zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is with you;
    his power gives you victory.
The Lord will take delight in you,
    and in his love he will give you new life.
He will sing and be joyful over you,

deuteronomy 28

1“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:

3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

4 “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.

5 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

7 “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.

8 “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

9 “The Lord will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. 14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

***

But bear in mind that the Curse for disobedience is so much longer, so if the latter does not sound good, I'd just constantly choose to obey. 

***

gems upon gems

Wowow, was praying with mom earlier today and I stumbled upon this passage. Just seriously, amazed at how much gold is in the Bible - so very endless. Anyway, a little bit of context here. Moses is frustrated that he has led the Israelites out of Egypt and they are only complaining about the situation. So he pours out to God and this is a bit of their conversation. (Exodus 33) Yeah. No biggie you know, just a conversation with God....

12 Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ 13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”

18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

wow so demanding Moses?

19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. 20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

21 Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. 22 When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

And Jesus agrees - whaaaat? He will even protect him! Then in the next chapter;

5 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,7 maintaining love to thousands (wow and I am struggling to love my family of 5 daily..?), and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. (let's not even start with grudges/judgement I so often pass on naturally) Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” (the flip side remains true too)
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 “Lord,” he said, “if I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people (me!!!), forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

10 Then the Lord said: “I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you

___

Can you believe how insane that was? Conversations with God. No big deal you know. Just so amazed at verses as personal as this at times. Figured I should write it where I could actually read it again - so.

1 Samuel 12:24

But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you. (NIV)

Job

Just finished reading Jobs in my reading plan. The ending was so rewarding - knowing how he endured so much suffering and yet Jesus never left him.

I know that everyone has their own talents and trials. We all face things differently but Jesus still remains the same. The only thing I'm so grateful for each day

"I can do things you cannot, you can do the things I cannot, together we can do great things" - Mother Theresa

2am

Well hello,

Here I am after hours of physics. I was so worked up over it I just had to de-stress. And so I watched a movie. And now here I am.

Here is a little update about "life in OU" lol. 3 weeks into the semester and we are going to have our first round of exams. It's not that bad since the mid semester examinations are looming. So it's just studying non stop - that is not bad, right?

Well I don't know. Depending on personal preference I would say.

Anyway, the thing is that sometimes I keep forgetting where I am. Literally, I would finish homework, wake up in the morning, or be walking down the street and realize that hey, where am I? I'm not home, I'm in OU now, studying. This is so weird. Having to constantly remind myself. Oh well.

Life here is starting to settle down. Next week will be my first official month so that's that for now. Till then!

Here's a Bible verse I found today, for one to live this out would be amazing:
Colossians 1:10
"So that you may live a life worth of the Lord and please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."

To live.

The past few days have been so hard. I sent my laptop for repair. This was the outcome:

1. My laptop can be fixed in January - its not that expensive, but it will never be done before I leave. Ok. So Option 2?

2. I found out that my laptop USB port cannot be fixed unless I change the motherboard (almost the price of a new laptop)

3. I decided to improvise by using thunderbolt. Hoping & praying it works. (adding another "to buy" onto my list).

And Christmas/ Kor's homecoming/ going back to my hometown/packing. Been so busy! So many things to do, and it is so last minute. As of today (14/12) I only have 20 days left! At least all my travelling documents and etc. are all settled. Oh the minor things left. I have been so busy, I neglect my devotions (reducing the time I spend meditating & etc). Sighs compromise. But today. I'm reminded that God's definition of living is to live with grace. To know that no matter how many times we fail (again and again); His grace is always enough to pick us up.

pc: goddaily.tumblr.com

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But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9

Ordinary

So what have I been up to lately? I must say having a journal really kills the joy of blogging. Public posts are not suitable for fully expressive thoughts, but still. Btw, I must confess again I don't re-read my old journals.

Anyhow! A little updates on my application. Earlier, I wrote about how my plans have changed and that I am officially taking the whole year off from educational pursuit. (Lol, I know you're secretly judging me for wasting my life, so read the post okay, I have my reasons). As of today, I've applied to four universities in the States. Two of them are top 75 in the world for general engineering, but all four are top in the States for Petroleum Engineering. So more choices for me! I've made up my mind on where I want to go. Just waiting for my offers now.

Oh yes. The wait. Is. So. Torturing. Really, I need my I-20 papers asap to apply for my visa interview. As much as I loathe waiting, time seems to be flying by. How ironic, but let me remind you, there are only 45 days till the brother comes home, 53 days to Christmas, 64 days till I leave!

So much left to do. So much to pack. So many people to meet.

I'll update once I get my offers :) But before it all that starts, I would like to talk to you about a book. My favourite one.

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I admit I'm not the holiest person, however I love reading Psalms. Its a book in the Bible. Sometimes I become too selfish and just read Psalms all the time haha, but really. When I feel down or upset. There are verses to lift my spirits. Often, I stumble upon verses that means so much to me. Undeniably, every Christian loves the Psalms, and I am not excused.

One of the verses on my app is:

 The Lord is close to all who call on Him,
    yes, to all who call on Him in truth.
 He grants the desires of those who fear Him;
    he hears their cries for help and rescues them.

Psalms 145:18-19 (NLT)

Over the past few years, I've came to know God in a very personal way. Today, I still hold fast to my beliefs because He never fails me. Really. I have no idea how many times I've drifted away from God. And yet every single time, He looks out for me and continually shows me how much He loves me. So overwhelming. I can't deny His love anymore. I've decided to believe in Him because He never leaves me through it all. Whenever you call, He's always there. He'll bring us out of any sticky situation. This ordinary life we have been given. So dull. Yet He cares. For every single detail.

I am still unsure where I will be next year. Plans are plans. But of this one thing I'm sure: My God never fails.

It is November already! Eleven months have passed, now go ask yourself how did you spend the last 10 months.

Till then! :) #np

Peace

Not the ones you dream off. The kind you need a getaway to actually feel. This peace can come any time, wherever you may be. Not inner peace from deep breaths.

But peace that surpasses all understanding.

These things I have spoken to you,
that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer, I have over come the world.

John 16:33

votd just a day late

Jesus knows more. More than we can ever fathom. Reasons why we should call to Him first before anyone else. When facing a challenge, He has the best solution; no doubt.

Question to self: Why am I not seeking His advice? When I know for sure its the best.

hm.

new day, new mercies

I love how some Bible verses are often quoted more than the rest. Frankly, I love popular verse. The verses that everyone memorises and is often labelled under "Encouraging" by the secular world. These verses are often the ones that gets me through tough times and despite what everybody says about it overshadowing the other passages; I still love reading them.

I love mornings - reading a verse for the day. Reminding me that God is so amazing and gracious.

So here's a verse that every Christian is familiar with:

Lamentations 3:22-23

English Standard Version (ESV)

22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Till then, you have an amazing day today okay? #np

faith at great risk

Yes, the title is from my ODJ. A little sharing of my devotions earlier today from James 1.

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Often, I ponder on God's logic. How can "trials of many kinds"be a joy? But then again, we all know that through failing we learn, through challenges we overcome. No matter how long the journey may seem, with perseverance, we will be able to see the whole picture of why these challenges exist.

Faith. Faith that God will see you through.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

Verses 6 and 7 may be easy to read. However, looking back. I don't know how many times I've prayed not expecting God to come through for me. Lately, I've been guilty of the shopping list request. Demanding that God grant me this and that but never really believing. To not doubt is not easy - but when doubting God we seem as silly as a wave of the sea. Easily blown, thrown anywhere, tossed wherever the wind blows.

Despite the magnificent God we know. Why does doubt still exist? For me, it is the lack of faith maybe. We often want things to happen in reality - before our eyes, before we believe. But in Hebrews - faith is the things unseen. If God says He will give you wisdom generously, why won't you believe it?

Even as I prepare to embark on a new journey - of educational pursuit; studying something so technical sometimes scares me. No doubt things will be overwhelming; but will I let it get to me?

---

Things to always remember:

• With God on our side, we will never be defeated.


• God's promises for us are "yes"and "amen" for the glory of God through us


• Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (we don't always have to see - God is already at work)

 Faith, got some? Enough to be at great risk I hope.

the unplanned gap year

Hi there you curious ones.

"Where are you studying?", "Are you still on break?", "What are you planning to major in?", "I thought you are going Australia?", "Aren't you suppose to leave already?" and etc/

Thank for flooding me with questions every time we meet up. For the convenience of me not repeating my story countless times. I am going to explain myself here. Worry not friends, I shall answer all the above and hopefully clear your doubts. (Not like you really care hehe) Unplanned gap year: I think my blog title really answered a few questions but I shall tell you everything. How I got to where I am today. If you uhm really still want to read more then go ahead.

Lord, I Need You

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Idk where to put my hope in now apart from you. Please, I know You will never let me down. Thank you. Please teach my song to always rise to you, when I cannot stand. Be my hope.

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2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,^[a] not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

Perspective

How we see things really affects the way we live. I'm still figuring it out - how to live in perspective of what really matters. To put God into perspective, because after all He is all that really matters. Holding on to His word.

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2 Peter 3:9 AMP

The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.

Note to self.

In view of the recent events and with everyone being so fired up on the social media; I have a favour to ask of everyone: Pause, think. The freedom of speech on social medias have been granted to every individual. However, I hope everyone knew how to not just make a big deal out of things they are not doing anything about. (Like for eg. blaming and boycotting MAS Airlines for the recent happening.) Seriously, do you even know what you are saying sometimes. We are talking about lives here.

Why not spread some happiness instead? Love is never too much. Maybe by posting encouraging words - the victims' family might not feel even worse. Blaming each other is not going to change anything. In any other circumstances too, (like the CDM 25).

No, I don't have a long essay to preach but all I am saying is don't be that empty vessel that makes the most noise. The world needs more perfect love - Jesus' love.

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"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

― 1 John 4:18

Romans 5:1-10

"1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

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My heart pours out to families affected in the recent events of MH17. May you find strength amidst the storms and look to God for the answers.

#np

fickle pickle.

She is so fickle minded,

like a pickle.

Yes you are,

yes she is.

 

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Please just help me Jesus. I know You are here. Waiting for that much much more that I would never expect or think of. I know this is all not in vain.

"With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and ever. Amen."

 ― Ephesians 3:20-21 (ERV)

The recipe for friendship:

1/3 SELF-SACRIFICE
1/3 LOYALTY
1/3 REAL COMMITMENT

I was overwhelmed when I listened to the NLT version of 1 Samuel today. (Yes go listen to audio bibles on your Bible app or via online here) The friendship between Jonathan and David left me in tears.

In life, we have probably have had countless acquaintances, many friends, but how many do we consider our close friend? Or "best" friend.

Everybody needs that friend whom you can share your hopes and dreams with. The one who will encourage you in pursuing those dreams yet rebuke you when you are going down the wrong path. A friend who is there not only through the good times, but also the bad—through thick and thin. Someone who will stand by you (and maybe for you) when the world is against you.

It is true that the test of trials simply reveal a true friendship. It is easy because you rarely find that. The busy life of the modern society has left little time for interaction but more for "self-discovering" or in other words "me time". Friendship sometimes may seem like a chore. Often asking how a person is, bothering about their daily routines and little joys they share; friendship seems like a mundane task of always pestering someone and insisting on being in that person's life, just to show you care. And more importantly that you are there when they need you. Rare? Indeed. It is undoubtedly true that friends may come and go, but to have a lifelong, close, personal friendship is truly a great blessing.

Many years ago, a beautiful friendship was formed between two of the most unlikely men of their society:

Jonathan was a prince

A prince of Israel's very first King. Destined to rule in the event of his father's death - he had everything he wanted. He could meet anybody he wanted and chose his friends from the most valiant of princes. People of status and wealth. Jonathan was aware of the blessings he would receive if his father was obedient. Yet, he remained the God-fearing, bold, determined man that he was. A mighty warrior himself, Jonathan relied on God and trusted in His strength. For instance when he and his armour bearer were instructed, they both went up against twenty Philistines. This inspired courage in his father and the army which led to a victorious battle.

David was a shepherd

The youngest of the family, David was left to tend the sheep. He was a gifted musician, a wise and prudent warrior and also very good looking. But David too was destined for the throne. He was married to Saul's daughter Michal and this made him a prince and Jonathan his brother-in-law. Saul knew that if David was not taken care of Jonathan would never be king.

Despite their differences, "(ESV) the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. (ERV) He would not let David go back home to his father. After David finished talking with Saul, Jonathan developed a strong friendship with David." Jonathan realized that they shared much in common in the areas of courage, bravery, strength, loyalty, trust and faith in God. They had an instant liking.

David and Jonathan

Jonathan was willing to forego his throne for David. He loved David so much he disobeyed his father to save David's life. Often he would warn him before any trouble could befall on David. He would travel to see David and ensure that his loyalty was made known to David. Jonathan even made a pact: (1 Samuel 20:14-16, NLT) "And may you treat me with the faithful love of the Lord as long as I live. But if I die, treat my family with this faithful love, even when the Lord destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth.” So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, saying, “May the Lord destroy all your enemies!”" By saying this, Jonathan knew that David's enemy was his own father - King Saul. Yet he made this pact with David. He even tried to reason with his father and defended David's innocence. Due to life-threatening circumstances David had to run for his live. Nevertheless from then on, they were separated but their friendship stood till the end.

Wow. There is much to learn from the friendship of Jonathan and David. They were both princes of Israel, one by birth, the other by marriage. Both were in line to assume the throne of Israel. Both were mighty men of valor and were respected and trusted by the men they led in battle. Each had accomplished great feats, relying on God for victory. They were zealous, driven, resourceful, courageous, bold, meek, humble and so much more. They knew and respected government, wielded authority, and served those under and over them. They were loyal to one another and to their king. David would never lay a hand on Saul even though he was given the chance to. He revered God's choice of appointing him as the first King of Israel.

In todays context, they could have been enemies and rivals, yet they set aside jealousy, resentment, bitterness, competition and lust for power (A THRONE HEY), choosing instead to become the closest of friends. They knew how and when to laugh, cry, show their emotions, share hopes and dreams together, thereby cementing their friendship forever. They were real men, who understood what it meant to lay down their lives for one another.

Wow, have you ever thought of dying for a friend? Even today, giving a lift, sacrificing precious time, going out of your way for a friend seems like a monumental task. What more to say dying for a friend? No exaggeration but sometimes I feel like people really take their friendships for granted. Selfish as we humans are we rarely prioritise anyone other than ourselves. Everything must have a benefit - even our friends. Really? Just because he'll be a worthy connection for future businesses? Because she can help do your assignments. Because you need him to explain to you that formulae you didn't really understand.

Seriously... how fake can we get? Sadly I've seen it. Heard of it.

How blessed are we if we ever are privileged enough to have just a small part of David and Jonathan's friendship. So much to think.

Got me thinking too - what kind of friend am I?

 

Articles referred to: RCG, FERVR

What do we believe in?

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i9wtJzok4U]
"We Believe" - a song by Newsboys that speaks our faith clearly; I like what the lyrics speak

In this time of desperation
When all we know is doubt and fear
There is only one foundation
We believe, we believe
In this broken generation
When all is dark, You help us see
There is only one salvation
We believe, we believe

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He's comin' back again, we believe

So, let our faith be more than anthems
Greater than the songs we sing
And in our weakness and temptations
We believe, we believe!

We believe in God the Father!
We believe in Jesus Christ!
We believe in the Holy Spirit!
And He's given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He's comin' back again!

Let the lost be found and the dead be raised!
In the here and now, let love invade!
Let the church live love our God will save
We believe, we believe!
And the gates of hell will not prevail!
For the power of God, has torn the veil!
Now we know Your love will never fail!
We believe, we believe!

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He's given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He's comin' back,
He's comin' back again!
He's comin' back again!
We believe!
We believe