the power of His love.

Yesterday after Essenausgabe, nat shared with me her mum's testimony about God. Totally inspired by the part that God led a prof whom she didnt come into contact with at all, to sponsor her education, i shared her testimony with Dave when i reached home. He listened with an open heart, but added that christianity has 'good values...just like other religions'. I know it takes a personal encounter with God to be really convicted that God is real but i know the seed i sow is not in vain.

Today we had cell by the lake again cuz the weather was great:) Signs that summer has reached its peak are that my heater is super weak now ( cant dry my clothes fast ), i open my windows more widely, i walk arnd without the jacket...and german gals are in their skirts, german guys are in their berms. Benny brought the newspapers along and shared a few news that we cld pray about. i said my 2nd prayer in german..hahas i think the number of german prayers i say in a group can be counted with a hand but it cant be helped as i take a longer time to adapt to everything. :l

And just now, i listened to coos sermon by pastor vic. So many parts that he said struck a chord in me ..like having this mini revelation some time ago that the power of Jesus's resurrection is in me and that it helps me overcome any situations..and the part that 'when life is difficult, its cuz God lives us'. He was very true in saying that it is only in times of brokeness that we learn and remember. And towards the end, i cldn help but to cry. It was tears of being overwhelmed by God's love, tears when i rmb of God's faithfulness :)

Thank You God.

Faithfulness.

Yesterday i was just feeling inadequate about responsibilities in cell that i gotta take on when i return. I confided in God frankly and slowly today, i got the answer. ( muaha, holy spirit teaches me) It all lies in a word, faithfulness. Faithfulness in a mutual way.

Taken from http://cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Library.sr/CT/PERSONAL/k/244/Fruit-of-Spirit-Faithfulness.htm,

One aspect of God's faithfulness in challenges or trials is:

God will never lay on us anything beyond our power to overcome. This was also what Gloria encouraged me recently, saying that when God brings us to sth, He brings us thru it. He knows how much pressure our hearts can stand. Do teachers give college-level assignments to a first grader and expect them to perform? Men are careful not to overload a truck, horse, mule or ox. I kinda disagree here thou..there are ridiculously difficult nus exams and transport tools do get overloaded at times. Will God be any less merciful and faithful to us, His children He is creating in His image? He clearly recognizes His obligation to the work of His own hands to supply our needs and shape the burdens needed to prepare us for His Kingdom.

And because of God's faithfulness and love, i am promised the strength to be faithful. I want to hear God saying to me, Well done, good and faithful servant

Anws..i went for Suanne and Thies s' wedding at church in the afternoon and i really like this praise and worship song. I think we sang it during service before as well :D

:)

I just read some german devotional article that Jo printed for me and nat. The feeling was so different. I have subconsciously dreaded german, or maybe even hated it. But as i read the article just now, i enjoyed learning the new words once again. It wasnt a chore like before. It was a joy that wasnt always present. It may have come a lil late, but better than never :D

Each day a learning day.

As much as i was freaked out, i am so glad God teaches me each day. :)

More precious than gold or silver

Went for cell today and i thoroughly enjoyed the praise and worship session. I love how every phrase in worship songs express the character of God, one that is full of love, grace, glory, power, majesty, etc. I love how phrases also express who i have experienced God's love and works in my life. Love the opportunity to praise and worship God with fellow bro and sis in Christ as well. :)

I also said my first prayer in german today. I was prompted to pray a few times but chickened out cuz i know my german prayers wld prob be slow and broken. Anws during the last round of prayers, we prayed for the pastoral team and Dirk urged me to pray. So i spoke an incoherent prayer that was full of lingustic mistakes. That aside, i was in fact happy that Dirk nudged me to pray in german in the group cuz it helped me overcome the inertia in me. Besides, i know that God knows what i meant and listens to my prayers..so the main aim is achieved! :P

As i was reflecting today, i saw how i relied more on God during this period, how i communicated more with God, more i learnt to continually trust Him, find rest in Him, draw strength from Him, etc. What amazing grace, that i can enjoy such a precious relationship with our heavenly Father thru Jesus.

Thank you, God.

Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. Ps 55:22

How could i forget sth that i once knew? It's all about surrendering at the cross. About saying to God, Father, I need your help.. take care of my burdens for me pls.

Thank you God for each new day that u make,
for your new mercies everyday,
for your word that counsels, guides, comforts and encourages.
for my family, there's so much blessings and love attached to this simple word.
for people and circumstances around me
in short, for your unfailing love.