Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
He Pays
Matthew 20:1-16
Landowner is God
Works are believers
Vinyard is the Kingdom of Heaven
Those who work the longest underneath the beating of the hot sun received salvation. Those who came last-probably didn't even have to face the sun-received salvation. Those who came in between received salvation. God extends salvation as payment for our willingness to come to Him. He pays us to believe in Him.
It is interesting that Jesus used the word, "pay". He pays us to believe in Him. He pays us to do the Will of the Father. He pays us to tell His story. He pays us to take care of our husbands. He pays us to raise our children. Then, He pays our children to pass on the torch. He pays. We don't work for nothing-and when we work out of love for Him, it isn't work. He made us. He can choose to treat us as slaves, and yet He chose to give us freedom and pays us.
Father, help us not to take Your gift of salvation for granted. Help us to understand that it is by Your grace alone that we can come before Your throne as children of the Most High God.
Landowner is God
Works are believers
Vinyard is the Kingdom of Heaven
Those who work the longest underneath the beating of the hot sun received salvation. Those who came last-probably didn't even have to face the sun-received salvation. Those who came in between received salvation. God extends salvation as payment for our willingness to come to Him. He pays us to believe in Him.
It is interesting that Jesus used the word, "pay". He pays us to believe in Him. He pays us to do the Will of the Father. He pays us to tell His story. He pays us to take care of our husbands. He pays us to raise our children. Then, He pays our children to pass on the torch. He pays. We don't work for nothing-and when we work out of love for Him, it isn't work. He made us. He can choose to treat us as slaves, and yet He chose to give us freedom and pays us.
Father, help us not to take Your gift of salvation for granted. Help us to understand that it is by Your grace alone that we can come before Your throne as children of the Most High God.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Freedom
“…Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” ~Matthew 15:28
Independence Day is a fine holiday to celebrate. Freedom is no small feat. It takes determination, faith, and belief-it takes breaking out of the traditional belief and practice. Freedom cannot be accomplished without wisdom and knowledge of the opponent’s plan of execution whether the battles are of the mind or body.
One extraordinary battle a woman had to fight was the answer to her request of healing for her daughter. She heard that Jesus, the Son of David, was in town. He was the one with the power to heal her daughter of the demon-possessed disease. So, she made the trip to see Jesus and presented her request.
Surprisingly, when she presented her request, Jesus ignored her. He just went on as though He didn’t hear her. Then, she asked again and again until He finally answered her by saying that “it’s not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” Hearing this, she acknowledged the fact that though she was not a Jew, Jesus was capable to give her blessings that many Jews did not claim.
One thing Jesus clearly showed me was that for centuries the Jews have been told they were the chosen race and they bluntly blurted it out to others. They believed it and preached it to the nations around them. They put themselves in pedestal: they were the chosen race after all. They were chosen and for them that meant that they were favored by God, not just any god, but the Sovereign Lord. They made sure that everyone around them knew about it-they were bragging. So, this Gentile woman came and wanted Him to heal her daughter of demon-possessed. And, Jesus, wanting her to know the truth, turned around and called her a dog. I would’ve been so offended-if I have just looked at the surface, but listen to this wise woman. She wasn’t taking anything that was reserved for the Jews. She simply acknowledged the fact that she understood the Lord has chosen the Jews as His chosen race and yet He was big enough to spare her the blessings which the Jews didn’t claim.
One thing Jesus wanted to hear from this Gentile woman was her verbal confession of the truth-although, the Jews were His chosen race for displaying His magnificent power, they were not the only one to receive His love and protection. For generations, this woman was repeatedly beat down by the Jews community that they were the chosen ones, not her. She was not worth it to receive His blessings, but she knew better. She presented Jesus with the truth that not every Jew claimed that promise, therefore, she could certainly take what they didn’t claim and Jesus granted her request at that. Jesus wanted to know whether she would choose to believe what the Jews told her or believe in Him who is the author of Life and freedom-from demon-possessed.
Today, millions of Americans celebrate Independence Day because our founding fathers believed that freedom was given to everyone, not just the British government. They were willing to pay taxes with representations, but they had none and with all their heart, our founding fathers believed they needed to break away from the tradition. They needed their freedom. They fought to gain their freedom.
What about you? Have you been imprisoned by the traditions of your mental education? Do you believe the things you were taught or told that you are not good enough, not smart enough, or in my case, not rich enough? Have you been told that you were destined to fail? Today, Jesus wants you to believe otherwise. He wants you to believe that He can set you free from the traditions of thoughts and beliefs. He wants you to know He is the way, the truth and the life. Take that chance, make the request, and be freed from your prison. Freedom in Jesus is truly free. Will you accept?
Jesus, Lord, thank You for this piece of truth. As we celebrate Independence Day, help us to remember that true freedom is found in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Independence Day is a fine holiday to celebrate. Freedom is no small feat. It takes determination, faith, and belief-it takes breaking out of the traditional belief and practice. Freedom cannot be accomplished without wisdom and knowledge of the opponent’s plan of execution whether the battles are of the mind or body.
One extraordinary battle a woman had to fight was the answer to her request of healing for her daughter. She heard that Jesus, the Son of David, was in town. He was the one with the power to heal her daughter of the demon-possessed disease. So, she made the trip to see Jesus and presented her request.
Surprisingly, when she presented her request, Jesus ignored her. He just went on as though He didn’t hear her. Then, she asked again and again until He finally answered her by saying that “it’s not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.” Hearing this, she acknowledged the fact that though she was not a Jew, Jesus was capable to give her blessings that many Jews did not claim.
One thing Jesus clearly showed me was that for centuries the Jews have been told they were the chosen race and they bluntly blurted it out to others. They believed it and preached it to the nations around them. They put themselves in pedestal: they were the chosen race after all. They were chosen and for them that meant that they were favored by God, not just any god, but the Sovereign Lord. They made sure that everyone around them knew about it-they were bragging. So, this Gentile woman came and wanted Him to heal her daughter of demon-possessed. And, Jesus, wanting her to know the truth, turned around and called her a dog. I would’ve been so offended-if I have just looked at the surface, but listen to this wise woman. She wasn’t taking anything that was reserved for the Jews. She simply acknowledged the fact that she understood the Lord has chosen the Jews as His chosen race and yet He was big enough to spare her the blessings which the Jews didn’t claim.
One thing Jesus wanted to hear from this Gentile woman was her verbal confession of the truth-although, the Jews were His chosen race for displaying His magnificent power, they were not the only one to receive His love and protection. For generations, this woman was repeatedly beat down by the Jews community that they were the chosen ones, not her. She was not worth it to receive His blessings, but she knew better. She presented Jesus with the truth that not every Jew claimed that promise, therefore, she could certainly take what they didn’t claim and Jesus granted her request at that. Jesus wanted to know whether she would choose to believe what the Jews told her or believe in Him who is the author of Life and freedom-from demon-possessed.
Today, millions of Americans celebrate Independence Day because our founding fathers believed that freedom was given to everyone, not just the British government. They were willing to pay taxes with representations, but they had none and with all their heart, our founding fathers believed they needed to break away from the tradition. They needed their freedom. They fought to gain their freedom.
What about you? Have you been imprisoned by the traditions of your mental education? Do you believe the things you were taught or told that you are not good enough, not smart enough, or in my case, not rich enough? Have you been told that you were destined to fail? Today, Jesus wants you to believe otherwise. He wants you to believe that He can set you free from the traditions of thoughts and beliefs. He wants you to know He is the way, the truth and the life. Take that chance, make the request, and be freed from your prison. Freedom in Jesus is truly free. Will you accept?
Jesus, Lord, thank You for this piece of truth. As we celebrate Independence Day, help us to remember that true freedom is found in Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Motherhood Privilege
As I reflect on my motherhood experiences, there were many hurtful moments because I didn’t appreciate my position as a mother. My love and my care for my children were genuine. But, I was overwhelmed with responsibilities with little understandings from others. I felt I was constantly misunderstood, mistaken, and mistreated. The harder I tried to be a good mother and wife, the more I felt less of me. I lost myself in the midst of motherhood and joy was nowhere in sight. I cried many times in front of my children and alone in my bathroom.
I called out to my Father in desperation and He answered me by changing me. He transformed my mind and my thoughts to look at my children and husband through His eyes. And, I saw love, patience, self-control, kindness, gentleness, joy, goodness, and faithfulness blooming around me. I cried alone, but this time with joy.
Along with joy came the response ability which enabled me to cling onto my Father and little by little, I found myself faintly reappearing and the dark cloud quietly disappearing. And, I am grateful that He made me realize before too late to enjoy my children. I just watched a home-made video of my middle daughter’s birthday and we had nothing on the table except, a home-made cake sloppily labeled with her name on it. But, the children were waiting with anticipation to eat the cake. And, they enjoyed it. The most important thing I saw in that video was health and the presence of all of us.
I learned that children may act like they want everything the world can give them and what their “rich” friends have, but at the end of the day, they always return to their mom for protection, healing, comfort, and wisdom. Though, I am a little short of the above, it comforts me to receive their hugs with love. I realize that being a mother is a privilege, not a burden.
Happy Mother's Day, my friend.
Father, thank You for the privilege of motherhood. Thank You for placing me in the company of joy, peace and love.
I called out to my Father in desperation and He answered me by changing me. He transformed my mind and my thoughts to look at my children and husband through His eyes. And, I saw love, patience, self-control, kindness, gentleness, joy, goodness, and faithfulness blooming around me. I cried alone, but this time with joy.
Along with joy came the response ability which enabled me to cling onto my Father and little by little, I found myself faintly reappearing and the dark cloud quietly disappearing. And, I am grateful that He made me realize before too late to enjoy my children. I just watched a home-made video of my middle daughter’s birthday and we had nothing on the table except, a home-made cake sloppily labeled with her name on it. But, the children were waiting with anticipation to eat the cake. And, they enjoyed it. The most important thing I saw in that video was health and the presence of all of us.
I learned that children may act like they want everything the world can give them and what their “rich” friends have, but at the end of the day, they always return to their mom for protection, healing, comfort, and wisdom. Though, I am a little short of the above, it comforts me to receive their hugs with love. I realize that being a mother is a privilege, not a burden.
Happy Mother's Day, my friend.
Father, thank You for the privilege of motherhood. Thank You for placing me in the company of joy, peace and love.
Friday, April 10, 2009
He Who Has Ears
I awoke to a gentle knock on my bedroom door. “I’m coming,” I said as I slipped out of bed, realizing that my children have day camp at my friend’s church. Another knock came shortly after, and I repeated, “I’m coming, just get ready.” I scrambled around to look for my sweat pants and went towards the bathroom, the third knock came. Again, I said, “I’m coming. You guys just get yourselves ready.” Just as I entered my bathroom door, another knock came louder than the first ones, and it aggravated me, so I yelled out, “I’m coming, GO get ready.”
“See, Pretty,” said Princess.
When I came out of my room, I peaked into the girls’ room and surprise to see them sitting comfortably on their bed with their PJs still on. I said, “What are you doing? You knocked my door and I told you to get ready, why are you still not dressed?”
“Well, I knock on your door, and I didn’t hear anything,” said Pretty.
“She told me to do it,” Princess said pointing straight at Pretty.
“Just get ready,” I pouted.
I thought about how many times we cry and beg Jesus to come into our aid, and we never take the time to listen to what Jesus said. We demand for His attention, but never take the time to listen and hear His directions. We stand there and watch for Him to come out to help us, take us to our destination, but, we’re not ready. Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9).
Jesus was teaching in parables and required the attention of His listeners. Were they paying attention to the details of the parables? Did they even hear Him or were they on dreamland? Are we any different than His disciples? We’re knocking, but are we listening? Or are we like Pretty and knocking without hearing?
Today, if you’re waiting on God to answer a prayer, put your hope and faith together, and listen, perhaps, the answer has already been given, and all you got to do is act. You don’t have to keep on knocking. Trust and obey. He is on His way to take His part in your life. But, are you ready? Are you prepared to take your part to meet Jesus?
“See, Pretty,” said Princess.
When I came out of my room, I peaked into the girls’ room and surprise to see them sitting comfortably on their bed with their PJs still on. I said, “What are you doing? You knocked my door and I told you to get ready, why are you still not dressed?”
“Well, I knock on your door, and I didn’t hear anything,” said Pretty.
“She told me to do it,” Princess said pointing straight at Pretty.
“Just get ready,” I pouted.
I thought about how many times we cry and beg Jesus to come into our aid, and we never take the time to listen to what Jesus said. We demand for His attention, but never take the time to listen and hear His directions. We stand there and watch for Him to come out to help us, take us to our destination, but, we’re not ready. Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9).
Jesus was teaching in parables and required the attention of His listeners. Were they paying attention to the details of the parables? Did they even hear Him or were they on dreamland? Are we any different than His disciples? We’re knocking, but are we listening? Or are we like Pretty and knocking without hearing?
Today, if you’re waiting on God to answer a prayer, put your hope and faith together, and listen, perhaps, the answer has already been given, and all you got to do is act. You don’t have to keep on knocking. Trust and obey. He is on His way to take His part in your life. But, are you ready? Are you prepared to take your part to meet Jesus?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Pray for my friend's family
To all who may come across this, please pray for this lady I wrote about on my previous entry. She passed away yesterday. Pray for the family. It has been a very difficult journey for them. I do not know of their spiritual background. But, I do know that she loves the Lord and I know she's up there looking down.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Cherish Our Loved Ones
“See, I have engraved you in the palms of my hands, and your walls are ever before me.” ~Isaiah 49:16
At the beginning of March 2009, my uncle passed away due to cancer. It was emotionally draining because he was my closest father figure. Even now, I think about him often and the chance I lost in loving him. I regretted all the times I spent in resentment toward him for something he didn’t do for me long ago. When he passed away, all that came to my mind was all the good he was. And, although I tried to hold back, tears gushed out. The funeral was emotionally moving.
Two Sundays ago, a lady in our Sunday school class who has been battling cancer came with exclamations of joy for no cancer was found in her body. She was so happy she came to Sunday school just to tell us the Lord has healed her and she had nothing but gratitude to express. It was moving for me, because I kept on thinking about my uncle when they told him that he was cured, and, a week later he was gone. However, my heart moved to joy and I was filled with tears for all the good the Lord was doing all around me.
But, today I witnessed her unmoving body in ICU. No life was apparent and her family was present. I witnessed the tears her daughters shed and the sorrows they showed, I felt powerless, I stood there motionless and tried to speak, but no word would be of comfort to them. I spoke to her and asked her to fight for her daughter’s sake. I said, “I don’t know if you could hear me, but I came to visit you…I want you to fight for your daughter’s sake, for the sake of those who have been praying for you, and for my sake. I’ve been encouraged by your courage and strength. I may be selfish, but I want you back for a little longer. Please, come back.” As, I spoke her daughters sobbed and their uncle stood by. I prayed for her and one of her daughters ushered me out to the waiting room to meet the rest of the family members.
I left physically, but my thoughts were digging for answers to comfort her family and what will happen to her. I was deeply moved by what I saw, I lost track of my directions. I have no idea of the directions I came and I had to ask the workers of the hospitals for help, they ushered me out of the building.
I continued to wonder and contemplate on her condition. What will happen to her and how soon before I know the outcome? “Lord, help her. Please, comfort her daughters.” As I started my car, my mind shifted to my mom. What would I have done if that was my mom lying there?
Then, I thought about my aunt. What has happened to her and how is she doing without my uncle? So, I reached for my phone and called my aunt. No answer. And later on, I called my mom. The sound of her voice seemed to bring some comfort into my heart.
As I hung up with her, I continued to wonder about how often we forget to treasure the presents God gave us. He wrapped and decorated each present-our loved ones in their special characters, and no other present or person can replace this particular one. How have I showed my loved ones my appreciation of their presence in my life? Have I fully expressed my love to them? When our friendships on earth end, will I cry cries of regret or sing with joy?
As I wondered on, all the blessings the Lord has brought into my life rushed into my mind. He reminded me of the verse He gave me last year, “See, I have engraved you in the palms of my hands, and your walls are ever before me.” Just knowing that He is in total control and He sees my every move brought comfort to my heart.
Today, if you find yourself wondering on and on as I did, rest assure that you are engraved in the palms of His hands and your walls are ever before Him. There is not an inch in your life that happens without His knowledge. If you accepted Christ as your personal Savior, you are permanently engraved in His hands and all your ways are before Him. Some experiences are harder to bear than others, but He is still in control. He knows. And, He promises to supply ample ways for you to overcome your challenges.
God bless you!
At the beginning of March 2009, my uncle passed away due to cancer. It was emotionally draining because he was my closest father figure. Even now, I think about him often and the chance I lost in loving him. I regretted all the times I spent in resentment toward him for something he didn’t do for me long ago. When he passed away, all that came to my mind was all the good he was. And, although I tried to hold back, tears gushed out. The funeral was emotionally moving.
Two Sundays ago, a lady in our Sunday school class who has been battling cancer came with exclamations of joy for no cancer was found in her body. She was so happy she came to Sunday school just to tell us the Lord has healed her and she had nothing but gratitude to express. It was moving for me, because I kept on thinking about my uncle when they told him that he was cured, and, a week later he was gone. However, my heart moved to joy and I was filled with tears for all the good the Lord was doing all around me.
But, today I witnessed her unmoving body in ICU. No life was apparent and her family was present. I witnessed the tears her daughters shed and the sorrows they showed, I felt powerless, I stood there motionless and tried to speak, but no word would be of comfort to them. I spoke to her and asked her to fight for her daughter’s sake. I said, “I don’t know if you could hear me, but I came to visit you…I want you to fight for your daughter’s sake, for the sake of those who have been praying for you, and for my sake. I’ve been encouraged by your courage and strength. I may be selfish, but I want you back for a little longer. Please, come back.” As, I spoke her daughters sobbed and their uncle stood by. I prayed for her and one of her daughters ushered me out to the waiting room to meet the rest of the family members.
I left physically, but my thoughts were digging for answers to comfort her family and what will happen to her. I was deeply moved by what I saw, I lost track of my directions. I have no idea of the directions I came and I had to ask the workers of the hospitals for help, they ushered me out of the building.
I continued to wonder and contemplate on her condition. What will happen to her and how soon before I know the outcome? “Lord, help her. Please, comfort her daughters.” As I started my car, my mind shifted to my mom. What would I have done if that was my mom lying there?
Then, I thought about my aunt. What has happened to her and how is she doing without my uncle? So, I reached for my phone and called my aunt. No answer. And later on, I called my mom. The sound of her voice seemed to bring some comfort into my heart.
As I hung up with her, I continued to wonder about how often we forget to treasure the presents God gave us. He wrapped and decorated each present-our loved ones in their special characters, and no other present or person can replace this particular one. How have I showed my loved ones my appreciation of their presence in my life? Have I fully expressed my love to them? When our friendships on earth end, will I cry cries of regret or sing with joy?
As I wondered on, all the blessings the Lord has brought into my life rushed into my mind. He reminded me of the verse He gave me last year, “See, I have engraved you in the palms of my hands, and your walls are ever before me.” Just knowing that He is in total control and He sees my every move brought comfort to my heart.
Today, if you find yourself wondering on and on as I did, rest assure that you are engraved in the palms of His hands and your walls are ever before Him. There is not an inch in your life that happens without His knowledge. If you accepted Christ as your personal Savior, you are permanently engraved in His hands and all your ways are before Him. Some experiences are harder to bear than others, but He is still in control. He knows. And, He promises to supply ample ways for you to overcome your challenges.
God bless you!
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