The Best Is Yet To Come

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he,
I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Isaiah 46:4, NIV

I want to be a better person day by day. I know, it's not easy. So I try to learn something new everyday, read more articles, do many things needed, and mostly, read my Bible.

You know what, at some point I thought that life pressure would beat me down. There were times I couldn't see God and even I wasn't able to sense His presence. Seriously. I know, you may think that I'm a little bit exaggerating or yeah.. something like that, but it is true. I am telling you the truth. I have been feeling so abandoned, forsaken, lonely and empty. Although I keep reading my Bible as long as I can. Although my family has been so nice and has never abandoned me in real meaning.

Yeah.. you may be bored reading my murmuring and complaining post. But hold on.. Through that circumstance, slowly but sure I began to feel that God has really been watching me. He started to make a move for me. Slowly. I don't know how to say it, but I sensed that God always works in slow motion for me. In many times, He even made delays in many parts of my life. Perhaps He also works that way in this circumstance. God only knows..

My Bible reading for these past 3 days has brought me some enlightenments. There were verses that I've known so well suddenly showed up and sounded like I've never heard before. Things started to be revealed for me. And I thank God for it. I just have to learn that God makes everything beautiful in His time. Not my timing, but His. Oh, I have to admit, it's so hard to keep up with God's plan. It's not really fun to give yourself up for Him can take the lead without knowing where your journey is heading to. No, it's not easy for somebody like me who always wants to see the reality before believing. But probably, through this way I supposed to learn that I have to believe Him even though I don't see anything.

Probably, like Abraham, against all hope, I have to dare to trust God what only God could do in my life. The verse above was one of what I heard God said clearly to me. He will sustain me even to my old age. Isn't it wonderful? If you ever felt abandoned or forsaken, you must be understood the power of this promise. By then, I know I'm in progress. I just won't to be stuck in wherever I am. I want to make a move with Him. I want this life to always be in progress with Him. If I'm not able, I know He'll make any big leap or any breakthroughs or anything needed for my growth.

Yeah.. this isn't life I signed up for, but I still hope and keep hoping for the best. For the best is yet to come.. :).

Day 1 -- Got A Soft Reminder!!!

Today has been in good mood. Everything seems to be okay. Hopefully it will last forever, at least till I finish this 'journey'.

My reading was taken from Proverbs 6 this morning. I use to read 5 chapters of Psalms, 1 chapter of The Proverbs, some of The Old Testament and some of The New Testament everyday. So far, verses that resonated with me was from Proverbs 6:9-11.

9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest-

11 and poverty will come on you like a bandit
and scarcity like an armed man.

Oh my.. maybe this is the first thing I need to work up in my life. Yes, I hate to admit this but it's very true. I'm a real procrastinator, like to spend my time doing something I like, not something useful. This verse has been haunting me all day long, you know! Eventually, I conclude that God is preparing me to receive His blessings. But I need to change first before I can take it from Him.

Yeah.. however, The Bible is God Himself, so I have to follow whatever He wants me to do. I'm re-evaluating my life right now, so if there's something I need to change, therefore it must be me!

I missed my french toasts and a cup of coffee, the breakfast menu we use to have here. Oh, can't believe I could do it willingly.. :)

When I watched 'The Answer' -a TV program which broadcasts Christianity programs- (it was like a coincidence -I'm not a TV lover!- but I believe that there's no coincidence in God! He has set and planned everything perfectly!), the hosts were talking about life calling that got me think. So far, I've been so confused about my life calling. Have no idea. Then the host said that to find our life calling, we can ask to ourselves, what our passions are, in which way we can bless other people, and what thing you really enjoy doing it, even though any other people say it's pretty hard to do.

Yeah, honestly, writing has been my passion. Every time I write, I sense God is smiling to me and working through me in His strongest power. I loooove to write and anytime I read my writings, I can sense something wonderful fills in my heart. I know for sure where they come from (they were granted to me from heaven!). I know my life is fulfilled then. It brings me a wonderful joy I can't explain. I always be grateful anytime people emailed me or messaged me, told me that my writings had inspired and encouraged them. You know, it has always been a joy, joy, joy, joy (once is not enough! -smile-) in my heart.

I don't know what's next. Let Him guide me through His Holy Words. Look forward to know what's in His heart for me (after the 'soft reminder' from Prov 6:9-11!)

Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening..

HE CAN USE ANYTHING, HE CAN USE US, TOO..

Have heard a great testimony this evening. About a man, who comes from a small town in our country, ever did a huge mistake, rejected by many people, and given up his life to Jesus, so God has been using him not only in the city where he lives, but to all over the world.

Yeah, think that I often limiting God by seeing my circumstance. I often think that circumstance does matter. My knowledge, my skills, my abilities, and any attribute of mine will do, but I know now that it's wrong. Circumstances and any attribute we have do matter only if we count on ourselves, not God. If we look at Him Who owns everything, we'll see that all that matters is Who is inside us, and Whom we walk with on our life's journey. It's all that really matters in our lives. And it's enough.

We can be weak. Sometime silly, sometime do ridiculous things, fail here and there, be disappointed, be broken, and get through any difficulties we can't handle. Yes, we can't do it by our power, but we have a Mighty God, and it does make a difference. Ones can make differences by their willingness to pursuing God's will for their lives, do whatever it is and dedicate themselves for God's glory.

Thank God for allowing me hear this testimonial. I do really need it! There are times in my life I suppose that I need to see evidences (oh, I ashamed to admit it but it's true.. how little my faith can be sometime!). And I am thankful for meeting so many inspiring people in my life. I became known that no matter who we are, as long as we are in God's hand, we can be something useful for His kingdom. I always want to do something great in my life. I don't like to be quiet and relax and stay in my comfort zone. No, I wanna do something for Him, but so often I loose my mind and get out of track.. :)

I do believe now, if God can use any other people, He can use me, too. As He could use Noah, Moses, Abraham, Apostle Paul, Billy Graham or even Benny Hinn, He can use me if I'm willing to give Him my heart..

If You can use anything Lord, I believe that You can use me.
Prove to Your people that You are alive in my life.
Lord, I'm available to You.
I am waiting to be used.
Take my hands and my feet.
If You can use anything, Lord,
come on and use me..

The Waiting Game

Faith and patience issue have always grabbed my attention.
Here's a devotion I've just received this evening that wrote about faith and patience. Although we often read any devotional about the same issue, we could always have different perspective on it.

Here's the article...

It is never fun to wait, is it? Most people simply detest it. That is why so many of the products we buy are instant: Instant Coffee... Instant Pudding... Instant Potatoes... Instant Oatmeal... Instant Whatever! We simply do not have more than an instant to wait! Many people I know tap their foot in impatience when their leftovers are being reheated in the microwave oven, wondering when on earth their food will finally be warmed and ready!

Now when it comes to the things of God, you and I can throw out the microwave. God does not have a microwave, He has is a crock pot. God tells us that it is through faith and patience that we inherit His promises. If you and I are going to see God do great and mighty things in and through our lives, we MUST be patient and wait on Him and His timing.

Make no mistake about it; waiting on God is one of the hardest things to do. Often, we believe God and trust God for a miracle... but we want it NOW! In our waiting, we can easily get stressed out, frustrated and disillusioned, thinking God does not care about us... for if He did, He would act, and He would act NOW! But the truth of the matter is this: God is never late and never in a hurry. He is always right on time. He has grace to help in time of need. He says to us, "Wait on Me, and I will answer in mighty power at the proper time... and the perfect moment." The one who believes God... and waits on God... is the one who receives from God.

TAKE IT FROM ABRAHAM

Abraham and Sarah were promised a son. They were old and childless when the promise came. Obviously, they were excited and ready for God's promise to come to fruition.... but they had to wait 30 years before God gave them Isaac. 30 Years!! The Bible says, "Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he [Abraham] did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was also able to perform" (Rom. 4:20-21). God taught Abraham so much as he waited on God to perform the miracle of Isaac. He strengthened Abe's faith in the waiting room... and then blessed his socks off with a special son of promise. Did it take some time? Yes! Was it worth it? Certainly!

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Have you gotten tired of waiting for your miracle? Tired of waiting for Mr. or Ms. Right? Tired of waiting for your healing... or your deliverance... or your promotion... or your dream? Have you given up on your promise from God? Pick up the towel you have thrown in and get back in the waiting room! Add patience to your faith. God's promise to you will come to pass in His timing... and you will be so glad that you waited for it!


Resource: Christianity.com or fromhisheart.org
PS: Both are very interesting sites!

surprise

NBC news anchor John Chancellor once quipped, "You want to make God laugh, tell him your plans." God has much greater ambitions for us than we have for ourselves. He laughs at our paltry plans, then plots to surprise us with the greatness of his grace.

Author C. S. Lewis referred to God's extravagant nature when he said, "You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage? God wants to make of your life a palace!" Of course, we have to learn to live with the rain while we're waiting for our skies to clear up and God's glory to be revealed. But rest your hope upon the grace that will crown your life when Jesus' plan unfolds. With the touch of a button he will draw you under the protection of his umbrella where you can enjoy sunny skies forever (see Job 42:7-17).

Resource : Zondervan Inspires

Knowing God's Will

I've just found this article from anchoryourlife.com

Have you known about God's will in your life already? If haven't, simply check this out. May this article be useful in helping you more about knowing God's will.

Knowing God’s Will:

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. (NIV) James 1:5-8

Prerequisites to Knowing God’s Will: Total commitment to do the will of God! That means no second guessing God and doing what you think best!

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV) Romans 12:1-2

If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. (NIV) John 7:17-18

The Primary Way of Knowing God’s Will is through God’s Word! God’s Word will never contradict God’s will. Be totally obedient to the precepts and principles in the Bible. If you don’t know God’s Word, dig into it and you will find His will!

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (NIV) Joshua 1:8

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV) 2 Timothy 3:16-17

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV) Psalm 119:9-11

He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him." (NAS) John 14:21

Secondary Ways of Knowing God’s Will:

1. Prayer
2. Godly Counsel
3. Circumstances
4. Desires
5. Common Sense

Prayer:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV) Philippians 4:6

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (NIV) Matthew 7:7

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (NIV) Psalm 32:8

Godly Counsel:

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. (NIV) Proverbs 12:15

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. (NIV) Proverbs 19:20

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. (NIV) Colossians 3:16

Note: Godly counsel means godly counsel, not good opinions from nice people! Godly counsel comes from God which means that a godly counselor is one who knows the Word of God, is spending quality time with God in prayer, and is living a godly life. I’ve seen too many people follow counsel from someone who is religious, but not godly, and they end up on the wrong path! So be careful who you choose to listen to!

Review:

Prerequisites to Knowing God’s Will: Total commitment to do the will of God!

The Primary Way of Knowing God’s Will is through God’s Word! God’s Word will never contradict God’s will.

Secondary Ways of Knowing God’s Will:

1. Prayer
2. Godly Counsel
3. Circumstances
4. Desires
5. Common Sense

Circumstances:

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. (NIV) Romans 8:28

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, (NIV) Ephesians 1:11

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (NIV) Genesis 50:20

Desires

...for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (NIV) Philippians 2:13

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
(NIV) Psalm 37:3-4

Common Sense - God has given us a mind!

The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. (NAS) Proverbs 16:9

After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you-- for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. (NIV) 1 Corinthians 16:5-7