Today is suppose to be hungering for God day. Didn't really do a complete fast today, but did managed to eat a much smaller portion of dinner... so I actually AM kinda hungry today! ;) But yeah, we shouldn't live by bread alone... may the Word of God fill my spirit up more today!!!
My coworker Barrett told me about the time he went to Mexico to help the locals build some small houses. People were really poor there. There was also a little girl there wanting to give her little sister to Barrett to take her back to America because life was so very hard there. But the amazing thing was that Barrett said he has never seen churches worshipping God more joyfully in such a poor neighborhood. They really do let the joy of the Lord becoming their strengths. We Americans really have a lot to learn from them Mexicans when it comes to dependence on God...
Lord, like the psalmist I thirst and hunger for you! Only you can fill me. I have tried other things but they have left me wanting more. You are the one who gives meaning to my life. You have created me and given my life purpose. You are my protector ad the source of my security. I hunger for more of you in my life. In Christ's name. Amen.
(Psalm 63, 172.0 lbs, $4.239)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Regenerate (day 15)
Today, I fasted snacks, but amazingly I got heavier! ;) I'm also suppose to contemplate about my Lord my God more today..., but I think I kinda failed to do that too... perhaps I will try to do more contemplating tomorrow... Akiang also went back to Taiwan tonite... so we'll have the house all to ourselves again! Yeah! But of course she's not the reason for me failing to meditate more about God today. I simply allowed too many distractions to interfere with me at work today...
Anyway, Lord, as I try to meditate upon you more tomorrow, please help me to be able to focus on You more. I know you are amazing, powerful and wise. Anything's possible for you. Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts... so help me to be able to think like You more. Your ways are also higher than my ways..., so help me learn to be able to do things Your way more. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.
(Psalm 139, 174.0 lbs, $4.239)
Anyway, Lord, as I try to meditate upon you more tomorrow, please help me to be able to focus on You more. I know you are amazing, powerful and wise. Anything's possible for you. Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts... so help me to be able to think like You more. Your ways are also higher than my ways..., so help me learn to be able to do things Your way more. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.
(Psalm 139, 174.0 lbs, $4.239)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Regenerate (Day 14)
Today is suppose to be a day of fasting, but we bought Akiang dinner to celebrate her birthday today... ;) Oh well... I'm not really sure what to fast... maybe I'll start by fasting snacks first. We are probably allowing our flesh to grow too fat, perhaps a more serious fasting in really in order! King David could not only fast, but also skip sleep until he finds a dwelling place for the Lord. Hmm..., baby steps first.
Father, as I slowly begin to deny myself during this season of fasting, I do it for the sole purpose of seeking your face and acknowledging that you are the source of my life. Lord, I want to go deep in my relationship with you. You are the one who sustains me. Help strengthen my spirit and weaken my fleshly desires. Thank you. In Christ's name.
(Psalm 132:1-5, 172.6 lbs, $4.239)
Father, as I slowly begin to deny myself during this season of fasting, I do it for the sole purpose of seeking your face and acknowledging that you are the source of my life. Lord, I want to go deep in my relationship with you. You are the one who sustains me. Help strengthen my spirit and weaken my fleshly desires. Thank you. In Christ's name.
(Psalm 132:1-5, 172.6 lbs, $4.239)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Regenerate (Day 13)
I think the vacation really refreshed or regenerated me over the weekend. I used to have trouble waking up, but today I woke up early and easily all without the help of alarm clock! Wow! ;)
I still have a slight cough today, but for sure also getting a lot better. Not sure why Hades is still not well with his wounds... and he even threw up last night so I had to spend quite a bit of time with my early morning cleaning up his mess... Oh well. There are still a lot to be grateful for. Although the entire family's not 'perfectly' healthy, but at least we're healthy enough. And I'm sure the cats are also glad that we're all back home and to be able to just be together.
So life is good! But of course hopefully we can get 'gooder'! ;)
Lord, I acknowledge that all good things come from you. I don't want to take anything for granted. Today, I reflect upon all the blessings you have poured into my life. You have been so very good to me and has given me a great wife, cute kitties, nice house, cool cars, good health... for all your blessings I am eternally grateful. Hope I can be of blessing to others too. In Christ's name. Amen.
(Psalm 100, 172.0 lbs, $4.239)
I still have a slight cough today, but for sure also getting a lot better. Not sure why Hades is still not well with his wounds... and he even threw up last night so I had to spend quite a bit of time with my early morning cleaning up his mess... Oh well. There are still a lot to be grateful for. Although the entire family's not 'perfectly' healthy, but at least we're healthy enough. And I'm sure the cats are also glad that we're all back home and to be able to just be together.
So life is good! But of course hopefully we can get 'gooder'! ;)
Lord, I acknowledge that all good things come from you. I don't want to take anything for granted. Today, I reflect upon all the blessings you have poured into my life. You have been so very good to me and has given me a great wife, cute kitties, nice house, cool cars, good health... for all your blessings I am eternally grateful. Hope I can be of blessing to others too. In Christ's name. Amen.
(Psalm 100, 172.0 lbs, $4.239)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Regenerate (day 12)
OKAY! Vacation over! It was nice and relaxing... also had some delicious food..., but now it's back to work! Back to getting busy and not lazy! Luckily I didn't get too fat! ;)
Anyway, it's also interesting that a mega-church pastor named Rob Bell is stirring some controversies amongst the Christian community with his new book 'love wins'. Haven't read the book yet, but supposedly it's currently the #4 top selling book on Amazon... and #1 selling religious book. Main issue is that he deviates away from the age old Christina main stream belief that hell is a place that torments souls forever and ever... it seems that if you don't believe a soul burns in hell forever, then something is wrong with your faith?
Personally, I believe hell's fire is definitely eternal, but I really kinda doubt anyone can really 'live' forever in hell. Surely eventually unbelievers must perish at certain point in time? Are souls really indestructible? So I don't think Pastor Bell was probably that wrong based on the articles that I've read ..., but then again, Who really knows? I could be wrong. Who has been to hell and back? I also haven't really read his book. As long as we understand Who we really believe in, that's the more important thing, right? I wish Christians would quit bickering amongst themselves regarding these side issues.
Father, thank you for your forgiveness. If I'm wrong regarding theology of hell, then I need your forgiveness there too! In whatever areas of my life or thoughts that's wrong, please forgive and correct me. Thank you for removing all my shame and guilt and making me righteous. I bask in your love and mercy. I thrive in your grace. You are so good to me. I love you, Lord. In Christ's name. Amen.
(Psalm 103, 174.0 lbs, $4.259)
Anyway, it's also interesting that a mega-church pastor named Rob Bell is stirring some controversies amongst the Christian community with his new book 'love wins'. Haven't read the book yet, but supposedly it's currently the #4 top selling book on Amazon... and #1 selling religious book. Main issue is that he deviates away from the age old Christina main stream belief that hell is a place that torments souls forever and ever... it seems that if you don't believe a soul burns in hell forever, then something is wrong with your faith?
Personally, I believe hell's fire is definitely eternal, but I really kinda doubt anyone can really 'live' forever in hell. Surely eventually unbelievers must perish at certain point in time? Are souls really indestructible? So I don't think Pastor Bell was probably that wrong based on the articles that I've read ..., but then again, Who really knows? I could be wrong. Who has been to hell and back? I also haven't really read his book. As long as we understand Who we really believe in, that's the more important thing, right? I wish Christians would quit bickering amongst themselves regarding these side issues.
Father, thank you for your forgiveness. If I'm wrong regarding theology of hell, then I need your forgiveness there too! In whatever areas of my life or thoughts that's wrong, please forgive and correct me. Thank you for removing all my shame and guilt and making me righteous. I bask in your love and mercy. I thrive in your grace. You are so good to me. I love you, Lord. In Christ's name. Amen.
(Psalm 103, 174.0 lbs, $4.259)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Regenerate (day 11)
Today we had a nice breakfast... nice drive thru of Joshua Tree national park... and a nice dinner. Too bad we missed one of the planned activity which is to have a date ice cream at Shield's Date Garden. But who knew they close at 5pm!!! Guess this area is just full of old folks so they don't stay up so late? ;)
Oh well. But at least the pleasant surprise is that I got to watch a live F-1 race in the evening in the hotel room!!! That certainly wasn't expected at all!
Anyway, having a nice day aside, day 11 really is about repentance. So...
Lord, today I repent and choose to turn around and walk according to your word. I know that your Holy Spirit empowers me with your grace. And it is your grace which enables me to change. In the areas where I struggle, create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me so that there won't be any dirty thoughts nor will there be any sort of laziness. Help me to get connected to other believers who will support me in my transformation. I desire for every aspect of my life to reflect you! In Christ's name. Amen.
(Psalm 51, ???lbs, $???)
Oh well. But at least the pleasant surprise is that I got to watch a live F-1 race in the evening in the hotel room!!! That certainly wasn't expected at all!
Anyway, having a nice day aside, day 11 really is about repentance. So...
Lord, today I repent and choose to turn around and walk according to your word. I know that your Holy Spirit empowers me with your grace. And it is your grace which enables me to change. In the areas where I struggle, create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me so that there won't be any dirty thoughts nor will there be any sort of laziness. Help me to get connected to other believers who will support me in my transformation. I desire for every aspect of my life to reflect you! In Christ's name. Amen.
(Psalm 51, ???lbs, $???)
Friday, March 25, 2011
Regenerate (day10)
Today has been a relaxing day. Driving to Palm Springs, spent some time at the outlet with wife and then had a nice dinner. The wine we had over dinner also made us very sleepy! ;) Weather is better than expected. Hopefully it'll get better tomorrow as we head to Joshua Tree national park.
Anyway, enough about the vacation. Today is suppose to be confession day!!!
Well, I think my main sin is just laziness. So a relaxing vacation suits me just fine, but may God help me overcome my laziness whenever some action is necessary! Besides action type sins, I think another thing I find annoying is having 'dirty thoughts'! I don't understand why they sometimes just pops in and distract me... possibly indirectly cause me to become lazy! Anyway, thank God that He has helped become more aware of my sins and help me change for the better. Thank God for giving me a wife who can help me have less dirty thoughts and she also help push me to get me off my lazy butt too! :D
Holy Spirit, search my heart. Expose my excuses, rationalization and rebellion and reveal to me any areas where I have been disobedient to your word. I know that as I confess these sins, you will forgive me. Thank you for continually help sitting me free! In Christ's name. Amen.
(Psalm 32, ???, $???)
Anyway, enough about the vacation. Today is suppose to be confession day!!!
Well, I think my main sin is just laziness. So a relaxing vacation suits me just fine, but may God help me overcome my laziness whenever some action is necessary! Besides action type sins, I think another thing I find annoying is having 'dirty thoughts'! I don't understand why they sometimes just pops in and distract me... possibly indirectly cause me to become lazy! Anyway, thank God that He has helped become more aware of my sins and help me change for the better. Thank God for giving me a wife who can help me have less dirty thoughts and she also help push me to get me off my lazy butt too! :D
Holy Spirit, search my heart. Expose my excuses, rationalization and rebellion and reveal to me any areas where I have been disobedient to your word. I know that as I confess these sins, you will forgive me. Thank you for continually help sitting me free! In Christ's name. Amen.
(Psalm 32, ???, $???)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Regenerate (Day 9)
Had a big lunch yesterday and looks like I gained a pound right away!!! Gas prices are shooting up quickly again... Sigh... hopefully I'm also growing bigger spiritually? ;)
Anyway, thankfully tomorrow will be the start of a mini-vacation to Palm Springs. Hope we'll have some fun experiencing nature, but with less rain!
Father, you have revealed yourself to me in so many ways. You are my savior, my provider, my healer, my shepherd. You are all powerful; nothing is impossible for you. So please don't let it rain so much when we're at Palm Springs? You are also good and can be trusted. You are filled with mercy and grace. With my entire soul I praise you. You alone are worthy of all praise. Hallelujah! In Christ's name. Amen
(Psalm 148, 171.4 lbs, $4.219)
Anyway, thankfully tomorrow will be the start of a mini-vacation to Palm Springs. Hope we'll have some fun experiencing nature, but with less rain!
Father, you have revealed yourself to me in so many ways. You are my savior, my provider, my healer, my shepherd. You are all powerful; nothing is impossible for you. So please don't let it rain so much when we're at Palm Springs? You are also good and can be trusted. You are filled with mercy and grace. With my entire soul I praise you. You alone are worthy of all praise. Hallelujah! In Christ's name. Amen
(Psalm 148, 171.4 lbs, $4.219)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Regenerate (Day 8)
Today on an video game forum I actually answered somebody's questions regarding 'marriage'. Not sure if the person is afraid of marriage or just wondering if marriage is the next step or what. Anyway, hopefully my advise based on experience can be helpful. ;)
Wife and I haven't had any major fights lately. However, there are certainly still room for improvement of course. Hopefully God can regenerate both of our lives and our marriage!
Lord, today I want to be real with you. You know where I struggle. You know what I do not understand. I know I'll continue to struggle and perhaps never completely understand until the day I die. However, I open my heart to you. I look to you fully assured that you hear my prayer. I put my hope in you for you are faithful, for you are able and you are good! I hope that you'll help me live a life that's pleasing to you... and to have a marriage that can bring glory to your name. In Christ's name. Amen!
(Psalm 61, 170.2lbs,$4.139)
Wife and I haven't had any major fights lately. However, there are certainly still room for improvement of course. Hopefully God can regenerate both of our lives and our marriage!
Lord, today I want to be real with you. You know where I struggle. You know what I do not understand. I know I'll continue to struggle and perhaps never completely understand until the day I die. However, I open my heart to you. I look to you fully assured that you hear my prayer. I put my hope in you for you are faithful, for you are able and you are good! I hope that you'll help me live a life that's pleasing to you... and to have a marriage that can bring glory to your name. In Christ's name. Amen!
(Psalm 61, 170.2lbs,$4.139)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Regenerate (Day 7)
Funny that I found this video of deer(elk) panting for stream(puddle) of water today! Look at that cute animal being so joyous when he found what he longs for! :D
Lord, I ask that you'd continue to put that longing for you just like that deer longs for water. Please also prepare me for what lies ahead. I want to be renewed. Correct me in areas where I am trusting in people or things rather than in You. You are the source of true joy and your way is higher than my way. So I quiet my self before you, that I might hear your Spirit speak to me. I am open for you to do your work in my life. In Christ's name. Amen
(Psalm 37, 170.4 lbs, $4.139)
Lord, I ask that you'd continue to put that longing for you just like that deer longs for water. Please also prepare me for what lies ahead. I want to be renewed. Correct me in areas where I am trusting in people or things rather than in You. You are the source of true joy and your way is higher than my way. So I quiet my self before you, that I might hear your Spirit speak to me. I am open for you to do your work in my life. In Christ's name. Amen
(Psalm 37, 170.4 lbs, $4.139)
Monday, March 21, 2011
Regenerate! (Day 6)
Got super busy at work for a while... and then got real sick for the past weeks... thought the lemon water was keeping me form sickness for a while when I see co-workers getting sick left and right..., but finally the flu virus got a hold of me. Anyway, thank God that I'm feeling much better now.
Also Pastor Jim started a new 'regenerate' campaign! It's suppose to be a 40day fast and prayer thing until Easter. I'm already 5 days late..., but better late than never I suppose! Another thing I'm not really sure of is what to sacrifice out of my life for the next 35 days. Perhaps just a bit of sleep to wake up earlier each morning to keep up with my devotions daily... ;)
For the first 6 days, we're suppose to yearn, desire and crave God and allow God to stir up that longing for Him so that regeneration can take place.
I do long for God, but to be frank, not really as the deer pants for streams of water. Also found this video... showing the Kimyal Tribe in Papua, Indonesia receiving their first ever NT Bible! Their emotion and longing to finally receive God's Word in their native language..., wow, that really puts me to shame.
So yeah, starting from today, may God stir my soul to have the same amount of longing for Him! Reading and meditating in His Words in multiple translations! :D
Lord Jesus, today I place all my hope in you. I am confident that you will hold me fast through the storms of life. I can hope in you because you are faithful, able and willing to fulfill every promise you have made. Therefore, I will trust you with all my heart. I also pray that you deliver the Japanese people to be safe from harm too! In Christ's name! Amen.
(Psalm 42, 172.8 lbs, $4.119)
Also Pastor Jim started a new 'regenerate' campaign! It's suppose to be a 40day fast and prayer thing until Easter. I'm already 5 days late..., but better late than never I suppose! Another thing I'm not really sure of is what to sacrifice out of my life for the next 35 days. Perhaps just a bit of sleep to wake up earlier each morning to keep up with my devotions daily... ;)
For the first 6 days, we're suppose to yearn, desire and crave God and allow God to stir up that longing for Him so that regeneration can take place.
I do long for God, but to be frank, not really as the deer pants for streams of water. Also found this video... showing the Kimyal Tribe in Papua, Indonesia receiving their first ever NT Bible! Their emotion and longing to finally receive God's Word in their native language..., wow, that really puts me to shame.
So yeah, starting from today, may God stir my soul to have the same amount of longing for Him! Reading and meditating in His Words in multiple translations! :D
Lord Jesus, today I place all my hope in you. I am confident that you will hold me fast through the storms of life. I can hope in you because you are faithful, able and willing to fulfill every promise you have made. Therefore, I will trust you with all my heart. I also pray that you deliver the Japanese people to be safe from harm too! In Christ's name! Amen.
(Psalm 42, 172.8 lbs, $4.119)
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