Like a mighty warrior,
the LORD is with me.
- Jeremiah 20:11a
Showing posts with label protect. Show all posts
Showing posts with label protect. Show all posts
December 2, 2010
February 14, 2009
The Single Woman's Prayer (oh ok also for the men...)
Dear God,
Please protect me from all the wrong ones.
In Jesus' name,
Amen :)
P.S. Like anything that leads us to rely on God instead of on ourselves or our circumstances, this really works!
P.P.S. God would be pleased and honored, you would be spared, even the men who thought they were the one for you would eventually be thankful, and so would the women who God has ordained for them...But your future husband would probably be the most thankful of all :)
...What shall we do for our sister
for the day she is spoken for?
If she is a wall,
we will build towers of silver on her.
If she is a door,
we will enclose her with panels of cedar.
we will build towers of silver on her.
If she is a door,
we will enclose her with panels of cedar.
Happy Valentines'! :)
October 10, 2008
MORE prayers for Orissa, India
Article 1. TERROR IN ORISSA
It's time for India to start acting like the world's largest democracy.
A Christianity Today editorial | posted 10/09/2008 06:25AM
Excerpts:
As local police looked the other way, dozens of Christians were murdered, hundreds of homes were destroyed, scores of churches were torched, and thousands of Christians fled to nearby forests for safety. Some faced this stark choice: Become a Hindu or be killed. The mayhem quickly spread to five more states. Pledging aid to the victims, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh—whose secular government did too little, too late—called the violence a "national shame." What an understatement that is.
The real embarrassment to the world's largest democracy is not this incident. No, it is the fact that this flashpoint is not all that unusual for India...According to All India Christian Council, which defends the human rights of the nation's long-oppressed Dalits, somewhere in India an attack against Christians occurs on average every three days.
...Prominent Hindus who rightly see their nation as an emerging world power are beginning to turn away in disgust from the militants. "I am a Hindu myself," Indian television talk-show host Rajiv Bajaj says. "Hinduism is a strong, ancient, rich tradition. Are we so insecure about our identity and heritage that it should lead to this kind of mindlessness? First the Sikhs, then the Muslims, now the Christians. Where does it end?"
Article 2. WORSE THAN EVER
A Christianity Today editorial | posted 10/09/2008 06:25AM
Christians knew the attacks were coming, but no one knew they would be this deadly.
Excerpts:
Nationalist Hindus have killed, raped, and otherwise assaulted Christians, burned Christian schools, churches, and houses, and left tens of thousands homeless.
...The Times of London called it "the worst anti-Christian violence in India since Independence [in 1947]."
...Orissa's population is mostly Dalit, the lowest rung in traditional Hindu society. Christianity represents relative security for a convert, since India has many reputable Christian schools, hospitals, and charities. "Conversion is basically equal to development," said Sam Paul. For that reason, many Hindus claim that converts to Christianity were bribed or tricked into it.
"If we believe the gospel is life eternal for a person, if it is Good News to the poor, why should that Good News be stopped? It's their choice whether to accept or not, but it is their basic human right to hear that news."
It's time for India to start acting like the world's largest democracy.
A Christianity Today editorial | posted 10/09/2008 06:25AM
Excerpts:
As local police looked the other way, dozens of Christians were murdered, hundreds of homes were destroyed, scores of churches were torched, and thousands of Christians fled to nearby forests for safety. Some faced this stark choice: Become a Hindu or be killed. The mayhem quickly spread to five more states. Pledging aid to the victims, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh—whose secular government did too little, too late—called the violence a "national shame." What an understatement that is.
The real embarrassment to the world's largest democracy is not this incident. No, it is the fact that this flashpoint is not all that unusual for India...According to All India Christian Council, which defends the human rights of the nation's long-oppressed Dalits, somewhere in India an attack against Christians occurs on average every three days.
...Prominent Hindus who rightly see their nation as an emerging world power are beginning to turn away in disgust from the militants. "I am a Hindu myself," Indian television talk-show host Rajiv Bajaj says. "Hinduism is a strong, ancient, rich tradition. Are we so insecure about our identity and heritage that it should lead to this kind of mindlessness? First the Sikhs, then the Muslims, now the Christians. Where does it end?"
================================================================
Article 2. WORSE THAN EVER
A Christianity Today editorial | posted 10/09/2008 06:25AM
Christians knew the attacks were coming, but no one knew they would be this deadly.
Excerpts:
Nationalist Hindus have killed, raped, and otherwise assaulted Christians, burned Christian schools, churches, and houses, and left tens of thousands homeless.
...The Times of London called it "the worst anti-Christian violence in India since Independence [in 1947]."
...Orissa's population is mostly Dalit, the lowest rung in traditional Hindu society. Christianity represents relative security for a convert, since India has many reputable Christian schools, hospitals, and charities. "Conversion is basically equal to development," said Sam Paul. For that reason, many Hindus claim that converts to Christianity were bribed or tricked into it.
"If we believe the gospel is life eternal for a person, if it is Good News to the poor, why should that Good News be stopped? It's their choice whether to accept or not, but it is their basic human right to hear that news."
September 20, 2008
Urgent: Please pray for INDIA
"Please pray for the Church in India. Buddhist extremists burnt 20 churches in Orissa last night. BJP plans to kill 200 pastors in the next 24 hours. All Christians are hiding in the bushes. Please pray and forward to all intercessors you know so we can cry out to God on their behalf. Pastor Steve, Dubai. Please pass." --- text message from my friend Tina
For more information, here are some sites:
Orissa Update and Fact Sheet
Central Govt hits out at Orissa, Karnataka for church attacks
Violence in Orissa spreads, worsens
Let us remember that God is in control; that His purposes are always good and His timing is always perfect. Let us pray in His Spirit and in His name, for His kingdom to come, for His will to be done.
Much thanks for reading and praying!
For more information, here are some sites:
Orissa Update and Fact Sheet
Central Govt hits out at Orissa, Karnataka for church attacks
Violence in Orissa spreads, worsens
Let us remember that God is in control; that His purposes are always good and His timing is always perfect. Let us pray in His Spirit and in His name, for His kingdom to come, for His will to be done.
Much thanks for reading and praying!
May 22, 2008
under My umbrella :)
Just in time for the start of the rainy season :)
UMBRELLA
as performed by Mandy Moore
You had My heart
And we'll never be worlds apart
Maybe in magazines
But you'll still be My star
Baby 'cause in the dark
You can see shiny cars
That's when you need Me there
With you I'll always share
Because...
When the sun shines
We'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'mma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Told you we still have each other
You can stand under My umbrella
You can stand under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella eh eh)
These fancy things,
Will never come in between
You're My entity
Here for infinity
When the war has took its part
When the world has dealt its cards
If the hand is hard
Together we'll mend your heart
Because...
When the sun shines
We'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'mma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Told you we still have each other
You can stand under My umbrella
You can stand under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
You can run into My arms
That's okay don't be alarmed
(Come into Me)
(There's no distance in between our love)
Gonna let the rain pour
I'll be all you need and more ooohh
Because...
When the sun shines
We'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'mma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Told you we still have each other
You can stand under My umbrella
You can stand under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
It's raining
Ooo baby it's raining (raining)
Baby come into Me
Come into Me
It's raining
Ooo baby it's raining
Come into Me
Come into Me
UMBRELLA
as performed by Mandy Moore
You had My heart
And we'll never be worlds apart
Maybe in magazines
But you'll still be My star
Baby 'cause in the dark
You can see shiny cars
That's when you need Me there
With you I'll always share
Because...
When the sun shines
We'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'mma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Told you we still have each other
You can stand under My umbrella
You can stand under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella eh eh)
These fancy things,
Will never come in between
You're My entity
Here for infinity
When the war has took its part
When the world has dealt its cards
If the hand is hard
Together we'll mend your heart
Because...
When the sun shines
We'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'mma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Told you we still have each other
You can stand under My umbrella
You can stand under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
You can run into My arms
That's okay don't be alarmed
(Come into Me)
(There's no distance in between our love)
Gonna let the rain pour
I'll be all you need and more ooohh
Because...
When the sun shines
We'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'mma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Told you we still have each other
You can stand under My umbrella
You can stand under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under My umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
It's raining
Ooo baby it's raining (raining)
Baby come into Me
Come into Me
It's raining
Ooo baby it's raining
Come into Me
Come into Me
November 8, 2007
Short-Term Missions in Dangerous Countries: Your Thoughts?
teci: Please see the link in the title for all the respondents' answers. Not surprisingly (to those who know me!), i only included excerpts of the answers i myself would give or agree with :D
The Pulse
SHORT-TERM TROUBLES
Lessons from the South Korean kidnappings in Afghanistan.
posted 11/07/2007 09:28AM
Christianity Today
Should churches send short-term mission groups into dangerous or closed countries?
27% Yes
* Christians are to go everywhere (Acts 1:8).
* The Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles spread the message of Yahweh and the gospel in places they were not supposed to go.
* Jesus warned us that bearing witness to the gospel involves danger. Sacrifice will be demanded. Lives will be lost.
* If we are to take the gospel to the entire world as we're commanded, then these kinds of mission efforts are essential.
* * *
When such groups go and suffer persecution, how should their government respond?
17% The church should not ask its government to respond.
* We should use the spiritual weapons of prayer and voluntary suffering—not the diplomatic and military rights of our government—to change the hearts of the persecutors.
* To do so only confirms the belief of leaders of the country involved that churches are an arm of the government.
* The church has no government. It should not petition the government for anything at all. Missionary groups go knowing the dangers and should be willing to accept the consequences.
The Pulse
SHORT-TERM TROUBLES
Lessons from the South Korean kidnappings in Afghanistan.
posted 11/07/2007 09:28AM
Christianity Today
Should churches send short-term mission groups into dangerous or closed countries?
27% Yes
* Christians are to go everywhere (Acts 1:8).
* The Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles spread the message of Yahweh and the gospel in places they were not supposed to go.
* Jesus warned us that bearing witness to the gospel involves danger. Sacrifice will be demanded. Lives will be lost.
* If we are to take the gospel to the entire world as we're commanded, then these kinds of mission efforts are essential.
* * *
When such groups go and suffer persecution, how should their government respond?
17% The church should not ask its government to respond.
* We should use the spiritual weapons of prayer and voluntary suffering—not the diplomatic and military rights of our government—to change the hearts of the persecutors.
* To do so only confirms the belief of leaders of the country involved that churches are an arm of the government.
* The church has no government. It should not petition the government for anything at all. Missionary groups go knowing the dangers and should be willing to accept the consequences.
October 5, 2007
Be strong and courageous, Teci!!!
The LORD Commands Joshua
(from the Book of Joshua chapter 1)
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
So Joshua ordered the officers [and the people]...
Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!"
(from the Book of Joshua chapter 1)
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
"Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
So Joshua ordered the officers [and the people]...
Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!"
July 28, 2007
opening my heart
"Open your heart
He'll walk right in..."
--- Jaci Velasquez, "Come as you are"
"opening my heart":
(A) acknowledging Jesus as the rightful center of my being
(B) dethroning my former (and current) idols. anything else that i've worshipped, that became a "god" in my life, has to be surrendered to the One True God.
"war of the wills":
it's a phrase that repeats itself over and over this week. we have all heard about the battle between good and evil, maybe you've also heard of angels versus demons or God versus Satan. but to be completely honest, the battles i've often fought are those that occur inside me.
we want to do good yet we want to do what is not good.
we want to be good but we want to stay "true" to ourselves: no conflicts, no dilemmas...no conscience.
people who know me know that when i "want" something, i really want something. so for me to give up something i really want, in obedience to God, is a really major sacrifice.
well, that's why it's called "sacrifice"...
i want to obey God but, many times, it seems that it's only on a theoretical, lip-service basis. because here comes the opportunity to choose God over myself, or the world, and suddenly i hesitate, falter, make compromises, rationalize and justify what both God and i know should not be.
and so i prayed. even if only on a theoretical, lip-service basis. deep down my mind knew that God's ways are best. but my impatient, impulsive heart only seeks to indulge itself, in the here and now.
more than once i've told God, "but i really want this."
eventually, i've realized, that i didn't really want it after all.
God knows me better than i know myself. if only i opened my heart, and eyes, and ears, and my whole being, to Him more. maybe sacrificing my false gods would become easier with practice. or maybe not.
thankfully He's ever present and willing to protect me --- to protect us --- from ourselves. regardless of our past, present, even future behavior. He is Good and Great,
and He even gives us the intention and the ability to follow Him.
God even helps me open up my heart to Him.
and in the meantime, His angels are working overtime to protect me.
He'll walk right in..."
--- Jaci Velasquez, "Come as you are"
"opening my heart":
(A) acknowledging Jesus as the rightful center of my being
(B) dethroning my former (and current) idols. anything else that i've worshipped, that became a "god" in my life, has to be surrendered to the One True God.
"war of the wills":
it's a phrase that repeats itself over and over this week. we have all heard about the battle between good and evil, maybe you've also heard of angels versus demons or God versus Satan. but to be completely honest, the battles i've often fought are those that occur inside me.
we want to do good yet we want to do what is not good.
we want to be good but we want to stay "true" to ourselves: no conflicts, no dilemmas...no conscience.
people who know me know that when i "want" something, i really want something. so for me to give up something i really want, in obedience to God, is a really major sacrifice.
well, that's why it's called "sacrifice"...
i want to obey God but, many times, it seems that it's only on a theoretical, lip-service basis. because here comes the opportunity to choose God over myself, or the world, and suddenly i hesitate, falter, make compromises, rationalize and justify what both God and i know should not be.
and so i prayed. even if only on a theoretical, lip-service basis. deep down my mind knew that God's ways are best. but my impatient, impulsive heart only seeks to indulge itself, in the here and now.
more than once i've told God, "but i really want this."
eventually, i've realized, that i didn't really want it after all.
God knows me better than i know myself. if only i opened my heart, and eyes, and ears, and my whole being, to Him more. maybe sacrificing my false gods would become easier with practice. or maybe not.
thankfully He's ever present and willing to protect me --- to protect us --- from ourselves. regardless of our past, present, even future behavior. He is Good and Great,
and He even gives us the intention and the ability to follow Him.
God even helps me open up my heart to Him.
and in the meantime, His angels are working overtime to protect me.
September 17, 2006
twenty-three =)
(all from that well-known psalm. =) baa =) )
- The LORD is my shepherd. (baby baaaa!)
- He restores my soul. =)
- I shall not want. (nothing else to need or ask for =) )
- He makes me lie down in green pastures. (makes: God places me in such circumstances; it's not my doing!....green: abundant)
- He leads me beside still waters. (peace-filled)
- He leads me in right paths.
- Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. =) (the only thing that matters =) )
- Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. =) (i needed outside help for this one: the rod and staff are not there to hurt me but to protect me from those who would harm me. so that's why it's comforting!...)
- My cup overflows. =) (not just full, but overflowing!)
- You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. =) (not just preparing for me, but enabling me to overcome! yeah!)
- You anoint my head with oil. (God Himself will promote me =) yay =) )
- Surely goodness and mercy and steadfast love shall follow me all the days of my life. (it's definite; it's lifelong...and beyond.)
- I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Amen =) )
June 3, 2006
not just a pop song, 6: all i need
All I Need
by Barbie's Cradle
Inside of my heart is an army of angels
Just 'coz I let you go
Oh volunteers they are here to love and help me
only 'coz I've said no
to the killer eyes
by Barbie's Cradle
Inside of my heart is an army of angels
Just 'coz I let you go
Oh volunteers they are here to love and help me
only 'coz I've said no
to the killer eyes
that invite me to do things
I would have to lie about
and it's better now
I would have to lie about
and it's better now
we are safe
you know i love you more from far away
now that all i need is God.
hey little girl
do you still have things that haunt you
are all the words I said unclear
You know I was there
just a while ago so miserable
until I told the truth and prayed
and the killer eyes that invite me
to do things I would have to lie about
just lost their sparkle
and it's better now we are safe
you know I love you more from far away
now that all I need is God.
inside of my heart
is an army of angels waiting for war...
you know i love you more from far away
now that all i need is God.
hey little girl
do you still have things that haunt you
are all the words I said unclear
You know I was there
just a while ago so miserable
until I told the truth and prayed
and the killer eyes that invite me
to do things I would have to lie about
just lost their sparkle
and it's better now we are safe
you know I love you more from far away
now that all I need is God.
inside of my heart
is an army of angels waiting for war...
the killer eyes that invite me to do things
I would have to lie about
lost their sparkle
and it's better now
we are safe
I would have to lie about
lost their sparkle
and it's better now
we are safe
you know I love you more from far away
now that all I need is...
now that all I need is...
Inside of my heart is an army of angels
Inside of my heart is an army of angels
Inside of my heart is an army of angels
Inside of my heart is an army of angels...
I need You so much I am dust without You
I'd lose all the universe just to have You
I need You so much I am dust without You
I'd lose all the universe just to have You...
Inside of my heart is an army of angels
Inside of my heart is an army of angels
Inside of my heart is an army of angels...
I need You so much I am dust without You
I'd lose all the universe just to have You
I need You so much I am dust without You
I'd lose all the universe just to have You...
May 27, 2006
the BEST reminder when you're down...
What then shall we say to these things?
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:31-32
If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:31-32
April 18, 2006
hope this can be said about me too :)
I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus.
For in Him you have been enriched in every way — in all your speaking and in all your knowledge — because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
(1 Corinthians 1:4-9)
For in Him you have been enriched in every way — in all your speaking and in all your knowledge — because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you.
Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
(1 Corinthians 1:4-9)
December 29, 2005
marching orders
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.
…Be strong and of good courage, for you must go…
…And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
…Be strong and of good courage…
--- Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, 8, 23
(written December 5, 2005)
…Be strong and of good courage, for you must go…
…And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.
…Be strong and of good courage…
--- Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, 8, 23
(written December 5, 2005)
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