Walking on Water (1)

Wednesday, 27 April 2011
'...He walked on the water... to Jesus.'Matthew 14:29 NKJV

The disciples were out fishing one night when a huge storm struck. At about 3am they were terrified by a figure approaching them on the water. '...Immediately Jesus spoke... "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid"...Peter answered... "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You"...So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water... to Jesus' (Matthew 14:27-29 NKJV).

This story teaches us, first, that if the Lord doesn't call us to do it, don't! There's a story about a man standing at the gates of Heaven. Peter says, 'Name one great deed you've done.' The man replies, 'Well, a gang of bikers was threatening a woman so I smacked them, kicked over their bikes and ripped out their nose rings.' Impressed, Peter asks, 'When did this happen?' The man answers, 'About 30 seconds ago!' To walk on water you must learn to discern between God's voice and your own impulses.

Second, it teaches us that to experience miracles, we must get out of our comfort zone. Exchange places with Peter. The storm is raging and he's afraid. The boat's secure and comfortable. Wouldn't you want to stay there? But you can't. God designed you to do more than simply avoid failure; He's calling you to step out in faith and accomplish things. You say, 'What's my boat?' It's anything you put your faith in when life gets stormy, like a job or a relationship. Your boat is anything that stops you from getting out of your comfort zone. Leaving it is the scariest but most rewarding step you'll ever take!

***** Water Walking. The one important thing I have been learning lately. This lesson keeps on popping up like popcorns in my life. I think God wants me to do something and get out of my comfort zone. The thing is, there are so much that I am afraid of that I don't know where God is leading me. Because I have learned that there's a thin line between obedience and impulses. I want to know if it is God willing or not.

I am in my comfort zone right now. I am not embracing the truth and facing the people I should have had talked to a long time ago. It was stupid of me but fear kept on hanging my sleeves. I couldn't move forward if I do not settle the things of my past. I have had, in a sense, left behind a few things unnecessary for my growth (in God's direction and beautiful revelations). But still.. I am still inside the boat. I know I am. God is telling me I am. I want to get out of this boat. I want to do something. It is in my heart to walk in water.

Live Between the Steps

Monday, 25 April 2011
'This is the day the Lord has made...'Psalm 118:24 NKJV

There's a built-in danger in goal-setting. What is it? It's believing we'll only be happy when we reach those goals. We tell ourselves, 'When I graduate, get married, have children, own my own home', and so on, so we keep postponing life.

A university professor tells of being invited to speak at a military base and meeting a soldier named Ralph at the airport. After they introduced themselves they headed towards baggage claim. As they walked down the concourse Ralph kept disappearing, once to help an older woman whose suitcase had fallen open, once to lift up two toddlers so they could see Santa Claus, and again to give directions to someone who was lost. Each time he came back with a big smile on his face. 'Where did you learn to live like that?' the professor asked. 'Oh,' Ralph said, 'during the war, I guess.' Then he told the professor about his last tour of duty, how it was his job to detect mines, and how he watched his friends blown up before his eyes, one after another. 'I learned to live between steps,' he said. 'I never knew whether the next step would be my last, so I learned to get everything I could out of the moment between when I picked up my foot and put it down again. Every step I took was a whole new world, and I guess I've been living that way ever since.'

Ralph had it right! To get the most out of living we must live by the Scripture: 'This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.'


*** It's been while since I posted my devotions here it really felt revolting after quite sometime. I am saving a few pages of my journal because I haven't got enough time buying one these past few days. =P

There were some people who visited us this weekend from Whangarei whom are friends with my mother. I have never seen them before and they stayed for 2 nights in the house. I was just quite resentful at first because I have other plans but took it plainly before they got here. And this devotion reminded me that in every situation live faithfully and happily. Which I did. I am not sure about the other members of the family but I actually kind of like those people. They were nice when you get to know them. The reaching out part will always come from someone first.

Helping them in little ways, helping other people in some kind of way, is a bliss. When you know that you have done something to make another happy it is what we call living. I am merely living right now and I want to experience the fullness of God's joy through other people. I may never know when is my last breath. Last week I almost had a road accident. The almost part gives me chills but God's protection is so divine it didn't even happened (but thinking what could have been is awful). Living and letting others live is such a happy place. We are living in a battlefield of lost hopes, rejections, hurts and pains. The valleys are long and the nights dark. I have so much to learn about this but guess what? God is not finished with me yet and so He is with you..

Dear You

Dear You,

It is the first full moon of spring (Paschal full moon, as they call it) but here in the other side of the world we are enjoying the soft breeze of autumn. The moon is shining brightly, elegant and majestic as ever as it is cradled by the branches of trees in the darkness. My heart is once again captivated by the beauty of He who loves my soul.

Can you see it? Can you look at the moon and think about me wondering if we are both staring at the exquisite boast of nature? I wonder.

It could have been euphoric if you can only be with me right now. Inhaling the goodness of this very moment. But I will not choose to be with you now. Not because I am not thrilled of having you but because I am not ready for such greediness. You and I belong to Him and I can't wait to meet you in mutual exclusiveness. For now, my heart in utter exploration to the fullness of His love cannot accept such generosity of having you.

We can wait. We can always look at the moon separately every now and then. It is a usual reminder for me that wherever you are, we are always looking on the same side of the moon and to the ONE who made it so wonderful.

Love,

ME

Rules for Living

Sunday, 13 March 2011

'His... power has given us everything we need for life...'2 Peter 1:3 NIV

Here are three rules for living. First, learn to control the climate around you. Negativity is contagious; look out for its 'carriers'. Love them, lift them, but don't let them infect you. Filter what people say to you through God's Word. '...God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power (ability and a can-do attitude) and of love (which always looks for the best) and of a sound mind (which is stable and consistent)' (2 Timothy1:7 NKJV).

Second, learn to laugh at yourself. A woman who'd been given a lovely plant took it home, watered it, fertilised it and set it in the sun. A year later she discovered it was silk - and she still laughs about it. When you're secure in God's love and approval you can laugh at yourself; it's a mark of spiritual maturity.

Third, learn to factor God in. Ever hear of the 90/10 rule? When 90 per cent of the circumstances are uncontrollable, focus on the 10 per cent you can do something about. Paul did that. '...We were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God...' (2 Corinthians 7:5-6 KJV). Note the words 'Nevertheless God'. When you're facing a mountain always remember: God can move it, He can level it, He can tunnel through it, or He can help you climb it. All you have to do is factor Him in by seeking His face and consulting His Word. 'Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom...' (Colossians 3:16 KJV). Keep a rich deposit of Scripture within you and draw on it daily.


**** I know I need to be reminded of these things. By now I am beginning to be upbeat and positive again. I couldn't change the situation but I can always change my attitude. I just had a bad week. My robots kept on having a mind of its own. My workmate asked me, "How can you smile in this kind of situation?" I told him, "I couldn't fix it by being grumpy. Might as well give myself a break." Positive attitude really does pay off. You can work well, relate well and do better. Nothing beats a nice smile in a horrific situation.

Also in those times, I laugh. Yes, I could be really hard at myself but at the same time I can now fully accept that I can make mistakes, and its okay. We all do make mistakes. The thing is if I am secure on God's love that in whatever I do even if I fail He can still love me, why not as well just give credit to experience and laugh about it. God still loves me.

And Yes, what is the best thing to do in every situation? It is to involve God in everything you do. I keep it do a point to remember that I cannot change a lot of things. God has the power to settle a lot of my mistakes. BUT it is not an excuse not to do anything at all too. All these things give it to God and do the things I reckon I could change.God will do most of the things for me. This devotion taught me that 90% of my circumstances are uncontrollable, don't look at these things. Rather, focus on the remaining 10% and do something about it.

I am awed by the fact that I can do a good and happy life. I should just go for it, smile, laugh and give it all to God.

My Tears for the Land of the Rising Sun

Japan had a massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake yesterday March 12, 2011 at around 2:46 pm. It was centered near the east coast that could kill hundreds of people. This earthquake caused a huge tsunami to engulf the the towns and farmlands in inland Miyagi Perfecture. Buildings shook, heaved and collapsed by the score, and numerous fires ignited. Some trains were derailed, it tossed boats and cars like toys. Thousands of people want missing.

My heart was trampled like rubbish when I saw the video. It was devastating to see as if I am watching a movie only now it is real. I couldn't imagine how the people could run and be safe in that kind of situation. Deep in my heart I wish I could carry them and put them away from danger.

Japan has always been close to my heart. It is one of the places I wish to go and explore about. Not only because of it's beauty but also because of the culture in which I am most fascinated with. I wish to know the locals, take a bath in the hot springs, walk about the cherry blossoms, watch the fireworks by the Tokyo skyline, eat tasty food (like sushi's, donburi and yakisoba), walk the busy pedestrians, and shop till I drop in those awesome gadget stores, cute dress shops and anime hubs.

Japan is like home away from home.

It was terrible when I heard the news. I have great respect and love for the Japanese people. I hope that the people alive will be alright, those missing be found and those sadly that passed away be at peace.

I am praying that despite this tragedy Japan could get up from it's devastating state and rise again. Japan is the land of the rising sun afterall and by that it gives me hope that somewhow even if it takes a long time and it is hard Japan will get up and see the sun straight ahead.