But I trust

Psalms 13:2

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?  How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Let me just indulge in a rare post of emotions because this verse simply speaks what I'm feeling. In a rare show of emotions, I must say I am quite overwhelmed. Doesn't help to discover the emo song by Chris Medina and understand the moving story behind the lyrics of his song. 

Life's really interesting, if interesting can indeed be the right word to be used to describe what I'm trying to say. 

One moment life is smooth sailing and packed with activities, then it takes an about turn and our emotions go all over the place. I enjoy the rare emo moments when I indulge in tear-jerking japanese tragic movies, but the older I get, the harder it is to face up to life when it comes my way and not on my terms.

I'm very independent, hardened and have always been distanced from most of life's bad news. So, I never imagined that I would struggle with endless arrays of thoughts because those important to me are all hurting. The past few days, as I limp about life with my inner man hurting, my physically body exhausted from unrestful sleep, I can't help but chuckle at how life can make an unpredicatable abrupt turn from the routinal days of past to the present days of fighting for hope.

I've never had many prophesies in my life and I've never felt disappointed with the very few that were told to me. It did teach me to cherish the rare few that I've inscribe in my heart. Someday, all the seeds that I've spent the best years of my life nurturing will grow up into magnificant giant trees and I will sing the Lord’s praise, and proclaim that He has been good to me. 

M.

God is Able

On Sunday, Timothy told me to check out this song by Hillsong Australia. I've never heard of it, but the song's text brings strength for the week's journey. 

God is able
He will never fail
He is almighty God
Greater than all we seek
Greater than all we ask
He has done great things

God is with us
God is on our side
He will make a way
Far above all we know
Far above all we hope
He has done great things

Lifted up
He defeated the grave
Raised to life
Our God is able
In His name
We overcome
For the Lord
Our God is able

Greater than all I can hope or dream of, my God is able.

M.

Give God glory

Psalms 50:15

Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.”

I learned from reading Max Lucado that all our pain have a purpose. Our problems, struggles, heartaches, and hassles cooperate toward one end—the glory of God.

Times when we wrongly feel like a pawn in his hands, we must turn our eyes to remember the value He places on one soul. We are not pawns that God abuses. Nothing comes into our lives without His approval and God will use whatever he wants to let us know that He is there with us for all of life's journey. Through it all, we will also see His glory and in return, give Him glory.

Nothing is ever made to crush us and defeat us, because as children of the living God, our very breathe exalts His glory.

M.

 

Above all else- guard your heart

Proverbs 4:20-27

My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead;fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. 

These will be the last words of my mouth at my death bed if I had a chance to say my last words to everyone whom I've taught. 

It's the wisest advice one can have to ensure that we walk well-defined lives leading to heaven. To me, it's not just a 'do this', 'don't do that' advice, but one of simplicity because we are so easily distracted by all life brings about.

Sure, there's lots to accomplish, dreams and interest to pursue, and pleasure to enjoy. By all means, do what you must with God's approval. Above all else, I implore you to guard your heart. For all you do will flow from it.

M. 

The name of Jesus

Psalms 20:7

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 

There are days that I don't sleep well and I'm learning to just meditate on the name of Jesus. Limited as it may seem, this is the name that is above all names and I have full confidence that as I cry out His name, all will be well. Then, without much struggle, in the midst of my meditation, my mind rests and I end up falling asleep.

If only I knew of this truth when I was a young boy. It was terrifying to be up late in my grandma's house when I was to be asleep and ready for school the next day. So stressed was I over my insomnia that I would rub medicated oil on the areas near my eyes to sting my eyes soI would have no choice but to close my eyes in pain and, often, cry myself to sleep.

Circumstances have changed since, but fears that grip me and keep me awake are still present. In my darkest nights and weakest moments, I trust in the name of Jesus because in Him alone, I place my trust. My heart and my mind may fail, but in His name, I find rest.

M.

We belong to God

Romans 14:8

“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

The context of Romans 14 was intended for us to take stock of ourselves so those who were strong in faith didn't judge the weak over matters of disputable nature.

I was reminded this weekend that our Lord walked amongst the prostitutes and thieves/tax-collectors. I am really blown away for His ability to love beyond the labels that were cast at these whose life were despised by regular folks.

I love the fact that God's mercies and love are so vast that they are simply incomprehensible to the human mind. It's great to be assured that we belong to the Lord and His love is agape.

M.

Be confident.

Psalm 27:3

Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

All things flow out of God's purposes. Even when catastrophes dominate the day and When global conflicts increase, we must remember that these are birth pangs preparing the way for a whole new, wonderful world.

The world is at the stage of end times, many more issues will arise and troubles will come our way. But it isn't time for us to crumble or stumble. It's time to revisit the truth that we are powerful by our spiritual birthright. May we have the strength and fervor to confidently walk ahead instead of being stuck in a rut.

M.