Sunday, October 03, 2010

Courage

"The courage required to face our fears will not come to us because we are brave but because we know we are loved." ~ Helen Cepero, Journaling as a Spiritual Practice - encountering God through attentive writing.

Really should have known this, but as I read this line, I realized I don't!! (Head-wise maybe, heart-wise and life-wise, not yet.) Courage does not come out of us, but firstmost our God, who is trustworthy, faithful, loving, and unchanging. He may also through others, communities we are in, to give us courage. As I'm facing with fears of losing, fear of unable to be in control, where am I finding the courage to cope, to face, and to live on in life? I do turn to God, but not fully submit or fully embracing Him, still struggling to see what's in me to face the challenges. God is more than enough for me is not simply a line of lyrics, it really is a fact. Fact that no matter what, He still loves me and I'm still loved!

How do I truly grasp it and live it? How do I let God minister others through me? The "how's" are still the question. With increased awareness, I am praying that God will let me be more alert to His moves both in and out of my life~~

No matter where you are in your journey, may you be reminded that you are loved by the Creator God today and always, may you have the strength and courage to face the uncertainties, the challenges ahead of you.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

A different kind of worship~~

I praise God for a very different kind of "worship" today -- it is different not because of the environment or music ... but the way He acts unexpectedly.

Was deeply distressed and hurt this morning. Even after a long time of quietness alone in car in the parking lot, I still couldn't calm down. I was a bit frustrated, for I want to worship God, but don't seem I was able to for I was broken.

When I walked into the building finally, a few closer friends saw me and tried to ask what's happening, and my tears rolled down again, failed to utter any words. Thus, I decided to sit at the very back for I think I couldn't worship, so I'll simply "tag along" this event as a "bystander."

Yet unexpectedly, each song touched me deeply and reminded me of God's love. It is God's touch to me that He is there, He is still there. Especially the response song, "The pair of invisible hands." The preacher first gave us a video of a choir's presentation of the song, the choir is from a tribe in Taiwan, and all members are orphans, they were being rejected and left alone for many different reasons. It is really touching and a great witness of our wonderful God. Then praise team led us to sing this song together. Having calmed down through sermon, I thought I'd be able to sing along and give Him the praise He deserves, yet after the first half sentence, I couldn't help but cried again ...

In terms of "doing," I failed to do anything in this worship. Didn't sing, read, or pray audibly at all. I seemed to have excluded myself, yet God gently invited me in by kneeling down, comforting me and bless me! ("Barek" - a root in Hebrew that means bless and kneeling down, how meaningful!)

It is true that worship is people's work to praise and please God, yet God never excludes those unable to come close to Him, instead He enables them~~ My God is amazing, and His grace and love is abundant -- more than enough, yes more than enough!

"The pair of invisible hands" -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHl3YEiJo9k
My translation of the lyrics:
Though can't see You, Though can't touch You
But I know that You are whispering in my ears
Oh Lord Jesus, oh Lord Jesus
I truly know that You are always here with me

It is Your hand, the pierced hands
Comfort my broken, weary heart once again
It is Your sweet voice, Your most tender words
Fill up my thirst and hunger deep down my soul

Monday, January 04, 2010

A Great Privilege

Praise the Lord for giving me a great privilege to witness His transforming power in people's lives and how they can be blessings to others which creates a wonderful community!

Today, I witnessed a change in a 10-year-old little girl. As I was giving praise, God led me to realize the change is not only in the 10-year-old, but her whole family!

I still vividly remember couple years ago in our church's missions conference where I helped introduce some Christian organizations to the children. I learned this one fascinating and amazing story of this organization that greatly testifies the power of the Gospel (how a lame beggar was healed and now he's serving God faithfully in that village spreading the Gospel). Thinking that it is interesting and powerful, I told the kids when I was introducing this organization. This little girl gave me a quick response that got me grief and reflect deeply what value systems are we teaching our next generation. She innocently challenged why are we using so many resources on one little beggar, someone so useless and worthless in society (I believe most of us had similar mindset when we were young and while our parents try to get us study harder in school).

Today, I witness how gracious, loving, and kind this little girl was towards an older kid who is a special need child. This is not a one-time thing for I observed their relationship for some time, and I can see how comfortable and joyful this other child is when with the 10-year-old. This won't come overnight, no, not for this child at least! I am really touched and thankful for the change in this little girl's heart and mind. This is life transformation.

Pondering deeper, I realize this change is facilitated through, not her own, but the life transformation in her family ... the life transformation of both of her father and mother as their love and faith in God grow and deepen, they are able to raise their child according to the heart of God enabling the love of God be manifested through His own creation - this little girl. Thus, she can be a blessing to others. That’s amazing!!! Truly amazing!!

It is true that ministry is full of toils and sweats and even pains and tears, yet it is so worth it when we have the privilege to witness the power of the Gospel, the life transforming power of God’s work in people's lives~~ To see how God works in and through people to be blessings of others!

Speechless ... but deeply touched and thankful~~ You are truly worthy of all praises, Lord!