tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-121837272024-02-20T15:26:41.080-08:00Whisper from GodInspirations from God... my daily devotions.
I hope that these encouraging words I receive from God may be an encouragement to others.dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1160389370688387222006-10-09T03:22:00.000-07:002006-10-09T15:19:00.233-07:00Revere Him<p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Deuteronomy 13:4</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">"It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Diets have been a fad for many generations. There are so many programs and ideas in how best to lose weight. When you watch the commercials, they will show you how individuals lost so much weight in so little time. If there is a program the proves that a person, especially the person selling the product, lost weight quickly and painlessly then people will follow. So many have obsessed over diet programs. Unfortunately, most have failed and then looks for the next best thing.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">When we find ourselves in search of an answer and believes we found it, then we would do everything we can to follow the instructions to fulfilling our needs. Slowly our lifestyle changes along with it. If we see results, be invest more time and eventually it can be life changing. We share our successes with others so they can applaud our efforts, but also to have them join our successes.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">As Christians, do we believe in the life changing experience of having Christ in our lives? Or have we "compartmentalized" our lives where this is only part of our "church life"? Most of us can say that we obey Him and follow Him, but is it when we attend church, volunteer at church, and with our church friends? Or does every actions of our lives reflect Christ in it? </font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">We are reminded that to revere Him is not to sit at a pew and ponder on His magnificence, but to take action and worship Him. Worshipping Him is not just with lifting our arms and singing to Him. Worshipping Him is when our life itself is a song to Him.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Let us not just sing a beautiful song to our Lord with our voices, but also through our life.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1136287571600947302006-01-03T03:26:00.000-08:002006-01-03T06:42:06.173-08:00Lifetime Race<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Philippians 3:12-14</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (v. 14)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Ah, the new year has started and many are looking forward to a great year. People are chipper and have a great outlook. Unfortunately, it lasts for 2-4 weeks. An example is with the commercials. There are more ads about dieting and exercise during this part of the year than any others. This is due to the New Year's resolution most make. Unfortunately, most set too high of expectations only leaving failure to cope with. It is unfortunate that it comes once a year, and therefore an immediate sense of the inability to achieve the goal leaves it doomed to fail only to be attempted again at the start of the next year.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Fortunately, as Christians we are encouraged to live otherwise. Each new day is a new year. We do not take sprints or 100-yard races. We are reminded that this is a lifetime race. Every stride we take is equally important, and must be taken to reach the end goal. In a race, one may do very well during most of their laps, but if the last lap is not completed, then the goal is unmet and the race is incomplete. We must therefore pace ourselves and take every stride as best we can. Just as bodybuilders slowly increase their weights from the last one, we too should build from the last stride. Let us not be like a baby tossed to and fro, but continue to grow in our walk with our Father one step at a time. And if we happen to fall or stumble, let us get up and begin again to walk slowly and build our stride until we reach the end goal. Let us not lose sight or hope, for we have faith in our Lord and His strength will carry us through.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1135353628911728562005-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:002005-12-23T08:01:05.056-08:00Learning His Ways<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Exodus 33:7-17; Psalm 103:7</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.... If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways...." (v. 11, 13)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I remember in college during a philosophy class where we were discussion about sending a clock back to the early ages of man. If the time of history was when sundials were used, would man learn anything more about time if they stumbled across a 20th century clock? Would they learn anything about how a clocked worked?</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Probably not. They would need to take time to look at it carefully, learn as much as possible, and then hopefully they will learn to open it without breaking it. Once opened and undamaged would they have a chance to learn about the clock. They will then need more time to learn how it worked. </font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Without acquiring any further knowledge, the clock would only be as useful as their sundial (other than the fact that it is portable if it was a small clock). In their eyes, it may simply be an ugly looking sundial.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Do we see God in these similar eyes as well? We are so eager to seek God when a particular action is required. Most of our prayers are about blessing us, our family, our homes, our work, our health, our food, and anything we seek or need. We tend to focus on the things that God had done in the past, the present, and hopes for the future. How about God Himself? How much time do we seek to know Him more? To know His thoughts and ideas? After all, God does provide, but He our Father to whom our image was created from. He seeks our fellowship... our relationship.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Let's decide to spend more time with Him. Especially during the Christmas season, let us remember how God indeed loved us so much that He sent His only Son. Let us focus on this love and spend time with Him.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1135259116161595562005-12-22T05:45:00.000-08:002005-12-22T05:45:41.370-08:00Bodies as Living Sacrifices<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Romans 12:1-8</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in a view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (v. 1)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I was given additional responsibilities at work that included an expansion of a new department. I was given the responsibility of developing and maintaining all college web sites and services. A major accomplishment we had completed was the implementation and enhancement of a content management system. In selling the concept, I had to explain the separation of duties: presentation, structure, and content. The whole idea was that individual departments were able to focus on the content and not worry about the other two.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">While working on this, I came to realize that although it was true, there can never be a complete separation of the three elements. The text is primarily content, but if a different color, font, and size are chosen, it does affect the presentation. Although limited, it does affect how the website looks and feels.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Similarly, although there is a mind, body, and spirit, there can never be a clear and total separation as we live today. The mind cannot survive separated from the body. The body is but a shell if the mind is no longer. The spirit cannot exist elsewhere praising God while the body is sleeping. Although separate, they currently depend on one another.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Therefore, we must also keep our bodies in shape. If we are healthy and strong, then we can serve God, serve others, and give God the glory. When we are sick, we have difficulties doing these things. Let us therefore eat healthy, sleep well, and exercise our bodies so we can also praise God with our best.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1135169835880919952005-12-21T04:57:00.000-08:002005-12-21T04:57:41.160-08:00Tombstone<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">2 Timothy 4:6-8</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (v. 6-7)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Several years ago there was a comical commercial about a man's last wish in front of a firing squad. His answer to the question was "pepperoni and mushroom." As you may have guessed if you haven't seen this before is that the commercial is about a pizza named "Tombstone." Okay, it wasn't really that funny at all. However, the commercial did work in that it left a lasting impression with me.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I also recall learning about a famous person who stated that you can live eternally... through the memories of others. Although we know the truth of eternal life is with our acceptance of the gift through the death and resurrection of the Son of God. However, there is something to be considered with regards to what lasting impression is left with others.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">In both instances, it is about you and what you have accomplished that is left in the memories of others. If done well, then it can be a joyous long-lasting memory. If not, then most would want to forget about it. We all have good intentions. However, it is those who follow through with those intentions that leaves a mark. Otherwise, there is very little to remember by. If we consider those people that has left an impression in our memories, we will find people who took personal risks to achieve a goal they had set out to do. We all want to help others, stand firm for our faith, and attempt to better the lives of others. However, it will all go unnoticed if actions are not taken. It is a race with the intent to finish, but left incomplete. Who knows how it would feel to finish the race? How well would we have finished? Without finishing these questions will be left unanswered.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Let us therefore be encouraged... let us inspire one another, and finish the race. Let us be remembered for the actions we had courage to follow through with.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1134876964710976522005-12-17T19:36:00.000-08:002005-12-17T19:38:13.563-08:00Prayer (Part 2): Learning His Will<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Matthew 6:5-15</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (v. 7-8)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Yesterday we learned that prayer is not about what we say, but to also listen to what the Lord has to say to us. It not only builds our relationship with the Lord, but it helps understand our Father's will. Prayer is not about attempting to convince God to do good things. It is not to plead to change His mind. It is to learn of HIs will for us. </font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">It is not about just the listening part of prayer, but also about what we say or think. As we begin to pray, not only do we look at ourselves and our circumstance, but also about God. We must begin by having faith in Him, have some understanding, and then attempt to make our request in tune with His will.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">It is true that we must ask in order to receive. However, it is ultimately for our benefit by drawing closer to Him and learning about His will for us. Therefore, if we seek to understand His will for us, then we must take time to pray to Him. </font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1134737957763958742005-12-16T04:59:00.000-08:002005-12-16T05:01:51.890-08:00Prayer (Part 1): Joys of Listening<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Matthew 6:5-15</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (v. 7-8)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Growing up, I have always been either confused or wrestled with this verse. If God is omniscience and knows all things, then he knows my needs and especially my heart. The Bible verse states that God even knows our request even before we ask Him. It's comforting to know that He knows us so well. In fact, He knows us better than we do ourselves. Then why do we need to pray? Why do some people spend countless hours praying about things that God already knows. He knows when things happened and what exactly the needs are. It's not like He has bad memories and need to be reminded. It's not like God needs to be convinced since He is love. So, why do we pray?</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">It is so we can be in tuned with God. It is to know His will and to follow. One of the first fundamental mistakes we make and think about prayer is that it is all about our speaking with the Lord. It is also about listening to the Lord. At first, most of us feel awkward about the silence. However, it is about "being still" before the Lord. Emptying our minds of all things faithfully knowing that our Father will help us. It is about "listening" to what God has to say to us, and fill us with His blessings. If we do not take the time to listen, then our Father is no more than a prayer request box. We just keep dumping requests to Him, and walk away in hopes that it may be answered.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Our Father seeks our fellowship with Him. As a father, I usually know what my children wants. However, it is so sweet and warming to the heart when they would come to me and say, "Daddy, could you...." And then to see how my children warms up when I am able to provide their request brings further joy.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Let's not lose precious time with our loving Father. Let us spend time praying by speaking with Him and listening to Him.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1134471758195170782005-12-13T03:02:00.000-08:002005-12-13T03:03:13.120-08:00Accepting His Grace<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Hebrews 4:14-16</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (v. 16)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">My son is so different from my daughter. My daughter is usually very calm, shy and holds back her emotions. My son at first may appear shy in new situations, but later very outgoing and definitely very expressive of his emotions. When it was birthday, he would be so excited when receiving his gifts. He would tear into the wrapping paper, and quickly examine the gift. If he really likes one better than the other, he would levitate to it quickly. Sometimes he may be distracted over one gift that the excitement of opening other gifts begin to fade. Regardless, he did not leave one gift wrapped... he continued to tear through them and was somewhat disappointed that it ran out.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Similarly, our Heavenly Father has so much to give us. His greatest gift of all was the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ so that we may have new life as adopted sons and daughters. However, even after accepting this priceless gift, He continues to pour into us other gifts. He has made available so much, but we also need to accept these as well. He continues to provide us endless grace, especially in our time of need, if we approach Him and accept these with confidence. He freely gives us, but the key thing is that we accept.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Let us therefore build our faith, look to Him in all circumstances (both good and bad), and accept His precious gift of grace. Let us not leave gifts wrapped and unopened, but let us tear into these gifts with great joy and confidence.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1134386434262589742005-12-12T03:20:00.000-08:002005-12-12T03:21:10.013-08:00Making Our Requests<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Philippians 4:6-7</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">As my daughters continues to grow, I can see the maturing of her mind. She is able to learn what mom and dad approves and disapproves. More importantly, she is learning to discern what is right and what is wrong. Being shy, I can see time when she would want something or do something, but was unsure if dad would approve and therefore attempts hard to move on without even asking. I would encourage her to share with us if she has any desire. We want her to ask anything without hesitation. If possible, we would be happy to approve and assist. Without asking, she would never know whether it was possible. If it was not possible simply because she wasn't ready, then we could help her understand and help her be ready in the future. There may be times when she may be pleasantly be surprised that she can get something or do something.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">As she has been asking, she has been growing to understand us more. If she is uncertain or believes the answer to be no, she would ask but we could see this through her hesitation. However, she does ask... most of the time. And she has been surprised on some occasions.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Similarly, God wants us to approach Him with everything. Our Father in heaven would always provide for our needs. He wants everything for our very best. As we spend more time with Him, we begin to understand Him more. We begin to discern better, and will find our prayers to change along with it. Our prayers will be more precise to be more in tune with the mind of our Lord. We should also find peace knowing that God will always give our best.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1134042101589176692005-12-08T03:41:00.000-08:002005-12-08T03:42:24.940-08:00Preparation for Battle<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Ephesians 6:10-20</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (v. 13-17)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I remember when I was younger I would always look forward to Saturday morning. Although it was exciting that there was no school that morning, the real excitement was the Saturday morning cartoons. The entire morning would be filled with cartoons. It was a child's heaven to be able to sit through hours of television. There are many good memories of most of the cartoons. As an adult looking back, I didn't realize how violent they were. However, this is for a different discussion.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">One of the famous cartoons is Bugs Bunny. There were many similar episodes where Bugs was "dueling" with a different character such as Daffy. During the duel, each of the characters would run off the screen and return with a bigger weapon. Each time, the other would attempt to "outgun" the other.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">In real life, if were in war, wouldn't we prefer to be behind the bigger guns than our enemy. The cartoons are funny, but in real life your life may be at stake. If we knew that war was imminent, then would we not "drop everything" and prepare for battle? </font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">It is clear that we are constantly in battle - not physically, but spiritually. There is a constant struggle, and there are real enemies that want us to fail. Do we want to enter these battles unprepared? How "lucky" do you feel to run into a middle of battle without your helmet and a gun? Well, "it's not time yet." "It's not my responsibility, but the Sargent's." "I don't look good in green." "Let me sleep five more minutes, and I'll definitely do my best afterwards." "Let's compromise, I believe in peace." We may not receive physical wounds and feel any pain, but spiritual warfare does leave wounds and lead to bleeding to death if untreated. We are less effective when we become wounded, and struggle.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Therefore, let us not wait until we feel pain to prepare ourselves. Let us indeed put on the full armor of God everyday. Let us sharpen our swords and use it all times. Let us not just admire it, but exercise it to improve our skills. Let us be prepared and be victorious.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133954692949783752005-12-07T03:24:00.000-08:002005-12-07T03:26:02.403-08:00Becoming<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">2 Corinthians 5:11-21</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (v. 21)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I remember when I first accepted Christ. I was 10 years old, and it was during my first camp away from home. It was the first time I heard the story of Christ, and was compelled to walk up to the pulpit to accept this wonderful gift. At the time, there was nothing else in my mind but to do this. I was uncertain what this all meant, but nothing else mattered. It became a life changing experience. As young as I was, my journeys in walking with God was ever so strong. It didn't make much sense then, but I knew it was all about life.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">As time had passed, my walk with the Lord became more important. However, there was a period of time when I felt as if I had not done enough. I was building an expectation that something miraculous should've happened to me by then and that I should be involved with miracles. Unfortunately, I felt that I had failed because of the continued sin in my life and the little change. As a "new creation" I still had many of the old habits and behaviors as the "old."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I then realized that accepting Christ is a miracle in itself. Accepting the gift does make me a "new creation" in that I have been adopted as His son. The change however is a process requiring time. In the Scripture it does not state that we might "be" the righteousness of God, but that we might "become."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I have watched my daughter not only grow physically, but spiritually. Her prayers have matured in time. However, I have also realized how much she has learned from the prayers she hears. As she prays, she also prays from what she has heard when I prayed. Similarly, when we spend time with our heavenly Father, we too begin to take on His character.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Let us therefore take every measure to spend time with Him, and become more like Him with each new moment.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133866200429768352005-12-06T02:50:00.000-08:002005-12-06T02:51:02.916-08:00Friend for Life<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Psalm 142:3-4</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me. Look to my right and see; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">There will be times in our life when our friends and family will not be able to save us from our circumstances. In some cases their circumstances outweigh our own. In some cases, they simply can't do anything. In other cases, they simply may fail us. Regardless, when those times come, we sometimes can feel abandoned and alone.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Fortunately, when we walk with God, He will never leave our side. We do not need to feel either abandoned or alone. He will always be on our side helping us and cheering for us if we choose to accept His company and love. Let us always look to Him, and place our lives in His hands... hands that will never leave us or fail us.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133780520080615582005-12-05T03:02:00.000-08:002005-12-05T03:02:41.523-08:00Survivor<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">2 Corinthians 4:16-18</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes no on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Reality shows have become very popular in the past few years. Most of them is a competition of survival to be the last sole survivor to claim the prize. It is amazing how much determination one has when they are fixed on one goal. Normally, they would not go though the agonizing sufferings both physically and mentally, but would to claim their prize.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">As sons and daughters, we are in a similar position, but far greater. We have already been given the greatest gift of all (our prize) as we have been adopted into the family of God. Unfortunately, we will also live through sufferings and persecution as long as we are in this world. However, this is very temporary compared to eternal life. We will be given a new body and will live in the full presence of the Lord where there will be no suffering but only love. Let us therefore not be discouraged, but have hope and a goal much like the survivors knowing that we will be winners in the end to claim our next prize.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133701088477928852005-12-04T04:58:00.000-08:002005-12-04T04:58:28.453-08:00Everyday Blessings<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">James 1:17</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I remember watching the evolution of family shows as I was growing up. They were somewhat the representation of the culture at that time. In many cases they were overly emphasized (for comedy sake), but they did reflect the times and ideas. Shows such as "I Love Lucy" and "Leave It to Beaver" to "The Brady Bunch" to "The Cosby Show", "Family Ties", and "Who's the Boss" to "Roseanne" and "Married with Children" were some of the popular ones.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">With each new decade, each of the shows sometimes "pushed the envelope" on a touchy subject. Unfortunately, it promoted tolerance and acceptance of cultural changes. "Married with Children" demoralized not only each individual unit of the family, but the family as a whole. Unfortunately, it too was somewhat representative of a changing and accepting culture. One aspect is that the father was only good for his money. Father was always suspicious when his children was being kind and around him. The first question was how much money they wanted. They were never around when things were going well for them... only when they needed dad for money.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">We have all somewhat fallen into this trap. How often do we run to our heavenly father when things go well? How often do we run to Him when we need help? Do we thank Him for the many small things that do go well for us? Most often we are either content when things go well and chalk it up to a job well done by ourselves or it was luck that brought us this fortune. We do give God credit when big things do come our way, especially after we have prayed for Him, but forget him when it comes to the daily good things that do happen.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">All good things, including the everyday small ones, comes from our heavenly Father. He is always watching over us and providing for our needs. Let us always look to Him, and give our praise for all things.</font></p><br /><p><br></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3"><i>"How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you." (Psalm 31:19)</i></font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133613491100450122005-12-03T04:38:00.000-08:002005-12-03T04:38:43.856-08:00Boldness<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">2 Corinthians 3:7-18</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold." (v. 12)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I remember one day as I was rollerblading in a park. It was fairly new to me, and so I was still learning to use these. As I slowly picked up seed, I lost my confidence and ended on the grass. I was quickly embarrassed, and so I quickly looked around to see who may have seen me. No one. However, a girl and her mom caught my attention. It seems as if the girl was learning as well. After the mom gave a demonstration and some instructions, the girl was up and she was riding along. She was doing better than I.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">It was amazing to think about how psychology affects our performance. I spent countless hours reading the internet and magazines on the techniques on how to rollerblade. I learned the correct posture, form, and motion. However, as I consciously remind myself of these things, my mind is also actively thinking of how badly I can fall. If I fall, I may break an arm. It would be painful, and I would need to go to the hospital and have a cast placed. A broken arm or hand would mean I couldn't work (since most of my work was on the computer). If I couldn't work could mean I lose my job. If I lose my job, I will lose my house. I couldn't let that happen... I couldn't have my family live on the streets. With that thought, I had stiffened... right unto the grass.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Now a child would most likely not be worried about these things. They couldn't care less about having the right technique. They were just having fun and had all the confidence in the world that they can do it. It is amazing what confidence can do.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">With increased confidence, most of us are willing to risk a bit more. Daredevils do it all the time. After several successful tricks they complete, they build their confidence. As they build their confidence, they raise the bar further for a larger thrill.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Similarly, if we know that God is for us, who can be against us? If we are saved, and have eternal life, what is their to fear. Let us have confidence in the Lord, and go out and be who we are. Let us not hide behind who we are as sons and daughters. Let us speak the truth, and share the gift we had received with others.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133521801629664992005-12-02T03:10:00.000-08:002005-12-02T03:10:35.573-08:00I Can Only Imagine<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Ezekiel 1:1-5, 22-28</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. When I saw it, I fell face down, and I heard the voice of one speaking." (v. 1, 28)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">It's amazing to see how some teenagers (and adults) can go so wild when they meet their idol whether it be a musician or a movie star. Some would the unthinkable only because they are so star struck. Just to touch them or even be so close would just rattle their emotions; enough in some cases to cause them to faint. Some would do anything if they could take just a small part of them with them.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">As sons and daughters of God, we would lift up our hands and/or bow while we worship. We are awed by the grace and love of God. In the NT, the word worship is found 54 times translated from the Greek word "proskunevw". In this word, it is defined as "to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence" and/or "kneeling or prostration to do homage."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">When watching movies, you will witness how all the people would have their heads lowered and bow before kings and queens to show respect to their leader. Often it is done because it was a required tradition. However, with our King of kings, I believe it would be more like the teenagers who are awe struck. I cannot imagine what it would be to be at the feet of our Lord. Our heavenly Father is always with us, but to fully sense His presence is unimaginable. I believe like Ezekiel who only came close to His likeness of the Lord, I believe I would be prostrated as well in reverence. It would just be absolutely amazing to feel his radiance of love just showering us from His presence. Oh, how wonderful it would be when we meet Him in heaven!!!</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133434805469809472005-12-01T03:00:00.000-08:002005-12-01T03:00:52.806-08:00When I'm Afraid<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Psalm 56</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise - in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life." (v. 3-4, 10-13)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">If we were to add up all the times we either worried or were afraid and the times we spent thinking of circumstances including times we spent preparing for it, I would believe we would find years of wasted time. Although there are some truth to what one CEO had stated that "only the paranoid survive," these are probably very few cases. We should always do our best in everything that we do including preparing for undesirable circumstances. A better statement is to "prepare for the worst, but always hope for the best." If we were to only do one part of this, then our lives would be miserable. Always hoping for the best and not preparing for the worst only invites disaster. To always prepare and have no hope leaves us with a constant gloomy outlook in life.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Fortunately, as sons and daughters of God, we have even greater confidence; "In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" We must continue to do our best to be prepared. However, we not only have hope, but the confidence that our heavenly Father will deliver us. As long as we walk with Him and place our faith in Him, then we have nothing to be worried about... there should be no fears.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3"><b><i>"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or maine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:31, 35, 37-39)</i></b></font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133349415405452762005-11-30T03:16:00.000-08:002005-11-30T03:17:29.423-08:00Perspectives<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Psalm 8</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise.... When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly things and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet." (v. 1-6)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I remembered the last movie my mom and I were on a date. The movie was called "The Dead Poet Society". It was a very inspiring movie. The main character was an English Professor who was very different from the other instructors. He not only taught english, but about life through english. His methods were uncommon and risque, but very effective. In one scene, he had the students form a line behind the instructor's desk at the front of the room. When it was the next student's turn, he wanted to stand on top of the desk and look around the classroom from a different perspective.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">HIs point was to take time to evaluate each situation and circumstances through different perspectives. A mountain to an a fox from the ground looking up may seem enormous, almost endless, and may seem impossible to tackle, whereas an eagle flying above looking down may see the mountain as small, almost flat, and may have already been overcome. </font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">As sons and daughters of God, let us also take on new perspectives of each situations and circumstances differently. If we truly believe and accept God's unending and unconditional love, then there should be no fears. We should be joyful to know that He has taken us in as His royal sons and daughters, and have put everything else under us. If we put our faith in Him, and relinquish these situations to Him, then He will provide us the best solution.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133262138151160192005-11-29T03:02:00.000-08:002005-11-29T03:02:44.766-08:00A Slow Death<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Proverbs 25:26</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"If the godly compromise with the wicked, it is like polluting a fountain or muddying a spring."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">They say that the best way to cook a frog is to slowly raise the heat of the pot to boiling. If you were to place a frog into boiling water, it would jump out. However, if you placed the frog and slowly raised the temperature, the frog wouldn't know the difference. Unfortunately, compromises operate the same way. It slowly chips away at us that can lead us to major trouble. We will wake up one day and wonder how we got to where we are, and not realize the path we had taken in the past. It is uncommon (or almost impossible) for us to one day sin and fall away from God. We don't just simply find ourselves as a stranger to God. We had made small choices that slowly removed ourselves from the presence of God.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Our pastor reminded us one Sunday morning that we simply do not just stay still. We are either slowly building our faith and our walk with God, or we are slowly walking away from God. Every moment we are making these choices, and in time we will see the results. The challenge is whether we are working to build ourselves or allow our relationship with God falter. Take every moment to spend with God!</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133178141802474912005-11-28T03:42:00.000-08:002005-11-28T03:43:13.226-08:00Gift of Grace<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">2 Corinthians 8:1-9</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. OUt of the most sever trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.... For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (v. 1-3, 9)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">I remember when I was younger how the Macy's parade was the parade of the year. It was spectacular. All the floats were amazing, and the balloons kept getting bigger and innovative every year. The parade was always fascinating, but the end always brought about the greatest joy. At the end of the parade was Santa's float. It was the sign of the start of the countdown to Christmas. In fact, Christmas music would begin to play over the radio stations. As a child it was so exciting to know that Christmas was near, and we also knew what that meant... gifts.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Christmas always brought excitement. Although I never believed in Santa Claus, I knew that my mom and dad had graciously spent their hard earned dollars to provide me some wonderful gifts. I became very good at figuring out what some, if not most of them were. I felt like a prince being showered with gifts and with love.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Unfortunately, not everyone can share in this experience. Some would be lucky to have shelter and food on Christmas. I know that we have been taught that is not about the receiving, but the giving that is important. However, most have translated this to your family or friends. There are those who have no family or friends who need the gift of giving. Let us enjoy our Christmas by also giving a helping hand to someone who needs some help. Just as Paul made it clear, it is not a commandment, but an encouragement. There are so many opportunities out there: (Samaritan's Purse) Christmas Shoebox for children around the world in third-world countries, Compassion International where you can sponsor a child, and Roof in the Inn who helps the homeless find shelter during the cold season. There are so many more, so please consider giving the gift to those who needs it this year.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133091948326825082005-11-27T03:45:00.000-08:002005-11-27T03:47:04.470-08:00Knight in Loving Armor<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Ephesians 2:1-10</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (v. 4-9)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">My daughter currently loves to play dress-up. Her favorite thing to do is to pretend that she is a princess. Is this one of all, if not most, of little girls' dreams; to be swept up by a handsome prince to be taken to their beautiful castle? I believe a similar desire is true for all adults, including men (but not as romantic). How many of us had dreamt of winning the lotto? The "what if" scenarios would swim into our heads. Oh the joy we would have it if it becomes true!</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Oh, but it has. The dream of our lifetime has occurred. Jesus Christ gave everything away, including His life, so He could give us the gift of life. Eternal life as royalty with our Father in heaven. It may not be riches of gold and silver, but it is riches of life full of joy, happiness, and love. In the end, isn't that what we seek. We have been so drawn to the idea that money would buy us this. Luckily, there are some romantics that attempt to convince us that true love is what gives us happiness. Well, God's agape love is unconditional; it does not get any better.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">So, let us keep reminded of this. Let us enjoy the gift that He gives, and live our lives as prince and princess. We should be filled with joy and happiness.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1133055747589507972005-11-26T17:42:00.000-08:002005-11-26T17:44:07.016-08:00Living: Overcoming Death<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">1 Corinthians 15:12-26</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." (v. 16-19)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">If we cannot believe that the dead can be given new life, and especially doubt our own resurrection, then our faith is indeed futile. We are then considered hypocrites, since Christ too then could not have been risen from the dead. Christ could not be more than a prophet. In fact, the pharisees would more correct in that He was a false prophet.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">However, Christ was indeed more than a prophet. He was and still is the Son of God. Christ was born as the Living Word, died, and rose from the dead on the third day. He was born as a man, so He can be the ultimate sacrifice for all our sins. If this is the truth that we believe, and accepted His gift of new life, then we should live as His sons and daughters. Let us not allow anything in this world tell us differently. More importantly, let us not allow anything else either steer us from the truth and also allow anything to take away our joy. We should always be cheerful; for if death cannot take us, then what can... other His love for us? </font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1127904446158197812005-09-28T03:47:00.000-07:002005-09-28T03:48:09.033-07:00Prepared with the Truth<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">1 Peter 3: 13-17</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. 'Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.' But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">When I was younger, I used to believe that I knew very well what the Scripture said. Although I knew that I did not know everything, the things I did know were quite clear and that I knew how to live life according to things I did know. In my passion to help others, I started to share with them how to best live their lives. I also enjoyed debating with those who thought differently. It all seemed very logical.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Unfortunately, when it comes to people, it isn't always logical. People have emotions that plays heavily in their ideas and understanding. To ignore these is to ignore them as a person. The truth will always remain the truth. It will never change, and cannot change. However, how it is expressed can greatly affect how it is received. If the truth is shared in a peaceful, loving, and humble way, then it is more likely to be accepted, if not at least heard. However, if it is done as criticism or causes shame, then it can fall on deaf ears or sometimes cause rebellion against the truth.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">We are to be prepared with the truth in all occasions. Such preparation is not just the logistical reasons, but preparation of our mind, spirit, and our emotions. Otherwise, we may be able to state the truth, but it can be clouded by the errors of our emotions.</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1127651177553380082005-09-25T05:26:00.000-07:002005-09-25T05:27:04.670-07:00Unknown Future<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Romans 8:28-30</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">In the midst of trials and tribulations, we quickly turn to God for help. However, in many cases it is either done out of desperation, or just words seeking His intervention and not Himself. We do want our God to help fix our problems, but not be a part of it. In other times, we may be joyful and very content with our lives. We enjoy it, and we may give God credit, but again do not want God a part of our lives in fear it may cause us to do things that may ruin the good life. If we really think about our relationship with Him, there are probably many instances we treat him like we do our plumber. We may have our special plumber, and when the pipes are broken, we want them to immediately come to our house and fix it. As soon as it is fixed, we want them to leave so we can continue with our lives.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">The problem is that life is never a constant. It is ever changing. Every action we take causes other events to occur leading us down a path. The world around is also changing and events are taking place that also affects the path we take. There is no magic formula that defines how we should live and by doing so will result in the exact events we desire. This can make it challenging. We sometimes hope that God would simply lay out exactly what we should do to live a better life. However, if this was done, then what freedom would we have? Therefore, the unknown of the future can be fearful.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">However, we do not have to live in fear. We have something better. God wants us to have our freedom in life, so He gives us the promise to take care of us. To be taken care by someone requires a relationship. He promises us good things if we "love him." To love someone requires us to have a relationship with them. It means that we want them as a part of our lives. The plumber would not only be welcomed to our homes to fix our pipes, but to stay have dinner with the family. If the plumber is our wife, she would even stay at the home. Not only will our pipes be fixed whenever it is needed and without any fear, but more importantly we have a relationship.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">God wants us to invite Him into our lives... to be a part of it. We can enjoy our walks together, and when issues arises we can have the confidence that it can be overcome because He will help us through it. When times are good, we can party with the Lord. My pastor recently said, "we should have no fears in the unknown future when we have a known God." To know our God is to have a relationship with Him. When He is a part of our life, what do we have to fear?</font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12183727.post-1127583222882154852005-09-24T10:33:00.000-07:002005-09-24T10:34:12.693-07:00Our Comforter<font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Psalm 119:25-88</font><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2">"I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.... My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.... May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight." (v. 25, 28, 77-78)</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">9-11, Hurricane Katrina, and now Hurricane Rita... such devastations. I cannot imagine how difficult it would've been if I was in the middle of these catastrophes, or if I had lost a loved one to these. How devastating it must've been. All would seem lost leaving very little hope.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Although, immeasurable to these events, most of us reach a point in life where all seems to be lost. Our depression is a catastrophe in the making. Life seems to spin out of control, and little hope may be left. It may be life threatening such as cancer, or simply stresses and depressions in our lives. </font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">Regardless of the storms we go through life, we can find a calm in the storm. There is only one place we can turn to without any fears and can always rely on. There is one person who is always the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. One person whose love for us is unchanging and without any conditions. He will always meet our needs if we turn to Him. He will pick us up when we are down and carry us if necessary. He is our Lord and our Saviour... He is our Father in heaven.</font></p><br /><p><font face="Lucida Grande" size="3">We can find shelter in Him, and will be comforted in our times of difficulties. We just simply need to turn to Him, release ourselves to Him, and let Him take care of us. Let us therefore fix our eyes on Him, and lean on Him.</font></p><br /><p align="center"><font face="Lucida Grande" size="2"><i>Be still, My child, and know that I am God!<br /><br>Wait thou patientlyI know the path you trod<br>So falter not, nor fear, nor think to run and hide,<br>For I, thy hope and strength, am waiting by thy side. -Hein</i></font></p>dkpubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00110415816583180648noreply@blogger.com0