Stumbled Upon 2

Just as I am blessed and will continually be so, I pray that you will also be touched, amazed, and humbled down by Jesus in here and here, too.

I love a risen and living King!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! 

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. 

This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

~1 Peter 1:3-5

Aren't you glad that we are loving and serving a risen and living King and Savior? 

I am. I really am. And I rejoice, shout, and leap for joy! Hallelujah to Jesus Christ, my Savior and King!

Thanksgiving Tuesday: Opportunities to Serve

Rain splattered hard on the van’s window and splashes of water rose up as we navigated a rough, asphalt road. Weather forecasts had been telling a really hot summer for our dear old country but for the time since summer has officially begun, it has always been like this: intense summer heat in one minute and cold hard rain in the next.

As I watched coconut trees and green fields, I was transported to another world, where traffic and decongestion do not exist. I felt far from the city yet I am just near; after all, we were in the next town from the city.

My concerns about legal opinions and pleadings had been temporarily removed and replaced by an excitement to see the kids and a protectiveness to keep the boxes in their right places. I spent a moment of prayer for protection and guidance to all of us and for God’s hands to work in the hearts of the kid-recipients and their families.

As we arrived in their almost-completed concrete church, the rain has gained a steady pour. We were greeted with the smiles of children and their mothers, all of them waiting patiently for us to distribute the Samaritan boxes. As names were called and a hundred boxes were distributed, I felt a sense of inexpressible joy and excitement of what the Father will do through the Samaritan boxes and a sense of thanksgiving for the opportunity to be a part of His ministry through His chosen children here on earth.

We spent a quick time to interact with the kids and headed back to the van again for the next church in the next town. My spirit was up though my body, battered by severe cough and colds the past days, was already screaming for food. I prayed for the sustaining grace of Jesus and focused instead on His work. And the ever-so-faithful Lord answered my prayer and after a hundred and forty boxes were distributed in such church, we headed back to the city and were generously treated for lunch.

Last night, as I was lying on my bed, I can feel my arms and back aching after carrying and piling those boxes without prior exercise (I’ve never been physically active but because my body is a temple of Christ, I am considering of going back to regular exercise again). I was tired and exhausted and I could feel the strain of being slightly drenched in the rain and sweat. But I praise and thank God to have been given a privilege to help in His ministry. It was both a privilege and an opportunity. And I am greatly reminded and blessed by the first verse from Psalm 115:

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us

but to Your name be the glory,

because of Your love and

faithfulness.”

Praises to My King!

The highest praise goes to the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit for the wonderful works in my life. Truly, God is a Repairer of broken lives, a Healer of all wounds. Indeed, He transforms trash into beauty and makes something new and wonderful out of the ashes.

By His grace, I have made decisions simply and completely out of sheer obedience to His words. My human nature would not have done those decisions but I am so glad that it is no longer I who live (though a lot of times I tried to wrestle the throne out of His dominion) but Christ lives in me. Making those decisions which were the exact opposite of what my self thinks was quite liberating. Yes, there is so much freedom when we obey our King!

And ever since then He has led me to greener pastures and quiet waters. I have seen women's lives transformed because of who He is. I have seen so much opportunities to share His love because His eyes are mine.

Most importantly, for the first time in the one year that I have worked, I can genuinely and heartily say that I love my job. And I know this is possible because He lives in me now--He has quelled my restless, doubtful and sinful self.

Oh how I love this beautiful exchange!

Thanksgiving Tuesday: Rebukes, Discipline and Godly Elders

All praises and thanksgiving to You--Almighty Father, my Savior Jesus, and the Holy Spirit within me.

Nothing and No One

Romans 8:38-39, NLT
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Well-assured. Amazed. In awe. Awestruck. Humbled down. Thank you, Jesus!

Thanksgiving Tuesday: God-sent Hope

I thank You, Lord Jesus, for the beauty which is starting to form from the trash I was in. I thank You for the new--yet so fragile but so dearly loved by You--slowly emerging from the ashes.

I thank You, Lord, because You are a God of Hope and Your Hope never fails. I can rest safe and secure in Your immutability and truthfulness.

I thank You Lord for Eric and Leslie Ludy and the Set-Apart Ministries You have wonderfully worked through and in them.

Much love. <3