The Lord is My Comfort

The Lord always keeps his promises;
he is gracious in all he does.
The Lord helps the fallen
and lifts those bent beneath their loads.

The eyes of all look to you in hope;
you give them their food as they need it.
When you open your hand,
you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him,
yes, to all who call on him in truth.

He grants the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
The Lord protects all those who love him,
but he destroys the wicked.

I will praise the Lord,
and may everyone on earth bless his holy name
forever and ever.

Psalm 145: 13b-21
(New Living Translation)

My heart finds comfort in You Oh Lord.
My heart will sing.
I will rejoice that You Oh Lord are my God.
‘Nuff said.

Unfailing Love

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,
your justice like the ocean depths.
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter
in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
For you are the fountain of life,
the light by which we see.

Psalm 36: 5-9 (New Living Translation)

How can you define unfailing love? Is there such thing as unfailing love?
I want to define unfailing love in a way that is real, that we can understand; and as hard as I want my mind to find examples of unfailing love, I can only remember all that the Lord has done.

I remember the Israelites when they were on the way to the promised land. Though the Lord has promised them the land flowing with milk and honey, the Israelites were afraid, they doubted, they couldn’t trust. They grumbled, and what could have been a few days of travel became 40 years. Yes, because they were stubborn. They wandered around the desert. It is most probably the hottest place during the day, and darkest at night. I wondered if there was ever a time that God had not given them the pillar of fire or the pillar of cloud and had to ask my classmate to be sure. I know that God was with them all throughout the 40 years; though they grumbled, and were stubborn, God never left them- the fire was there at night, the cloud in the morning, and also the manna for them to eat; the whole time they didn’t trust, the whole time they are suffering the consequences of their sins.
God is just, but He is slow to anger, abounding in love. You wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity He is giving you to realize you won’t, and have never even done anything on your own- that YOU NEED HIM.

Today, I still see moments of his unfailing love. In the midst of all the trouble that I have done, I still see His hand and mercy. He has given numerous chances to those who turn away from Him, and when they had fallen, He was still there to pick them up. He became like us, and took the sin of the world on his shoulders. He took the shame, the blame, the punishment. The unfailing love He gave to the Israelites didn’t stop in them; it was extended to us, to all- and the Holy Spirit continues to reach out to people’s hearts today, offering this unfailing love.

Have you ever wished for unfailing love?
This unfailing love was completely shown in Jesus.
He is giving it freely to you.
Reach out your hand to his hand that reaches out for you

– then believe and trust.

This Too Shall Pass

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power to him forever! Amen.

1 Peter 5:6-11 (New Living Translation)

As I read these verses, the following words jump out of the page, screaming maybe.

HUMBLE; POWER OF GOD; RIGHT TIME; LIFT UP

GIVE ALL WORRIES; GOD CARES

STAY ALERT; WATCH OUT; ENEMY; DEVIL; LION; DEVOUR

STAND FIRM; BE STRONG; CHRISTIAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS; SUFFERING

CALLED; SHARE IN ETERNAL GLORY; SUFFER A LITTLE WHILE

RESTORE; SUPPORT; STRENGTHEN YOU; FIRM FOUNDATION

These are mere words written on a page, but to the heart that believes, these are gems. These words carry encouragement, a hope in the firm foundation that can be trusted.

We all go through difficulties. We all have struggles, all are unique. Our hearts carry a desire for something big; and we probably find ourselves in a place that is not enough for all of it. These circumstances are all different, but the encouragement remains the same: we can bring all of our cares to the only ONE who cares; who knows it even before you say it. He sees. He listens. He calls you to cast all of it on HIM.

While in this moment, we should humble ourselves. We should realize who holds time, and sees the big picture. We should stay alert, for in these moments the enemy wishes to eat you whole until no more is left. Don’t ever let the enemy deceive you, for he doesn’t want you to have that peace. We should be strong, and fight the good fight of faith… “We,” for you are not alone.

Hang in there. This is all temporary. This too shall pass.

I Will Come to You

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live.

John 14:15-19 (New Living Translation)

Have you ever wished you lived when Jesus was on earth, in Jerusalem to be exact? Whenever I use the time machine icebreaker, I hear most of our youth wish they lived in that century and see all that Jesus have done. Sometimes I wish the same thing too and feel that the disciples during that time had more advantage than us. These verses in John 14 can remind us that we shouldn’t feel that way; since His Holy Spirit is with us, and is actually in us now.

When Jesus was telling the disciples that He was about to suffer, die and leave, it must have been a very confusing and troubling time for them; but Jesus gave them words of comfort.

He promised that He would prepare a place for his disciples and that he will gather them when He comes back again; that He is the way, the truth and the life; and that He will never leave them as orphans.

Jesus can be trusted, since the Holy Spirit- the comforter, advocate, counselor, is indeed with us now. He is the same Spirit that was at work in Jesus life, and the same Spirit that is at work in all who believed in Him. Through Him, we get a taste of what eternity is like, having this intimate relationship with the Father and the Son. We receive the power to heal in His name and bring the good news of salvation to all. We share in Jesus ministry, just like how He reached out to people before.

Jesus can be trusted with our past; as He has fulfilled the promise of salvation when He died on the cross for our sins and rose again from the dead.

Jesus, who took the punishment of our sins can be trusted with our future; that He has prepared a place for us someday, and will be with Him when He comes back again.

Jesus can be trusted today and each day; as He has given us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and be our advocate, our very present help in time of need.

He is knocking at the door of your heart.

Would you trust Him and let Him in?

Come to Me

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (New Living Translation)

Our lives come to that point in time when we get so busy and it seems like 24 hours is not enough for all the things that we need to do. We tend to lose our patience easily, grumble easily, and get tired easily. Sooner or later our health will show signs of stress-related illnesses or our emotions are in a crazy roller coaster ride; we search for rest, for our weary soul.

If it were only the hectic schedule that is giving us all this stress, I think it can be easily dealt with by letting go of the unnecessary things; but in reality we have more to bear than the busyness of everyday life. There are other pressures, problems, struggles, and hard-to-deal-with people.

The question is, what keeps you going? Who keeps you going?

Jesus calls everyone to him: Come to me, all you are weary and carry heavy burdens.

The world’s pressure is just too much to handle on your own. When you feel like everything is still under control, do you wonder why it still seems like something is missing?

Jesus is offering us a wonderful thing: Rest!

Rest cannot be bought. Rest is hard to be found when there are still problems unsolved.

Rest is far from the unforgiven soul.

Jesus is calling you to himself. He longs to be a part of your life and be the person that you can depend on. He is willing, all you have to do is come to Him, and ask.

He will do what He has promised.
In Him there is rest.
In Him there is forgiveness and joy.
You can come to Him now. 🙂

The Proving of a True Lover

From Chapter 6, Book3 of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A Kempis
A Reflection

The brave lover stands firm in temptations
and pays no heed to the crafty persuasions of the enemy.
As I please him in prosperity, so in adversity I am not displeasing to him.
The wise lover regards not so much the gift of Him Who loves as the love of Him Who gives.
He regards the affection of the Giver rather than the value of the gift,
and sets his Beloved above all gifts.
The noble lover does not rest in the gift but in Me Who am above every gift.

In the movies, we often see the courage that the lover shows just to protect and win the attention of the woman. We have seen the knight in shining armor characters winning every battle, facing all hardships just to prove their love for the princess. It wouldn’t take a movie for one to realize how strong this love is- a love that would be willing to face danger and die for the loved one. On the other hand, the famous song “my love won’t cost a thing” shows a woman’s desire for the love and presence of her lover than any expensive gift. These love stories tell us a lot about proofs of love based on human relationships- the relationship that we can understand.

Thomas uses a dialogue in this chapter between the Lord and the disciple, the latter being the lover. He speaks about how the lover can be wise and would be worthy of the love of the Lord: to brave the temptations and seek the Lord more than all the gifts. Often times, it is easy to say our words of love and yet fail in proving it with our actions. Like the cliche action speak louder than words, the same thing goes with our relationship with the Lord. He desires our love like that of a lover and had actually loved us first.

Fight like a good soldier
and if you sometimes fall through weakness,
rise again with greater strength than before,
trusting in My most abundant grace.
But beware of vain complacency and pride.
For many are led into error through these faults
and sometimes fall into almost perpetual blindness.
Let the fall of these, who proudly presume on self,
be a warning to you and a constant incentive to humility.

Truth Speaks Inwardly Without the Sound of Words

From Chapter 2, Book 3 of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A Kempis
A Reflection

Do not let Moses or any of the prophets speak to me; but You speak, O Lord God,
Who inspired and enlightened all the prophets;
for You alone, without them, can instruct me perfectly,
whereas they, without You, can do nothing.
They, indeed, utter fine words, but they cannot impart the spirit.
They do indeed speak beautifully,
but if You remain silent they cannot inflame the heart.
They deliver the message; You lay bare the sense.
They place before us mysteries, but You unlock their meaning.
They proclaim commandments; You help us to keep them.
They point out the way; You give strength for the journey.
They work only outwardly; You instruct and enlighten our hearts.
They water on the outside; You give the increase.

I crave for the words that would tickle my ears and I get them from people
however, they do not show the real condition of my heart.
People see the show I have come to make, and they have come to admire
but nobody knows the real situation I’m in.

Speak to me Lord, for you are the wellspring of life.
You show me my real condition
but you don’t fold your arms;
you don’t leave me without any hope.
Your arms are ready to hug me tight,
ready to listen as I share my inmost being.
Speak to me Lord, for your words bring comfort, and joy.
For your words desire that I change
For your words are the sweetest words
that are true, and will never pass away.

Speak, therefore, Lord, for Your servant listens.
“Thou hast the words of eternal life.”
Speak to me for the comfort of my soul and for the amendment of my life,
for Your praise, Your glory, and Your everlasting honor.

The Inward Conversation of Christ with the Faithful Soul

From Chapter 1, Book 3 of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A Kempis
A Reflection

Blessed is the soul who hears the Lord speaking within her,
who receives the word of consolation from His lips.
Blessed are the ears that catch the accents of divine whispering,
and pay no heed to the murmurings of this world.
Blessed indeed are the ears that listen, not to the voice which sounds without,
but to the truth which teaches within.
Blessed are the eyes which are closed to exterior things and are fixed upon those which are interior.
Blessed are they who penetrate inwardly,
who try daily to prepare themselves more and more to understand mysteries.
Blessed are they who long to give their time to God,
and who cut themselves off from the hindrances of the world.

What does my soul long for?
What does my ears crave to hear?
What does my eyes care to see?
What is worth my time and my effort?
These are questions that I should ask myself.
Speak to me Lord, for your child is here listening.

 

Few Love the Cross of Jesus

From Chapter 11, Book 2 of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A Kempis
A Reflection

JESUS has always many who love His heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His cross.
He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial.
He finds many to share His table, but few to take part in His fasting.
All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for Him.
Many follow Him to the breaking of bread, but few to the drinking of the chalice of His passion.
Many revere His miracles; few approach the shame of the Cross.
Many love Him as long as they encounter no hardship;
many praise and bless Him as long as they receive some comfort from Him.
But if Jesus hides Himself and leaves them for a while,
they fall either into complaints or into deep dejection.

Those, on the contrary, who love Him for His own sake
and not for any comfort of their own,
bless Him in all trial and anguish of heart as well as in the bliss of consolation.
Even if He should never give them consolation,
yet they would continue to praise Him and wish always to give Him thanks.
What power there is in pure love for Jesus
— love that is flee from all self-interest and self-love!

Bring me at the feet of your cross oh Lord, when life’s comforts cloud my sight
Help me to see the beauty of pain, when it is all about You
Forgive me for the selfish desires I have, while You have emptied yourself for me
Help me to deny myself and share in Your suffering
So that more would come to know the love that can be found in You.

Appreciating God’s Grace

From Chapter 10, Book 2 of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas A Kempis
A Reflection

I always say I breathe grace like air. The greater need for it defines who I am, an unworthy person. Grace is given to those who do not deserve anything; and I am that person. I always see grace as something big, something grand. While I am buried deep in my transgressions, I see a ray of light that He gives, that comfort in the midst of the consequences of my acts. His presence is my comfort and joy. It is that moment I’m being swallowed by the mire and then a hand reaches out to lift me up. That is grace. But I have probably forgotten the depth of grace by thinking it is only the grand things. I have probably forgotten the little things, the small details of everyday- even the moments when I think I am still the one in control. I am wrong, for even in the littlest of things it is still His grace that abides in me. There is no greatness in me apart from Him. There is nothing that I can do without Him.
Lord, I desire a life that constantly appreciates the grace that you give.
May I be an aroma of gratefulness in this ungrateful world.

Always take the lowest place and the highest will be given you,
for the highest cannot exist apart from the lowest.
The saints who are greatest before God are those who consider themselves the least,
and the more humble they are within themselves, so much the more glorious they are.
Since they do not desire vainglory, they are full of truth and heavenly glory.
Being established and strengthened in God, they can by no means be proud.
They attribute to God whatever good they have received;
they seek no glory from one another but only that which comes from God alone.
They desire above all things that He be praised in themselves and in all His saints
— this is their constant purpose.