no.355 140420 Thank you for Jesus Christ

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words. 

Luke 24:1-8

This was part of the passage that we looked at at church. What stood out the most for me was the women who went to look for the body of Christ in the tomb. They had forgotten about what Jesus said to them before He died - the fact that He was going to come back alive in three days. The women were in sorrows, not remembering what Jesus had told them. They remembered only when the angels reminded them. I think I am very similar with the women. I easily forget that God is in total control and I try going my own way, as if I know what's best for me. I may realize God's greatness at a moment, but I'm quick to forget when situation changes, especially when the troubles come in my way.

I'm thankful for God's only Son Jesus. Through Him, I not only know how much God loves me, but I also know that my sins are forgiven and have eternal life. Hope you all got to ponder upon God's overflowing love for us through Jesus Christ this Easter.

Happy Easter!

no.126 130903 Thank you for my preschool department pastor

Looking through my missions journal. I have to share my testimony this Sunday.

I love it when my friends and family encourage me. It has extra effect when they do it by sharing their testimony or through verses in the Bible.

Well, I got one today from my pastor of the preschool department, where I serve as a teacher. Since I was sick last Sunday, I had to let her know of my absence so her and other teachers can take care of my class. Anyways, I got an unexpected email from her that she was worried about me. In the email, she also shared a verse from Psalm 103.

Praise the Lord, my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Praise the Lord, my soul,

and forget not all his benefits -

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:1-5)

I'm thankful for my thoughtful pastor, her words of encouragement, and also for the Bible verse she shared with me. I remember being thankful even the times I was sick. For example, when I got sick in Mexico, I was thankful that I got sick after the completion of the ministry. Another time was this past Good Friday. I got food poisoned so I was sick in bed for a few days (thankfully, I got better for my confirmation on Easter Sunday!). Yet, I was thankful because it reminded me of how much pain and suffering Jesus went through to bear the cross for me. Compared to what He went through, what I was going through was nothing. Well, this time, I was more worried than thankful. I was worried that my family will keep associating my sickness to Mexico, which will hinder me from going on future mission trips. But still, I thanked God for my family who took care of me. Yes, I still complained while I was sick - asking questions like why me and why now. However, we shouldn't forget to praise God for his greatness even the times we are sick. Even in these times of sufferings - whether they are physical or spiritual, know that God has purpose in each mountain you are facing. In fact, it's through these hardships where we really grow in God and become more like Jesus as God shapes our character. So we should really be thankful!