#199. Even The Desert Has Beauty

Good times and bad times are part of living. It is difficult to fully appreciate joy until you have tasted sadness. Laughter is sweeter if you have experienced tears. There may be times when you feel like you're stuck in a dry and desolate place, but an encouraging call or a hug from a friend can be an oasis; beauty in the desert. Though it may not be easy, try to remember that the trials are going to help you fully experience the joy on the horizon.

#198. Isaiah 9:2-7

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:2-7)

#197. Don't Stagnate

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:5-8

Don't stagnate as so many Christians do. Instead, apply 2 Peter 1:5-8 in your life.

#196. The Gift of Eternal Life

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:2-3

If you have received the gift of eternal life by genuinely putting your trust in Jesus Christ, then you've experienced His grace and peace. But don't stop there. Let...grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

#195. Accept Forgiveness

... Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10

Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud did not fail to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take.
Nehemiah 9:19

Do you weep when you hear God's word and think of how greatly you failed Him in the past? Weep for the sin of unbelief. Have a godly sorrow, but don't keep weeping, for that is unbelief. Salvation is a new beginning. It is a new power - the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who will never leave you but who will guide you into a life of righteousness.

#194. 2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

#193. God's Christmas Tree

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— (John 1:12)

God's Christmas tree is the cross. This is where God hung His gift - His only begotten Son - for you. Have you, my friend, received God's gift or is it still sitting there, unopened? Don't open man's gifts and miss the gift of eternal life. Today is the day of salvation.

#192. Prince of Peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

Sin alienates us from God and puts us at enmity with Him. It makes us enemies of God. And until the issue of sin is dealth with and paid in full, there can be no reconciliation. Thus God sent the only One who can reconcile us to Himself - the Prince of Peace, the Lord Jesus Christ - by paying for all our sins. This is what Christmas is all about, Beloved - peace with God through the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus.

#191. Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

#190. Mighty God

The government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God. Isaiah 9:6

Jesus is filtering every aspect of your life through His omnipotent fingers of love. All that comes into your life will eventually work together for your good and His glory. It will be used to make you like Him, and on that day when you see him face-to-face, you will have no regrets.

#189. There Is A Time And A Season For Everything

It may be a time of new beginnings, a time of growth, a time of reaping the harvest of hard work, or a time of rest. Trust this beautiful order. Everything in its time.

#188. The World Is An Abundant Place

So far, everyday of your life you have had enough to survive. Whether it was water, food or shelter, one way or another, you had enough. God has created an abundant world, live in appreciation of that.

#187. Sometimes It May Feel Too Hard To Do it Alone

Sometimes it may seem like you can't figure it out by yourself. Sometimes will and strength and courage are not enough. Sometimes in your life you will need to call out for help. Call on God. God will be there.

#186. Michael W. Smith - I Will Be Your Friend

#185. Thank God For You, My Very Special Friend

I am so grateful and thankful that I have come to accept the Lord in my life. When I think back of how God has been working in my life, I know for sure God is real.

“How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing”
(From the lyrics: How Can I Keep From Singing)

I have so many things to share on how great God is.

When I was in my kindergarten, God came into my life (but I never accepted him back then since I was so young). However, I saw how he worked in my life; I know He is the one for me.

(Let me fast forward the time)

When I was in my primary 3, someone really special came into my life. She was my primary school best friend and childhood friend.

My childhood memories are special because I knew a great friend like her. Our parents knew that we were the best sisters.

We would often go to each other house to play. She would teach me to play the piano. We will pretend to be “环珠格格”. We went to dance classes and we were the best dancers. Her mum would make French toast and Campbell soup. We will jumped on her bed to reach the stars on the ceiling. We did so many things together and created many beautiful childhood memories.

One of my birthdays, she gave me a book “More Bible Stories for Children” and the book is still kept in a very good condition with me now. That book means a lot me. It was because of that book, I came to know the gospel. It was her who brought me to officially know what Christianity is.

After we graduated from primary school, we lost contact. I searched high and low for her but to no avail. I looked for her via internet and through friends but I always failed to find her. I cried to sleep in the night too because I lost someone who was so important to me. It was extremely depressing but I never once had the thought of giving up in finding her.

I prayed for seven years. I know that God hears me and, He finally let us reunite last year. The way we finally got to reunite really caught us by surprise.

Today, it is her birthday and I would like to dedicate this special post to her.

Dear Lord,

I thank you for blessing me with a great friend like her. I thank you for working in our lives and open our hearts to accept you as our personal Lord and Savoir. I thank you for letting us reuniting together after so many years. I thank you for keeping her safe and sound. Thank you, Lord.

I pray that she will have a blessed birthday and many blessed years ahead of her. I pray that you will continue to keep her and her family safe and sound. I pray that you will shower her with the many blessing you have for her, Lord. I also pray that she will remain strong and faithful in you, Lord.

Lord, I commit all of these in your most precious Jesus name. Amen.

#184. Surrender To God

There are times when you absolutely see no solution. When you've thought and thought and prayed and prayed; when you've sat still in meditation listening for an answer and still no answer comes. It's ok to surrender to God.

#183. Go Forward In Faith

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

To be courageous is to face difficulty or danger in the confidence that God will bring His perfect will to pass. You are to believe and go forward in faith. You're not alone for He is with you. Listen to our Lord's promise to His disciples in John 16:33, and then memorise (Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”) Hebrews 13:5-6. It will be well worth it, my friend.

#182. Go Forward

Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:62

To be a courageous child of our loving Father, you must go forward in the path He has set before you.

#181. A New Day Is Just Around The Bend

With each new day we are given new hope, new possibilities, new opportunities. Each new day is a miracle.

#180. Matthew West - More

#179. Matthew West - You Are Everything

#178. Peace Is Yours

Storms may be raging around you, but you can still find peace in your own heart because the God of Peace reigns within you.

#177. Infinite Possibilities Are Born Of Faith

Do you think that's air you breathe; that's earth you walk on? All matter is God's creation. And the source is faith. When you have so much faith that you become one of faith, infinite possibilities open to you.

#176. everything will be alright

It may seem dark at the moment, but don't lose hope. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, keep moving and you'll get there. God won't abandon you; let God be your light. It may take some time, but in the end, everything will be alright.

#175. Psalm 86:5

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you." (Psalm 86:5)

#174. Proverbs 30:5

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." (Proverbs 30:5)

#173. Psalm 19:7

"The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple." (Psalm 19:7)

#172. Letting Go Makes You Wealthier

Wealth is never measured by what you have, but by what you can give away. You are rich with money when you can afford to donate. You are rich with love when you can give love freely. You are rich with God when you can behold your enemy with compassion.

#171. Galatians 6:2

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

Time and distance keep us from doing this, but if it were possible, I would love to knock on your front door and have you invite me in for a cup of coffee and a chat. If we could just get past the "Hi! How are you?" I would want to know, "How are you doing...really doing?" It helps to talk to a person who will hear your burdens and seek God's wisdom for you in your life.

#170. Isaiah 41:10

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

#169. Through God's Eyes

There are times when no matter how hard you try, you just cannot accept yourself as you are. During such times, think of how you look to God's eyes. In God's eyes, God sees your light when all that you can see are your shadows. God loves you more than anyone could ever love you as you really are.