I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great above the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. (Psalm 108:3, 4 ESV)

What am I thankful for today?

– that God has sustained me physically in spite of the colds that I’ve had for a week, consecutive all nighters and constant client visits in weird weather. It’s amazing I’m still standing!
– that God also has sustained me emotionally and spiritually. In spite of the work pressure now, I feel joy and peace.
– that God has protected my family from catching my cold, and that they also seem to have joy in their hearts – lots of genkiness. Also that Nate has shown great progress in his learning development recently ^_^
– that God gives me wisdom, just enough so that my pride will be in check, on how to do my work as well as how to deal with the pressures and changes.
– that God is great! And that He is in control. Trusting in man is in vanity, but in God we can do valiantly! (v12-13)
– there is so much more.. thank you Lord.. thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness..

“whether in the body or out of the body, I do not know, God knows”

We get caught up in personal stories of supernatural “visions and revelations” of the Lord. As people we crave for things that are out of the ordinary, and stories like these give our faith a little push – assurance. However most of the time, the message is the same – that God is powerful and mighty, that He is love. The problem is when Christians rely on these “supernatural events” for their faith, and forget about the (seemingly) natural daily walk with God, which I believe has more power and allows for deeper roots.

“so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me”

Do not boast. Instead, let your actions speak.

God allows weakness to keep us from boasting, and for us to continuously rely on the grace of God. When we are weak, we become strong because of His grace.

2 Corinthians 11

Sharing the Good News is not so much about what we do, even with the difficulties that go along with it, it is about the condition of our heart.

Isaiah 16

“When the oppressor is no more,
and destruction has ceased,
and he who tramples underfoot has vanished from the land,
then a throne will be established in steadfast love,
and on it will sit in faithfulness
in the tent of David
one who judges and seeks justice
and is swift to do righteousness.”
(Isaiah 16:4b, 5 ESV)

What a great day that will be!

Isaiah 15

Hey you. Yes you, Anton / Marco, keep your focus on Jesus. Your priorities, values, character, actions – they should always always reflect your growing relationship with God. Please.. try not to get sidetracked. If that happens, go back on track! Whatever happens in the future, as you continue to improve yourself, keep your focus on Jesus. Onegaishimasu.