There's this issue where I've believed for a long time, but it's only now that I'm really taking a step of faith.
Nothing to hold on to --- no circumstances, no events, no one --- but God's Word, specifically for this matter.
I believe... and suddenly, everything's okay. :)
It's all in His hands, and there's nothing to worry about or be afraid of.
:)
March 29, 2010
March 27, 2010
teci's defense...
I've watched thesis defenses for the past three days. Meanwhile, "Teci's Defense" consists of only three words for the past three weeks.
"Do you believe?"
Do I?
Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief.
"Do you believe?"
Do I?
Lord, I believe, but help my unbelief.
March 26, 2010
Does God speak in the here and now?*
I agree that there is a danger in reading too much into signs and even the Bible, especially when we apply them to our own lives. (There are universal topics like "salvation", but there are less-universal topics like what job to take, who to marry...)
However, I believe God still speaks in the here and now. Why?
(1) Some people say they just believe in the Bible. But what is the Bible? It's a collection of books written by people inspired by God, about people who interacted with God.
(2) I've heard/felt/sensed God speaking to me too.
My other reasons are taken from the Bible we* both place our faith in.
(3) Jesus promised the Counselor, the Holy Spirit.
(4) There will be more --- not less --- of the Holy Spirit in the last days!
(5) The promise of the Holy Spirit is available even to us.
(6) Reading only the Bible because "God's word is complete" is similar to not working on the Sabbath because "God's work is complete." But how did Jesus respond?
(7) The last verse of the Gospels admitted that the Bible and the whole world could not contain all that Jesus did. How much more now, two thousand years later?
(8) Yes, all Scripture is useful. Mark* quoted 2 Timothy 3:16-17, but nowhere there nor elsewhere in Scripture does it say that it's all we need. If we hear something now, is it our own wishful thinking, or demons deceiving us? We can check the Bible if what we hear is in line with God's character, His message and His purposes. We can also check to see if God does speak in the first place.
(9) We need not worry too much if we're not sure about God's voice. If He really wants to tell us something (and if we really want to follow), He'll make a way.
(10) Those who follow Jesus would do well to remember what He said was the only unforgivable sin:
Postscript: Thanks to "Waking the Dead" by John Eldredge
* Originally posted as a comment on http://three17.blogspot.com/2005/10/hope-does-not-disappoint-part-2-2.html
However, I believe God still speaks in the here and now. Why?
(1) Some people say they just believe in the Bible. But what is the Bible? It's a collection of books written by people inspired by God, about people who interacted with God.
(2) I've heard/felt/sensed God speaking to me too.
My other reasons are taken from the Bible we* both place our faith in.
(3) Jesus promised the Counselor, the Holy Spirit.
"All this I have spoken while still with you.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:25-26)
(4) There will be more --- not less --- of the Holy Spirit in the last days!
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
(Joel 2:28-32, recounted in Acts 2:17-21 as it starts to be fulfilled)
(5) The promise of the Holy Spirit is available even to us.
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:38-39)
(6) Reading only the Bible because "God's word is complete" is similar to not working on the Sabbath because "God's work is complete." But how did Jesus respond?
So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted him.
Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." (John 5:16-17)
(7) The last verse of the Gospels admitted that the Bible and the whole world could not contain all that Jesus did. How much more now, two thousand years later?
Jesus did many other things as well.
If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. (John 21:25)
(8) Yes, all Scripture is useful. Mark* quoted 2 Timothy 3:16-17, but nowhere there nor elsewhere in Scripture does it say that it's all we need. If we hear something now, is it our own wishful thinking, or demons deceiving us? We can check the Bible if what we hear is in line with God's character, His message and His purposes. We can also check to see if God does speak in the first place.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
(9) We need not worry too much if we're not sure about God's voice. If He really wants to tell us something (and if we really want to follow), He'll make a way.
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. (John 10:27,4)
(10) Those who follow Jesus would do well to remember what He said was the only unforgivable sin:
And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. (Matthew 12:31-32)
Postscript: Thanks to "Waking the Dead" by John Eldredge
"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. (John 16:12-15)
* Originally posted as a comment on http://three17.blogspot.com/2005/10/hope-does-not-disappoint-part-2-2.html
Should we tell the bad news first? :)
Here's an article filled with insight and grace:
http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2010/03/do-we-need-to-tell-people-the-bad-news-before-the-good-news/
Some excerpts:
http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2010/03/do-we-need-to-tell-people-the-bad-news-before-the-good-news/
Some excerpts:
Helping people connect with Christ is more a process than it is an event. This process includes friendship, the integrity of Christian character, a loving community, and time [to] process the implications of Christ’s Lordship.
The drumbeat of statistics over the years reveals that 75-90% of those who have come to Christ and faithfully continue in their discipleship were introduced to the Christian faith through believing friends and relatives; this personal connection to the gospel came through love, acceptance, and a modeling of the Christian faith.
While we are to be responsible witnesses, we mustn’t diminish God’s sovereignty on this score either. Will God put people into hell just because of our human failure (of the Christian witness)? Too often the “what if he dies tomorrow?” idea can often creates a forced “witness”... Relationships that respect the process, trust the Holy Spirit, and allow people time to think through the implications of the Christian faith are (statistically speaking) far more effective and long-lasting than the short-term, “I must tell him now or else” approach.
Those touched by Jesus knew that he first was genuinely interested in them. Perhaps that friend-of-sinners approach has something going for it! The confrontational method diminishes the listening and unfolding process involved in evangelism. The gospel should be expressed in a holistic and relational manner. Otherwise it more often than not appears to be a judgmental sales pitch.
Jesus and other authorities in the New Testament don’t necessarily bring up sin at the outset, and they may in fact first “dangle the benefits of salvation” before them!
To reach people, we shouldn’t diminish the gravity of sin; rather, we should walk in the way of the Master, whose earthly ministry earned him the reputation of being a “friend of sinners.” May the same be said of us redeemed sinners as well!
March 23, 2010
The One, The Only
Be Your Everything
by Big Daddy Weave
lyrics from here
When you're lost and all alone
I will be your sure way home
When you're left out in the cold
I will be your shelter from the storm
When you're clouded by your doubt
When you're surrounded and there's no other way out
I will be all that you need
And I'm here for the asking
Let me be your everything
Let me be your everything
Look at all that I will bring
In exchange for what you have
Let me be your everything
When you're wanderin' in the darkness
I will be the light that guides you
And when death is standin' at your doorway
I will be the life inside you
When you face your deepest fears
When you can't see through all the tears
I will stay year after year
So patiently waitin', hear me say
Let me be your everything
Let me be your everything
Look at all that I will bring
In exchange for what you have
So bring your sorrow, bring your shame
All your sufferin' and your pain
Don't you know the price is paid
If only you'll let me be
Neither height nor depth, nor life nor death
The angels above or the demons beneath the sea
Could ever separate you from the love in me
So won't you
Let me be your everything
Let me be your everything
Look at all that I will bring
In exchange for what you have
So bring your sorrow, bring your shame
All your sufferin' and your pain
Don't you know the price is paid
If only you'll let me be
If only you'll let me be
Let me be your everything
Your everything
My Soul Waits for God Alone
Psalm 62 (A Psalm of David)
cross-references here
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from Him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress;
I shall not be greatly shaken.
How long will all of you attack a man to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress;
I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this
that power belongs to God,
and that to You, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man according to his work.
by Big Daddy Weave
lyrics from here
When you're lost and all alone
I will be your sure way home
When you're left out in the cold
I will be your shelter from the storm
When you're clouded by your doubt
When you're surrounded and there's no other way out
I will be all that you need
And I'm here for the asking
Let me be your everything
Let me be your everything
Look at all that I will bring
In exchange for what you have
Let me be your everything
When you're wanderin' in the darkness
I will be the light that guides you
And when death is standin' at your doorway
I will be the life inside you
When you face your deepest fears
When you can't see through all the tears
I will stay year after year
So patiently waitin', hear me say
Let me be your everything
Let me be your everything
Look at all that I will bring
In exchange for what you have
So bring your sorrow, bring your shame
All your sufferin' and your pain
Don't you know the price is paid
If only you'll let me be
Neither height nor depth, nor life nor death
The angels above or the demons beneath the sea
Could ever separate you from the love in me
So won't you
Let me be your everything
Let me be your everything
Look at all that I will bring
In exchange for what you have
So bring your sorrow, bring your shame
All your sufferin' and your pain
Don't you know the price is paid
If only you'll let me be
If only you'll let me be
Let me be your everything
Your everything
My Soul Waits for God Alone
Psalm 62 (A Psalm of David)
cross-references here
For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from Him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress;
I shall not be greatly shaken.
How long will all of you attack a man to batter him,
like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?
They only plan to thrust him down from his high position.
They take pleasure in falsehood.
They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress;
I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Those of low estate are but a breath;
those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
they are together lighter than a breath.
Put no trust in extortion;
set no vain hopes on robbery;
if riches increase, set not your heart on them.
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this
that power belongs to God,
and that to You, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to a man according to his work.
with a heart wide open =)
Today, I encourage you to keep your heart open... and say what you need to say :) No pressure and no rush, but treat every moment as precious, eternal... and holy. :)
Say (What You Need to Say)
by John Mayer
featured in the movie The Bucket List
Lyrics from here, see video here
Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems
Better put ‘em in quotations
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead
If you could only
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You better know that in the end
It's better to say too much
Than to never say what you need to say
Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as your eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open
Wide
Say what you need to say
Say (What You Need to Say)
by John Mayer
featured in the movie The Bucket List
Lyrics from here, see video here
Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems
Better put ‘em in quotations
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead
If you could only
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Say what you need to say
Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You better know that in the end
It's better to say too much
Than to never say what you need to say
Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as your eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open
Wide
Say what you need to say
March 17, 2010
hidden in the everyday
It seems like an ordinary day, but my long-prayed-for and long-awaited task is ... done.
Thank You God, for the miracles hidden in the everyday. :)
http://tecigurl.blogspot.com/2006/06/not-just-pop-song-10-everyday-miracles.html
Thank You God, for the miracles hidden in the everyday. :)
http://tecigurl.blogspot.com/2006/06/not-just-pop-song-10-everyday-miracles.html
March 10, 2010
all i need to do...
Fear not, because I AM.
Take My hand. That is all you need to do.
Breathe. Live. Follow Me. =)
Take My hand. That is all you need to do.
Breathe. Live. Follow Me. =)
the eye of the storm
He is the One who cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Yet again, at the very moment Jesus uttered that prayer, he was at the center of his Father’s will.
- Ravi Zacharias
- Ravi Zacharias
March 9, 2010
the power is not mine :)
i've always loved this song and video. and the funny thing is, for a long time i could not understand the last lines that are actually the key point of the song. :) Now i understand, literally and figuratively :) May you be as blessed as i am :)
What Can I Do
by The Corrs
(see video here)
I haven't slept at all in days
It´s been so long since we have talked
And I have been here many times
I just don´t know what I´m doing wrong
What can I do to make you love me
What can I do to make you care
What can I say to make feel this
What can I do to get you there
There's only so much I can take
And I just got to let it go
And who knows I might feel better
If I don't try and I don't hope
What can I do to make you love me
What can I do to make you care
What can I say to make feel this
What can I do to get you there
No more waiting, no more aching
No more fighting, no more trying...
Maybe there's nothing more to say
And in a funny way I'm calm
Because the power is not mine
I´m just going to let it fly...
What can I do to make you love me
What can I do to make you care
What can I say to make feel this
What can I do to get you there
Love me...
What Can I Do
by The Corrs
(see video here)
I haven't slept at all in days
It´s been so long since we have talked
And I have been here many times
I just don´t know what I´m doing wrong
What can I do to make you love me
What can I do to make you care
What can I say to make feel this
What can I do to get you there
There's only so much I can take
And I just got to let it go
And who knows I might feel better
If I don't try and I don't hope
What can I do to make you love me
What can I do to make you care
What can I say to make feel this
What can I do to get you there
No more waiting, no more aching
No more fighting, no more trying...
Maybe there's nothing more to say
And in a funny way I'm calm
Because the power is not mine
I´m just going to let it fly...
What can I do to make you love me
What can I do to make you care
What can I say to make feel this
What can I do to get you there
Love me...
March 7, 2010
Today, I choose.
God loves even when we do not;
God is faithful even when we are not.
Today, I choose to follow God.
Today, I choose to love.
God is faithful even when we are not.
Today, I choose to follow God.
Today, I choose to love.
And today changes everything.
And today changes everything. Everything except Him. God is in control. And that makes everything... OK. Even me :)
March 5, 2010
Praying and Fasting for the Philippines
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! I know you're already praying, but this is the time God is gonna pull down the SPIRIT OF CORRUPTION, and God is going to release the Spirit of truth and righteousness into this nation, because 'Righteousness exalts a nation.'
You can read the complete prophecy regarding the Philippines here:
http://disciple.multiply.com/journal/item/61/The_Latest_Cindy_Jacobs_Prophecy_for_the_Philippines
Hope you can join in praying and fasting for the Philippines, especially with the coming national elections. I am forwarding this from a group of intercessors that started in our local church but is rapidly growing each day :) We sign up to pray and fast for one day each week, and we update each other (via text/email) about the specific issues we can pray for our country, and how God answers (a fiiting verse, personal revelation, even breaking news).
I just joined this week and it's been a big blessing to me already. Not only am I learning to honor God as a Filipino, but I also remember to pray beyond my own needs and wants. Like a fellow intercessor says, it's not about being a big burden but about joining God as He works in and through our nation in these critical times. :)
If you would like to join, just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prayerwarriors2010/ :) Truly, we don't need to formally sign up, we can pray and fast where we are, but it's encouraging to hear about how God is speaking and moving through others as well :)
Thanks and have a great weekend!
More love, power, wisdom and truth,
Tessa :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)