Have you wondered what happens when you sin?
What happens to God?
What happens to the devil?
We know very well that the devil is very real and that there is a battle between good and evil. Every single action, no matter how small they are or whether they were meant to be as a joke - it will all have a huge impact on this battle that takes place in the spiritual realm.
I read and was told that there are levels in the kingdom of darkness. Devils and spirits are all divided into different levels, some stronger than the others. In the same way, there is a level in the kingdom of God as well based on your closeness with God. Everytime we sin, there will be an effect on us too. The devil will see this small opening to mess with out life, and off course it would go for it and take that opportunity! And the closer we are we God, once we fall into sin, the bigger the price is that we have to pay. Sometimes it's not us that pays the price, the devil can go and put our family or people closests to us in danger!
It's easy to say to people, don't sin! Don't sin! Yes off course we know that we shouldn't sin! It's all common sense! But the hard thing is to apply it. Once we face a situation when we are about to sin, it will be unable to resist it, thus opening this entrance for the devil. It's actually as if you're inviting him to come. "Hey, come here, I'm about to do something bad, I know you like this, how about you come to take a visit?"
Just today, I comitted a sin. Something I was well aware of, but was unable to resist. Even though the Holy Spirit spoke to me at that moment, it was still hard! I'm sure everyone knows what I'm talking about with this struggle. So I ended up falling in the deep pit again. After that, I came back to my normal senses and realized that I have done something bad. But it was too late.
Then something happened that really really made me feel so sinful to the point of crying. The Holy Spirit gave me this image.... (now try to imagine this in your head as you read)
Up in between all the clouds, God was standing next to the devil. There was a scoreboard between them. They were looking down to Earth, to me. It was an image before I started to sin, but almost fell into it.
"I bet she will fall into it! Just you see!" The devil said to God with a mocking voice and started to laugh in amusement.
"No she won't!" God said with a stern voice, refusing to believe what the devil told Him.
"Yes she will! Just wait and see! She will fall for it again! Like she always does!" the devil kept on telling Him in excitement.
"She won't! I have faith that she won't," God said, not with a hopeful voice, but with a trusting voice.
God and the devil continued to watch me from up in Heaven. And just like the devil had predicted, I did fall into sin. The look on God's face was indescribable... He was shocked and looked so sad. He had the most disappointed look on His face than someone could ever imagine. A look of lost, of despair, agony, sadness, tragedy... Just input all the synonyms of sad and you still won't be able to imagine how miserable He looked.
It was an image that hurt me.
What have I been doing? What have we all been doing?
Hey wake up all you Christians! I know that this is very hard to understand and even harder to encourage you to do... But the battle between good and evil is real!!! It's super real and it's happening even this very instant! The scoreboard changed after I sinned. The devil got one point added to his already 100-ish number. While God? I don't think His score was even above 20!
We call ourselves Christians... We call ourselves God's children... We call ourselves spiritual and in love with God and willing to dedicate our lives to Him & etc & etc... But the fact is, that if we keep on sinning, then those statements are all just LIES! Mere lies!!!
When we sin, we are not giving points to God, but we are giving points to the devil! We are not helping God and making Him smile, but we are making Him so sad to the point that it would stab our hearts! And we dare to call ourselves God's army? If you still do, then act like one!!! Start behaving like one! Stop sinning!
"But it's okay if we sin, Jesus died to wash away our sin...~"
Now that's when we're wrong. We've been taking God's grace for granted so many times. If you read the Old Testament, once you sin, you will be put to death already. Sometimes I think that that's what we need since we sin over and over and over again with no fear of the consequences simply because God has washed away all the sin. But hey, newsflash! There are consequences, not from God, but from the devil. Once we've decided to follow God, a sin will be what the devil with attach himself on and start to grow. It will attack our family and people around us, like I've mentioned before.
We've been taking it for granted... You think it's fun and easy to sacrifice your son to die for us? Who are we anyway? We are His creations, we are nothing compared to Jesus.. And yet He gave up Jesus, His one and only precious son to die for all of us who if we were all combined together would not even match up to Jesus!
So, I hope that this was able to encourage you all and to see the truth a bit more. This is what the Holy Spirit revealed to me, and so I felt that I needed to share with you all. I know that it's hard, and I'm not guaranteeing that i myself will now become a Holy Saint for never ever sinning again in my life... But my eyes are opened to the truth, to the consequences of a sin, and to the pain that it causes to my Father in heaven who loves me and all of you oh so dearly much. And I don't want to hurt Him anymore, neither should you guys...
He has done so many things for us... The least we can do is to help Him get His points, not the devil. That's why we are called God's children, right? We are His followers. So we are supposed to give Him points, not the enemy.
In conclusion to the long post: do not sin!
Monday, November 29, 2010
God Cares About The Little Things
This happened a long while ago during the summer holiday in Indonesia. I went to a youth church there and the speaker at that time told an odd yet amazing story. Yes, you reading this might think it's very odd, but this proves how God cares about the small detail in our lives.
He said that there was this instant when a man called him and told him that he dropped his Blackberry in the water. He went to the shops and specialist to repair it, but no one could do it. They told them it was broken and that he should buy a new one. So the point of him calling was to tell the pastor that he would soon change his number to a new one cause he would buy a new one.
Then the pastor asked him one odd thing.
"Have you tried praying to God?"
The man was taken aback and confused. Pray to God about a phone? That sounds weird..
"You can give it a try. I mean, there's nothing wrong with trying it, right?" the pastor insisted.
Finally the man gave in, and he told the pastor that he would try praying for it. With that, he closed the phone and the call ended.
The next morning, the man immediately called the pastor again.
"Hey, did you buy a new phone?" the pastor asked.
"No! I did what you told me to do! I prayed to God! And it worked!" the man answered in ecstasy. He was calling from the same phone that fell into the water; the phone that the world said could not be repaired, but God managed to do.
Amazing and odd, huh?
If you still don't believe me, here's my own personal testimony about it..
I have a hair straightener that I brought from US to Indo. It broke down because of different voltage. So I bought a new one from Indonesia. And after using it twice, it broke down as well. So then I remembered the testimony. There really was nothing wrong with trying to pray for it, even though I felt kinda weird and funny.
So I laid the two broken hair straighteners in front of me and started to pray for it. As I was done, I anxiously plugged them into the outlet in the hope that a miracle would happen. When I moved the button to 'on', it did not work. The straightener was still dead, both of them. I tried a few outlets in the house, and none of them worked. So I told my mom that we needed to go to the mall to exchange it since I still had the guarantee right.
When I was at the mall, I went to the customer service and said that I purchased this hair straightener there a few days ago, but it broke down for some reason. So the woman told me that they would take a look at it first. I handed it to them, they opened it and plugged it in. And guess what? It worked!!!!
"Seems like nothing's wrong with it," she told me.
I was still in disbelief and perplexed. I tried several times and home and it didn't work. And now it suddenly did! I thought that it might've just been their outlet, so when I was home, I tried to plug it in again. And it still worked!!!
It wasn't the outlet... It was God's doing!
This is why it is so weird and amazing! God can heal a country, God can heal the sick, and apparently, God can heal technology too! Our God is so up-to-date! He does care about the single smallest thing in our life! And he can perform miracles in so many ways!
"Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows!" - Luke 12:7
God cares about every single detail about us, what it is that we care about and need. As long as we pray to Him for help, believe that it will be done - no matter how weird it might be, God can do it!
He said that there was this instant when a man called him and told him that he dropped his Blackberry in the water. He went to the shops and specialist to repair it, but no one could do it. They told them it was broken and that he should buy a new one. So the point of him calling was to tell the pastor that he would soon change his number to a new one cause he would buy a new one.
Then the pastor asked him one odd thing.
"Have you tried praying to God?"
The man was taken aback and confused. Pray to God about a phone? That sounds weird..
"You can give it a try. I mean, there's nothing wrong with trying it, right?" the pastor insisted.
Finally the man gave in, and he told the pastor that he would try praying for it. With that, he closed the phone and the call ended.
The next morning, the man immediately called the pastor again.
"Hey, did you buy a new phone?" the pastor asked.
"No! I did what you told me to do! I prayed to God! And it worked!" the man answered in ecstasy. He was calling from the same phone that fell into the water; the phone that the world said could not be repaired, but God managed to do.
Amazing and odd, huh?
If you still don't believe me, here's my own personal testimony about it..
I have a hair straightener that I brought from US to Indo. It broke down because of different voltage. So I bought a new one from Indonesia. And after using it twice, it broke down as well. So then I remembered the testimony. There really was nothing wrong with trying to pray for it, even though I felt kinda weird and funny.
So I laid the two broken hair straighteners in front of me and started to pray for it. As I was done, I anxiously plugged them into the outlet in the hope that a miracle would happen. When I moved the button to 'on', it did not work. The straightener was still dead, both of them. I tried a few outlets in the house, and none of them worked. So I told my mom that we needed to go to the mall to exchange it since I still had the guarantee right.
When I was at the mall, I went to the customer service and said that I purchased this hair straightener there a few days ago, but it broke down for some reason. So the woman told me that they would take a look at it first. I handed it to them, they opened it and plugged it in. And guess what? It worked!!!!
"Seems like nothing's wrong with it," she told me.
I was still in disbelief and perplexed. I tried several times and home and it didn't work. And now it suddenly did! I thought that it might've just been their outlet, so when I was home, I tried to plug it in again. And it still worked!!!
It wasn't the outlet... It was God's doing!
This is why it is so weird and amazing! God can heal a country, God can heal the sick, and apparently, God can heal technology too! Our God is so up-to-date! He does care about the single smallest thing in our life! And he can perform miracles in so many ways!
"Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don't be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows!" - Luke 12:7
God cares about every single detail about us, what it is that we care about and need. As long as we pray to Him for help, believe that it will be done - no matter how weird it might be, God can do it!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
God keeps His Promise (Part 3)
The last part of my sharing!!! Again, as a reminder, read the first and second part to understand! But if you're reading this right now then you're probably waiting to read the continuation? I hopeeee.... Hehe.. So lets get startedd!!!!
- Part 3 -
So before all of this issue even started, there was something else. The church was about to have its annual Thanksgiving reatreat. Besides it being a retreat, it spoke to me more as 'the twice in a year opportunity of a lifetime to get water baptised'. Cause no, I have not been water baptised yet, except for when I was a baby, but that doesn't count. So everytime a retreat comes up, I always hope I can get water baptised.
The only problem about that is that my mom doesn't allow me to. Sounds cliche huh? And no, she is not the bad guy, cause I can perfectly well understand why she wouldn't allow me. She herself has accepted Jesus Christ and believes in God too. But we're Catholics, it's written on our IDs and all the other formal and legal certificates. So by getting baptised, it's like saying that I've officially moved over to Christianity and that would mean that we have to change all my status on the certificates which would be troublesome. There were also other reasons my mom was concerned about, but once again, she is NOT the bad guy.
So time after time... I have watched my friends getting baptised while I only watched from the sidelines, rooting them on for being reborn. Ever since the Easter Celebration in 2009 where James and the others got baptized, then the 2009 Thanksgiving retreat where others got baptized, then again during the 2010 Spring retreat. Yes, I do keep count... And during every one of those moments, I always wondered... When will it be my turn?
So during this retreat, I know there will be a water baptism again. (It was announced to the whole church actually) And I reaaally reaaaalllyyyyy wanted to get baptized. But this time, it was a bit different. Instead of being all eager about it (which I still was though), I decided to surrender it to God. Maybe it wasn't my time yet... Maybe I am not ready for it yet... I don't know, but perhaps there was a reason, right? So I started talking to some other people who didn't get water baptised yet, and imagine how wonderful it would be if we all could get baptised togetherrr... :)
So I went home after that and I went back to my closet. The closet has become a place for me to communicate to God, no matter how weird it sounds. (Maybe I should post a picture to show how comfortble it actually is). Anyway, I started to talk to God. I asked Him for His guidance about me getting water baptised. I told Him I surrendered myself and would wait until whenever He thought I was ready to get baptised. James and I also prayed about this several times, asking Him whether this was the time or not.
Howeveeeerrrr, I still had the urge to get baptised this time. (Kinda contradicting with my surrendering, but okaaay).. So I asked God whether this was the time to get baptised or not. If it was, I asked him for 2 signs:
1. That He would allow me to go to retreat
2. That my mom would allow me to get baptized
Well, those are two very obvious signs actually, but that's what I asked Him. And I closed my prayer.
Times passed by... The whole $160 incident happened. I started to get discouraged to go retreat. I started to lose hope, thinking that it would now be impossible to go to retreat in the first place anyway. I didn't have the courage to ask my mom. And so, I just had the mindset that I won't be going after all. Slowly, I started to lose all the excitement to go. I almost made up my mind to not go. Whenever someone asked me whether I would go or not, I said that i was still unsure.. But in my heart I was thinking that I wouldn't go.
But then... something happened... (Read part 2)
In short, God provided me with the money to go to retreat!
As I returned from CG, I talked to James about it. I told him that this wouldn't be an ordinary retreat, cause God is willing to pay for me. There must be something wonderful about it! Maybe the preacher or something, but I knew there was something that God wanted me to accomplish during this retreat. He wanted me to come!!!
And that's when I remembered... A few weeks ago, I made that agreement with God. I asked Him to give me a sign. The first thing was for Him to allow me to go to retreat. Well, in this case, I guess I can literally say that HE allowed me to go. I started to get ecstatic inside, feeling that there might have been a hope after all. The second sign was for my mom to give me permission, so I understood immediately what I had to do.
As soon as I went back home, I told my sister about all of this. Then I prayed to God again, thanking Him for allowing me to go. And I prayed, that He would help me as I talk to my mom as soon after the prayer. I ended the prayer..
The time has come...
I started to take my Blackberry and BBM-ed my mom. I asked her whether she had time or not to listen, cause I wanted to tell and share something to her at the moment. She told me that she did. So I started to tell her about what just happened that night, about the story of my friend and everything. I could tell my mom was attentively reading what I typed, she asked me to continue and every message was immediately 'Read' by her.
I finished telling her about how I obtained God's money. She said "Praise the Lord!"
I took that as a good sign, and I started to become even more hopefull. Slowly I continued my story with a nervous heart. I told her about the agreement I made with God and for the two signs. I had a reaaaalllyyy good feeeling about it.
"The first sign has already come true, God gave me the permission to go to retreat. And the second sign is for you to give me permission.... So, can I get water baptised?" I asked her.
I immediately continued about all the benefits of being water baptised and told her that it isn't about changing religion. It's all about God! I want to be reborn and live with Him! I gave her a lot of one-sided argument.
She read it... and stayed quiet...
I was so nervous as I anticipated her answer. After 3 minutes, she didn't reply.
I started to panic, even though it has only been 3 minutes. But those seemed like 3 very super long minutes!
"Mama?" I asked again, hoping to get an answer.
I saw her starting to write a message, and this is what she answered:
"God is mightier than me. So if God allows you to do it, then I'm okay with it, because you're a big girl already. So I think that this is your business with God, and I feel gratefull as well. Cause I pray everyday, surrendering my children to God, knowing that He has a great plan for all of you."
I started to cry with joy and ecstacy. Tears poured down my face again for the nth time that night. I thanked my mom for her understanding and for her permission. God has amazed me yet again and again. Starting from what I thought was a financial problem, God has proven me wrong. He had planned all of this waaaaayyyy before it even happened. And He planned it so beautifully in this sequence. He really did open up a way for me!
He answered my prayer. He is telling me that I'm ready. And I really do feel ready for this!
I'm going to this retreat! And in addition, I'm gonna follow God's instructions for me: to get water baptised.
Praise Lord!!!!!
Me waiting for 1 and a half year and missing 3 chances has not gone in vain.
I know it's gonna be my turn this time, and God has showed me this in such a wonderful way.
And I am so grateful for the way He showed me this.
"But I pray to You, Lord. So when the time is right, answer me and help me with your wonderful love." - Psalm 69:13
God's timing is perfect, He keeps His promise... Is our God amazing or what???
- Part 3 -
So before all of this issue even started, there was something else. The church was about to have its annual Thanksgiving reatreat. Besides it being a retreat, it spoke to me more as 'the twice in a year opportunity of a lifetime to get water baptised'. Cause no, I have not been water baptised yet, except for when I was a baby, but that doesn't count. So everytime a retreat comes up, I always hope I can get water baptised.
The only problem about that is that my mom doesn't allow me to. Sounds cliche huh? And no, she is not the bad guy, cause I can perfectly well understand why she wouldn't allow me. She herself has accepted Jesus Christ and believes in God too. But we're Catholics, it's written on our IDs and all the other formal and legal certificates. So by getting baptised, it's like saying that I've officially moved over to Christianity and that would mean that we have to change all my status on the certificates which would be troublesome. There were also other reasons my mom was concerned about, but once again, she is NOT the bad guy.
So time after time... I have watched my friends getting baptised while I only watched from the sidelines, rooting them on for being reborn. Ever since the Easter Celebration in 2009 where James and the others got baptized, then the 2009 Thanksgiving retreat where others got baptized, then again during the 2010 Spring retreat. Yes, I do keep count... And during every one of those moments, I always wondered... When will it be my turn?
So during this retreat, I know there will be a water baptism again. (It was announced to the whole church actually) And I reaaally reaaaalllyyyyy wanted to get baptized. But this time, it was a bit different. Instead of being all eager about it (which I still was though), I decided to surrender it to God. Maybe it wasn't my time yet... Maybe I am not ready for it yet... I don't know, but perhaps there was a reason, right? So I started talking to some other people who didn't get water baptised yet, and imagine how wonderful it would be if we all could get baptised togetherrr... :)
So I went home after that and I went back to my closet. The closet has become a place for me to communicate to God, no matter how weird it sounds. (Maybe I should post a picture to show how comfortble it actually is). Anyway, I started to talk to God. I asked Him for His guidance about me getting water baptised. I told Him I surrendered myself and would wait until whenever He thought I was ready to get baptised. James and I also prayed about this several times, asking Him whether this was the time or not.
Howeveeeerrrr, I still had the urge to get baptised this time. (Kinda contradicting with my surrendering, but okaaay).. So I asked God whether this was the time to get baptised or not. If it was, I asked him for 2 signs:
1. That He would allow me to go to retreat
2. That my mom would allow me to get baptized
Well, those are two very obvious signs actually, but that's what I asked Him. And I closed my prayer.
Times passed by... The whole $160 incident happened. I started to get discouraged to go retreat. I started to lose hope, thinking that it would now be impossible to go to retreat in the first place anyway. I didn't have the courage to ask my mom. And so, I just had the mindset that I won't be going after all. Slowly, I started to lose all the excitement to go. I almost made up my mind to not go. Whenever someone asked me whether I would go or not, I said that i was still unsure.. But in my heart I was thinking that I wouldn't go.
But then... something happened... (Read part 2)
In short, God provided me with the money to go to retreat!
As I returned from CG, I talked to James about it. I told him that this wouldn't be an ordinary retreat, cause God is willing to pay for me. There must be something wonderful about it! Maybe the preacher or something, but I knew there was something that God wanted me to accomplish during this retreat. He wanted me to come!!!
And that's when I remembered... A few weeks ago, I made that agreement with God. I asked Him to give me a sign. The first thing was for Him to allow me to go to retreat. Well, in this case, I guess I can literally say that HE allowed me to go. I started to get ecstatic inside, feeling that there might have been a hope after all. The second sign was for my mom to give me permission, so I understood immediately what I had to do.
As soon as I went back home, I told my sister about all of this. Then I prayed to God again, thanking Him for allowing me to go. And I prayed, that He would help me as I talk to my mom as soon after the prayer. I ended the prayer..
The time has come...
I started to take my Blackberry and BBM-ed my mom. I asked her whether she had time or not to listen, cause I wanted to tell and share something to her at the moment. She told me that she did. So I started to tell her about what just happened that night, about the story of my friend and everything. I could tell my mom was attentively reading what I typed, she asked me to continue and every message was immediately 'Read' by her.
I finished telling her about how I obtained God's money. She said "Praise the Lord!"
I took that as a good sign, and I started to become even more hopefull. Slowly I continued my story with a nervous heart. I told her about the agreement I made with God and for the two signs. I had a reaaaalllyyy good feeeling about it.
"The first sign has already come true, God gave me the permission to go to retreat. And the second sign is for you to give me permission.... So, can I get water baptised?" I asked her.
I immediately continued about all the benefits of being water baptised and told her that it isn't about changing religion. It's all about God! I want to be reborn and live with Him! I gave her a lot of one-sided argument.
She read it... and stayed quiet...
I was so nervous as I anticipated her answer. After 3 minutes, she didn't reply.
I started to panic, even though it has only been 3 minutes. But those seemed like 3 very super long minutes!
"Mama?" I asked again, hoping to get an answer.
I saw her starting to write a message, and this is what she answered:
"God is mightier than me. So if God allows you to do it, then I'm okay with it, because you're a big girl already. So I think that this is your business with God, and I feel gratefull as well. Cause I pray everyday, surrendering my children to God, knowing that He has a great plan for all of you."
I started to cry with joy and ecstacy. Tears poured down my face again for the nth time that night. I thanked my mom for her understanding and for her permission. God has amazed me yet again and again. Starting from what I thought was a financial problem, God has proven me wrong. He had planned all of this waaaaayyyy before it even happened. And He planned it so beautifully in this sequence. He really did open up a way for me!
He answered my prayer. He is telling me that I'm ready. And I really do feel ready for this!
I'm going to this retreat! And in addition, I'm gonna follow God's instructions for me: to get water baptised.
Praise Lord!!!!!
Me waiting for 1 and a half year and missing 3 chances has not gone in vain.
I know it's gonna be my turn this time, and God has showed me this in such a wonderful way.
And I am so grateful for the way He showed me this.
"But I pray to You, Lord. So when the time is right, answer me and help me with your wonderful love." - Psalm 69:13
God's timing is perfect, He keeps His promise... Is our God amazing or what???
God keeps His Promise (Part 2)
Please read the first part if you haven't so that you can reaaallllyyyy understand what God is doing and how He is working. Please do! I encourage you! I'm sorry if I made it boring though.. But forget the writing style, think of God! :D
So back to the storyyyy
- Part 2 -
This story isn't really about me. It's a story about my friend at church. Just continue reading and you'll understand :)
So there's this friend of my friend who wanted to buy a Blackberry Torch through him. So he said okay, and went to AT&T. He looked at the Blackberry Torch and the price was something about $545. The people there told him that his AT&T contract has passed 2 years. That's a good thing! He was able to get a special price and the price was reduced to something of $200-ish. And then somehow, he got other additional discounts, I don't really know for what. But the final price became something around $190! Amazing! Paying that for what was originally $545!!!
So he was shocked himself and asked Lord what to do. So the Lord told him, "Don't lie."
Okay, so he went back to his friend and told him that the original price was $545. He didn't lie. One thing led to another, and his friend paid him more than what he gave out. He got some extra money now, but knew it was all God's money. Before this, he had asked God to get his first fruit too.
Once again, he asked God what to do with his money. He told his girlfriend, and she hoped that it was for fine dining maybe.. lol... He himself hoped that he could use it to buy an iPod if I'm not mistaken. But they prayed to God about it. And God simply answered.
"Keep it."
They were confused about it but decided to listen to God. They kept the money.
The end of October was approaching. It was time to celebrate the church's birthday with luncheon! Usually there is this thing where you can donate some building fund to the church or to Nepal. During that time, he thought that the money was to be used for Nepal. So he was about to write down and the Lord spoke to him again.
"Keep it."
He became even more perplexed. He felt the itch everytime he opened his wallet and seeing that large sum of money inside. It was weird, he wondered what God wanted him to do with it. But he obeyed God's command and kept the money.
At that moment... His girlfriend gave me a phone call. (This is where the pieces starts to fall into its place) She started talking about the upcoming thanksgiving retreat. And I honestly told her that I wasn;t sure whether I was going or not. I explained that I was still afraid to ask my mom for permission after the whole $160 incident. I was afraid she would get mad at me and won't allow me to go. So she told me she understood my situation and we ended the conversation.
After that, she went to her boyfriend and told him about my situation.
And that's when the Holy Spirit moved him.
They finally understood what the money was for.
And so, the night during CG while everyone was still eating, they called me to come with them. I was still unaware of everything and actually felt a bit frightened at the sudden call and everything, lol. But they told me in a joking way that there is nothing to be afraid of.
When things got serious, he started to tell me the whole story about his friend, the Blackberry and the money. He told me how he had this money, his first fruit from God. And God told him to give it to me.
I was shocked, devastated, speechless, in disbelief... I was confused and amazed at the same time. I couldn't simply take the money like that...
"I didn't even try asking to my mom yet," I told him.
"That's okay, God gave this to you."
I was still unsure.
Then he told me...
"This is God's money, not mine. He wants me to give it to you, so please accept it."
My eyes started to get teary and I couldn't control my emotions. I was so touched and... uuuuugh... I can't even explain my feelings clearly! It was this wonderful feeling, knowing that I am loved by God. I started to hug my friend (the girlfriend that is) while he kept reminding me "God loves you, God loves you."
And he is right.
God truly does love me. He told me that He would reward me, and He did!
Even though it's in a different way from what I expected, but still!!!!
And so... I could not refuse God's money...
And now... I'll be going to retreaaaatttt!!!!!! YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!
God is sooooooooo GREAT!!!!!!!
Praiseeeee God!!!!!!!
But wait for it... Remember there are 3 parts for this story?
Yup, it gets even more amazing than this!
So stay tuned for the next chapter!!!! :D
So back to the storyyyy
- Part 2 -
This story isn't really about me. It's a story about my friend at church. Just continue reading and you'll understand :)
So there's this friend of my friend who wanted to buy a Blackberry Torch through him. So he said okay, and went to AT&T. He looked at the Blackberry Torch and the price was something about $545. The people there told him that his AT&T contract has passed 2 years. That's a good thing! He was able to get a special price and the price was reduced to something of $200-ish. And then somehow, he got other additional discounts, I don't really know for what. But the final price became something around $190! Amazing! Paying that for what was originally $545!!!
So he was shocked himself and asked Lord what to do. So the Lord told him, "Don't lie."
Okay, so he went back to his friend and told him that the original price was $545. He didn't lie. One thing led to another, and his friend paid him more than what he gave out. He got some extra money now, but knew it was all God's money. Before this, he had asked God to get his first fruit too.
Once again, he asked God what to do with his money. He told his girlfriend, and she hoped that it was for fine dining maybe.. lol... He himself hoped that he could use it to buy an iPod if I'm not mistaken. But they prayed to God about it. And God simply answered.
"Keep it."
They were confused about it but decided to listen to God. They kept the money.
The end of October was approaching. It was time to celebrate the church's birthday with luncheon! Usually there is this thing where you can donate some building fund to the church or to Nepal. During that time, he thought that the money was to be used for Nepal. So he was about to write down and the Lord spoke to him again.
"Keep it."
He became even more perplexed. He felt the itch everytime he opened his wallet and seeing that large sum of money inside. It was weird, he wondered what God wanted him to do with it. But he obeyed God's command and kept the money.
At that moment... His girlfriend gave me a phone call. (This is where the pieces starts to fall into its place) She started talking about the upcoming thanksgiving retreat. And I honestly told her that I wasn;t sure whether I was going or not. I explained that I was still afraid to ask my mom for permission after the whole $160 incident. I was afraid she would get mad at me and won't allow me to go. So she told me she understood my situation and we ended the conversation.
After that, she went to her boyfriend and told him about my situation.
And that's when the Holy Spirit moved him.
They finally understood what the money was for.
And so, the night during CG while everyone was still eating, they called me to come with them. I was still unaware of everything and actually felt a bit frightened at the sudden call and everything, lol. But they told me in a joking way that there is nothing to be afraid of.
When things got serious, he started to tell me the whole story about his friend, the Blackberry and the money. He told me how he had this money, his first fruit from God. And God told him to give it to me.
I was shocked, devastated, speechless, in disbelief... I was confused and amazed at the same time. I couldn't simply take the money like that...
"I didn't even try asking to my mom yet," I told him.
"That's okay, God gave this to you."
I was still unsure.
Then he told me...
"This is God's money, not mine. He wants me to give it to you, so please accept it."
My eyes started to get teary and I couldn't control my emotions. I was so touched and... uuuuugh... I can't even explain my feelings clearly! It was this wonderful feeling, knowing that I am loved by God. I started to hug my friend (the girlfriend that is) while he kept reminding me "God loves you, God loves you."
And he is right.
God truly does love me. He told me that He would reward me, and He did!
Even though it's in a different way from what I expected, but still!!!!
And so... I could not refuse God's money...
And now... I'll be going to retreaaaatttt!!!!!! YEAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!
God is sooooooooo GREAT!!!!!!!
Praiseeeee God!!!!!!!
But wait for it... Remember there are 3 parts for this story?
Yup, it gets even more amazing than this!
So stay tuned for the next chapter!!!! :D
God keeps His Promise (Part 1)
This story comes in 3 parts... Please read all of them to really see the amazing thing He did and how He works. It's simply...amazing :)
- Part 1 -
It all started towards the end of October on a Thursday. I had a drawing assignment from my sketching class where I had to sketch a scenery. James and I had an appointment to have an interview for our volunteer service after he finished class. So rather than him going back and forth from my house to his school again, I decided to tag along to his school and draw something there.
So he showed me around the school at first, to help me find a good scenery to draw. Eventually it was time for him to go to class, so I was alone. I walked around, scanning the areas. And finally I found a good spot. I sat down and started to draw a tree, quietly, peacefully, all by myself.
Suddenly, two guys approached me. They seemed nice and friendly and one of them talked a LOT. So they explained that they were doing something for points and offered me whether I wanted to buy magazines or not, or else, I could donate some magazines to childrens in a hospital. I knew that I rarely read magazines, so I decided to donate some for the children. So he showed me a list of magazines and told me to pick two. And I did...
Then he said: "So you can choose whether you want to donate for 3 quarters or for 4 quarters. For 3 quarters it's gonna be $120, and for 4 quarters it's gonna be $180."
I was shocked and speechless when hearing the amount. I thought it was going to be $20 or something less than a $50. And yet, at that moment, I didn't have the ability to say no or to reject him. So I said with a small uneasy chuckle, "I'll just go with the $120."
He told me that was okay and directed me to circle some things. Circle the 3 quarters, circle the $60 per book... "And so the total price will be $160."
I was again shocked.
"I thought you said it was $120?" I asked him.
"Well yeah, there are some additional charges."
Somehow, I couldn't manage to ask him where the additional charges came from. So i just nodded along and wrote $160. And to make the story short, we went to the ATM in SFSU (yes, SFSU students must be soooooooo proud about having their own ATM machine on campus) and I took $200 cash and gave him $160.
He left afterwards and I went back to the bench where I was drawing the tree earlier. I BBM-ed (that's not even a word) James and told him what just happened. And he sounded surprised, telling me that $160 is a huge amount! And that's when I started to become uneasy, realizing what I did was perhaps wrong? I just went ahead and spend $160 just like that. I started to feel guilty.
After I went home, I told my sister and my mom about it. They practically showed me the same reaction, saying that $160 is waaaayy too much. My mom told me that "a donation is a choice you make. The amount you want to donate should be your decision, not an amount by force." And I felt even guiltier. But she just had to add to the weight of my guilt by saying "you know your dad works very hard every single day just to earn $100."
And that did it. My feeling of guilt could no longer be suppressed. I went into my closet and started to cry and pray to God. (Don't get me wrong, the closet is spacey and very comfortable to be in) So as I started talking to God, I poured out everything. No, in fact, I wasn't talking to God, I was complaining to Him. I complained about how stupid I was to spend $160 like that. That's like the amount of our retreat minus $10! Things led to another and I started to bad mouth myself. Saying I was stupid, worthless, useless and all those stuff.
And then... God spoke to me, in a very clear, firm and loud voice.
Matthew 6:7
That was the first time that I heard His voice that clear, it's indescribable. And He wasn't really saying it in a sweet, soothing and calming voice like I thought He would. But He sounded kind of strict when telling me that.
So I was taken aback. In between all my crying, I opened the Bible in front of me (I brought it with me to the closet in case if) and opened to the verse.
"When you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God." - Matthew 6:7a
That's when it struck me...
I have been talking to God in a way that a non-believer could. Everyone could complain to God, it's as easy as that. But in that few minutes, I have forgotten who I am talking to. It's the almighty God, and I badmouthed myself, His creation!
So I started to apologize to Him. Then I started to read several verses in Matthew. And I found another verse:
"When you give to the poor, don't let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what's done in secret and He will reward you." - Matthew 6:3-4
And then God told me with His sweet and kind voice: "The world may see the bad side of what you have done, but I will look at the good side of what you have done. Don't worry, I will repay you for what you did."
I was sooooooooo amazed and once again speechless. I went out of the closet and told James and my sister about it. But still, a small part inside of me still felt guilty even though I had received reassurance. So James talked to me and he prayed for me, praying so that I can really surrender the $160. I felt so much better afterwards and had faith in God's words, hoping and having faith that He will soon bless my father's business.
Stay tuned to part 2 :)
- Part 1 -
It all started towards the end of October on a Thursday. I had a drawing assignment from my sketching class where I had to sketch a scenery. James and I had an appointment to have an interview for our volunteer service after he finished class. So rather than him going back and forth from my house to his school again, I decided to tag along to his school and draw something there.
So he showed me around the school at first, to help me find a good scenery to draw. Eventually it was time for him to go to class, so I was alone. I walked around, scanning the areas. And finally I found a good spot. I sat down and started to draw a tree, quietly, peacefully, all by myself.
Suddenly, two guys approached me. They seemed nice and friendly and one of them talked a LOT. So they explained that they were doing something for points and offered me whether I wanted to buy magazines or not, or else, I could donate some magazines to childrens in a hospital. I knew that I rarely read magazines, so I decided to donate some for the children. So he showed me a list of magazines and told me to pick two. And I did...
Then he said: "So you can choose whether you want to donate for 3 quarters or for 4 quarters. For 3 quarters it's gonna be $120, and for 4 quarters it's gonna be $180."
I was shocked and speechless when hearing the amount. I thought it was going to be $20 or something less than a $50. And yet, at that moment, I didn't have the ability to say no or to reject him. So I said with a small uneasy chuckle, "I'll just go with the $120."
He told me that was okay and directed me to circle some things. Circle the 3 quarters, circle the $60 per book... "And so the total price will be $160."
I was again shocked.
"I thought you said it was $120?" I asked him.
"Well yeah, there are some additional charges."
Somehow, I couldn't manage to ask him where the additional charges came from. So i just nodded along and wrote $160. And to make the story short, we went to the ATM in SFSU (yes, SFSU students must be soooooooo proud about having their own ATM machine on campus) and I took $200 cash and gave him $160.
He left afterwards and I went back to the bench where I was drawing the tree earlier. I BBM-ed (that's not even a word) James and told him what just happened. And he sounded surprised, telling me that $160 is a huge amount! And that's when I started to become uneasy, realizing what I did was perhaps wrong? I just went ahead and spend $160 just like that. I started to feel guilty.
After I went home, I told my sister and my mom about it. They practically showed me the same reaction, saying that $160 is waaaayy too much. My mom told me that "a donation is a choice you make. The amount you want to donate should be your decision, not an amount by force." And I felt even guiltier. But she just had to add to the weight of my guilt by saying "you know your dad works very hard every single day just to earn $100."
And that did it. My feeling of guilt could no longer be suppressed. I went into my closet and started to cry and pray to God. (Don't get me wrong, the closet is spacey and very comfortable to be in) So as I started talking to God, I poured out everything. No, in fact, I wasn't talking to God, I was complaining to Him. I complained about how stupid I was to spend $160 like that. That's like the amount of our retreat minus $10! Things led to another and I started to bad mouth myself. Saying I was stupid, worthless, useless and all those stuff.
And then... God spoke to me, in a very clear, firm and loud voice.
Matthew 6:7
That was the first time that I heard His voice that clear, it's indescribable. And He wasn't really saying it in a sweet, soothing and calming voice like I thought He would. But He sounded kind of strict when telling me that.
So I was taken aback. In between all my crying, I opened the Bible in front of me (I brought it with me to the closet in case if) and opened to the verse.
"When you pray, don't talk on and on as people do who don't know God." - Matthew 6:7a
That's when it struck me...
I have been talking to God in a way that a non-believer could. Everyone could complain to God, it's as easy as that. But in that few minutes, I have forgotten who I am talking to. It's the almighty God, and I badmouthed myself, His creation!
So I started to apologize to Him. Then I started to read several verses in Matthew. And I found another verse:
"When you give to the poor, don't let anyone know about it. Then your gift will be given in secret. Your Father knows what's done in secret and He will reward you." - Matthew 6:3-4
And then God told me with His sweet and kind voice: "The world may see the bad side of what you have done, but I will look at the good side of what you have done. Don't worry, I will repay you for what you did."
I was sooooooooo amazed and once again speechless. I went out of the closet and told James and my sister about it. But still, a small part inside of me still felt guilty even though I had received reassurance. So James talked to me and he prayed for me, praying so that I can really surrender the $160. I felt so much better afterwards and had faith in God's words, hoping and having faith that He will soon bless my father's business.
Stay tuned to part 2 :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)