I normally TRY to start my day by reading the Bible devotional Our Daily Bread.. note the word try... I have a bad habit of reading it, then jumping on to read the papers. I am such a newspaper addict. Today I read all the papers in the Cabrini theatre tea room. I read the papers especially when I am stressed out. I find it a good stress relief... but people seem to think I am crazy. Pons used to say it made her more stressed watching me read the papers. I end my day my reading the Connect journal.. something Ps. Wilson came up with... it's another devotional.. but it goes according to a book in the Bible. This season's one is on Judges. And it goes for 3 months.


Anyways... Daily Bread has actually been really good.. even though a lot of people tell me I should read meatier stuff... cos it's too simple... but I just like browsing through it every morning. It's a nice way to start the day... as well as the fact that I believe that God can speak to you in many many many many ways.. doesn't matter how simple...


Couple of night back... think it was Wednesday night.. I was talking to Hui Min on MSN after shepherding with Ruth and telling her about all my problems.. as usual.. she never seems to have much problems.... then I read this


The Good That Pain Can Do


1 Peter 4:1-3


Living for God
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.


Affliction, when we accept it with humility, can be instructive, a discipline that leads us to a deeper, fuller life. "Before I was afflicted I went astray," David said, "but now I keep Your Word" (Psalm 119:67). Peter would agree: Affliction leads us not to live for ourselves "but for the will of God" (1 Peter 4:2).


Far from being an obstacle to our spiritual growth, pain can be the instrument of it—if we're trained by it. It can push us closer to God and deeper into His Word. It is a means by which He graciously shapes us to be like His Son, gradually giving us the compassion, contentment, tranquility, and courage we long and pray for. Without pain, we wouldn't be all that God wants us to be. His strength shines brightest through human weakness.


Has God set you apart today to receive instruction through suffering and pain? Endure this training patiently. He can turn the trial into a blessing. He can use it to draw you close to His heart and into His Word, teach you the lessons He intends for you to learn, and use it to bestow His grace on you.


God is making more of you—something much better—than you ever thought possible. —David Roper


By faith a Christian can have poise
And rise above all that annoys—
Sustained and strengthened by God's power
To live in victory hour by hour. —Hess


Whatever God teaches us through pain is gain


I think it really touched my heart that night cos I spent almost an hour trying to talk to Ruth about why I don't like talking about my problems. She says I like to sweep them under the carpet. I told her sometimes I just try and keep myself busy so I don't think about things. But I think that so nicely sums up everything... especially when I feel so frustrated at people when things just don't turn out as they should.

Make My Life A Sacrifice
;4:41 AM

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