I’ve always known David to be a ‘Man After God’s own heart’ but I never really understood what it meant until the past few lessons in our Bible Study. David, Son of Jesse, the line from which Jesus descended, was a perfect example of a person truly humble, respectful, and trusting of the Father. He always inquired of the Lord and only then he would move to a new direction.

Even if he knew that he would be king after Samuel anointed him, David was humble and patient enough to wait on the Lord and His perfect timing. He was respectful of Saul even if the King was harsh towards him. The latter’s numerous attempts to kill him did not hinder David from following God. He chose to wait and not fight back despite his strength.

David remained loyal to Saul, even in his death. David, the future king, chose to honor the dead king. He may have had many bad things to say about Saul but he only magnified whatever was admirable of Saul.

This humility of David is unbelievable but it is something you and me must emulate. That even in times of heartache, pain, and suffering, may we choose to say words that will bring glory to God. May only words of wisdom be uttered as they build up God’s people.

To love and live like Jesus is to let go of selfish ambition and pride. I have learned to value others other than myself. Putting others interests above mine even when I know of my rights and capabilities will, hopefully, make a difference in many of my relationships.

“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” (Psalm 119:2–3)

I know my faith but sometimes, it’s easy to pretend that you KNOW. I am not one to wander around but I have this new found love for The Word. My Bible Study group has been helpful to me in studying. I’ve been reading the Bible with much deeper understanding. I like that it’s systematic and organized. My mind is no longer cluttered and I actually get excited to receive new material every week. You get to study each book, each chapter, and each verse with fresh eyes…and with a heart that is purer…and with a mind that doesn’t over-analyze.

It’s true when they say that some people who grew up in church are those who take for granted their Christianity. I thought I already knew the Bible. I finished all 66 books when I was a teenager and memorized verses by heart. I’ve been active in church especially in my younger years and just before I got married. I grew up with my husband in Children’s Church. We got married in front of our churchmates. Even when I was pregnant, I was still leading praise and worship. My kid now goes to the same Sunday School. Up to now, I can recite several Bible verses almost automatically. Church and worship music have been part of my system for as long as I can remember.

But you know, there is so much to discover about God’s Word and His Being. No, I am not after extra-Biblical revelations…only those that are written, have been explored anew, and that actually came true.

It is written. Right there. In your Bible. Every word about your faith. Your being. Your future. This world. It’s there. So be grounded. Be rooted. In faith. In The Word. In the right doctrine. Don’t go looking elsewhere lest you want to be lost.

I don’t claim to know everything. I just know I should NOT stop learning, reading, and living The Word.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV)

I used to struggle with unforgiveness and resentment but the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus, that was shed on the Cross was a perfect reminder for me. The past years, God has shown me how Grace changes people, how Grace allows forgiveness, and how Grace gives New Life.

It is never easy to forgive and forget. Honestly, I am still living with consequences of my olds sins but that is part of the journey. Sometimes, the enemy would remind me of the old pain and rejection but looking up to the Cross enables me to hold my head up high. That is not to boast (because no one really can).

I have learned from a handful of people how to live, show, and share Grace. This grace, this unmerited favor, that kind of love you and I don’t deserve but was freely given to us. By whom? By Jesus Christ, the Son of God who became man. He became one of us, was rejected, cursed, scourged, unfairly judged, nailed on the Cross, died, and resurrected.

For what? For whom?

For you and me.
Sinful.
Broken.
Unworthy.

I used to, maybe sometimes I still do, easily judge people but Grace helps me to let go of the past, live in the present, and keep moving forward to a glorious future promised before me.

GRACE. It has always been a favorite word of mine. I pray you taste and see what’s so good about it.

Look to Jesus. Accept the truth that because of His great love for us, He sent forth His one and only Son to save you, a sinner, and be given a new life. Know that your sins can be forgiven. God can give you not just a new lease in life but a brand new one.

Don’t turn back. Don’t let death fear you because believing in the Power of the Cross can give you eternal life.

It’s the name of Jesus that makes all the difference. It’s the Greatest Love that makes things different.

Don’t just believe. Don’t be content in that “happy” feeling. Live your life according to The Word and not just the doctrines and traditions you know.

He is alive! Now, will you let him live in your life?

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–
you and your household.”(Acts 16:31, NIV)

A New Year marks the beginning of many things. It is also the time for us to look back at all the things that happened the past year. Last year was when I declared my word would be ‘Abide‘. I haven’t decided on a word for this year yet. God has not made an impression on me yet but just like last year, I want to offer a New Year’s Prayer.

My husband and I were asked to say our Prayer of Thanksgiving for God’s Generosity at our church today during the Candle Lighting Service. I completely forgot about it and only remembered when I was about to sleep last night. I quickly wrote a prayer and had it reviewed by my husband. I felt the words were not enough so I added a few sentences just before the service. I really asked God to give me the right words to say so that we would be able to bless Him and others.

Allow me to share with you our prayer. I’m making this my New Year’s Prayer too because honestly, God has spoken to me about generous giving a few days ago. What perfect timing! Was this a confirmation? I know this isn’t all about financial giving. Frankly, I do not know what else to give because I sometimes feel we only have enough. But God is gracious. I know in my heart that He will give us more this year so we can generously give to others. I’m not saying they’d be financial blessings but perhaps more of our time, resources, talents, and faith. I’m still clueless but I have faith that God will see us through.

Prayer of Thanksgiving for God’s Generosity

Lord, we praise and thank You for all that You are. We are grateful for the kind of Father You are to us– loving, forgiving, and gracious. We thank You for your generosity. Because of you we are living in love, joy, and abundance–not only materially–but of spiritual blessings and wisdom that only come from you–more blessings of peace, mercy, and grace.

We don’t deserve these things. There is nothing we’ve ever done that will make us worthy of what You have blessed us with. We thank You for Your grace, that amazing grace that sustains us everyday.

Your Word never ceases to amaze us. Our hearts flourish of thanksgiving for Your generosity in our lives. Thank You for giving us Your Word and Your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Grant us the strength and encourage our hearts–that we may bless others as you have blessed us. That we may show more of our gratitude to You through our generous offerings to our brothers and sisters. Thank You for your extravagant love and sublime generosity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!
(2 Corinthians 9:12-15, The Message)

All for Jesus. You say these words.

But these are nothing if you don’t go and live them out.

Put these words into practice everyday.

What would Jesus do?