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Friday, April 28, 2006

Philippians 2...:)

v12-13>> reminds us to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling"! "For it is God Who works in us to will and act according to His good purpose."

- Be sharply aware of the promptings of the Holy Spirit! Christianity can NEVER be a stagnant thing. all of us are "rolling stones". Either we roll UP the hill of life, or roll DOWN. there's no stand-still point. Once u get complacent, that's when u start backsliding. it's scary. IT IS NOT ENOUGH JUST TO RECEIVE HIM. After that, what happens? We must tune in to the voice of God, and let Him direct us. When you "fear and tremble", you are keenly aware of that which you fear. FEAR THE LORD. Heed His voice and grow in your walk with Him by working out (exercising) your salvation.
**Exercising salvation: Living according to HIs will and purpose, being strengthened as a Christian, so that you can fulfill the very reason for which you were saved. (there is always a reason why you are saved. :) He never saved you so that you can simply escape the flames...He wants you to have the greatest life, both in Heaven and on earth...)

jumping backwards a little:

v1-2: IF you have intimacy with God and have learned the secrets of His heart, having known the comfort of His presence, then SHOW IT. how? through the way you behave towards others. Let Christ's love so fill you that it spills over into the lives of others, so that you will be living for a cause greater than yourself. To do this, you must be of one mind and heart with those around you, so that many little streams can join to form one great river for the glory of God. A mighty river leaves an impact wherever it flows...it has the power to change landscapes, hew out rock, soften ground and nurture life. If each looks to the interests of others, you flow as one.
On the other hand, if each looks to his own interests, there will be many little streams, but no impact, because there is no common focus, no common cause, no common destiny.

v14-15: DO everything without complaining and arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation.

- it's so important to always place others above your own comfort. imagine if Jesus had gone to the Cross complaining and arguing. The impact of His actions would have immediately decreased to 0. Complaining is a sign of unwillingness and reluctance. that in itself is a fault, and whatever you do turns from service into duty. After all, who doesn't complain about work and studies? i'm speaking to myself too, because i think i complain the worst of all...but it's a learning process, so let's set ourselves apart, that we may "shine like stars in the universe". When people spot the difference, they'll focus on it, and that's an opportunity to "hold out the word of life"!

Dear Lord Jesus, forgive us for the many times when we have forgotten what You did for us on the Cross and in what spirit You did it...when we slipped into complacency, looked to our own interests and complained against the work You have set for us. Let us always remember that it was "all for love" that You came...and help us to approach everything in the same way...give us this burden for the lost, that we would desire always to grow in You so that we can "shine like stars in the universe" so that they too may grasp how wide and long and deep is the love of God for His people. Teach us to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling". In Colossians 1:22-23 You have shown us how easily salvation can be lost. Help us always to guard our hearts and be diligent in seeking You...we love You Lord...Amen.

[11:46 AM]
butterfly dreams ;



Tuesday, April 25, 2006

i wrote this in the other blog (all things beautiful in His sight)...but thought i'd put it here too, since i use this blog to share my QT findings...:)
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haha...wow...it's been ages since i blogged in this blog! for more updates on my daily life, heehee...i've written on my other blog...feliciacyl.multiply.com...but yeah, i think it'll be good to start blogging QT again! :)
Philippians 4...what a blessed chapter!!! really encourages and comforts me, knowing that my Heavenly Father cares so deeply for His children!

1. Agreement(v2-3)

- When we hold conflict, it should be done away with if we are both in the body of Christ...if one part of the body starts hitting another part, it won't benefit the body at all...If we see two brothers or sisters fighting, we should do all we can in love to help them see that the conflict they hold should be done away with...

2. Rejoicing Always (v4)

- In each circumstance, let's rejoice that God is teaching and building us up. Sometimes when the times are toughest, we can rejoice knowing that God is near to those who are contrite in heart, and is molding and shaping our character for bigger opportunities and promises ahead.

3. Gentleness to All (v5)

-Let our gentleness be evident to ALL, whether they return that gentleness or not. Some may treat us harshly and may not even acknowledge the Christlike character we show, but let us trust that God is doing a good work in us as well as in those to whom we are showing Christlike character as long as we are doing His will, whether or not others see it. God honours those who honour Him. He is no debtor of persons.

4. Be anxious for nothing.(v6-7)

- Let's develop an attitude of prayer and petition (also includes standing in the gap by making requests for our fellow brothers or our non-Christian friends), an attitude of thanksgiving in ALL things, presenting our requests TO GOD.
AND the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. such great peace that we don't even understand will GUARD (watch over and keep safe) our hearts and minds. what a wonderful thing to know that God's peace will constantly watch over us to keep us from feeling afraid and lost, as long as we ask of Him and remind ourselves of His faithfulness by adopting an attitude of thanksgiving in all things!

5. Thoughts and honouring our leaders(v8-9)

-Let's focus on the good stuff. It's so easy to allow negative and bad thoughts in, but let's always make a CONSCIOUS EFFORT to bring in what is good...if it's stated in the Bible, then we know it takes a conscious effort to do this. :D At other times, we allow ourselves to be so critical of others. We so often forget to look at their strengths and the good things about them, and so often focus on the negative things. because of that we miss out on all the important lessons God desires for us to learn by placing these people into our lives as role models. Whatever is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. not about things we can poke at and look down on, but things we can praise. and when we see these things, we should take them, learn them and practice them for ourselves.
AND the GOD OF PEACE (earlier it was the PEACE of God, but now it is the GOD OF PEACE) will be with you. What's the distinction? Peace comes in knowing that u can rely on God in all things. the God of peace draws near when u genuinely desire to learn and grow in all the goodness and wisdom He has desired for u to grow in. Sometimes it's hard to give up our rights to be cynical and critical, sometimes it's hard to give up negative thoughts of others when they've offended or hurt us, and FURTHERMORE think of GOOD things about such people, but when we are willing to set aside our own interests in order to accomplish the desires of God, an amazing sense of peace fills our hearts because we know that God draws near to those who are humble and contrite in spirit.

7. Contentment (v12-13)

- Finding fulfilment in Christ, whatever the circumstances. Instead of looking at what we don't have, let's look at what we have. We have Christ. What is the secret of being content? It is this: I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH. that is the secret of that peaceful contentment that Paul had. He didn't focus on what his own strength could or could not do, but rather what Christ's strength could accomplish in him. What is there NOT to be content about if we know that nothing is impossible for God, and that God is living in us? There is no fear or worry in perfect contentment, and therefore we should begin to learn. i guess we will never really get it totally, but at least we can remind ourselves that we can do all things through Christ, Who lives in us, Who arms us with strength. if we have Him, we have everything we need and a million times more. once we fully grasp the meaning of this, there is virtually nothing to be "not content about". well, it's a learning process. we learn how to do this more each passing day. :)

8. Giving to our leaders. (v14-19)

- It is credited to our heavenly account when we take care of our leaders both in prayer and in finances!!! It's said this way: They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to GOD. Not to the leaders, but to God.
AND when you do so, God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Our God is also the God of our leaders. Those who bless them will be blessed and honoured, whether in this life or in the next. Maybe or maybe not financially only,because there are more important things to life than just that, but God is no debtor of persons, and when He says He will meet all your needs, He will do so if you honour Him by honouring your leaders.

God i just praise You and praise You for Your living and active Word. Truly begin to stir us up to know that You love to bless, but that we have to take steps of faith in order to tap into all the promises You have given us. You don't allow us to just sit back and grow into fat, lazy sheep! and i praise You for that!! Thanks for constantly reminding us to exercise our faith, so that we may grow strong and fit in spirit and character, well-equipped for the expansion of Your kingdom. we thank You for Your reassurance of Your peace and Presence of peace as we choose to walk in Your ways, and we thank You for reminding us of what You have given us: Jesus Christ...therefore we can be content knowing that Your strength is what carries us, despite our weaknesses in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Father teach us also to always look for the best in our leaders and friends, and not harbour a critical spirit, but rather one that is eager to learn and grow. Teach us how to honour You by honouring our leaders. Lord remind us to commit ourselves to You daily, to consciously make an effort to please You. Truly we can't live a day without You. You are a good and faithful God, and we praise You always. Amen.

[3:11 AM]
butterfly dreams ;



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