praise the Lord in good & bad times

Blessed Be Your Name
by Matt Redman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkkjC13PHs8

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave & the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised." (Job 1:20)

hope in the midst of suffering

source : Daily Wisdom
poem contributed by : John Knighton
date : 15 Apr 2009

Jesus is alive!

I can’t tell you how to act
I can’t tell you how to be,
All I can tell you, is what
God has done for me.

I can’t tell you how to feel,
I can’t tell you how to talk,
All I can tell you, is how
God has changed my walk.

I can’t tell you how to think,
I can’t tell you how to pray,
All I can tell you, is that
God is there every single day.

I can’t tell you there’s no hurt,
I can’t tell you there’s no pain,
All I can tell you, is that
God remembers and knows your name.

Through all the hardships we endure,
Through all the joy and sorrow we survive,
All I can tell you, is this,
that Jesus is Alive !

the value of teachers

Teachers' Day is still many months away. I hope the story below will encourage all you teachers out there .......

Source : thought-for-the-day (http://www.tftd-online.com/)
Writer : Pastor Alan Smith
Date : 25 Mar 2009

There is a beautiful legend about a king who decided to set aside a special day to honor his greatest subject. When the big day arrived, there was a large gathering in the palace courtyard. Four finalists were brought forward, and from these four, the king would select the winner.

The first person presented was a wealthy philanthropist. The king was told that this man was highly deserving of the honor because of his humanitarian efforts. He had given much of his wealth to the poor.

The second person was a celebrated physician. The king was told that this doctor was highly deserving of the honor because he had rendered faithful and dedicated service to the sick for many years.

The third person was a distinguished judge. The king was told that the judge was worthy because he was noted for his wisdom, his fairness, and his brilliant decisions.

The fourth person presented was an elderly woman. Everyone was quite surprised to see her there because her manner was quite humble, as was her dress. She hardly looked the part of someone who would be honored as the greatest subject in the kingdom. What chance could she possibly have, when compared to the other three, who had accomplished so much? Even so, there was something about her - the look of love in her face, the understanding in her eyes, her quiet confidence.

The king was intrigued, to say the least, and somewhat puzzled by her presence. He asked who she was. The answer came: "You see the philanthropist, the doctor, and the judge? Well, she was their teacher!"

James wrote, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers" (James 3:1). He points out that teachers will be judged more severely. He could just as easily have said that teachers have a greater responsibility, a greater challenge, a greater opportunity to affect the lives of people in a negative way. It is impossible to teach without using words, and with greater use of words comes a greater danger that the words will do harm.

But thanks be to God that there are those who face that challenge and assume that responsibility and make a diligent effort to use their words as an opportunity to affect the lives of people in a positive way. Those of you who are teachers -- who can begin to measure the tremendous effect that you are having in the lives of the children (and adults) in your classrooms? You may not see the results of your efforts for years. In fact, you may never get to see the results. But you do make a difference.

Those of you who are schoolteachers are teaching not only the basics of education, but you are teaching values and character. Those of you who are Bible class teachers are filling the minds and hearts of our children with stories of faith that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Those of you who are preachers are strengthening the family of God and bringing salvation to the lost.

So, my hat is off to all of you who are teachers because you make a difference!

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach." (Romans 12:6-7)

when God tests us

Source : KneEmail
Editor : Mike Benson
Date : 25 Mar 2009

YOU MIGHT ASK, "Why does God need to test us...?

Doesn't He know everything, including what we would do in every situation?" Yes, God knows--but we don't! God doesn't test us in order to find out something He doesn't already know. He tests us so that we can learn about ourselves and His love, power and faithfulness.

In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac on a mountain in the land of Moriah. Isaac was Abraham's only son by his wife, Sarah -- the son God had promised to Abraham. By demanding that Isaac be sacrificed, God seemed to be nullifying His covenant of making a great nation out of Abraham. How could God's promise be fulfilled if Isaac was dead?

God tested Abraham to reveal whether or not Abraham truly trusted His promise. Yes, God knew what Abraham would do, but He wanted Abraham to know as well. So God put Abraham to the test -- and Abraham passed it. As Abraham raised his knife to sacrifice his own son, God stopped him and provided a sacrificial ram instead.

THOUGHT : Every test involves obedience in one way or another. When God tests us, He reveals the true state of our hearts. (Os Hillman)

"Test me, O Lord, and try me,
examine my heart and my mind."
(Psalm 26:2)

what's most important in life?

Source : Daily Wisdom (http://www.dailywisdom.com/)
Contributor : Daphne Harrington
Date : 12 Mar 2009

the lily & the bluebird

Once upon a time there was a beautiful lily. This lily had a bluebird friend who used to perch on a nearby fencepost and visit with her nearly every day. Together they enjoyed observing the rancher and his family who owned the place where they lived. They watched as, day after day, the rancher and his family worked tirelessly. Though their ranch was profitable and their hard work admirable, the conversation the friends overheard and the things they observed were curious to the pair. It seemed the more profitable the ranch became, the more the family thought they needed.

The bluebird made an observational flight over the rancher's domain, "You know, lily," he said upon his return, "All their hard work is really paying off. They have increased and improved this place substantially in the last few years."

"I know," replied the lily, "But have you also noticed that along with their increase they have less and less time for each other. They have all but quit going to church, and I hear them arguing more and more. And come to think of it," she observed, "I used to see the farmer and his wife taking long walks. Sometimes they walked together, hand in hand and at other times I used to see each of them taking time out of their busy days for a stroll alone in the woods, talking with the Lord. Nowadays however, they are too busy for that."

The bluebird chimed in, "Now they've turned the management of the farm over to the farmhands and have both taken jobs in the city in order to earn even more money so they can keep up the possessions they already have."

"Yes, and they've also bought a second home in Florida so they can have a nice warm place to live when it gets too cold here," said the lily.

The bluebird heaved a mournful sigh, "Lily," he said, "When the rancher and his family went to church, do you think they heard how the Heavenly Father told them to take a close look at you and me and to observe the secret of simplicity in how He takes care of His creatures? It seems to me they are complicating their lives instead of making them better."

To all this, the beautiful lily replied, "Why is it that people go to school and study textbooks and learn many great things, yet they aren't smart enough to read God's textbook on life and apply it?"

"Yeah," said the bluebird, "Then they too could fly and be free."

(You can read more about the Lily and the Bluebird in Matthew chapter 6.)

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them ......... See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these ....... Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matt 6:26, 28-29, 34)

feel like giving up?

I used to read RBC's Our Daily Bread as my daily devotional until I switched to RBC's Our Daily Journal since its debut in 2008. ODJ is written for the more spiritually matured Christian (that's my opinion) as its writings are deeper & more thought-provoking. I will like to share what I read today.

#1 and done

Source : Our Daily Journey devotional
Writer : Tom Felten
Publisher : RBC Ministries
Date : Thur 10 Mar 2009
Bible Passage : 1 Kings 19:1-15

"I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life." (1 Kings 19:4)

"I was at the end of the road. I leave with my head held high.”

Tennis star Justine Henin expressed those thoughts during a press conference last year —announcing her immediate retirement from the sport. All athletes eventually hang up the sneakers, but not when they’re just 25 years old and ranked No. 1 in the world!

So why did Justine quit? Personal struggles off the court in 2007 and performance struggles on it during 2008 were likely contributors to her early career closure.

Not many of us will play professional tennis. But we all identify with Justine Henin’s desire to quit. Whether in a difficult relationship or struggling with a dead-end job or depression, we can feel like giving up.

Just ask Elijah. He knew that sinking feeling.

Shortly after the prophet experienced the amazing intervention of God in defeating the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38-40), he was seriously ready to call it quits. Why? A ruthless queen named Jezebel had threatened to kill him (19:2). Things weren’t going his way, and pride caused him to think he shouldn’t have to endure this personal attack (vv.10,14).

So Elijah bolted for the wilderness. Feeling defeated and deeply troubled, he prayed, “I have had enough, Lord. . . . Take my life” (v.4). God responded by tenderly feeding him (v.8), sheltering him (v.9), and teaching him (vv.11-13). His “gentle whisper” (v.12) of instruction revealed that He sometimes does things in amazing ways and other times in quiet ways. God then sent Elijah back to finish the work—Jezebel or no Jezebel.

Are you discouraged today because God hasn’t “come through” in a big, amazing way for you? Be still and turn your eyes to Him. He will help you keep going — though He may choose to do it in a quiet, unexpected way.

press on heavenward

Source : KneEmail
Editor : Mike Benson
Date : 9 Mar 2009

Goal

It was a fog-shrouded morning, July 4, 1952, when a young woman named Florence Chadwick waded into the water off Catalina Island.

She intended to swim the channel from the island to the California coast. Long-distance swimming was not new to her; she had been the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions.

The water was numbing cold that day. The fog was so thick she could hardly see the boats in her party. Several times sharks had to be driven away with rifle fire. She swam more than 15 hours before she asked to be taken out of the water. Her trainer tried to encourage her to swim on since they were so close to land, but when Florence looked, all she saw was fog. So she quit ...... only one-mile from her goal.

Later she said, "I'm not excusing myself, but if I could have seen the land I might have made it." It wasn't the cold or fear or exhaustion that caused Florence Chadwick to fail. It was the fog.

THOUGHT : Many times we too fail, not because we're afraid or because of the peer pressure or because of anything other than the fact that we lose sight of the goal.

By the way, two months after her failure, Florence Chadwick walked off the same beach into the same channel and swam the distance, setting a new speed record, because she could see the land!

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which
God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

compassion

How do you show compassion to someone who "falls into a pit"? It could be someone you know who has fallen critically ill or who has met with a misfortune or who has fallen into hard times.

We are familiar with the Parable of the Good Samaritan told by Jesus in Luke 10:30-37. Below is the modern-day version of this parable.

A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out.

A Christian Scientist said, "You only think that you are in a pit."
A Pharisee said, "Only bad people fall into a pit."
A Fundamentalist said, "You deserve your pit."
A Charismatic said, "Just confess that you're not in a pit."
A Methodist said, "We brought you some food and clothing while you're in the pit."
A Presbyterian said, "This was no accident, you know."
An Optimist said, "Things could be worse."
A Pessimist said, "Things will get worse!"

Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.

That is the essence of Christ and of His compassion.
That is the spirit of Christian compassion.

"For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near
the grave.
I am counted among those who go down to the pit;
I am like a man without strength." (Psalm 88:3-4)

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud & mire;
He set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalm 40:2)

living with adversity

In a small village in Shandong, China lives a woman without arms who makes her way through adversity and found her happiness in life.

The strong determination of this amazing woman to live a normal life despite her handicap is very inspiring. If you think life is tough for you, think again. If she can do it, so can you.

Simply click on the following link to watch this moving story :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GNzBFnUAdo

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth
comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Rom 8:18)

15 things God won't ask

God won't ask what kind of car you drove,
but will ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.

God won't ask the square footage of your house,
but will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won't ask about the fancy clothes you had in your closet,
but will ask how many of those clothes helped the needy.

God won't ask about your social status,
but will ask what kind of class you displayed.

God won't ask how many material possessions you had,
but will ask if they dictated your life.

God won't ask what your highest salary was,
but will ask if you compromised your character to obtain that salary.

God won't ask how much overtime you worked,
but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.

God won't ask how many promotions you received,
but will ask how you promoted others.

God won't ask what your job title was,
but will ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

God won't ask what you did to help yourself,
but will ask what you did to help others.

God won't ask how many friends you had,
but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.

God won't ask what you did to protect your rights,
but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.

God won't ask in what neighbourhood you lived,
but will ask how you treated your neighbours.

God won't ask about the colour of your skin,
but will ask about the content of your character.

God won't ask how many times your deeds matched your words,
but will ask how many times they didn't.

When there is nothing left but God,
that is when you find out God is all you need.

just checking in

A minister passing through his church
in the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar
and see who had come to pray.

Just then the back door opened,
a man came down the aisle,
The minister frowned as he saw
the man hadn't shaved in a while.

His shirt was kind of shabby
and his coat was worn and frayed,
The man knelt, he bowed his head,
then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed,
each noon time came this chap,
Each time he knelt just for a moment,
a lunch pail in his lap.

Well, the minister's suspicions grew,
with robbery a main fear,
He decided to stop the man and ask him,
'What are you doing here?'

The old man said, he worked down the road.
Lunch was half an hour.
Lunchtime was his prayer time,
for finding strength and power.

'I stay only moments, see,
because the factory is so far away;
as I kneel here talking to the Lord,
this is what I say :

'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.

I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,
BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS JIM
CHECKING IN TODAY.'

The minister feeling foolish,
told Jim, that was fine.
He told the man he was welcome
to come and pray just anytime.

Time to go, Jim smiled, said 'Thanks.'
He hurried to the door.
The minister knelt at the altar,
he'd never done it before.

His cold heart melted, warmed with love,
and met with Jesus there.
As the tears flowed in his heart,
he repeated old Jim's prayer :

'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, LORD,
HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND EACH OTHER'S FRIENDSHIP
AND YOU TOOK AWAY MY SIN.

I DON'T KNOW MUCH OF HOW TO PRAY,
BUT I THINK ABOUT YOU EVERYDAY.
SO, JESUS, THIS IS ME
CHECKING IN TODAY.'

Past noon one day, the minister noticed
that old Jim hadn't come.
As more days passed without Jim,
he began to worry some.

At the factory, he asked about him,
learning he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried,
but he'd given them a thrill.

The week that Jim was with them,
brought changes in the ward.
His smiles, a joy contagious,
changed people were his reward.

The head nurse couldn't understand
why Jim was so glad,
When no flowers, calls or cards came,
not a visitor he had.

The minister stayed by his bed,
he voiced the nurse's concern.
No friends came to show they cared.
He had nowhere to turn.

Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up
and with a winsome smile.
'The nurse is wrong, she couldn't know,
that in here all the while."

"Everyday at noon He's here,
a dear friend of mine, you see,
He sits right down, takes my hand,
Leans over and says to me :

'I JUST CAME AGAIN TO TELL YOU, JIM,
HOW HAPPY I HAVE BEEN,
SINCE WE FOUND THIS FRIENDSHIP,
AND I TOOK AWAY YOUR SIN.

I ALWAYS LOVE TO HEAR YOU PRAY,
I THINK ABOUT YOU EACH DAY,
AND SO JIM, THIS IS JESUS
CHECKING IN TODAY.'

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only Jesus is a True Friend who will leave His footprints in your heart.

the holy alphabet

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
X-alting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to anyone according to what He has done. I am the Alpha & the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." (Revelation 22:12-13)

a piece of cake

A little boy is telling his grandma how everything is going wrong.....school, family problems, severe health problems, etc.

Meanwhile, Grandma is baking a cake. She asks her grandson if he would like a snack which, of course, he does.

"Here, have some cooking oil."
"Yucks!" says the boy.

"How about a couple raw eggs?"
"Gross, Grandma!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"
"Grandma, those are all yucky!"

"Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves, but when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!"

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why he would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

"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." (Romans 8:28)

shoes in church

I showered and shaved.....I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat.....In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer..... As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me.....Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side.....I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine.....But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: 'Our Father'.....I thought, 'This man with the shoes has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched.....Even worse, there are holes on the side!'
'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on....The shoe man said a quiet 'Amen.'
I tried to focus on the prayer.....But my thoughts were on his shoes again.
Aren't we supposed to look our best.....When walking through that door?
'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought.....Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended.....And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud.....Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters.....His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear.....The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering..... And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached.....Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out.....What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft 'clink'.....As when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me.....To tears, and that's no lie.
It was the same for the shoe man.....For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service.....As is the custom here.
We must greet new visitors..... And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow.....And wanted to meet the shoe man.
So after the closing prayer.....I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark.....And his hair was truly a mess.
But I thanked him for coming.....For being our guest.

He said, 'My name's Charlie.....I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'
There were tears in his eyes.....But he had a large, wide grin.
'Let me explain,' he said.....Wiping tears from his eyes.
'I've been coming here for months.....And you're the first to say 'Hi.'' '
'I know that my appearance.....Is not like all the rest.'
'But I really do try.....To always look my best.'
'I always clean and polish my shoes.....Before my very long walk.'
'But by the time I get here.....They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'

My heart filled with pain.....And I swallowed to hide my tears.
As he continued to apologize.....For daring to sit so near.
He said, 'When I get here.....I know I must look a sight.'
'But I thought if I could touch you.....Then maybe our souls might unite.'

I was silent for a moment.....Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison.....I spoke from my heart, not my head.
'Oh, you've touched me,' I said......And taught me, in part'.
'That the best of any man.....Is what is found in his heart.'
The rest, I thought..... This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am.....That his dirty old shoe touched my soul.

"My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus,
don't show favouritism." (James 2:1)

the power of appreciation

source : Daily Encounter by Dick Innes (http://www.actsweb.org/)
date published : 15 Jan 2009

"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." (Hebrews 3:13)

In "Character Counts" Michael Josephson shares how the students at Sandy's high school were badly shaken by the news that a classmate had just committed suicide. He left a note saying, "It's hard to live when nobody cares if you die." Realizing this was both a traumatic event that needed to be confronted and a teachable moment, a teacher talked to the students about how important it is that people feel valued. So, he told them to imagine they were about to die. Then he gave an assignment: "Write a note to tell someone how important he or she is to you."

Sandy, who had a rocky relationship with her mother, was especially moved by the idea that she might die without telling her mom how important she was, so she wrote a note: "We've had some rough times and I know I haven't been a very good daughter but I know I'm lucky to have you in my life. You are the best person I've ever known. Thanks for not giving up on me." She told her mom about the assignment and gave her the note. Her mom cried and hugged Sandy but said little.

The next morning Sandy found a note on her mirror. "Dearest daughter," it said, "I want you to know how much you are valued. Being your mother is the most important thing in my life. The truth is I've felt like such a failure I was seriously considering ending it all. I thought you'd be better off without me. Your appreciation makes my life worth living."

Be careful not to underestimate the power of expressed appreciation. As Sandy learned, it can make a big difference.

nothing can separate us from the love of God,
sockkim

strength from storms

source : Daily Encounter by Dick Innes (http://www.actsweb.org/)
date published : 9 Dec 2008

"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 & complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

"The strongest trees grow not beneath the glass of a conservatory or in the sheltered and sunny valleys. The stoutest timber stands on Norwegian rocks, where tempests rage and long, hard winters reign." (Encyclopedia of Sermon Illustrations)

I've never been to Norway nor have I felt the hard, long winters there, but I have lived where winds blow furiously. When planting young trees, it was important not to stake them too tightly. Staking them loosely (when they were little), the winds caused them to develop and deepen a strong root system they needed to stand the powerful winds when they had grown. We had some trees break, but none ever fell. And where they were broken, they grew again, strong and healthy.

Life's like that. If we overprotect our children when they are young, they will not be equipped to withstand the challenges of life when the winds of adversity strike. And, as adults all of us need the storms of life to help us grow and become healthy and strong in character—or we can allow them to make us bitter rather than better—but that choice is ours.

nothing can separate us from the love of God,
sockkim

work in progress

We are a work in progress,
A piece of clay in the Potter's hand,
Molded and shaped by dire stress,
According to the Master's Plan.

Like a diamond in the rough,
Forged by fire to make it tough,
Or the rosebush that refuses to bloom;
Blossoms abundantly when it is pruned.

At times when things are going our way,
We neglect to take much time to pray.
It’s the hardships that we trod,
Which draw us closer to our God.

Trials and problems are the tools
That the Potter decides to use,
To chisel and refine the piece of clay,
Forming and shaping it His own way.

The piece of clay sometimes resists,
The Potter's firm but loving touch,
Which is when the Potter insists,
"This piece of clay is just too much!"

Trials and sufferings are meant to build,
Our character into the image of God,
At times we fail to see the good,
For trials are often misunderstood.

These trials we may not understand,
Failing to see that it's God's hand,
Working to produce in us,
More fruits unto righteousness.

Some burdens we can’t comprehend,
And feel the need to tell a friend,
"Share them with Me," the Lord does say,
"I'm waiting for you to come and pray.”

As the Potter continues to correct,
The resistant clay that He doesn’t reject,
Persistently working to soften that clay,
It finally yields to the Potter's way.

So the Lord works in our life,
As we go through toil and strife,
When we yield in faith and prayer,
We receive blessings from our Savior.

nothing can separate us from the love of God,
sockkim

just remember

When you think you're alone
In the middle of the night
When you've just had an awful dream
And you're shivering with fright
You lie there alone and scared
And wonder if anyone cares
If you look into your heart
You'll always find Me there

Sometimes life is just too hard
And you need to get away
You need someone to talk to
Who will listen to what you say
Someone who will let you know
That they'll always be there
When you can't find anyone
Just remember that I care

When there is nowhere else to go
You can always come to Me
I promise that I'll be there
In your greatest hour of need
I'm sure you can find Me
If you take the time for prayer
When the whole world seems against you
Just remember that I care

(author unknown)

nothing can separate us from the love of God,
sockkim

my story (3)

my loneliest night

I came home to a very quiet & lonely apartment. There was no one I could talk to. Lord, where are You?

Tears rolled down my face. I felt so lost & lonely. I tried to make sense of what was happening. I couldn't believe I had succumbed to the very illness I had worked so hard to avoid all these years. I had seen how my late sister had struggled & suffered when she had breast cancer 18 years ago. Haven't I followed the healthy lifestyle as prescribed by health books? Then how come I still have cancer? What has gone wrong? What stage is my cancer? Will I die? How long more can I live? What should I do now? There were so many questions but no answers.

I knelt down beside my bed in desperation. I cried out to the Lord. I questioned, I pleaded, I implored. I told God I was scared. I prayed, "Lord, I don't know what to do but my eyes are on You." I was on my knees for hours, with my Bible before me. I didn't sleep the whole night. I could sense the Lord's presence in my loneliest moments. God saw my anguish, my pain, my fears. I asked the Lord for a Bible verse to assure me He would be with me all the way. I opened my Bible & this verse caught my eyes :

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." (Psalm 73:26)

God spoke to me. I heard Him. God had given me His word. God promised He would be my Strength & my Portion forever. That was sufficient. That was all I needed to know - that God was with me & I was not alone. God's words gave me comfort. God's words gave me assurance. God's words gave me hope against all hope. I ended my prayer, "Lord, no matter how hard or uncertain the journey, I know I can trust You all the way."

I lifted myself up. I felt much strengthened. I was ready to begin my journey with cancer. God had assured me He would fight this battle for me. This battle belonged to God. The battle would be fought not in my strength, but in His strength. If God is with me, what do I fear? The words of the psalmist came to my mind, "When I am afraid, I will trust in You......in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can 'cancer' do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4)

I spent the wee hours of the morning sending emails to all my contacts. Although tired & hungry, I felt I was ready for the battle ahead of me. God had strengthened me. God had comforted me. God had assured me. I was confident I would win the battle against cancer in the Lord's strength. God is Sovereign & is in full control of my life. I submitted myself to the Lord's will.

The journey into the unknown had just begun. The worst was yet to come. In the coming weeks & months, I suffered the most agonising pain in my life

........ to be continued in the next instalment.

Lesson : God is strong when we are weak.
When we are at the lowest point in our life, only God's strength is sufficient to sustain us. God is strongest when we are weakest.

Application : What will you do when your burden is so heavy you feel you can't carry on anymore?

nothing can separate us from the love of God,
sockkim

my story (2)

"What? Nose cancer?"

In early July 2006, after less than 2 weeks of swimming lessons, my left ear developed an unusual ringing sound. I stopped my swimming lesson immediately.

I had a strange feeling something was wrong with my left ear. Maybe water had gone into my ear & it should clear, I thought. When it didn't get better, I went to consult a doctor who prescribed ear drops for infection. But my left ear not only grew worse, it was now blocked. I couldn't hear clearly. I became very concerned. I was referred to an ENT specialist. A biopsy was done on 8 Aug 2006. The result confirmed a malignant tumour behind the nose. I was told I had nose cancer.

The news came as a shock to me. It had started as an innocent ringing sound on my left ear. How could it turn out to be cancer? How could a small problem turn out to be so serious? It just didn't make sense to me. Everything was fine just one month ago. How could things change so fast within a month? I never had problems with my nose before -- no bleeding, no sinus, no running nose. How could I possibly have nose cancer? If it had been breast cancer, I think I might have believed it more easily as my sister had breast cancer. But nose cancer? I wished it was all a dream but it was not. The report was right before me. I had been diagnosed with nose cancer.

I was very calm when the ENT doctor broke the devastating news to me. I was too shocked to cry. But the doctor had tears in her eyes. She probably felt guilty as she knew that her ENT team at Alexandra Hospital had failed to do a proper diagnosis of my ear problem. They had time & time again dismissed my fears as unfounded. They kept telling me my ear problem was a "common problem for people your age". It was only after I had made a lot of noise & insisted on more tests to be done that a biopsy was finally performed. And the biopsy result was something they had never expected.

When I came out of the doctor's room, I appeared strong & composed as I walked towards my 3 friends who had come unannounced to be with me. God must have sent these angels although I wanted very much to be alone. They brought me out for dinner. But the minute I reached home that night, when I was all alone in my apartment, I broke down in tears.

............ to be continued in the next instalment.

Lesson : God works behind the scene to protect & care for His own.
Imagine this scenario. If I had not moved into this new apartment, I would not have signed up for swimming lessons. If I had not taken up swimming, I might not have discovered I had cancer until much later. Can you imagine what will happen then?

Application : How will you trust God when things don't turn out the way you had expected?

nothing can separate us from the love of God,
sockkim