. 
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power? 
Who, like thyself, my guide and stay can be? 
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.


This verse is especially touching, and is so real for me today.
What am I without Him. What would my life mean.
Why should I live on.
And the evil one is easily defeated by Him.
He just will not let it control me.
I may fall, but He will be there to guide me,
and with Him, I will stay.

And to end this post :
I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;
ills have no weight, and tears not bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me. 
May we keep that in mind, that our fear, our ills,
our tears, the death and grave will have no more meanings,
no more power over us, if He abides with us.
May we hold on to this promise of victory from Him,
a victory which is already ours.
May we, like Abraham, who in situations against hope
yet still believed in hope.
The world may not seem to show God and His promise,
but let's not be weak in faith.
Instead, like Abraham in Romans 4:20:
"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding
the promise of God,but was strengthened in his faith
and gave glory to God"

a commitment

Today,
I made a commitment,
as God's children
to love and trust each other,
to show God's grace in one another,
to do His works, to reflect His glory
and above it all, to love and trust God all the more,
putting Him first in our lives.

No fanciful actions, no sweet but empty words,
nothing but a simple prayer to begin the journey.

I know that God was there
holding onto my hand and his hand.
And I know He will be there always,
to guide our way.

He not only watches me, He watches over me.

I am thankful for today. I am thankful for the painful, the sorrowful, the despair, the disappointment, the hope, the love, the joy, the fun, the enjoying moments today. Each and every event just reminds me that God is really watching over me. He's really taking care of me. Every single event has its own meaning and they all add up to serve His plan. Oh, how mysterious He is but His grace and kindness has let me, this unworthy creature to enjoy and experience Him in my life.

Thankful that God allowed tiredness and unwellness on me, He reminded me to always depend on His Strength, not mine.

Thankful that God allowed pain and sorrow, He reminded me to turn my eyes on Him, not myself.

Thankful that God allowed disappointment, He reminded me that I should always put my confidence in Him.

Thankful that God made me see my weaknesses even more, understanding myself through my relationship with Him.

Thankful that God is an ALMIGHTY GOD. I shall not fear the darkness. I shall not fear telling people that I'm a Christian. I shall not fear telling people about Jesus.

Jesus answered and said to him, "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this." John 13:7

Let me end this short post with this beautiful poem by William Cowper, the author of the hymn "God Moves in a Mysterious Way"

Sometimes a light surprises the Christian while he sings;

It is the Lord, Who rises with healing in His wings

In Holy contemplation we sweetly then pursue

The theme of God's salvation, and find it ever new

Set free from present sorrow, we cheerfully can say,

Let the unknown tomorrow bring with it what it may.

It can bring with it nothing but He will bear us through;

Who gives the lilies clothing will clothe His people, too;

Beneath the spreading heavens, no creature but is fed;

And He Who feeds the ravens will give His children bread.

Though vine nor fig tree neither their wonted fruit should bear,

Though all the field should wither, nor flocks nor herds be there;

Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice,

For while in Him confiding, I cannot but rejoice.

Sola Fide and Freedom

I was having my quiet time on Rome 3 and I am really challenged to write about this such that I will not forget. Not as if this is the first time I know about the doctrine about Justification by Faith Alone but I guess this time I can reassure myself more with verses from God's Word Itself.

While I was reading my study bible, I saw this small passage about "Justification and Merit : Why Does God Count Me as Righteous?". What struck me is that the Roman Catholic Church teaches that God counts believers as righteous at least partly on the basis of the good works they perform after they come to faith. Some forms of Arminianism likewise insist that even those who are forgiven on the basis of Christ's atoning death may yet go to hell if they do not continue in faith and good works, in cooperation with the grace of God.

How insulting it is to God, and what kind of god who have in the first place saved his people, will turn away from them if they do not continue in faith and good works?? If that kind really exists, is he even worthy to be called God? About that ,Rome 3:3-4 says "What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? Not at all!"

But how easy it is for me, to fall into the weakness of judging and criticizing others who are worse than me in terms of works, or behavior, or moral values. Not to say that I am very morally-inclined but really, how many times have I insult and sneer at people who do not uphold their moral values, those who disobey their parents, those who smokes, those who wear skimpy clothes to school, those who talk loudly in lecture theatre. Or even people who I should in fact respect? People like the choir assistant conductor who happened to insult Christianity. I failed to recognize the fact that I am no different from them, I am as low as them. We are all similar in God's presence, similarly sinful, for Rome 3:23 said "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and 24 continues by "and are justified freely by his grace…". If God has shown grace to the undeserving me, shouldn't I do the same as well for them? Shouldn't I be showing my love to them as well? If I love only those who did no evil to me, what then differentiates me from this fallen world? I do not even reflect His Grace in me, how can I reflect His glory then?

1 John 5:4 : " For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith."

And along with the theology class I had with Pak Billy Kristanto, in Rome 3:31 it is written that "Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law."

I guess many who see us Christians who stop looking for earthly pleasures, will put a bit of sympathy on us. My cousin, for example, refuses to believe in any religion, such that he will be free from the religious laws. How sad it is to think of those who still hold on to the idea of freedom that this world offer. Free yourselves, be creative, think differently. The challenge of this new era is exactly that. Freedom to interpret according to our likings. Everyone has their own notions of anything, don't be bounded by any walls. Even Bible is interpreted freely, wildly. What has this world become? Satan's huge feast. Isn't it then our crosses to bear, to fight this challenge? For what reason should we be afraid? Being light in the darkness, we are there to threaten its existence.

Rome 3:20 "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." Another point I get from this is that obeying the law doesn't make us righteous, but it is the existence of the law that we know our sinful nature."

Oh Lord, oh wonderful savior, hold us up, so we shall not be moved, give us strength as our day.

Make me a captive, Lord, and then I shall be free.

Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be.

I sink in life's alarms when by myself I stand;

Imprison me within Thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.

He Leadeth Me

"God's leadership is the one significant fact in human experience , that it makes no difference how we are led, or whether we are led, so long as we are sure God is leading us." Joseph H. Gilmore, author of the hymn

Psalm 23:3b

"… He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake"

I think I know how it feels. Many times I have experienced God's leadership, God's guidance in me. But many times I have forgotten about the importance, and how essential it is.

Yes, He leadeth me, He leadeth me, By His own hand He leadeth me.

Such a blessing, such amazing love, divine grace that God assured us, yet sometimes we fail to let him lead us.

We fall into the abyss of believing in our own strength, our own efforts.

We worry about our works, our studies, our possessions, our future, everything.

But think about this, while we were worrying our heads off on bed at night, millions of songbirds travel under cver of darkness, heading south. Somehow, they know their way. God has given them a state-of-the-art internal guidance system.

Luke 12

6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies^[a]? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 8"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.

22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

 27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

 32"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Another of my weakness is to worry about difficulties facing me, and escaping them. This song taught me much :

And when my task on earth is done, when by They grace the victory's won,

Even death's cold wave I will not flee, Since God through Jordan leadeth me

God's absolute guidance and leadership in the believers is not something to be doubtful about. It is truth in itself.

Therefore I will say :

His faithful follower I would be, for by His hand He leadeth me.

Oh Lord, teach me today to lean wholly onto you. Trust not in the strength of men but only in the strength of the Eternal and Faithful One. Remind me always that even though God's vision is not shown to everyone, no one believer will not know God's vision in them. Love so amazing, so divine, teach us to love You more and to love the world less. Teach us to humble ourselves and glorify you. Amen

 

hymns

The singing of God's praise is the part of worship most closely related to heaven; but its performance among us is the worst on earth.

This quote is by Isaac Watts, the author of the famous "Joy to the World" as well as "When I survey the Wondrous Cross".

This was said in the 17th Century.

Funny how it's still so applicable to our community these days.
And how, it is probably going from worst to something even worse than worst.

And how I just read someone's quote that "Music is is the language of God, and musicians are as close to God as man can be"

Fallen men. Music. God.

If we are talking about David, the author of many of the verses in Psalms, then I will agree to it. It is true that David was very close to God's Heart.

But what kind of music? Music is created to praise Him.
Music is now used to praise men. For men's pleasure. To soothe men. To emotionally stabilize men. How abused is music by fallen men.

I heard many shocking responses when I told people that I love hymns. I love listening to them. I love singing them. I love understanding their meanings.

I was once like those shocked ppl, I saw hymns as boring, monotonous. But it is just hard for me to turn back from hymns. How can I? when they are so rich with meanings, sincerity, written with profound closeness with God.
Both the tunes and the lyrics are so complicatedly rich. Understanding hymns, loving hymns, singing hymns are really God's Grace for me. What an irresistible grace. Sola Gratia, indeed.

powerful daily manna

James 4:6-8

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

prayers and comments

Jeremiah 29:11-13

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Oh Lord, teach us to trust in You with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding. For You have said that if in all our ways we acknowledge You, and You, the Almighty one will make our paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We give thanks and we sing praises to You. Your promises are real, and they will never fail.

I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.
Ezekiel 34:26

What are we without Your Grace, O God. In vain we labor, until You showered us with Your Grace, and like the hymn says, Your Grace is sufficient for us.
Teach us to see every day, every situation, be it good or bad, as blessings. Keep us near to You, so that we may know Your ways and walk in them.

Teach us to be humble.
We need Your grace to keep us humble.
Remind us of what Paul has reminded the Romans in Romans 12:3

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.

Remind us not to measure ourselves from what we are doing for You, but what we have received from You, what we are able to do because of Christ in us. Remind us that it is never about us, it's about Christ in us. Remind us not to boast about ourselves, but boast about Christ in us, the strong and holy One.

Amen

C.H. Spurgeon says,

"You may feat that the Lord has passed you by, but that is not so. He who counts the stars and calls them by their names is in no danger of forgetting His own children. He knows your situation as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made or the oly saint He ever loved. Approach Him, and be at peace."

Let us bear the cross while on earth. Bear it and rejoice, knowing that it will not be in vain.
Bear His Cross, and let us exchange it one day for a crown :)

Rejoice!

i am a poor wayfaring stranger

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
While traveling through this world below
There is no sickness, toil, or danger
In that bright world to which I go

I know dark clouds will gather o’er me
i know the pathway’s rough and steep
But golden fields lie out before me
Where weary eyes no more shall weep

I’m going there to see my Father
I’m going there no more to roam
I am just going over Jordan
I am going over home.

I’ll soon be free from every trial
This form will rest beneath the sod
I’ll drop the cross of self-denial
And enter in my home with God

I’m going there to see my Savior
Who shed for me His precious blood
I am just going over Jordan
I am just going over home,
I am just going over home

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
and the things on earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

I've been listening to this hymn over and over again.

We, christians, know that we should do that.
I know. You don't have to keep telling me this. I know.
But how often do we actually practise this?
Every minute every hour every day?

And when we claimed that we have done that,
do we get the same effect?
does the worldly things grow dim in a strange way?
and the only thing left is His glory and grace?

How easy it is to lose focus on God.
I'm speaking for myself here. I know, I want to, but how come I can't?
Are worldly things that overwhelming that they are then given a position above His?

I tell God : "Keep reminding me to turn my eyes upon Jesus!"
For really, I can't do this on my own.
Isaiah 44:22 says,
"I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,
your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me,
for I have redeemed you."

God is calling me to keep returning to Him whenever I lose my focus.

Matthew 6:31-32 says,
"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. "

Why should I be overwhelmed by worldly things?

Collosians 3:1-3 says,
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your^[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

What differentiate us, those who were already saved, and those who haven't?
a new life, raised with Christ, we aim higher, we hold on to the Promise.

How easy it becomes even for those of us who profess to be faithful followers of Christ to get caught up in the "things of earth," so that our heavenly vision and values become blurred and dull. We miss the real blessing of enjoying the personal fellowship of Christ Himself in our daily lives by being too focused on doing things for God, instead of God Himself.

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

I find the below words extremely powerful,
read and meditate on it.

"I've seen the face of Jesus... He smiled in love on me;
It filled my heart with rapture, my soul with ecstasy.
The scars of deepest anguish ... were lost in glory bright;
I've seen the face of Jesus ... it was a wondrous sight!
Oh, glorious face of beauty, Oh gentle touch of care;
If here it is so blessed, what will it be up there?"

I can't wait to meet Jesus face to face!

About Love

What you can see in the picture is basically the verses from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8,13

What has gone through my mind that I decided, out of nowhere, to write about this topic. A very sensitive topic, I would say, as everyone believed that they know what LOVE really is. Everyone seemed to have their own notions of what love is. Be it the feelings of I-just-can't-live-my-life-without-you, or probably I-would-give-the-world-to-you, most love songs we heard on the radio, all the way to the lust, the deep deep desire, the control of someone else's life, the sacrifice, possessiveness, and... there would just be no end to this.

What is love, really?

I want to write about this because I myself am so curious over what went wrong in my previous relationship. I know love can be applied not only to our boyfriends/husbands/life partners but... maybe I want to focus more on this first. Is there really love? or is it just using that someone to achieve my goals? or is it just another phenomena that teenager has to go through? Is it peer pressure? or am I just giving in to that someone such that I won't feel uncomfortable? I have spent months trying to look for the meaning of love. I have not fully comprehended it now. But I guess there are some things which are worth sharing here.

Firstly, I ask myself about my love for my Creator. Do I love God?

I started off analyzing this by my feelings. Do I feel things for God? Ugh, how do I feel for something/someone that I can't even see. Why would I do this, I guess we can get the answer from the first woman ever on earth, Eve. Why did the snake approach Eve, not Adam? because women generally judge by feelings, which then became a weakness that the snake used to cause the fall of mankind to the evil power.

Again I ask, do I love God? how do I know how to love God? I then came to an understanding of that here :

God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him

To know how to love God, is to first learn about how God has loved us. Though, I believe that we, limited sinners can never love God the way God has first loved us, I am pretty sure it is the way to learn how to love God. To understand that love through His Son, Jesus Christ who had died not only to pay for our sins but also to free us from the chains of the evil power, to restore our relationship with God. God doesn't love us because of His feelings or emotions for us. His love is purely unconditional, it is not because of who we are, the pureness of our life, for goodness' sake, He loved us even while we were still sinners! It is just because of His loving nature. Again, God is Love.

John 3:16, "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."

Romans 5:8,"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

How to love God?

Matthew 22:37, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

For me, looking at this verse alone, might be useful :

Exodus 20:3,""You shall have no other gods before me."

Putting God as our first priority, and as colossians 3:23 says "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men". Maybe the best way to put it is Christ Lordship, which happened to be the theme for a camp held in May.

Now back to my original question. So what is love?
I know these verses have been quoted like thousands of times, but to me, it is still the best definition of love I could find :

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.

Love never fails.

I've stopped searching for feelings. Many times I've been deceived by my own feelings. I used too much of them. Maybe the evil spirit is even using my own feelings against myself. How scary is one's feeling if uncontrolled! God's grace has opened my eyes to learn to understand love through Him, not through human emotions and feelings.

Love is not a spontaneous thing. It's not an accident, it is not an uncontrollable feeling. There's no such thing as love at first sight but I do believe in God's work in mutual/one-way attraction of men to women or vice versa.

I guess love is a step forward. It is the decision made to commit ourselves to being patient, kind, not envious, not proud, not arrogant, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs, delighting not in evil, but rejoicing with the truth. A decision made to always protect, trust, hope, and persevere. However not forgetting to love and serve Jesus Christ, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). In fact, it should be the main, most important thing in a relationship between man and woman.

We're living in this filthy world with heavy misuse of the term "love". Fallen men are so rationally limited that they equate love with emotions, lusts, feelings.

I believe that those souls that have not been saved do not know what love is, though they might claim that they do. They will never understand what real love is. Love which is not abused by fallen man. If they have not experienced God, God's love, the love for the unworthy, the unconditional love, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, how can they ever know love, which is God Himself?

1 John 4:7-11, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Try not to understand love from feelings, temporary emotions, that sort of things. Think of unconditional love. Love despite. Think of parents loving their children, it may be the nearest, though it will never be the same as God's love for us, for nothing will be.

Nice one

John Newton used to tell a whimsical story, and laugh at it, too, of a good woman who said, in order to prove the doctrine of election,

"Ah! sir, the Lord must have loved me before I was born, or else He would not have seen anything in me to love afterwards."

Psalm 2 : Another reflection

Read Psalm 2

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?
Darkness can never overcome light. There are no ways in which created,limited and polluted men can find a way to destroy God's plan. Thus it is in vain.
God chooses David in advance to be king. And there are rebels, other kings and their armies who gather together to stop that him from being king. If only they know that they are not waging war against normal human being, but against the Almighty God. And God's promise to David were fulfilled. He just needs to have confidence in God's promise.

God principally proves his faithfulness in this, that he does not forsake the work of his own hands, but continually defends those whom he has once received into his favour. - John Calvin

What I can learn from this passage, when I relate it to my life is that about the Promise of God. We have seen God's promise to David, to make him king, and it was fulfilled. And how God's promise Israel for a Saviour, and it was also fulfilled. We have observed the Old Testaments and how the are fulfilled in the New Testaments. Every single bit of our life has God's fingerprint on it. Slowly molding and shaping us into His perfect plan. And all we need to have is confidence in Him. Stop worrying, and start surrendering all to Him. Trust in His Great Plan. If we do not submit to Him, then we are just like the nations and the peoples who conspire and plot but in vain.

I've been listening to the tape about "the doctrine of salvation" and I point that I can relate to this is that whatever bad things that happens in our life, sufferings, pain, sickness, whatever that is the opposite of good, they are not good things in disguise. It's just that God is using good things, as well as those bad things to fulfill His plan in our life. And God will never fail.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose

And there's something we can learn from David too, the author of this Psalm. That he called himself the Anointed One, because he knew that his kingship was under God's command and authority. And He wrote this psalm also as a prophecy to the coming of Christ, the Son of God. He believes that his kingdom is a mere shadow of a greater kingdom whose king is Christ.

As usual, I would like to end off with words from Calvin, which we can still relate in this world we are living in. It might be a little bit lengthy, but I think every word speaks very clearly of God's message in this psalm :

Wicked men may now conduct themselves as wickedly as they please, but they shall at length feel what it is to make war against heaven. God is so far exalted above the men of this world, that the whole mass of them could not possibly obscure his glory in the least degree. As often, then, as the power of man appears formidable to us, let us remember how much it is transcended by the power of God. In these words there is set before us the unchangeable and eternal purpose of God effectually to defend the kingdom of his Son, of which he is the founder; and this may well support our faith amid the troublous storms of the world. Whatever plots, therefore, men may form against it, let this one consideration be sufficient to satisfy us, that they cannot render ineffectual the anointing of God.