the blessing of Abraham

When we think of blessing, wealth, health, prosperity always come to mind first, God does bless us with all these things, and he always provides for us in abundance. But recently as I was reading his word, God showed me the meaning of eternal blessing.

God promised Abraham (Genesis 17) a blessing of righteousness credited to him by faith, not only to him but also to all his descendants for generations to come. And Galatians 3:29 says "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." If we believed in Jesus Christ, we are also heirs of Abraham. The blessing is the righteousness that we receive from God through Jesus Christ. Jesus shed his blood on the cross so that all our sins were wiped out! Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." We no longer need to earn God's favor by works; when we turn from our sinful ways towards Jesus, we are all saved by his grace! Jesus took all our sins and was punished on the cross so that we can all have salvation! The work was finished on the cross, by the blood of Jesus.  


Dear friends, are there times when you feel that you have failed time and time again as a friend, mother, wife or daughter? Have you been burdened with guilt because of the many mistakes that you have made? Often I feel that I have not measured up as a friend, daughter, mother and wife because of hurtful words that I have said or selfish things that I have done. But you know what? None of us are perfect, only Jesus is perfect. And because of what he has done on the cross, God forgives us for all the wrong things that we have done. That, to me is eternal blessing. Knowing that I failed yet at the same time, not feel condemned because of the grace of God! So go to God now, he will grant you grace and forgiveness! 




Romans 4:7-8
“Blessed are those
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
⁸ Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”

Freedom in Christ!

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I have been going through a journey of self reflection lately.....Do I really understand faith? Do I really know God's grace? What's the meaning and purpose of God's law?

As I read the bible for new revelations, God began to unravel so many things to me. First of all, I am so amazed by God. The law of God reveals his holiness, righteousness, faithfulness and perfection. (Romans 7:12 "So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good"). He is flawless. Yet he choose to love us, who are in every way imperfect and sinful. I was once a rebellious teenager, breaking every rule that my parents set for me and doing everything that they told me not to do. I messed up my life, and couldn't handle the failures in my relationships and studies, the fears and insecurities about my future. One night, I broke down before the Lord, realizing how wrong I was to think that I could do it on my own. I asked the Lord to come into my life and change me. 

Since Jesus became my savior and Lord, my life was transformed. I experienced so much joy and grace in my life that I began to see hope. Now when I am faced with uncertainties, failures and negative thoughts, I am no longer fearful because I know God's grace is abundant. That is the essence of my faith.  2 Corithians 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal". My joy is no longer based on circumstances; when I am faced with sickness, loss, and difficulties I am able to draw strength from God and find grace in him. In fact during times of troubles, God's grace will be even more abundant in my life. God delights in weakness because when we are weak God will be strong in our lives. 2 Corithians 12:9 "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.".

How wonderful! It brings blessing to my heart, just knowing the awesome God whom I serve. 

Some people may think that the law is to restrict out lives. On the contrary, the law points us to Jesus, it  makes us realized how sinful and helpless we are. The Lord knows that sin is destructive, it will ruin our lives and destroy us. The law is like a sign warning us of the dangers of sin. 

Knowing the law does not save our lives, only Jesus Christ can saves us from the condemnation of sin. God sent Jesus to die on the cross to redeem us from our sins so that we can receive a life that is eternal. Ephesians 1:7 "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.". He sets us free from our old ways and gives us a new life with Christ! Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

When I understand how much God loves me, I will be able to obey his commands by loving him and loving my neighbors as myself. I no longer need to strive for the things of this world because Christ lives in me. Life becomes more meaningful and fulfilling when we live our lives in accordance to his will. This to me,  is true freedom! 

Thanksgiving

I am a stay home mom with two boys, it has been a blessing staying at home to look after my husband and kids. Staying at home also allows me to develop myself as a woman in Christ. I have been learning precious lessons on living a frugal life and how to be contented with what I have.

I started a blog at My Thrifty Closet to journal my ideas and thoughts, style and projects. God has been inspiring me to remix second hand clothes, sometimes refashioning them into functional and lovely things. He has been teaching me that I don't need to be rich to be beautiful, he gives me the creativity to maximize what I have. Beauty is an outward expression of what God is doing in and through my life. When I am experiencing the love of Christ, and feel secure about my identity in Christ, confidence and beauty will flow from within. 

I really want to thank God for fulfilling his promises in my life. Thirteen years ago when felt a calling to quit my job to be a stay home mom, I sensed the Lord telling me that he will provide for my family. True enough,  we have never been lacking in anything since I quitted my job. In fact the Lord has been blessing me beyond what I can imagine. Like ...people have been giving me clothes and shoes. The first batch of clothes that I received was seven bags full...yes...seven big bags. I kept some and gave the rest away. Subsequently, I started getting hand-me-down clothes from different friends. My kids also get hand-me-down clothes and toys from various people. Whenever the Lord blesses us,  we always have enough to share with others. 

Deutroronomy 28:12

"The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none."

I don't get a regular income from my work as a free lance designer. So with only a single income from my husband, we cannot afford expensive holidays, or drive a big car, yet we live a very contented and happy life in a small apartment with a decent car to get around. 

1 Timothy 6:6-10

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."

Joy is not derived from our situations or circumstances,  joy comes from the Lord, knowing that he has the best in mind for me. I do not need to strive for success and material comfort, because the Lord will provide me with what I need. 

Matthew 6:33

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

perfect love and keep on praying

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As I am doing my devotion for Lent, a burden is continually laid upon my heart. The same resounding message that keeps ringing in my ear is "time is short, pray hard".

Luke 22 talks about the last hours of Jesus. After he had his last supper with his disciples, he went up to the Mount of Olives to pray. Verse 40 says"...pray that you will not fall into temptation..." but when he came back from from his prayer, he found his disciples sleeping. He again reminded them to pray so that they will not fall into temptation. I feel the anguish of Jesus and the intensity of his feelings. He prayed so earnestly that his sweat fell like droplets of blood.

 Jesus was very focused upon his mission, he knew that the hour was near for him to die. Verse 42, "...Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." Jesus was here on earth not to have a successful ministry, he came to seek and save the lost, he came for sinners like me. His blood was shed on the cross so that we can have eternal life. We need a sacrifice that was perfect so that our sins can be redeemed. And Jesus was that Lamb of sacrifice, he was without sin.

We are living in the last hours, let us get up and pray unceasingly. In the last days many hearts will grow cold, Matt 24:12, "...Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold..." 

Sometimes it may be very hard to understand the necessity of this sacrifice. Why must God allow man to sin and then send Jesus to die on the cross for us? This is the will of God that sometimes it is too complex for our human minds to comprehend. I think he wants us to see the consequences of our sins or wrong doings and he also wants us to know that despite our imperfections, he still loves us. This is perfect love.

And he provided a way for us to be saved,
Acts 16:31,"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household." 

There are many who are living broken lives, so broken that they find no hope in living. Let us pray for them and share this message of hope with them. Jesus did not come for the "rich", he came for the "poor", he came for those whose spirits are broken. If you are loosing hope and feeling discouraged, go to Jesus. If you feel despair and meaningless in this life, go to Jesus. He is our perfect love, he came for you and me. He came to save us and to give us hope.

alabaster jar

Desert Design

Matthew 26

As I continue with my Lent devotions, I was inspired by the story of the woman with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. She poured expensive perfume at Jesus's feet. Such a beautiful act of love for Him. She probably gave all that she had to buy this perfume for Jesus. And only to pour everything at his feet. 

It just dawned on me that we should give our best for God. I am guilty of spending more time on my leisure activities and work than on God. 

Worship and devotion to God involves sacrifice of our time, money and all that we have. 

The alabaster jar of perfume inspires me. A simple woman on the outside ...with a heart of gold on the inside. God looks at the heart not our achievement or success. Let's be women and men after God's own heart. Let's focus on the things of God and devote ourselves to his service!

2 Chronicles 16:9

"For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.”

This alabaster jar is all I have of worth
I break it at Your feet, Lord, it's less than You deserve
You're far more beautiful, more precious than the oil
The sum of my desires and the fullness of my joy
Like You spilled Your blood, I spill my heart
As an offering to my King

Here I am, take me as an offering
Here I am, giving every heartbeat for Your glory
Take me

This time that I have left is all I have of worth
I lay it at Your feet, Lord, it's less than You deserve
And though I've little strength, and though my days are few
You gave Your life for me so I will live my life for You

Like You spilled Your blood, I spill my heart
As an offering to my King

Here I am, take me as an offering
Here I am, giving every heartbeat for Your glory
Here I am, take me as an offering
Here I am, giving every heartbeat for Your glory, take me

Worthy, worthy, You are worthy, worthy is the Lord
Worthy, worthy, You are worthy, worthy is the Lord

Here I am, take me as an offering
Here I am, giving every heartbeat for Your glory
Here I am, take me as an offering
Here I am, giving every heartbeat for Your glory
Take me

Alabaster Jar by Gateway Worship

are you ready?

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Today my reading was on Matt 25 about the Parable of the ten virgins. I sensed in my heart that there's an urgency to be alert and prayerful. We are living in the end times, so we need to be watchful. The parable of the ten virgins is a warning. Who do we want to be?  The 5 foolish virgins or the 5 wise virgins? The bride represents the church, and the groom represents Christ. When the bridegroom arrives, the foolish virgins were not ready.

Will I be ready when the Jesus Christ comes back? What would I be doing when the Lord comes back? Do I want to be a wise and faithful servant, be faithful in what the Lord has called me to do and be ready when he comes back?  Am I just a believer in name and not whole heartedly following after God?

Ultimately, I will be accountable for what I do on this earth. How I spent my time and where I put my money and resources. The world is a temporary place, life in heaven is eternal. After we leave this world, people will eventually forget about our achievements in this world. Even our children will not stay with us forever, they do not belong to us, we are just stewards, eventually we have to release them. Money and possessions we cannot take with us too. Whatever we do on this earth eventually will be worthless. The Lord do not look at our success and achievements, he looks at our hearts.

Let us continue to encourage each other to persevere in doing the Lord's work, to be a good steward of what the Lord has given us. Let us not be complacent, taking our salvation for granted, like the foolish virgins who were not ready. Let us continue to work out our salvation, maintaining a loving relationship with the Lord and obeying his word.


Philippians 2:12"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling..."

the wedding banquet, are you attending?

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The season of Lent has already started last week, I'm on the Youversion (Android) 40 days of Lent reading plan. Today I was reading Matthew 22. This is the second time the Lord brought me to this passage since last week. Matthew 22 is about the wedding banquet. Matt 22:1-3, Jesus said."...The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to come but they refused to come."

It really convicted me about where I put my time and resources. Luke 12:34 says,"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few...where am I when the Lord needs me? Am I investing my time and money in the Lord's kingdom or on things on this earth that really doesn't matter to God? How many people out there are still living in darkness? Are we inviting them to the house of the Lord? Or are we also like one of the invited guests who are just too busy to care about the kingdom of God. Busy with our family, busy with kids, busy with building our houses, busy with career or work?

Matt 22:1-14 says " Many are invited, but few are chosen." Even the man who came to the wedding banquet but was not clothed in wedding clothes were thrown outside "where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (v13). All our righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), the only way to be saved is through the Lord's righteousness.

It really spoke to me about not taking our salvation for granted. Many are believers of Christ but few are followers of God. Do not allow the things of this world to consume me but to follow after the things of God.

The Lord has prepared a big celebration at the wedding banquet, all are invited, are you going?

^{John 12:25-26,"} Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me."

glorious departure

files 32

The glorious departure of Elijah really spoke to my heart. In 2 Kings 2, he went to heaven in a whirlwind with chariots and horsemen. Isn't that an awesome sight? As compared to King Ahaziah, who was unfaithful to God and worshiped the god of Baal, he had a miserable death, as prophesied by Elijah in 2 Kings 1. Even on his death bed, King Ahaziah did not repent to God, his heart was hardened.

In Elijah's case, he did not even die, he was taken to heaven in a glorious way. Elijah's life was a true inspiration of obedience and faithfulness to God, we see miracles and powerful manifestation of God's presence in his life. We see the wrath of God towards those like King Ahaziah, who was disobedient to him yet we see how gentle and loving God is towards Elijah.

As believers of Jesus Christ, we will have a glorious departure from this earth. Jesus Christ our Savior is the way to God.

‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’

.

faith: Gideon

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Have you ever been overwhelmed by impossible or difficult tasks?

The Lord brought me to Judges 7 about Gideon and the Midianites. The Lord tested Gideon's faith by asking him to send his soldiers away. From 32 000 men, the Lord asked Gideon to reduce to just 300 men. With mere 300 men, Gideon fought the Midianites, one group numbering at 135 000men and there were altogether three groups of them. The only weapons Gideon and the men had were a trumpet and a lamp in a pitcher. Isn't it amazing how they defeated their enemies with so little resources?

It was such an overwhelming task for Gideon and his men but they trusted the Lord and obeyed him. And they won the battle. Is there something that the Lord has impressed upon your heart to accomplish but it seems impossible to you? Trust in the Lord to do what seems impossible to man but possible for God.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10
"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."


When we see the Lord's power at work in these difficult situations, our faith will rise and others will also see the Glory of God.

treasure of our hearts

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Matt 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."


This verse "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" has been speaking to me a lot.  What is the treasure that God is speaking about? A question was posed to us during sermon last week, what is the thing that always occupies your mind? What are the things that always dominates your prayer time? Is it career, my hobby, my children, my family, money matters, health, relationships? Those are the things that may be the idols of our hearts. 


Children are a blessing but when they become the center of our lives, they become the treasure of our hearts and we will become a slave to them. We want to see them successful and healthy, we give them a good education, we want to send them to the best schools, we want them to be our pride and joy. We forgot that our job as a care giver is to provide love and to teach them the word of God. God will teach them and guide them. We do not own our children. They belong to God. 
Isaiah 54:13 "All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children's peace."


How about our emotional security, our popularity, our marriage, our health, our career? Are we affected by how people see us? Do we demand that God heal us? Do we always try to project a good image of ourselves? Where do we put out emotional security? Do we desire material things like a nice car, nice home, nice clothes so that the world can see us as successful? Do we desire popularity among our friends? 


As I examine the lives of David and Soloman, they are man after God's own heart, they are not perfect but their hearts are with God, they seek the Lord always in all that they do. God gave David success. God gave Soloman wisdom beyond measure. They were richly blessed by God because of their obedience. They do not seek after wisdom or success, they seek after God, and God blessed them. 

"Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."
Commit our lives to the things of God, things that matter to God, things that are eternal. Give our money to the missions, help the poor, bring the gospel to the people around us, lead lives that draw men unto God not ourselves. Invest our time and money on things that help to extend the kingdom of God and accomplish his purposes! 

grace and mercy

wall paper craft

It's interesting to read 2 Samuel 9. I was truly inspired by how David show grace to King Saul's family, even though King Saul wanted to kill him. He did not allow resentment and bitterness to build up within him. When King Saul died, he wept for him and wanted to bless his family for the sake of the covenant he made with Jonathan, Saul's son . In 2 Samuel 9:3, he asked,"Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?”  When he found out about King Saul's grandson Mephiboseth, who was lame at both feet, he "restored to him all the land that belonged to his grandfather Saul and allow him to eat at his table". Such grace! How can it be possible except through the Lord. 


And I also see the Lord's mercy upon Mephiboseth, who has lost his family and possession, and worst, the use of his feet. The Lord used David to bless him. 


Grace is to get something that you do not deserve; unmerited favor. Mercy is compassion. God is abundant in both. 


Ephesians 2:4-9 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

If the Lord is gracious and merciful to us who are sinners, we need to show grace to others just like David. He understood the Lord's grace so he was able to extend the same grace towards others. 


Are you experiencing difficult people, or unfair treatment from people at your work place, school or even from your family? We can ask the Lord to help us to extend grace towards them.  We have freedom in Christ to love not to hate. 


Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

a pure heart

Tea and LoveLetters

I have never really appreciate the old testament until I started reading the book of Samuel. And I have been so inspired ever since. I love the character of David. He has such a pure heart.  He was not perfect  but his heart was only for God. He seeks the Lord with all his heart and God grant him success in all he does.

Psalm 119:9-16
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? 
By living according to your word. 
I seek you with all my heart; 
do not let me stray from your commands. 
I have hidden your word in my heart 
that I might not sin against you. 
Praise be to you, LORD; 
teach me your decrees. 
With my lips I recount 
all the laws that come from your mouth. 
I rejoice in following your statutes 
as one rejoices in great riches. 
I meditate on your precepts 
and consider your ways. 
I delight in your decrees; 
I will not neglect your word.


It just dawned on me that the Lord does not seek a perfect character, he seeks a pure heart. A heart that put God first above everything else. The world tells us to have success as our goals, David's life teaches me to put God first and the Lord will grant us success in everything that we do. 


Psalm 51:10-12

Create in me a pure heart, O God, 

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

faith and courage

As I continue my devotion on the book of Samuel, I am really encouraged by the life of David. He was a courageous warrior who fought numerous battles and was forced to live on the run as the jealous King Saul was in pursuit of him. What an intense and traumatic life he had but he never gave up on God. He constantly seek the Lord and trusted in His strength and guidance. He won difficult battles and God protected him from the hands of Saul. David was never resentful against Saul nor did he blamed God for what he had to go through. Instead he love Saul and spared his life even when he had the opportunity to kill him. Eventually Saul killed himself and David became the king of Judah. What a wonderful testimony of great faith, courage and perseverance!

If you are going through difficult "battles" in life whether at your work place, your family situations, health or personal relationships etc, don't be discouraged, the Lord is with you just as He was with David. When we constantly seek our Lord and go to Him for strength and comfort, he will deliver us and help us win victorious "battles" in dire strait situations. Sometimes it takes a bit of patience but the Lord will not disappoint. Difficult situations in our lives helps us built a strong faith and character. 

As we enter this new week I pray that you will find strength and wisdom in God to face life situations. God bless you!