extract from reflection;
St. Peter tells us, "Remain calm so that you will be able to pray." If we truly believe that we can trust God and that since God is trustable, he will respond to our prayers with goodness, then we of course remain calm. What is there to be perturbed about?
If we know – really know – that God is in charge and that no matter what the evidence at the moment looks like, our prayers WILL be answered, then we have no anxiety, no worry, no fear, no doubt – we never get uptight or impatient. In this calm spirit, our prayers have great strength.
While there is value in persistent prayer, repetitious prayer does not work magic. Peter says, "Remain calm so that you will be able to pray." What matters is our relationship with God in prayer, not the amount or type of prayer.
Peter gives us a few additional keys that unlock the power of your prayer life. Re-read the passage from his letter and meditate on how each of his instructions increases your love and therefore your trust level.
(1Peter 4:7-13)
The end of all things is at hand.
Therefore be serious and sober-minded
so that you will be able to pray.
Above all, let your love for one another be intense,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another
as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God;
whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies,
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you,
as if something strange were happening to you.
But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ,
so that when his glory is revealed
you may also rejoice exultantly.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
13 May Ascension
I read this and felt it is so much hope and encouragement that I like to share with you. My daily prayer is; “Lord, may I see your face, especially in the midst of my trials. When the world tells me to give up, may I hear your voice speaking words of hope and encouragement!"
Partial Extract from the Word Among Us reflection.
When some great misfortune occurs, Jesus can seem very distant, almost as distant as he did to the apostles after the crucifixion. The Lord has promised us he will return again, but what about the challenges and trials we face right now? And what about the evil that is in the world? All these things can cause us to wonder whether God has abandoned us.
The answer is, he’s never left us! Jesus is not only with us, he’s within us, by the power of his Holy Spirit. If you are struggling right now, call on the Spirit for whatever you need: healing, peace, wisdom, even joy! Cast your burdens on the Lord, and remember the words of St. Paul: “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
“Lord, may I see your face, especially in the midst of my trials. When the world tells me to give up, may I hear your voice speaking words of hope and encouragement!”
Partial Extract from the Word Among Us reflection.
When some great misfortune occurs, Jesus can seem very distant, almost as distant as he did to the apostles after the crucifixion. The Lord has promised us he will return again, but what about the challenges and trials we face right now? And what about the evil that is in the world? All these things can cause us to wonder whether God has abandoned us.
The answer is, he’s never left us! Jesus is not only with us, he’s within us, by the power of his Holy Spirit. If you are struggling right now, call on the Spirit for whatever you need: healing, peace, wisdom, even joy! Cast your burdens on the Lord, and remember the words of St. Paul: “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
“Lord, may I see your face, especially in the midst of my trials. When the world tells me to give up, may I hear your voice speaking words of hope and encouragement!”
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
11 May - update
Done with the review this afternoon. Will stay on with Iressa for now. The next review will be on 20 July. The X-ray still show that everything is stable, some evidence of reduction, comparing X-ray with the last one, it looks about the same. The ultrasound scan of the liver did not show any major concerns, there was one spot that was not there when compared to the last liver CT scan, don't think it is anything to worry about. At the next appointment, will have a blood test, CT scan of lungs & liver and a MRI for the brain. Things look stable and I should be thankful to you and God for the prayers and blessings.
Like I mentioned yesterday, how easily it was to expect more when much has been given already. I was expecting the CEA markers to go down to below 5 from 8.5, but when I found out it was 8.8, I was a little uncomfortable. Imagine that it had come down from the high thirties a year ago, even recently in December and I wanted more. This reminds me I am still human and still weak, instead of being grateful and acknowledging the graces received.
Thankfully I have you and the messages to bring me good new, I am happy and will continue to pray and hope. We may never understand but we can hope and know that we will grow from this journey.
Ask that you include Greg Goh in your prayers, he is like a brother (i never had). He thought me many things but mostly to be thankful and always giving. He would smile, even when he is hurting, he is grateful for whatever I give however small, humility and a big heart that loves the family & friends. Pray for him for the strength and grace to bear the pain that he is has to endure.
Like I mentioned yesterday, how easily it was to expect more when much has been given already. I was expecting the CEA markers to go down to below 5 from 8.5, but when I found out it was 8.8, I was a little uncomfortable. Imagine that it had come down from the high thirties a year ago, even recently in December and I wanted more. This reminds me I am still human and still weak, instead of being grateful and acknowledging the graces received.
Thankfully I have you and the messages to bring me good new, I am happy and will continue to pray and hope. We may never understand but we can hope and know that we will grow from this journey.
Ask that you include Greg Goh in your prayers, he is like a brother (i never had). He thought me many things but mostly to be thankful and always giving. He would smile, even when he is hurting, he is grateful for whatever I give however small, humility and a big heart that loves the family & friends. Pray for him for the strength and grace to bear the pain that he is has to endure.
Monday, May 10, 2010
will see the doctor tomorrow afternoon
went for my blood test today. called the clinic this afternoon what the readings were. The CEA marker this time was 8.8 compare to 8.5 March readings. will see Dr Kong and look at the X-ray tomorrow afternoon. Was hoping for it to drop further but quite relieve that it did not go up significantly. There was a mixed feeling but I have to remind myself that stable is Good. This reading is way better than what it was last year. The CA125 also went up but it is still within the normal range. I have to be thankful for the blessings and the healing.
Awhile ago this reflection came in the email; first read it as a loss of joy and only now did I actually read it "The joy of loss"
Jesus says to his disciples, "Because I told you I'm going back to him who sent me, grief has filled your hearts."
We're afraid of loss. It's very unpleasant, and yet, it's the only way to move forward in our relationship with God. It's a dark hallway that leads us from the past to the future, from one stage of spiritual growth to a higher level, from discipleship as a student of Jesus to apostleship as a messenger empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Loss hurts because it's painful to be separated from what used to be. We'd rather cling to what's familiar. We cling to the past so that we don't have to move forward into unknown territory. We cling to our own ideas of what our lives should be like so that we won't risk disaster in the unknowable outcomes of life's challenges.
God should be in control. Our decisions will either hold us back or move us forward. Both directions will impact our lives and the lives of uncountable others.
Remember that God wants what's best for us.
when we refuse to travel from the old to the new, we not only prevent ourselves from discovering more of God's awesome love, we also get in the way of God's love for others.
The Holy Spirit gives us help and comfort when we pass through our losses, but only if we accept the help instead of cursing the changes.
Holy Spirit give me a submissive heart to be open to feel, hear and see God.
Will update tomorrow after the review
Awhile ago this reflection came in the email; first read it as a loss of joy and only now did I actually read it "The joy of loss"
Jesus says to his disciples, "Because I told you I'm going back to him who sent me, grief has filled your hearts."
We're afraid of loss. It's very unpleasant, and yet, it's the only way to move forward in our relationship with God. It's a dark hallway that leads us from the past to the future, from one stage of spiritual growth to a higher level, from discipleship as a student of Jesus to apostleship as a messenger empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Loss hurts because it's painful to be separated from what used to be. We'd rather cling to what's familiar. We cling to the past so that we don't have to move forward into unknown territory. We cling to our own ideas of what our lives should be like so that we won't risk disaster in the unknowable outcomes of life's challenges.
God should be in control. Our decisions will either hold us back or move us forward. Both directions will impact our lives and the lives of uncountable others.
Remember that God wants what's best for us.
when we refuse to travel from the old to the new, we not only prevent ourselves from discovering more of God's awesome love, we also get in the way of God's love for others.
The Holy Spirit gives us help and comfort when we pass through our losses, but only if we accept the help instead of cursing the changes.
Holy Spirit give me a submissive heart to be open to feel, hear and see God.
Will update tomorrow after the review
Friday, May 7, 2010
Friends are a Blessing from God
I was never the sort of person that was mushy about friend. I try to keep in touch but over the years have lost contact but somehow I still considered these peoples that have cross my journey as friends. I must thank each and every one of them as they are truely God's Blessings. They bless me with their friendship. Over the past year, my eyes has been opened by my Father; the pilgrim community, the angels and saints and the very old school-day friendships have been His Blessing for me. Every so often He surprises me to send one to meet and give their generous support when I needed it. Everyone has brought me smiles, cheer and blessings. I like to Thank You for being my blessings and I fully appreciate you. Thank You Friends, you are saints in my books and I pray that our Father will continue to Bless you and your loved family members.
How generous God is, He will watch and guide our paths that we will not fall nor be alone.
2 weeks ago, there was a itchy spot over my belly, the same time I was having this terrible sore throat. after 5 days the sore throat went away but the itchy spot did not fully subside. The area around it felt tender and sensitive, it was not painful. didn't think much of it then. this tender and sore feeling moved to the left side of my body, near the lower back. thought that it was time to turn the mattress. this sensation did not go away. thought I should ask for some medical advice, and my generous friend asked me to go see him. I did, he checked my nasal passage and didn't think there was anything serious (started having a nasal backflow after the sore throat) next he looked at my sore area. Over the past 2 weeks I had zosters commoly known as shingles. (shigles is not as bad as the old wives tales I heard in the past) So now I have medication for it. This friend was so generous with his time and advice, I merely mentioned that I like some advice he made time to see me. And being such a generous person he has not charged me or even made any mention of the cost in the many times I have seen him. (If you read this, Thank You and I appreciate your generosity). Actually you made me write today's blog cause you reminded me today of God' blessing all my friend have been.
How generous God is, He will watch and guide our paths that we will not fall nor be alone.
2 weeks ago, there was a itchy spot over my belly, the same time I was having this terrible sore throat. after 5 days the sore throat went away but the itchy spot did not fully subside. The area around it felt tender and sensitive, it was not painful. didn't think much of it then. this tender and sore feeling moved to the left side of my body, near the lower back. thought that it was time to turn the mattress. this sensation did not go away. thought I should ask for some medical advice, and my generous friend asked me to go see him. I did, he checked my nasal passage and didn't think there was anything serious (started having a nasal backflow after the sore throat) next he looked at my sore area. Over the past 2 weeks I had zosters commoly known as shingles. (shigles is not as bad as the old wives tales I heard in the past) So now I have medication for it. This friend was so generous with his time and advice, I merely mentioned that I like some advice he made time to see me. And being such a generous person he has not charged me or even made any mention of the cost in the many times I have seen him. (If you read this, Thank You and I appreciate your generosity). Actually you made me write today's blog cause you reminded me today of God' blessing all my friend have been.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
