Sarah Alexis
Otherwise known as Sarah Lim.
Living for Jesus.
4th June.
Melbourne, Australia.
Contact me at: sierra_lim91@yahoo.com
Updates
-
@zai_liang oh alright! Hopefully will see you and the rest of yore Reach people around soon. :)
-
@zai_liang Haha yeah I'll be on the P2 until June. I'm not 21 yet! Yup I will, thanks! You're back in Aussie right?
-
@zai_liang Thanks!! Yup it is. Got my Aussie license!
-
@sherzzz Thanks Sherlene!!
-
I PASSED MY VICROADS DRIVE TEST!!!! Thank you Lord! Yeeeessss! June this year and I'll have a full Aussie license! :D
-
Stop Internet #Censorship! Sign the urgent global petition @Avaaz urging the EU Parliament to reject #ACTA: http://t.co/uAZjnLCz
-
After 3 times of rendering, which totalled almost 2+ hours, I have finally gotten to YT and it's almost up.
-
I HAVE FINISHED IT! AAAAH12 days ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
-
Still surviving... 1 minute of vidding to go. More than halfway now.13 days ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
-
I am... somewhat halfway. Doing a 2 minute 20 second video has not been this hard. Now I know why I never did AU vids before this.13 days ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
-
I shall finish ze Colt and Denni video tonight if its the last thing I do....13 days ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
-
NEXT EPISODE IN 1 DAY.3 weeks ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
-
Ready to roll.3 weeks ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
-
Longest Grand Slam final in history.. 5 hours and 53 minutes. Djokovic is the man indeed. Goodnight for real this time!
-
Djokovic > Nadal > Federer = this is why their seeded positions are accurate.
-
Congrats Novak! Yessss I was right from the start! RT @tianxitweets: Looks like Djokovic did it! Well earned. Played down till the last ball
-
I amzz going to zzz nowzz. RF is out anyway so hats off to whom wins AO2012 tonight... Great playing all round.3 weeks ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
-
Typical tennis. So close, yet so far. Nowisnotthetimetomakemistakes.3 weeks ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
-
@hauwei Haha yeah. Quickly break Rafa's serve!3 weeks ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
-
@hauwei I hope this doesn't stretch to the fifth set... Djokovic needs to step up his aggressive play and he can finish it.3 weeks ago from web | Reply, Retweet, Favorite
Posts
We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint; because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
- Romans 5:3-5
I'm doing my personal bible study tonight, because the usual weekly-bible-study-on-Monday-nights thing is not happening this week. It's a good thing, in a way, as now I have an opportunity to do a brief study on those verses. Last week I was meditating a good deal on 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.. and it was really amazing, needless to say.
There is a very nice cup of green tea on the table beside my laptop where I am now typing, in the kitchen, and I feel oddly at peace. It's weird, like I'm a little bit numb at the moment, but above all I think I'm actually happy. It feels as though there is a lot going on, and yet somehow it's all a blur around me... and I'm not afraid, I'm not whinging anymore.
Well, it is an up and down rollercoaster. It still is. But I'm learning to see, more and more, that even though it's an up and down rollercoaster, if I look to my Daddy who is sitting right beside me all the time, I honestly don't have to be an emotional wreck. Because all my emotions would be invested not in people or in my situations, but in my Lord Jesus Christ.
Someone asked me a question today, and one part of my answer was, "I'm not ready... far from it I think." and the person responded, "I'm not ready too." That part of the conversation actually got me thinking. It was what I was praying about yesterday, one part of my long prayer, and I was telling God that I know I'm not ready. For a lot of things. And it's because of that, that I want to just look AT God and be sold out for Him, and then along the way He would tell me that I'm ready for this, I'm ready for that. Meaning, I pass tests without knowing. That would mean I've grown, that would mean I'm ready. One big thing I know I'm not ready for, for example, is being in a relationship. There are a lot of reasons why I'm not ready for it, but the main thing is the fact that I'm still going through a lot of transformation work right now (by the Holy Spirit) and I need to ensure that my whole foundation is laid before I proceed any further. I really don't want to get ahead of myself anymore.
It helps, though, to know that there's someone else who recognises that they're not ready too. It's not easy, being patient in letting the work of the Holy Spirit manifest in us. But knowing that there's other people waiting too, and we're all encouraging each other... well, it brings me to the verse in 1 Peter 5:9, which says, "Resist him [the Devil], steadfast in faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world." And it's so awesome to see the Word of God come alive and all the verses that talk about edifying each other and etc - seeing it in action in people around me is so wonderful and such great proof that the Word of God, when taken seriously and applied fully, can do amazing things.
So, God is good. :) And it's gonna be a busy week, but it'll be good.
These hands are yours, teach them to serve as You please, and I'll reach out, desperate to see all the greatness of God; may my soul rest assured in You.
PS. On a separate note - HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear aunty Evelyn. Missing you, but I'll see you super soon when you come down to Melbourne. :)
There is a time for everything, ain't it? There are some things I will always miss, some people I will always miss.
I'm doing better. It's not easy but nothing ever really is. I'm learning to take it easier, as time passes I find that it doesn't get as difficult as before. I just want Him to come and help me grow. I don't want to think about anyone or anything else.
Just wanted to post that picture because, well, I still miss camp somewhat. But time to look forward and thank God for what He has done, and keep growing. I need to let go. And keep letting go.
Deactivating my Facebook account is part of this process. I'm really, VERY intent on breaking this chain that I've identified in my life. Enough is enough, and I'm on this road where I want to be where Christ is. I want to be completely, utterly, sold out for my Lord Jesus Christ. I want to be so free in Him that absolutely nothing deters me, nothing is able to steal my attention away from Him. I want to be so content in Him that I won't want anything or anyone else.
I've been spending a lot of time reading His word and praying ever since camp ended. I have to keep this up, and I know that by doing so it's fading, and God is taking over. I keep declaring His Word and promises over my life... I'm going to keep fighting. this is NOT the time to give up. There is NEVER going to be a time for giving up.
So apart from the spiritual side of things, practically I'm deactivating Fb because it helps me to focus on the God stuff. It helps me to focus on Him, to see His goodness. It's a detox, partly. I don't want to be distracted, I don't want to be swayed by anything or anyone else. I want to just look to Jesus and be complete.
Staying strong in the Lord is key. Reading His Word and filling myself with the Bible helps loads. His Words are life, and they are spiritual food for my soul. I want to grow, and I want to know Jesus more. I want to be close to Him.
The enemy may know my weakness and what I desire, but I am going to use these spiritual weapons of prayer, praise and the Word... and he will be defeated. Jesus has overcome him and he will not get any piece of me.
CHAINS BE BROKEN! LIVES BE HEALED! EYES BE OPENED! CHRIST IS REVEALED.
I really don't know what to say now, actually, I feel like I'm STILL in camp mode. I really have zero mood to think about my assignments (which are, fortunately, not due until much later). I don't feel like talking about anything except God-related stuff. I can't STOP thinking about how amazing God is. I can't stop being overwhelmed by Him and His greatness. I feel like my brain is about to explode. I feel like going into fits of laughter and crying at the same time. I think I'm going crazy.
I have this sense that God is answering my prayer. I'm continously slipping into His presence wherever I go, I don't feel restrained by anything, I'm not let down anyhow. I'm just heading in this one direction - God. I feel like I'm finally doing something right. I can sense the Holy Spirit inside me, so real and tangible that even now as I'm typing this out, I want to burst out in tears. All I can say is, the Lord Jesus Christ can be so real in your life that you don't have to make any effort at all, and the fire inside you becomes so intense that you can sense Him wherever you are, anytime.
The song we sung in camp, "Fire Fall Down", is still replaying on my iPod. It has been replaying on my iPod ever since camp ended. I can't stop listening to it. I don't ever get bored of it. In fact, I'm going to sing it during worship in church this Saturday. Fire fall down, fire fall down, on us we pray...
I came across this post by Jaeson Ma, on his blog. I feel his words are so accurate in conveying the message of doing what GOD has called us to do, instead of doing things that we are not called to do. This is what he says in his post:
To focus on what I'm called to do requires me to say no to what I am not called to do.
And a note of advice that he gives:
Be silent. Take a deep breath. Clear your mind. Know what is important. Deny the urgent. Focus on your purpose. Decide.
Read the rest of the post here.
God is SO TREMENDOUSLY AMAZING. I can't, I don't know what to say anymore... Just, Lord, thank You.
...that I don't know what to say, and how to say what I think my mind wants to say. I feel like I'm in this weird spot where I want to wrestle with God and yet I want to just be so happy nonstop. Maybe a bit of both. Either way, tonight I'm going to spend some quality time with Him.
I really don't know how things happen, how God plans them out, but I do know God is truly beyond amazing. He is indescribable beyond comprehension, particularly in how He maps things out. We don't understand them until we look back and go, "Oh...". He is unexpected and always proves us wrong, in a good way.
Having just come back from Intensity 2011 (Reach Youth Camp), I am still in camp mode. I miss camp, I miss the atmosphere, I miss everyone I met there, I miss the sessions, I miss everything about it. But, things go on. Life continues. And so we keep the fire burning. Add wood. Fan the flame. Make it go bigger than before.
And keep growing in the Lord.
Just got some practical ways to resist the enemy whenever you face temptation! I received this revelation just by doing a "bible study" with a church member and I was just explaining about reading 1 Peter 5:5-11 and then suddenly it struck me that it was similar to James 4:7-10 and then wow, I realised that the these verses were speaking of the same thing - resisting the Devil, submitting to God, humility, getting rid of worldliness - all tied into teach other. And so I got these practical ways of how to resist the Devil based on these two portions of scripture:
- Submit to God. Submit to God-ordained authorities, and elders. Submit to one another.
- Be clothed with humility. Humble yourself.
- Draw near to God. [and He will draw near to you!]
- Cast all your cares upon God. [open your heart to Him]
- Be sober and vigilant. [vigilant = keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. sober = unhurried, calm, marked by earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor]
- Be steadfast in faith, knowing that you are not alone.
- Cleanse your hands, purify your hearts. [ensure your actions and thoughts are pure]
- Repent of sin.
Go read those verses, they are simply empowering. There is life and power in the word of God - and it is spiritual food. Remember, man does not live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4).
God bless!
I'm still listening to the instrumental piece of music that is the Titanic Suite (since posting about it a few days back). It's actually playing even as I type right now. I feel like running now. I feel like running to no end until I can finally escape this foolishness that is myself. I want to just live in the Spirit and forget about my flesh, but I can't because I'm stuck in this body. I want to live free of this temptation that constantly pokes at me. Having to resist is painful, it's exhausting, it's heartbreaking. I don't want to stay in this spot, I want to MOVE. I want to MOVE FORWARD into His light. I want to constantly walk in His light and leave the darkness behind. I want to die to myself.
I want my perspective to change. I want to see things the way He sees it, not the way I do. I want to focus on His goodness and grace and might. I know there's nothing better, but I don't want to just know it in my mind, I want to know it in my spirit.
I wonder if listening to the Titanic Suite is helping me at all. This particular soundtrack number is so beautiful, I'm almost to tears. Although this is more of "fleshly" tears rather than spiritual ones....
You know, just a few weeks ago, I was sitting on the grassy hill behind the ACMI at Federation Square, and I was journaling down my thoughts in my notebook. The first sentence I wrote was: "Dying to self is really painful." And I recalled then, my aunt telling me that in the early stages of true surrender and trying to really walk with God, sacrifices have to be made. And one of the biggest ones (if not the biggest) is the sacrifice of praise - obedience to God, meaning, dying to self.
And I constantly wonder how I am going to get through this. I sometimes feel like I'm so free, like I could just fly, and jump around to no end, because there is this spritual energy bursting inside me. And then there are times where, I can feel, spiritually I am crying out because it is so difficult to overcome my flesh. I told God I just want to grow... and I know it's a process. Nobody ever said it was going to be easy.
But, I guess, I really should be looking at the silver lining. God has never failed. He has overcome the world. He died on the cross for my sins. And just like that, one by one, my defenses fall and I run, like crazy, towards the set of arms which are ready and always open for me to run into - His.
All too often, we make it about "me". I do that way too much without considering whether or not it's something God wants or something I want. Even when I pray, I don't reach out to listen to God's voice because in my mind, I've already decided what I want to do.
That is something very wrong that I've been doing.
I don't ever want to do that again. Next time, before deciding anything, I'm going to measure the situation up to God and consider what He would do, knowing this and that. I'm going to pray and pray until I'm sure it's what He agrees is right to do - because I don't want to do things that will get me distract me. I don't want to get involved in stuff that potentially distracts me from my own calling. I suppose that is my challenge - to really stay committed to this calling in the worship ministry. Because otherwise, what am I doing? Just thrusting that calling into a corner?
Too often, we think of what we don't have. It's a good reminder to just think of what we do have, and thank God for those things. Be it people, opportunities, positions, callings - every single blessing you can think of. Let's challenge ourselves to think differently and be KINGDOM-minded.
Otherwise, it will be very easy to confuse flesh and spirit.
This is what happens when you stay up late into the night, having finished doing your presentation slides but just barely started on your presentation notes; though you know you'll finish it on time before 10:30AM later in the day when you have to meet your partner to discuss and finalise everything.
1. One thing that I want the most at the moment: to just rest in God and live focused on Him
2. Where my mind is: wandering somewhere between Disney (my presentation), shoes (thinking of buying the ones on sale!), food and my friends
3. An experience that is still fresh in my memory: winter camp. all the visions I saw, prophetic words I received and gave, spiritual encounters.
4. A quality I want in a life partner: Kingdom character (actually, that encompasses everything hahaha)
5. Something(s) that makes me happy: GOD! (really. hearing from Him, seeing His power, etc) true friends (JHCSWNST), macarons, sunshine
6. An ideal date: park, beach, singing, laughing, connecting, talking
7. Who I want to be: A woman who fears God
8. Ideal home: small, cosy place with elegant yet vintage decorations, slightly messy but still organised
9. Favourite verse(s): Philippians 4:4-7
10. Random fact about me: I enjoy baking.
11. Another random fact about me: I don't really play sports but I follow a lot of sport - football/soccer and tennis are my top two.
12. When I'm by myself: I sometimes practice speaking in different accents (American, Australian, British... erm yes that's as far as it goes)
13. A song on my mind: Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall cover by Boyce Avenue
.... okay I'm gonna stop here, I'm slowly drifting off already. Ahhh, well, at least I'm ready to meet my presentation partner to discuss things. I just haven't listed everything out yet (or rather, copy and pasted into a document from resources haha). Okies!!
Well, it's Malaysia's 54th celebration and after all the recent Bersih incidents, I can say that Malaysia is progressing in some ways, and that itself is one thing to already celebrate about. I miss Malaysia, but Australia is truly where God wants me to be at the moment.
I just wanted to write and thank God for all the amazing things He's done. It helps to not only focus on God but to see things with spiritual eyes; to live in Christ, in the Holy Spirit - in righteousness and peace and joy. ;) God has blessed us with so much - how much do you realise that in your life? How much are you aware of the fact that God is good, or do you just say it?
Just by looking at the people God has placed in my life, I can already celebrate. Nowadays I get this crazy spiritual burst of energy and I feel like jumping around like a rabbit (or worse haha). In those times, nothing, absolutely NOTHING can put me down and I'm just so focused on God and His amazing power, His greatness, His love. And in those moments I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13).
The one thing that makes living this life focused on Christ and living IN CHRIST amazing is that you learn to see things through spiritual eyes - you see people not as people, but as spiritual beings. When putting on a Kingdom mindset, things just change, your perspective of many things change. Some verses that I've been meditating on recently are:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
These verses have been ringing very true for me. God's word is mind-blowing - when you read it with His understanding, not your own. God is amazing, and so beyond anything I have ever imagined in my life.
I really should be going to sleep soon, I've got to wake up early for work tomorrow. But I really have got lots to think about, lots to say to God... I think my quiet time tonight will stretch long. I've still got lots to journal down, and at the rate I'm going, I doubt I'll end up journaling most of it, especially since so many of these experiences are still fresh in my mind. I have got to do it though, and better sooner than later! anyway, I'm rambling.
God is meant to be FIRST in our lives. For me, in particular, nowadays, I strive so much to put Him first. I work very hard to think of Him and Him only, I pray and try so ridiculously hard to focus on Him, not on things or people around me. I want so much to fall in love with Him first, to put Him first in every area, to FULLY surrender to Him every area of my life... but it's so difficult. I feel like one day I've done it, but another I've failed completely. I keep having to surrender over and over again. I keep having to fall on my knees. I keep having to straighten myself out and keep my head in the game.
However, I tend to make one big mistake - I forget that it's God who does the work in me - HE gives me the strength to obey Him, HE gives me the grace, HE bestows upon me the power to overcome, HE grants me the ability and authority to fight against the enemy, HE loves me and that's why I can in turn love other people, HE shows me mercy and that's how I can live everyday free of burden, HE cuts the chains off my feet and enables me to run this race for Him.
It's all about Him, not about me.
Jesus.
He is the one.
And so amidst all my strife, and constant struggle, I aim to remind myself of one thing - God. Jesus. The Holy Spirit. His word, the Bible.
When I turn my eyes to Him, everything fades, and nothing matters except Him, and I can easily surrender, I can easily lose myself and walk and run in freedom alongside Him.
More importantly, I can love Him with all that I have.
Because Jesus is so amazing. He died on the cross for my sins, He sacrificed everything for you and me, even when I didn't even know Him. No one else on this earth can compare. No one in the universe can compare.
If I could sum up my current journey in terms of my most desperate prayers to God, through praise & worship, there are four songs I've been listening to and using during my time of personal worship to God. Bolded parts are my own emphasis.
Narrow Road
We walk on this narrow road, now restored as one we walk in Your hope
And though darkness fills our path, fear won't fix it's hold on us for we know
And love will shine before us on our path, and guide our every step within the dark.
We bear tidings of Your hope, freedom from the sinner's plight through Your love
Our eyes set upon this task, truth in hand as one we walk, we advance
And love will shine before us on our path, and guide every step within the dark
To know You is our only cry, knowing You our only cry, our God.
So Lord, here we are with humbled hearts, to see Your will be done.
Let love shape us to Your own design, to bear our Maker's heart.
You Are More
On the day I called, You answered me and the hope in my soul increased.
I lift my hands, and turn my eyes to the God who heals my heart and gives me peace.
You are more than my words could ever say
You are Lord over all, over all my days
I will see this season through, I will fix my eyes on You, only You - only You.
I worship You, and lift You high - God forever let Your name be glorified.
I will lift my voice and sing Your name for Your gave Your life to cleanse my sin and took away my shame.
You are more than my words could ever say
You are Lord over all, over all my days
I will see this season through, I will fix my eyes on You, only You - only You.
Hallelujah the earth will sing, may Your name be glorified.
Unending Love
There's no silver or gold and no treasure untold that could draw me away from Your heart
Neither love of myself or of anyone else will do
Jesus, nothing compares to this grace that rescues me.
Saviour, now and forever Your face is all I seek.
Now all I am I lay at Your feet, I'm humbled by the wonder of Your majesty
One thing I know, I'll find all I need in Your unending love, in Your unending love.
Letting go of my pride, I lay down my desires just to worship in spirit and truth.
More than all of my dreams, more than fame I will seek You Lord.
Jesus, nothing compares to this grace that rescues me.
Saviour, now and forever Your face is all I seek.
Now all I am I lay at Your feet, I'm humbled by the wonder of Your majesty
One thing I know, I'll find all I need in Your unending love, in Your unending love.
Alive In Us
Great is Your love, let the whole earth sing, let the whole earth sing.
You reached for us, from on heaven's throne, when we had no hope.
You are the way, there is no other. You are the way, there is no other!
You rose from death to victory - You reign in life, oh majesty!
Your name be high and lifted up, Jesus, Jesus alive in us.
You outshine the sun, You are glorious, You are glorious.
Lord over all, You have made us new, we owe it all to You.
In everything be exalted. In everything, be exalted.
You rose from death to victory - You reign in life, oh majesty!
Your name be high and lifted up, Jesus, Jesus alive in us.
The enemy is under Your feet - we are free; we are free!
Death has been defeated by love, You overcome; You overcome!
All four songs are from Hillsong Live's latest album - God Is Able. I urge you to get it, this is a seriously amazing album. The utter relevance to my current situation is so convicting for me and these songs are a cry from deep down in my heart.
God bless all of you.
I used to think that day by day, I'd be living with this self-satisfactory policy whereby I would sleep feeling satisfied with my day. Nowadays, I find that, even though I'm on holiday now and I should (rightfully) be jumping around and skipping with ease and joy, I'm not actually satisfied with my days. I'm not sure, but this week, I've been on a fast from movies and fanfiction, which are my top two activities this holidays. And giving that up for a week seemed difficult at first (I mean, yea, I can watch MasterChef, but that's all...) but now I'm finding it so easy to not resort to the movies in my hard drive and reading fanfiction late into the night. But I'm still having trouble adjusting my sleep clock - I have NO idea why! Even if I sleep early and wake early, for some odd reason the next night I am unable to repeat that.
In any case, though that MAY be part of the reason for me feeling unsatisfied, I find that the reason for that is probably because I think I want more of God. During the months of April/May where I was having many amazing experiences with God, I found that although my days were full and tiring, I was feeling happy at the end of it. And satisfied, more importantly. I've realised that once you grow in the Lord and you get all these wonderful words from Him, your "quota" seems to expand. You seem to WANT more, because what you had before is no longer enough. And I'm thinking that this is SO weird because I've never actually felt this way before, but that's the beauty of it, I guess.. living in the Spirit means that once you're living that way, if you keep growing that way you're never going to want to be comfortable where you are... you're always moving forward with God. And that's the excitement, the wonder, the super-cool part of being led by the Spirit.
That's perhaps why today I actually decided to walk to admire the sunset at the beach and I took some time to think about this fast I'm having this week and what God is actually trying to show me. And I think I understand this. For some reason, not watching movies/reading fanfiction has forced me to push myself to seek God, spend time with Him INSTEAD of doing those things. This fast is actually because of a leadership training camp that I'm attending next week. I really want the camp to transform my perspective and push me out of my little insecure and shy basket that still sometimes remains. I want God to speak louder than I've ever heard Him before. So I think I've gotta spend at least some time praying about this before I go... looks like Sunday's a good day to do this too.
Well I'll be heading to Brisbane next week - I'm looking forward to seeing God move.
Bless ya'll!
This version of Rudyard Kipling's poem was inspired by this amazing video, and by my super late realisation that a part of the poem is written on top of the Wimbledon court doors.
Roger Federer just lost to Rafael Nadal in the men's singles finals of Roland Garros last night, and as bitter and upsetting it may be for Roger, he has been, as always, one very sporting, courteous and well-mannered gentleman. Rafa is no less, as he never fails to remind everyone of his huge admiration of Roger's game. I take my hat off to Rafa for a great game, and for his enormous amount of humility. I think I don't dislike him as much as I used to anymore. ;)
(image credit: FFT)Oh, and plus, he actually said sorry for winning the tournament - I was in disbelief when I heard Rafa say that because it's just so amazing, the amount of humility coming from him. He earned new respect from me just from that sentence! Plus, when he said sorry (twice, actually!), Roger had a big smile of amusement on his face - and that makes me feel so glad deep down, because although Roger Federer will always remain my favourite tennis player, knowing that he and Rafael Nadal are good friends is something really awesome.
In any case, the friendship between these two men is, for me, such an amazing testimony of how they set their on-court rivals aside to be good friends.
Going to church, leading praise & worship, talking about God - or simply calling yourself a "Christian" doesn't mean that you're living for Jesus Christ. People can act like they belong to a congregation on a Sunday, and yet live their daily lives like any other person in the world who may or may not know God.
This is because it is character which defines us as children of God or not. Our character is what truly sustains us and displays to the world, who we truly are. One can say that he believes in God, but doesn't acknowledge God through their thoughts or actions.
And in fact, our character is meant to be centred around Him. We are meant to live for Him. Not for our family, our boyfriend or girlfriend, our husband or wife, our children, our brother or sister, our mom and dad, our friend or foe, our boss or colleague... we are meant to live for our Lord Jesus Christ.
"For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again."
- 2 Corinthians 5:14-15
"Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
- Luke 9:23
"And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
- Galatians 5:24-25
"For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's."
- Romans 14:7-8
The verses in 2 Corinthians doesn't get any clearer than what it already says - that we are to live no longer for ourselves, but for Jesus! Luke takes it further when he says that if we truly are desperate for God, we would deny ourselves and go after Him! In Galatians, those verses say that if we BELONG to God, our flesh (meaning, ourselves) should be crucified, and therefore we should be walking IN the Spirit, meaning, we should be living for God! Then in Romans, we are told that if we live, it's to honour God, or if we die, it's to honour God... not ourselves.
In essence, it's all ABOUT and FOR God. We are answerable to Him, not to ourselves. We live for Him, not for ourselves. God has blessed us abundantly, and He will always love us despite the sin in our life, but our intention should always be to live for Him, not for our own selfish desires.
And at the end of the day, our focus should be on Jesus, not upon ourselves. And though a lot of people may say, "No, it's not possible! How can I live NOT for myself? How can I ignore all my needs? It's so hard to give up everything that I want." Firstly, hang on a moment there - God did not ask you to sacrifice or ignore your human needs (such as eating, sleeping well, etc), He simply asked you to live for Him - and that doesn't mean you should starve yourself to death by going on a 365-day fast or something. The whole idea of living for Jesus means that we should be living in the Spirit, not in the flesh (because the "flesh" is our SELF). That is why it says in Galatians above that our "self" should be crucified once we are God's, because once we are God's we are no longer our own "selves". I will continue this in my next post where I will explain why we are no longer ourselves.... in the meantime, God bless you all!
(PS. Apologies if my writing is complicated.. I'm writing in a rush and will definitely explain better next time!)
Watch this;
Then visit this website here and read stories that truly "Light Up The Sky" with proof of God's love, provision and faithfulness. (See if you can find my story! Haha just kidding, that's not important.)
The Afters are an amazing band - this song Lift Me Up and their title track Light Up The Sky are two beautiful songs that are proof that Christian music can be brought into the international industry to change lives, impact people and spread the gospel message.
God is AMAZING.
Well, I've finished my assignment due this Friday three days early, and I'm so thankful to God... without His help, I really couldn't have finished it according to plan. Plus after running it by my tutor, I'm really even more relieved and glad - he said my research plan (that was the assignment) was everything he wanted to see! Praise God! I've got a busy weekend ahead. Friday is packed, and so is Saturday. I will definitely opt to rest on Sunday!
Anyway, I did promise in my previous post that I would intoduce to you whatever sites I've been so mega-busy exploring (yes, I admit I have). So here I am, about to do that. These are all different kinds of sites (food, photography, DIY, design, online shopping, weddings, etc)...
[all pictures are taken from individual websites]
1. Marmalade bread and butter pudding, from Nordljus.
2. Heart shaped jam cookies, from The Pretty Blog.
3. DIY origami heart love note, from Eat Drink Chic.
4. Zipbuds headphones, from Urban Outfitters.
5. Vintage-inspired photography, from Jonathan Ong.
6. DIY wedding tags, as seen on Style Me Pretty.
I was kept quite occupied. And I'm supposed to be incredibly sleep deprived right now... so I'll leave you to explore these websites - click on the links, and it'll bring you to the home pages, where you can start exploring. I'm certain I'll find more along the way - so if you're like me and you are into these, stay tuned. :)
Take care and God bless!
It has been a difficult past week, very painful, very unpleasant. But one thing I do know now is that I am actually glad I went through this past week... as God has disciplined me in a way I never have experienced... and if He's pruning my tree, I know He's leading me on the right path.
In any case, it's April! Time flies. And I'm heading into the 6th week of my second year in uni now... with many interesting times ahead. It's exciting if you truly think about it. There's so many little things happening that lead up to huge ones that God is planning. Anyway:
I have been meditating on James 3 and 4 a lot in the past few days.. and it contains a lot of wise advice that we can take and relate to. Know that whatever you do or whatever you face, humility and dependance on God is the most important. Yes, we all know God will only help those who help themselves... but the problem is that we help ourselves... and keep helping ourselves... and then we make things all about US, and forget GOD. God is the one who helps us to do our own part in the first place. We think that a lot of things we do daily, we can do it on our own. No, I don't believe that. I believe that everyday, it is God who helps us do what we do - work, read, play, sleep - don't forget that in the first place, we exist because of HIM. We were created BECAUSE of Him.That is why I decided to post that verse - as a reminder that we should never be proud. Pride is the greatest downfall - Satan turned away from God because of pride. I like also how in verse 7, it continues with advice; that we should submit to God... and that includes His authority, His plans. And what I find amazing is that it then says "Resist the devil and he will flee from you". That's because James knew that the devil's plan would be to make us proud, and thus not submissive to God. And that is why he includes this sentence right after his advice to submit to God. We need to resist the devil! A lot of you may ask, how will I even know when the devil is making me proud? Well, reflect. When you end your day, think about your actions towards people, your conversations, your thoughts, your behaviour. Is it all self-centered? Is it not? Do you often want credit for the things you do? Do you want God's plans for your life, or your own? Ask yourself these questions, and then reflect and evaluate yourself honestly. And if you realize that you are, repent. Tell God you have recognized your sin and repent - be sincere, ask God for forgiveness and ask Him to cleanse you with His blood. And then voila - you are forgiven! Then thank God for His kindness, mercy and grace.
Oops I went a bit off track there - because when James says "resist", that would mean, to defend yourself. Fight. Be more aware and alert when you behave, or talk. Be aware of what you're saying to people and how you act. That's how you fight or resist - you set yourself according to Kingdom principles, and follow God's ways. Whenever some odd thought creeps into your mind that is NOT right, rebuke it with the name of the Lord Jesus Christ - and say it out loud. Do that especially if you recognize that it is a thought not from yourself, but from the enemy. That's also a way of resisting.
And guess what - the devil will flee! :)
So anyway I thought I'd leave you with all that... I didn't mean to be so long-winded in the end, but I couldn't help myself, haha. I was going to introduce to you guys some of the really awesome creative food and photography and DIY blogs that I've found, but I'll do that another time (I'm very into creative knick-knacks... and yes that includes food!).
God bless you all!
Posts
the gossip girl family :) if only life was actually as dramatic as theirs seems to be :p
37 days of Gossip Girl - [ day 02 - your favorite female character ]
Serena van der Woodsen
Blair: Chuck… What are you doing here?
Chuck: Just leaving… Enjoy your evening, ladies.
Blair ♥ Chuck
yeah, reblogging myself because I miss THIS Blair… look at her, so brave, so loyal, so in love…
But really quickly, what I’m most sad about is Serena. I’m not worried about Chuck or the fate of Chair. We’re end game, we know it, they know it, whatever. And this show is a soap opera and it is the JOB of a soap opera to pull couples apart and put them together with different and surprising…
One Day
Director: Lone Scherfig
“Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today.”
An endless list of favorite movie quotes ◊ The Breakfast Club
“We’re all pretty bizarre. Some of us are just better at hiding it, that’s all.”
And rightly so.
My simple deductions from not even watching the episode, but from catching glimpses of 2 minute-clips of 5x15 which were posted on YT.
- There is no way this episode is understandable, PARTICULARLY from a fan who has been watching with a neutral perspective, all these seasons of GG.
- ALL the characters cannot be understood as they are in the show right now. Why, you ask? Well, because they are all OUT OF CHARACTER.
- This storyline is NOT even plausible, not from any perspective. No offense intended, but if I were a Dair fan, I would be smarter to see all the big loopholes in this plot to bring two characters together. I have no idea why Dair fans are getting all excited when clearly if I were a Dair fan, there is no way I would want them to get together like this. I mean, like wow, this would set up such a GREAT foundation for their relationship, wouldn’t it. (sarcasm)
- It gets more and more official each episode - GG is going not just OFF the tangent, they have gone a billion miles DOWN the tangent, if you want me to be as lame as that, to make you see how downright LAME the plots in GG are at the moment.
- Ed Westwick and Leighton Meester have GOT to ask for their contracts to end this season - then they can quickly leave GG and let this show crumble and fall without taking them with it (at least, not any further than they already have).
- You can search as far and as wide, but it is clearly impossible to find any rant that can explain the stupidity of the writers at this point, or that can explain the reasons why Blair would act in such a manner after FIVE AND A HALF seasons of loving Chuck - with the only exception of Nate and Louis in scatters. Why? Because, again I reiterate: it is not understandable. It is absurd. It is out of character. It is not even BLAIR herself anymore.
- This is why I have STOPPED downloading GG, and I am so hugely fed up with these people that I am not even watching the episodes anymore, exactly like I said I wouldn’t, in my PREVIOUS rant on how awfully sick the writers are.
- The writers are going to continue being ridiculous because obviously Dan and Blair are going to have a few more kisses and get-togethers.
- But guess what - we will survive. Chair fans ALWAYS survive everything… because we KNOW the reality of this show, and although many of us may not directly watch the show anymore, we will ALWAYS be here. ALWAYS.
- Because CHUCK & BLAIR are MEANT TO BE TOGETHER, they BELONG TOGETHER, and THAT IS THE TRUTH, BABY.
Chuck fell in love with Blair when she was herself and when she let her true colors show. He fell for her flaws and for her beauty. Dan on the other hand fell in love with Blair when she wasn’t herself, when she was down and when she was vulnerable.
Chuck and Blair kissed…
Audio
Answers
-
Yeah - it was on my blog. My resolution is to live for God. It's going pretty well so far too. :)Asked by Formspring 7 months ago
-
Its really hard to say. Probably just being there for me and listening to me babble on about my problems. ;) Oh wait. Dying for me would be the best answer. :)Asked by Formspring 18 months ago
