Life is just a breath

Psalm 39 (New International Version):

1 I said, "I will watch my ways
and keep my tongue from sin;
I will put a muzzle on my mouth
while in the presence of the wicked."

2 So I remained utterly silent,
not even saying anything good.
But my anguish increased;

3 my heart grew hot within me.
While I meditated, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:

4 "Show me, Lord, my life's end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.

6 "Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom;
in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth
without knowing whose it will finally be.

7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for?
My hope is in you.

8 Save me from all my transgressions;
do not make me the scorn of fools.

9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth,
for you are the one who has done this.

10 Remove your scourge from me;
I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

11 When you rebuke and discipline anyone for their sin,
you consume their wealth like a moth—
surely everyone is but a breath.

12 "Hear my prayer, Lord,
listen to my cry for help;
do not be deaf to my weeping.
I dwell with you as a foreigner,
a stranger, as all my ancestors were.

13 Look away from me, that I may enjoy life again
before I depart and am no more."

What is a person of no use?

How do you feel being called a useless person? For me, I am destructed! Well, I am quiet sure its an overstatement to others, but the exclamation point really show I feel it that way.

One of my considered "best friends" threw a dose of sarcastic joke on me by calling me that way. We always exchange childish remarks on each other but this time, I don't know why I felt so hardly hit. Maybe I really am?

I don't want to make this a bad day for me so I browsed the Bible and the Spirit lead me to this comforting words from the Song of Solomon Chapter 8 verse 1, it says "Oh, that you were like my brother, who nursed at my mother's breasts! If I should find you outside, I would kiss you; I would not be despised."

Contemplating on God's words, I felt relieved to realize I am not worthless at all. How wonderful God is in talking to me this way. If I haven't been in His bosom, the bad feelings could have left me a worse day. Thank you, Lord.

Life is a constant change

Its been said that the only constant in life is change. This is the reason why a straight path may not be the best way to achieve glory even in ordinary life situations.

In carrying out projects and activities the rationalist always develops plan. But along the way, seldom it is carried out 100% according to what was laid out. Engineers always have "as planned" and "as built" drawings of their projects to highlight changes made along the way. What we think is good today may become bad the next time around and vice-versa. Everything changes and no identical activity even those accurately programmed in computers to occur 100% the same. The element of difference is of course - time. To give a concrete illustration, this season is another Christmas for Christians like us. But its not the same as past Christmases. Its Christmas of 2010 and the only Christmas within this year.

Since everything changes, our ways always change daily and what we achieve in life is a result of many left and right turns. The message is simple. Do not be afraid to change if that change is for the better.

In my life I had so many bad turns, but one good right turn I could remember was turning to Jesus. There are many trials ahead, yet I am confident I made a good change. If you are having trouble right now, try calling Him. He will change you for the better.

Merry Christmas.

The tree that bears fruit

I am a "frustrated writer," so they say, but I felt my dreams fulfilled when I saw the first book my eldest daughter has published and started national circulation.

Well, she may not be the best writer there is, yet I felt proud for in her I saw the realization of my own aspirations. The good thing is that it is by her efforts and her creativity that produced the work.

The story is a teen fictional love story that suited the taste of the target audience. The book is part of the 10 book package having the same theme that was crafted after careful planning by the publishers and writers.

I am not sure where her writing career would lead her. I am just hopeful she will still prioritize and finish her studies before she decides what to concentrate. As for me, I wish her the best and asks God to guide her and help her bear the fruits she deserves.

Being watchful

Many believers have stories to share about becoming lukewarm in their Christian service. Worst, some share having doubts and become weak in faith and gave way to the ways of evil. Much more also, though having faith, are complacent in their practice ass followers of Christ. But what if during this time of negligence Jesus would come? What's gonna happen to us? Matthew 25:13 says, "you must be vigilant, because you do not know the day or the hour."

As I arrived home from office one day, I found the main door widely opened. I was bit worried as I knew my wife and the kids are still out. Who could have opened the door? I rushed to check if some things are missing. Gladly I found nothing was lost or stolen. I checked the bedrooms and found our Master's Bedroom locked. I always leave without locking that room, my wife don't lock the room either. I sensed some danger. If some burglar was still inside he might assault me. After careful inspection I realized no one was inside.

That incident made me decide to put some extra effort to cover some unfinished walls of the kitchen. At least this would prevent those with bad intentions to be tempted to sneak in. But I also felt and whispered to God. "If bad elements would really want to do bad, I know Lord this walls are not enough to protect my house. So I still trust You will protect us Lord."

The experience made me understand that becoming watchful is not only being prepared all the time but also to correct every errors and sins we have and cover our sinfulness with the cloak of righteousness so that we maybe worthy to meet Him when He comes.