Glass

Priceless glassware that doesn't belong to me.

Final Passover

Shouldn't He deserve some respect at least? Many famous men of today had easily drawn more respect and words of encouragement. Yet even at the final day, few spared a thought for Him. No one cared that He was going to suffer and no one cared that He would be alone. No one understood Him. Yet, there was no hint of bitterness or anger. He responded with such humility and selflessness, that all He thought of, was still the people around Him.

Love is measured by sacrifice. Cost.

Thoughts: It is much harder to love the people close to you, consistently. Consistently considering others as more important than yourself. All this, despite seeing more of their flaws as time goes by, and despite the rigors of daily life. Much harder, as compared to taking a break from your daily responsibilities, going to a foreign land for a short period of time and devoting your full attention there, loving a group of people whom you have not lived close enough or long enough, for you to realize how unlovely they are, for you to realize just how much it will cost you, just how inconvenient it is, to love.

I was asked, why I cared so much.

Well, perhaps it's cos I understand a little, how loneliness feels like.

Eccl 7:2-4

I thought to myself, when will it be my turn? And I looked forward to that day in my heart.

But I remembered again, who are we to say when our time is up? There's a good reason why I'm still here today.

Phil 1:21-26

Anchor.

in You, I have resolved to cast my anchor, amid the stormy blast. Amid the stormy blast in my heart. To forsake foolishness and heed wisdom's call. To live today without worry for tomorrow. To replace the pain that comes with a lack of trust, with a resolve to exercise faith. To look back and recall all Your wondrous unfathomable ways and grieve at my own foolish heart that struggles to trust. To live the 'pain' without complain, without dissatisfaction, with joy, sharing it with others such that the grace and strength of God can manifest all the more through my weakness. To pour my heart out in prayer, lean, submit, and entrust myself fully. To run, not away, but to You.

3rd Sunday of June.

thank You for everything.

You taught me everything.

End the week

with slow blues playing through my in-ear headphones, riding in a cab and watching the world go by..

solemn reminder frm Jn 13.

Love is patient.

Love does not seek its own.

is this Your way of giving me some encouragement?

The gap between the past and the future.

I have been saved, and am gradually being transformed.

One day, what I feel will completely agree with what I think,
and what I think will be perfectly right and holy.
No more tension.

But while it is today, I should not go about in a helpless lament,
as though sitting & waiting at the train station for the train to arrive.

Gospel grace is for today as well.
Hard work is to be done to apply that grace in everyday life.

Sobering reminder...

that after doing all these liaising, planning and sending of emails, I still haven't done the core important work of ministry yet. Not yet...

Reminder.

Genesis 4:7

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

7 If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

信

约翰福音 11:40 耶稣说、我不是对你说过、你若信、就必看见　神的荣耀么。

Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"
(John 11:40 NASB)

Love does not seek its own.

Including words that are withheld, out of love.

Love does not seek its own.

How long more can I walk and not lose heart?

O Lord, You understand.

There are things which I have withheld my tongue from expressing. Because otherwise I would betray the truth, I'd betray all that You are. How long more can I hold out?