For The Atheist

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his Class on the Problem Science has With GOD, the ALMIGHTY. He asked one of his New Christian Students to stand and . . .


Professor : You are a Christian, aren't you, son?
Student : Yes, sir. Professor : So, you Believe in GOD?
Student : Absolutely, sir.
Professor : Is GOD Good?
Student : Sure.
Professor : Is GOD ALL - POWERFUL?
Student : Yes.
Professor : My Brother died of Cancer even though he Prayed to GOD to Heal him. Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But GOD didn't. How is this GOD good then? Hmmm?

(The student was silent)

Professor : You can't answer, can you ? Let's start again, Young Fella. Is GOD Good?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Is Satan good?
Student : No.
Professor : Where does Satan come from?
Student : From . . . GOD . . .
Professor : That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this World?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And GOD did make everything. Correct?
Student : Yes.
Professor : So who created evil?

(The student did not answer)

Professor : Is there Sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the World, don't they?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, who Created them?

(The student had no answer)

Professor : Science says you have 5 Senses you use to Identify and Observe the World around you. Tell me, son . . . Have you ever Seen GOD?
Student : No, sir.
Professor : Tell us if you have ever Heard your GOD?
Student : No , sir.
Professor : Have you ever Felt your GOD , Tasted your GOD , Smelt your GOD? Have you ever had any Sensory Perception of GOD for that matter?
Student : No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Professor : Yet you still Believe in HIM?
Student : Yes.
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student : Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor : Yes, Faith. And that is the Problem Science has.

Student : Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor : Yes.
Student : And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor : Yes.
Student : No, sir. There isn't.

(The lecture theatre became very quiet with this turn of events )

Student : Sir, you can have Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat, Mega Heat, White Heat, a Little Heat or No Heat. But we don't have anything called Cold.
We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is No Heat, but we can't go any further after that.
There is no such thing as Cold.
Cold is only a Word we use to describe the Absence of Heat.
We cannot Measure Cold.
Heat is Energy.
Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat, sir, just the Absence of it.

(There was pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre )

Student : What about Darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as Darkness?
Professor : Yes. What is Night if there isn't Darkness?
Student : You're wrong again, sir.
Darkness is the Absence of Something
You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, Flashing Light . . .

But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and its called Darkness, isn't it?
In reality, Darkness isn't.
If it is, were you would be able to make Darkness Darker, wouldn't you?
Professor : So what is the point you are making, Young Man?
Student : Sir, my point is your Philosophical Premise is flawed.
Professor : Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student : Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality.
You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a Good GOD and a Bad GOD.
You are viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure.
Sir, Science can't even explain a Thought.
It uses Electricity and Magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.
To view Death as the Opposite of Life is to be ignorant of the fact that

Death cannot exist as a Substantive Thing.
Death is Not the Opposite of Life: just the Absence of it
Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your Students that they evolved from a Monkey?
Professor : If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes, of course, I do.
Student : Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument was going )

Student : Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and Cannot even prove that this Process is an On-Going Endeavor, Are you not teaching your Opinion, sir? Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?

(The class was in uproar )
Student : Is there anyone in the Class who has ever seen the Professor's Brain?
(The class broke out into Laughter )

Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's Brain, Felt it, touched or Smelt it? . . . No one appears to have done so.
So, according to the Established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol, Science says that You have No Brain, sir.
With all due respect, Sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?

(The room was silent. The Professor stared at the Student, his face unfathomable)

Professor : I guess you'll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student : That is it sir . . . Exactly !
The Link between Man & GOD is FAITH.
That is all that Keeps Things Alive and Moving.



I believe you have enjoyed the Conversation . . . and if so .. . You'll probably want your Friends / Colleagues to enjoy the same . . . won't you? Forward them to Increase their Knowledge . . . or FAITH. That student was Albert Einstein.

Our Helper and Keeper

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 121:1-8

Our Helper and Keeper

Read Psalm 121:1-8

This psalm is special to my family. When our children were young and we were all in the car ready to leave on a trip or a vacation, we often read Psalm 121 and then prayed. The children became accustomed to hearing the words, "I will lift up my eyes to the hills--from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth" (vv. 1,2). God is our Helper. You don't have to go on a vacation or drive on a busy highway to know that.

Where does your help come from? The psalmist lifted his eyes to the hills. The most stable, secure thing the Jews knew were the mountains around Jerusalem. Then the psalmist lifted his eyes higher and said, "No, I don't get my help from the hills. I get my help from the heavens. God is my Helper." Whatever your need or task is today, your help will come from the Lord, the Creator of the heavens and the earth. A God big enough to make this world and keep it going is big enough to help you with your problems today.

God is also our Keeper. "He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep" (vv. 3,4). This is a dangerous world we live in. Enemies would like to attack and destroy us. But as we walk in the will of God and depend on His power, He is there as our Keeper and Preserver. "The Lord shall preserve you from all evil" (v. 7). This verse doesn't say we won't have pain. It doesn't say we will never suffer or sorrow. Though we may be hurt, we won't be harmed. "He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore" (vv. 7,8).

* * *

God is your Helper and Keeper. No matter where your path in life leads, if you walk in His will, He will preserve you. Walk with confidence today. You have a Helper, a Keeper and a Preserver, who will see you through.

Belief, Not Understanding

Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Source: Streams in the Desert
Scripture Reference: John 11:40

Belief, Not Understanding

"Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"
(John 11:40).

Mary and Martha could not understand what their Lord was doing. Both of them said to Him, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." Back of it all, we seem to read their thought: "Lord, we do not understand why you have stayed away so long. We do not understand how you could let death come to the man whom you loved. We do not understand how you could let sorrow and suffering ravage our lives when your presence might have stayed it all. Why did you not come? It is too late now, for already he has been dead four days!"

And to it all Jesus had but one great truth: "You may not understand; but I tell you if you believe, you will see."

Abraham could not understand why God should ask the sacrifice of the boy; but he trusted. And he saw the glory of God in his restoration to his love. Moses could not understand why God should keep him forty years in the wilderness, but he trusted; and he saw when God called him to lead forth Israel from bondage.

Joseph could not understand the cruelty of his brethren, the false witness of a perfidious woman, and the long years of an unjust imprisonment; but he trusted, and he saw at last the glory of God in it all.

Jacob could not understand the strange providence which permitted the same Joseph to be torn from his father's love, but he saw the glory of God when he looked into the face of that same Joseph as the viceroy of a great king, and the preserver of his own life and the lives of a great nation.

And so, perhaps in your life. You say, "I do not understand why God let my dear one be taken. I do not understand why affliction has been permitted to smite me. I do not understand the devious paths by which the Lord is leading me. I do not understand why plans and purposes that seemed good to my eyes should be baffled. I do not understand why blessings I so much need are so long delayed.

Friend, you do not have to understand all God's ways with you. God does not expect you to understand them. You do not expect your child to understand, only believe. Some day you will see the glory of God in the things which you do not understand.--J. H. McC

Considering Creation

Author: Warren Wiersbe
Source: Prayer, Praise and Promises
Scripture Reference: Psalm 104:19-26 James 1:17

Considering Creation

Read Psalm 104:19-26

After surveying God's work in creation, the psalmist wrote: "O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your possessions" (v. 24). This verse shows us important traits of God.

First, creation reveals God's wisdom. We ought to take time to admire His wisdom in creation. I've read that if the proportion of gases in the air were changed ever so slightly, all of us would die. The way God tilted the earth, the way He arranged the seasons, the way He put creation together is a revelation of His great wisdom. It's logical that the God who is wise enough to run creation is wise enough to run our lives. If He can keep the stars and the planets and the seasons and all these things going as they should, can He not put our lives together and make them what they ought to be?

Second, creation contains God's wealth. "The earth is full of Your possessions" (v. 24). Without His wealth, we could not exist. Not only are gold and silver and other precious stones measures of His wealth, but so are ore and rock, fruit and grain.

Third, creation makes possible man's work. "Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening" (v. 23). Even Adam had work to do in the Garden of Eden. Work is a blessing, not a burden, if we're doing it for the Lord.

Fourth, creation motivates us to worship the Lord. "O Lord, how manifold are Your works!" We don't worship creation--that's idolatry. We worship the God of creation. We recognize that He gives every good and perfect gift (James 1:17). 0 let us adore Him, our great Creator, our great Savior.

* * *

Creation shows God's wisdom, so rejoice! Creation contains His wealth, so use it for His glory. Creation provides work for man, so view work as a blessing. But greatest of all, creation should move you to worship the Lord.

Where There Is Injury

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture Reference:

Where There Is Injury

Have you ever found the taste of revenge sweet? Does there lurk in your heart, as in mine at times, a desire for at least the milder forms of revenge if you have been hurt--a desire to see the person apologize, an urge to remind him that he was nasty to you, or even the temptation to pay him back somehow? It was not God's plan that man should take revenge. That He has reserved for Himself, and when we seize that power we are taking a huge risk. It is, in another form, the risk Adam and Eve took when they ate the forbidden fruit--arrogating to themselves powers, lethal burdens, for which they were never designed.

What if God paid us for our sins? What if He were not Love? His mercy is everlasting and has brought us salvation and forgiveness. Remembering that, and how we ourselves have offended Him times without number, shall we dare to retaliate when someone sins against us? Think of the measure of forgiveness God has offered us. Think of the price. Think what the cross means. Then pray the prayer of St. Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace--
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon....
For it is in forgiving that we are forgiven,
It is in dying that we are born again to eternal life.

So Long To My Elijah

According to Oswald Chambers on his book My Utmost For His Highest, Elijah means your guide, leader, counselor. Who is my Elijah? God brought me my Elijah 4 years ago when my life was at wit's end. Through my Elijah, I have learned to pray earnestly. And that prayer my Elijah advised was the start of my Christian life, it changed my whole life. God’s presence moved me that night and I became a different person. After that prayer, I committed my life to the Lord gravely. Though we separated ways, miles away, we still kept in touch. I always call for advice and confessions even when I was in Japan. My Elijah had been my counselor, my influence, my mentor, one of my inspirations. The prayers of my Elijah had been indeed a big help to me. I was inspired and encouraged to serve the Lord because of my Elijah's life as well as my sister Aby who became my leader and counselor as well. I always want to follow my Elijah wherever she may be. I also want to be a missionary like her and Sis Aby. It is really my heart’s desire to be like them and undergo the same training they had.

When our leaders told us that Sis Dhines (my Elijah) is leaving for further studies, for pastoral and leadership training, and she will be staying in Bangkok for 9 months or more, I was shocked. I couldn't explain the feeling, tears just keep on flowing, I don't know if I want to lay down or what. I always cry whenever I remember that she is leaving. Yes, I know that our leaders will always be there for me as they always do. It's just that, I was used to seeing her, talking to her, asking her advice, prayers, each time. Her presence on the church is different and that is what makes me really sad but of course I am happy for her, for the chance given to her, and I am sure, she will be more equipped, more effective after the training. I know that she will be away for 9 months only, but I hope she will be based in Pampanga again. But of course if that is not God’s will then I can’t go against it.

One night, August 11, I was reading the book she lent me (My Utmost For His Highest), and the devotional was about Elijah when God was about to take him. It really comforted me and I remember my Elijah who was about to leave. I even e-mailed her about my sentiments that night and I am sorry that I made her cry. Yesterday, she sent us a message about her flight, and that was hours ago. In my heart I want to go in the church to see her for the last time, but I decided not to because I don't wanna cry and I don't wanna think that she is leaving. It really hurts so bad and I couldn't explain the pain. Yes, I think I am afraid that I may not able to continue without my Elijah. I was praying last night, and I've been crying while asking God to strengthen me that I may truly walk with Him. I wish that I could be like Elisha, who asked Elijah's double portion and he continued what Elijah had started. I really don't wanna see her go so I stayed at home trying not to think about her. Last night after praying, I was tested and I failed and I became more afraid that I will not be able to overcome trials. I've been tested for a long time and able to overcome but not last night. I cried to the Lord, with so much fear and trembling, asking for His help. I was thinking what will happen to me without His presence and without my Elijah reminding me. She hadn’t left yet but I already failed. I was in great remorse for this past 2 days thinking a lot of things. I am really afraid to be honest. I am afraid that I might fail God and fail my Elijah. I'm telling God that I have no reason to live if I will only fail Him, and not able to fulfill my Elijah's expectations. I'd rather die than failing my Master and live a life that is not accordance to His will, a life that is not pleasing to His sight. I am so terrified right now, afraid to be alone. I really wish that Jesus truly lives within me, not just in me but deep within me, that I may able to overcome trials and be holy as what Sis Dhines said on her last message on the pulpit.

I am so grateful that Sis Aby, Sis Merla, Sis Anne, and Bro William are still there willing to help me, encourage me, like they always do. I was comforted with Sis Aby’s text last night and with Sis Merla's text minutes ago. These leaders are also my Elijah and time will come that they will also have to go or be sent to another place and I am really scared because I am too weak without my Elijah (my leaders). I was thinking that I really need someone who will always remind me. I think I became really dependent to them. But again, I was reminded with the devotional I have read days ago. I really have to learn to depend on God alone. Time will come and I have to face and do things alone and I must apply what I have learned from my Elijah (all our leaders). I must take the initiative as what Oswald Chambers is saying, trust God, put my whole faith in Him and go through anything on my own, not wanting and waiting for someone else to do it for me or go with me. I must learn these things from now on because my leaders, my Elijah will not always be there, sooner or later, they will be separated from me or I from them. And besides, there are other lambs to tend and sheep to Shepherd, to take care of. And I have to be strong for God, and for them. I remember what Sis Aby told me before, “Sis we need you more than ever, now that Sis Dhines is leaving.”

Yes, I should “make a determination to trust in God, and do not even look for Elijah anymore.” I must be independent from them and dependent to God so that I will a help to them, to the whole church, instead of them helping me. As I told Sis Dhines before, that I don’t wanna promise anything but I will do my best to keep the fire burning and do the best that I can to help our leaders in any way I can, and be a blessing to others as well. Everything happened for a reason. There must always be a lesson to learn. As He wills, I must live my life according to His plan and will. I really need a lot of prayers, self-discipline, and determination to accomplish all these. I know that Sis Dhines will also think of me and pray for me always, as she said on her last text to me, and so all our leaders. So whatever God wants, whatever His will, whether Sis Dhines will stay there longer, come back here after 9 months, or she might be based to another country, then I should be happy for that and learn to accept it as the Lord wants me to.

"So long Sis! You will always be in my heart. I will always meet you in prayers! Shall I say see you soon!? Even I am terrified and in great fear right now, as you always say, I will look to God always, and stay closer to Him. Don't you worry I will do my best and give the necessary cooperation, be sensitive to Him enough, and soon by faith I will be regenerated. And I am hoping that when you come back, you will meet a different Gayle. A woman that is truly walking with God, a genuine disciple of Christ, a woman after Yahweh's very own heart. That is my sincere prayer indeed. Love you much sis! Thanks for everything!"

This Experience Must Come

"Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha . . . saw him no more"

It is not wrong for you to depend on your "Elijah" for as long as God gives him to you. But remember that the time will come when he must leave and will no longer be your guide and your leader, because God does not intend for him to stay. Even the thought of that causes you to say, "I cannot continue without my ’Elijah.’ " Yet God says you must continue.

Alone at Your "Jordan" ( Kings 2:14 ). The Jordan River represents the type of separation where you have no fellowship with anyone else, and where no one else can take your responsibility from you. You now have to put to the test what you learned when you were with your "Elijah." You have been to the Jordan over and over again with Elijah, but now you are facing it alone. There is no use in saying that you cannot go— the experience is here, and you must go. If you truly want to know whether or not God is the God your faith believes Him to be, then go through your "Jordan" alone.

Alone at Your "Jericho" ( 2 Kings 2:15 ). Jericho represents the place where you have seen your "Elijah" do great things. Yet when you come alone to your "Jericho," you have a strong reluctance to take the initiative and trust in God, wanting, instead, for someone else to take it for you. But if you remain true to what you learned while with your "Elijah," you will receive a sign, as Elisha did, that God is with you.

Alone at Your "Bethel" ( 2 Kings 2:23 ). At your "Bethel" you will find yourself at your wits’ end but at the beginning of God’s wisdom. When you come to your wits’ end and feel inclined to panic— don’t! Stand true to God and He will bring out His truth in a way that will make your life an expression of worship. Put into practice what you learned while with your "Elijah"— use his mantle and pray (see 2 Kings 2:13-14 ). Make a determination to trust in God, and do not even look for Elijah anymore.

Sacrifice and Friendship

"This is a daily devotional from the book My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers that I have just read. This book was lent to me by Sis Dhines and it was really a big help to me to understand spiritual things deeply and by God's grace little by little I am learning to apply what I am learning into my life. I pray that every single word on this book will be manifested in my life and that I may truly walk with God and may Jesus Christ truly lives within me. There are articles in this book that is so hard to understand and it really takes prayers and meditations for me to fully grasp each word and get the main message. I am sharing this one to you because I find the message really great, comprehensible, and a must-read devotional. I pray that every individual who will read this will fully grasp the message and learn to live the message as I am trying to apply it. With His help and our cooperation of course I believe as long as one is willing then this is not that hard to do or live."

Sacrifice and Friendship

I have called you friends . . . —John 15:15

We will never know the joy of self-sacrifice until we surrender in every detail of our lives. Yet self-surrender is the most difficult thing for us to do. We make it conditional by saying, "I’ll surrender if . . . !" Or we approach it by saying, "I suppose I have to devote my life to God." We will never find the joy of self-sacrifice in either of these ways.

But as soon as we do totally surrender, abandoning ourselves to Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives us a taste of His joy. The ultimate goal of self-sacrifice is to lay down our lives for our Friend (see John 15:13-14 ). When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, our greatest desire is to lay down our lives for Jesus. Yet the thought of self-sacrifice never even crosses our minds, because sacrifice is the Holy Spirit’s ultimate expression of love.

Our Lord is our example of a life of self-sacrifice, and He perfectly exemplified Psalm 40:8, "I delight to do Your will, O my God . . . ." He endured tremendous personal sacrifice, yet with overflowing joy. Have I ever yielded myself in absolute submission to Jesus Christ? If He is not the One to whom I am looking for direction and guidance, then there is no benefit in my sacrifice. But when my sacrifice is made with my eyes focused on Him, slowly but surely His molding influence becomes evident in my life (see Hebrews 12:1-2 ).

Beware of letting your natural desires hinder your walk in love before God. One of the cruelest ways to kill natural love is through the rejection that results from having built the love on natural desires. But the one true desire of a saint is the Lord Jesus. Love for God is not something sentimental or emotional— for a saint to love as God loves is the most practical thing imaginable.

"I have called you friends. . . ." Our friendship with Jesus is based on the new life He created in us, which has no resemblance or attraction to our old life but only to the life of God. It is a life that is completely humble, pure, and devoted to God.

The Danger of Not Knowing God

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture Reference:

The Danger of Not Knowing God

We are meant to be witnesses for God--people who have seen and known Him and are willing to speak of what they see and know. Sometimes there is danger for such people--as in Russia, where it can mean forced labor, banishment, death.

In China in the early 1930s a missionary couple, John and Betty Stam, were captured by Chinese Communists and marched through the streets of the village to a chopping block where each was beheaded. If they had been willing to recant their Christian faith, their lives would have been spared. Given their commitment to Christ, such a choice was unthinkable. They placed not only their lives but the life of their baby, Helen Priscilla, in the hands of God, confident that God could protect them if He chose, and, if He chose not to, it was safer to be in those hands than anywhere else in the universe. Like thousands of Christians before them, they preferred the sword to disobedience, believing that the danger of not knowing God is infinitely greater than any other danger.

Lord, be our Sun and Shield. Shine on us, protect us as we seek to live and witness to your truth. Forgive us (especially those of us who have never faced lions, fire, or sword because of our faith) for our fears of petty loss. Remind us that it is in losing ourselves that we find You.

Joined In Jesus

Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Source: Streams in the Desert
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 6:10

"As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Cor. 6:10).

Sorrow was beautiful, but her beauty was the beauty of the moonlight shining through the leafy branches of the trees in the wood, and making little pools of silver here and there on the soft green moss below.

When Sorrow sang, her notes were like the low sweet call of the nightingale, and in her eyes was the unexpectant gaze of one who has ceased to look for coming gladness. She could weep in tender sympathy with those who weep, but to rejoice with those who rejoice was unknown to her.

Joy was beautiful, too, but his was the radiant beauty of the summer morning. His eyes still held the glad laughter of childhood, and his hair had the glint of the sunshine's kiss. When Joy sang his voice soared upward as the lark's, and his step was the step of a conqueror who has never known defeat. He could rejoice with all who rejoice, but to weep with those who weep was unknown to him.

"But we can never be united," said Sorrow wistfully.

"No, never." And Joy's eyes shadowed as he spoke. "My path lies through the sunlit meadows, the sweetest roses bloom for my gathering, and the blackbirds and thrushes await my coming to pour forth their most joyous lays."

"My path," said Sorrow, turning slowly away, "leads through the darkening woods, with moon-flowers only shall my hands be filled. Yet the sweetest of all earth-songs--the love song of the night--shall be mine; farewell, Joy, farewell."

Even as she spoke they became conscious of a form standing beside them; dimly seen, but of a Kingly Presence, and a great and holy awe stole over them as they sank on their knees before Him.

"I see Him as the King of Joy," whispered Sorrow, "for on His Head are many crowns, and the nailprints in His hands and feet are the scars of a great victory. Before Him all my sorrow is melting away into deathless love and gladness, and I give myself to Him forever."

"Nay, Sorrow," said Joy softly, "but I see Him as the King of Sorrow, and the crown on His head is a crown of thorns, and the nailprints in His hands and feet are the scars of a great agony. I, too, give myself to Him forever, for sorrow with Him must be sweeter than any joy that I have known."

"Then we are one in Him," they cried in gladness, "for none but He could unite Joy and Sorrow."

Hand in hand they passed out into the world to follow Him through storm and sunshine, in the bleakness of winter cold and the warmth of summer gladness, "as sorrowful yet always rejoicing."

"Should Sorrow lay her hand upon thy shoulder,
And walk with thee in silence on life's way,
While Joy, thy bright companion once, grown colder,
Becomes to thee more distant day by day?
Shrink not from the companionship of Sorrow,
She is the messenger of God to thee;
And thou wilt thank Him in His great tomorrow
For what thou knowest not now, thou then shalt see;
She is God's angel, clad in weeds of night,
With 'whom we walk by faith and not by sight.'"

A Simple Prayer - George Mueller

I was blessed indeed with this story. I had goose bumps all over my body up to my head. This story really amazed me, made me cried with joy in my heart. I can't explain how I was moved because of this story. It is really astounding and stunning! Still crying while posting this. I just can't help it. What I am feeling right now is indeed astonish. This story gave me so much joy that I couldn't expound, such joy that I can't contain. I have read a lot of stories but I don't know why this story really hit me. It strengthens my faith more, admired, and adored God more, inspired and uplifted with George Mueller. What a great man!? I know few of his experiences with God and I really admire and envy this excellent extra-ordinary man. I must say that he is a genuine servant of God, such a holy man, that God always answers his prayers. This story made me believe more and strengthened my conviction that God is really the God of impossibilities. Wwwooaaa!! What a story!? Made my night really wonderful and marvelous! God is so great all the time! I wish I could also be like him, really close to God's heart, a man after God's own heart, walking in tandem with God in such holiness. Living the life of Jesus Christ, or shall I say, Christ lives within him.


A Simple Prayer

"I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me" (Acts 27:25).

I went to America some years ago with the captain of a steamer, who was a very devoted Christian. When off the coast of Newfoundland he said to me, "The last time I crossed here, five weeks ago, something happened which revolutionized the whole of my Christian life. We had George Mueller of Bristol on board. I had been on the bridge twenty-four hours and never left it. George Mueller came to me, and said, "Captain I have come to tell you that I must be in Quebec Saturday afternoon." "It is impossible," I said. "Very well, if your ship cannot take me, God will find some other way. I have never broken an engagement for fifty-seven years. Let us go down into the chart-room and pray."

I looked at that man of God, and thought to myself, what lunatic asylum can that man have come from? I never heard of such a thing as this. "Mr. Mueller," I said, "do you know how dense this fog is?" "No," he replied, "my eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life."

He knelt down and prayed one of the most simple prayers, and when he had finished I was going to pray; but he put his hand on my shoulder, and told me not to pray. "First, you do not believe He will answer; and second I BELIEVE HE HAS, and there is no need whatever for you to pray about it."

I looked at him, and he said, "Captain, I have known my Lord for fifty-seven years, and there has never been a single day that I have failed to get audience with the King. Get up, Captain and open the door, and you will find the fog gone." I got up, and the fog was indeed gone. On Saturday afternoon, George Mueller was in Quebec for his engagement.

"If our love were but more simple,
We should take Him at His word;
And our lives would be all sunshine,
In the sweetness of our Lord."

Transforming Power

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture Reference:

Transforming Power

If God is almighty, there can be no evil so great as to be beyond his power to transform. That transforming power brings light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, gain out of loss, life out of death.

Sometimes we boggle at the evil in the world and especially in ourselves, feeling that this sin, this tragedy, this offense cannot possibly fit into a pattern for good. Let us remember Joseph's imprisonment, David's sin, Paul's violent persecution of Christians, Peter's denial of his Master. None of it was beyond the power of grace to redeem and turn into something productive. The God who establishes the shoreline for the sea also decides the limits of the great mystery which is evil. He is "the Blessed Controller of all things." God will finally be God, Satan's best efforts notwithstanding.

A Remarkable Prayer

Last night when I am about to sleep, I am thinking of what gift I will ask from God on my birthday. I am pondering and searching my heart what will I ask Him in prayer. Yes, I have one material gift I want to receive but I am planning to buy it for myself and that is a guitar. I want to learn playing guitar in preparation for a higher calling. Aside from studying His Word, I also want to play praises and worships to Him while singing. If He will bless me with this talent, I want to use it for His glory so that in His perfect timing on sending me wherever He wants then I can use this talent on touching lives aside from sharing the Gospel. However, my great desire is to be the woman He wants me to be. It is my prayer to be a woman after His own heart. To live a life that is accordance to His will. On my devotion, I have read this remarkable prayer of a man who wants to offer his whole life to God. I was moved with this prayer because this noble man's prayer is also my prayer, my heart's desire. May I also be used and touch hundreds of lives as this man was after praying this prayer.


"Lord, here I am, I am Yours. The rest of my life, whatever You want me to do, if You will show me and convince me what You want, I will do it. The attitudes You want me to have, I will have. As I study and read Your Word, I will try to carry out what You tell me to do, and think the way You tell me to think. Here I am, Lord; do with my life as You want."

Time for God

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture Reference: Exodus 17:6

Time for God

It is a good and necessary thing to set aside time for God in each day. The busier the day, the more indispensable is this quiet period for prayer, Bible reading, and silent listening. It often happens, however, that I find my mind so full of earthly matters that it seems I have gotten up early in vain and have wasted three-fourths of the time so dearly bought (I do love my sleep!). But I have come to believe that the act of will required to arrange time for God may be an offering to Him. As such He accepts it, and what would otherwise be "loss" to me I count as "gain" for Christ.

Let us not be "weary in well-doing," or discouraged in the pursuit of holiness. Let us, like Moses, go to the Rock of Horeb--and God says to us what He said to him, "You will find me waiting for you there" (Ex 17:6 NEB).

Sunrise is an Act of God

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture Reference: John 15:10

Sunrise is an Act of God

The night sky, when I went to the front window this morning, was a clear dark blue, with a few sharp stars. Now, as it reddens toward dawn, a thick quilt of slate-colored cloud is moving over the whole sky, leaving only a strip of rose gold. But I am sure the sun will rise even though covered with a quilt.

We assume the sun will always rise. It always has. But it rises because God continues to will it so, not because it must in and of itself. I breathe, not because I am a smoothly functioning breathing machine, but because He who holds my breath in his hand wills me to breathe, as He wills the squirrel to breathe in the oak grove beside my house and the crow that perches in the scrub pine.

The will of God is not a given quantity. It is creative, dynamic, flowing action. Jesus participated in that action by submitting to the Will and moving with power along the "appointed way," according to the "appointed time," choosing the Father's will above his own.

The sun does no choosing. God chooses--every morning so far--to make it rise. Yet the Lord of the universe asks me to choose to follow Him--to participate, as Christ did, in the flowing action which is his ill. "Dwell in my love. If you heed my commands, you will dwell in my love, as I have heeded my Father's commands and dwell in His love" (Jn 15:10 NEB).

Robbed

Author: Woodrow Kroll, Tony Beckett
Source: FaithWalk
Scripture Reference: Romans 2 Psalm 51-53

Robbed

Psalms 51–53, Romans 2
Key Verse: Psalm 51:12

We have a constitutionally guaranteed right to the pursuit of happiness. Notice, however, that the right is not to happiness but to the pursuit of it. Many people seem to miss that fine line of distinction. They live as if happiness is a right and nothing should ever stand in the way of their having it.

What God gives us is not temporary happiness, something dependent upon the current situation, experiences, possessions, activities or feelings. He gives us joy, an abiding inner sense of well-being that is not dependent upon anything other than our relationship with Him. The biggest difference between happiness and joy is that happiness is temporary and dependent on other things, while joy is permanent, coming from our relationship with God. The one comes and goes while the other stays—unless we allow ourselves to be robbed of our joy.

David was robbed and wanted his joy restored. The robber was himself—specifically, his sin. Covering up his sin instead of confessing it brought pain into his life, the result of God at work bringing David to the point of repentance.

Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance. Finally, he confessed. Now he would find relief and joy.

Joy is not a right but a blessing. It is not fleeting like happiness, but we can be robbed of it. Joy can be restored, however, when we repent before God, crying out like David, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (v. 12).

Do you have joy? If something in your life has robbed you of it, follow the example of David. Read again Psalm 51, praying it as your own prayer before God.

Congrats Faith!

I am so happy for you dear! You are now a Registered Nurse! I pray that you will be able to use the gift and blessing the Lord gave you for His glory. Offer Him everything and let Him use you mightily. I hope you know that He has plans for you and reasons why He willed to pass you. May you also give Him back the praises and credits. Praise God! Love you much dear. I am indeed so proud of you. Let us celebrate when you visit us here ok? Yehey!!! My heart is rejoicing for your success!! Glory to God! When you get your car visit us and we will stroll around Pampanga to baptize your car hehe.. Congrats again!

Tatang (My Father)

I took an afternoon nap a while ago and on my rest, I have dreamed about Tatang (my father). On my dream I was lost and looking for our house but I couldn't find it. I go around the whole place looking for it then I saw our neighbor Tata Gil and asked him where is our house located. Weird because I don't know where we live. Then he said, I have to pass the river before I'll reach it. Then my family were coming because they are staying at Tata Gil's place. When I saw them I embraced my dad with such joy, kissed him and told them that I was lost and I couldn't find our residence. I also embraced my mom and kissed her. They were all happy to see me.

When I woke up, I cried because I really miss Tatang so much. My father died 6 years ago but his memories never died. He is always on my heart and on my mind. Again I remembered what Sis Dhines told me about the last dream I had. Telling me that her counselor once told her that God reveals who we really are on our dreams. Yes, I really wanted to see my dad again. Though I already accepted his death but I don't understand why until now I am still wishing to see him and hug him. Just the other week I've been crying because of him.

One night I was thinking about confession of sins that was discussed on our training months ago. It is needed before Baptism and for Baptism Training. I struggled so much because I am really ashame to confess all my sins. I am praying those days that God will reveal and help me remember all my sins and when I remember my past life it is really shameful. I am full of regrets though our leaders keep telling me that whatever happened to me will be used for His glory. All the while I thought the 3 or 4 particular sins I have committed was the most regretful part of my life but that night, I was reminded of my loving father. You know what I have realized? The most painful and regretful sin I have committed was when the time I lied to my father and the times that I disobeyed him just because of my selfishness, because of my own unrighteous desires, because of loving an undeserving guy.

When my father died 6 years ago, that was the time I hated God. I really love my dad, he is my mentor, my hero. I wasn't that bad daughter but there were times that I took his kindness for granted. And it is really painful to realize that there was a time that I lied to him. I wanted to be successful and I studied really harder because of my parents. I always want to give them a comfortable life. I am always wishing to have my own car to drive for them specially for my dad because he is very busy helping other people so he have to travel most of the time. He is such a great man. A lot of people admired his generosity, his loving-kindness, and unselfishness. Since I was 4 or 5, I am always praying to God to bless my parents with a long life. Seriously, no failure I am praying that not just every night but every moment that I am seeing them. I've learned to pray and the Word of God through him. I started working in a great company months before he died. I thought that was my chance to repay him for his love. I was single then and he is happy about that. I always wanted to buy him lot of things then. Though he does not go out with us whenever I treat my mom and sis for lunch during my day off. That is why when he died, I rebelled against the Lord. I really hated Him always complaining and asking why He took away someone that I love most. Yes I love my mom of course but I was really close to my dad. My dream of driving for him and buying him a lot of things had shattered. Since then, I always go out with friends drinking, bar-hopping, and done a lot of selfish and unrighteous things. I seldom pray then. I only pray when I need something, when I am depress. I have accepted his death after 2 years of mourning because also of a dream.

When I was in China year 2005, I had a dream. There was such a huge golden boat in a field located at the back of our residence. Yes it was an ark and my whole family were seated in the middle. I am standing in front of the boat rowing and my father is standing beside me guiding me, giving directions where we will go. I asked a friend, Jing to interpret the dream and with her interpretation, I have learned to accept Tatang's death and sorrows about his death were gone.

Just a week or 2, I am telling my niece Faith all these regrets. I told her to love her parents and take good care of them while she have all the chances or she will regret a lot of things. I really miss him, sometimes I am praying and asking for a chance to see my dad because I really want to hug and kiss him like I never did before. But I don't complain and ask God anymore about his death like I do before. I love my parents so much but giving them a hug before and a kiss is really hard for me because I am shy to do that though I always wanted to. I am not that sweet but deep inside me I really love them. My love was more sentimental, more on feelings than on acts. That is why how regretful I am. And I thank God because I can do that to my mom now. I thank Him for all the changes in my life. While writing this, I just thought, realized that this dream I just had is a granted prayer. Wow, praise God at least I am able to give my father a hug and a kiss though it is only in my dream. I am so grateful to the Lord for giving me that chance. I am really so glad about it. My father's face is so clear on my dream. Oh what a comfort and relief. I am really so blessed. God's love is really unconditional and sweet. Even on this really little thing, He provides still. So blessed that He gave me such a wonderful and best parents in the world. Aside from His love and the life of Jesus, my parents and my family were the best gifts I ever had in my life. To God be the glory, all honor, and all praises!

Just cried another litter of tears and thank God for His comfort. My heart is rejoicing and full of life. God is so great.. so good.. all the time!

The Fruit of Forgiveness

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 27:9

The Fruit of Forgiveness

Every day I am forgiven for many sins of many kinds, and although on the one hand forgiveness seems such an impossible thing (but grace is greater than all my sin), on the other hand I receive it often without wonder and nearly always without offering any "fruit."

When the Lord punished Israel, Isaiah wrote: "Only then can the fruit of his forgiveness be shown: they must smash their stone altars into pounded chalk" (Is 27:9 JBP).

When I acknowledge a specific sin, it is a good thing to do something specific to demonstrate my determination to forsake it. Smash an altar, sacrifice an hour of sleep or a meal (if the sin has been, e.g., failure to do what I want to do "because I haven't time"), write a note of apology to one sinned against, make restitution in some way for a wrong. To arise and obey in such a particular act is an appropriate sign of the genuineness of my repentance--the fruit of forgiveness.

Happy Birthday Prime!

To my ever dearest friend and sister Prime, just want to greet you a blessed birthday! I really miss you so much. I've been cooking for you for 2 years during your birthday so I really miss celebrating your birthday. Sorry if I couldn't visit you and I know that you understand my reasons. I really wish that I could go there and spend time with you as well as with the loving Tibayan sisters. You are all a family to me.

Sis, I pray that you will always be happy, more strength, more wisdom, may you really be the woman God wants you to be. So stay closer to Yahweh and always look to Him no matter what. I know that you've been through tough times and I am so glad that you are fine now. The enemy meant if for evil but God can use it for good. I am so happy that you were able to overcome the struggles you had, praise God and I thank Him for His love, grace, and faithfulness to you. You are such a precious woman. I am always praying for you and I will always be here for you though we are miles apart. I just want you to know that, no matter what other people say, said about you, you will always be the Prime that I knew before and I know that you are a better Prime now. I am so blessed that I met you. Who cares about what they've said and done? Sore wa kankenai! God knows your heart and I believe in you.

Prime dear, stay stronger, always seek and obey His will. I know that you've learned a lot from your past experiences and these experiences will be used for sure on your ministry.. on reaching out other people. God can make something good from all our bad experiences. I know that you will be a great comforter to all the broken hearts and souls.. and all the things happened to you will be used for His glory so always offer everything to Him. Remember our covenant? We decided to go back in the Philippines to serve the Lord full-time, like what I have said before, never let go ok? We may not have the same church but we have the same desire and as we promised, we will walk together with the Lord. We are walking the same direction and someday our paths will meet again. We used to be partners in the ministry, and we can still be partners in prayers, and in glorifying God.

It's been an honor working with you. Thanks for everything. Thanks for always supporting me, for all the prayers, for the comforts, and love you have given. I am sorry that I am not able to see you when you needed a friend but God knows how much I wanted to see you and hug you, comfort you but for some reasons I didn't get to visit you but I never ceased praying for you. You are always in my heart dear. No matter what don't let go, keep walking forward. We are in this together and our dear Yahweh will always be with us. Press on toward the goal. Let us always fight the good fight of faith. Love you much sis always remember that. I really care for your welfare. You will always be special to me, to us. But of course God loves you more than anyone else. He always wants the best for His children. Your fight is His fight and mine too. Most of the time when God prunes us it is really agonizing but it is for our own good. A gold will never be pure unless it will be purified through fire. I have learned a lot from you. You've been such a wonderful friend to me. Though our thoughts don't jive sometimes but our friendship is one of my treasures. I hope to see you soon and hoping we can dance together again.. mime, tambourine, folk dance, hiphop, anything that will magnify His name. Dakara gambarimasu! Honto ni aitai! Tanjoubi omedetou! Mwah...

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
♥ James 1:2-12 ♥

One Gloomy Afternoon..

Last week, I was so depressed and I've been crying for almost an hour and thinking a lot of things and the pain becomes more painful and tormenting. I am presenting my case to the Lord in prayers while crying. Then I remembered Sis Dhines' message on our training. She said whatever others will say don't mind them. You are not pleasing anyone but God so focus on Him, look to Him alone. Then suddenly my heart changed and started telling these things to the Lord. "Lord, You know my heart, you know my reasons and my intentions why I did what I did. I don't wanna defend myself to anyone (I used to defend myself and fight for my rights). If there is something wrong with what I have done, please forgive me. I am entrusting You everything. I know that this is really torturing but I know that You are in control and You only wants the best for me." Then suddenly, I fell to sleep and dreamed this..

I am with my family in a park, a place with lot of flowers and plants such a beautiful view, a place I've never been to.. then I took Meek with me and go up in a stair.. then I saw Walt (a college friend) there and talked to him. Then when I turned around Meek was gone, my family was gone, everything changed, I was in a different place and I was so scared. I ran to find my family but I couldn't find anyone and found myself alone in the place. Then I've reached a cliff, I heard a familiar voice telling me to jump. In my dream, I know the voice.. it was God's voice. Upon hearing the voice, so I jumped into a very high cliff. I was surprised to know that there's water below so I fell into the water. I am trying to swim to go up but then I saw a hand, it grabbed my hand. I was so afraid because when I looked at him, he is a stranger. I really don't know him so I tried to pull my hand but then again I heard the same voice telling me, "it's ok go with him and he will save you", so I followed. Then I woke up.

Upon meditating the dream, I was relieved and comforted. I don't exactly understand the dream but it gives joy and strength in my heart. After our Sunday service, I shared the dream with the sisters (Sis Aby, Sis Erra, Sis Merla, and Sis Dhines). After telling the dream, I told them that I was comforted. Then Sis Dhines said that she was comforted too and said, "Sis, I don't know if you get the message of your dream. My counselor on the training once told me that God is revealing who you really are in a dream. So you must be happy because when you jumped and obeyed the voice that means you really trust God." I was really happy upon hearing that.

When I got home, I pondered the dream again and what Sis Dhines have told me. Then I prayed, "My God, I hope that I am really like what I am in a dream I had. Please help me to trust You more and more everyday. Help me to be a sheep who knows and hear the voice of the Shepherd and follow Him. I really wish that I am like a sheep, obeys without asking any question upon hearing the voice of the Shepherd. I wish that I will be really a sheep that I may recognize Your voice and follow You immediately."

Love of the World

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture Reference:

Love of the World

John tells us in his first letter that anyone who loves the world is a stranger to the Father's love. We are not to set our hearts on the world or anything in it. These words have been interpreted in many strange ways by different varieties of Christians, and I have puzzled much over them. The word used in the original is cosmos, which means the whole created order. Is there nothing here that I am allowed to love? What about the thundering, flashing sea that I see from my window? What about the rose on my desk, or even this house where I live with its warmth and pleasantness, the cup of tea in mid-afternoon, the books on my shelves? They are not going to last forever. If I love them, am I then a stranger to my heavenly Father's love?

It has helped me to think of John's words in this manner: To love the world in the wrong way is to love it without knowing the Father's love. It is when a man knows Him and receives everything from his hand that the world is redeemed for him, no longer a snare and in opposition to the love of God. We must love the world only through and because of the Father, not instead of. Our ultimate concern must be God Himself. He is eternal. His gifts are not always so.

Lord, may no gift of yours ever take your place in my heart. Help me to hold them lightly in an open palm, that the supreme object of my desire may always be You and You alone. Purify my heart--I want to love You purely.