This is a poem
MOM, I'm Sorry by Jacqueline Nishihira (November 14, 2011)
Mom, I'm sorry sincerely
I love you so dearly
You're really important to me.
My bad attitude
and my sour-face mood
just got the best you see.
I really am trying
to change, I'm not lying
A good person I'll be
Just for you.
Mom, you're the best
and you know the rest
I just really really
Love you.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
LAUGHTER
Laughter has always been a part of my life so I guess I took it for granted that laughter was a given in everybody's life - its like breathing. But the past few years have caused me to ponder that perhaps the world population is not naturally jovial. I use to work in a place where everyone loved to laugh - it made the rough work week go a lot faster - and everyone enjoyed coming to work. (It should be noted that the only reason why I needed to quit my job was so that I can devote more time to my kids.) It amazed me that this kind of mentality is not normal in all work places. This is probably why its become a rarity to receive great customer service.
A few years back, a good friend of mine once told me that he liked me because I laughed a lot. I thought it was a strange compliment but a compliment is a compliment - so I simply said, "thank you". I grew up in a home that was always filled with people - I have seven brothers and sisters - so laughter was a given. We never had to put any thought into it - whether the day was good or bad - there was always something to chuckle about.
I visited a school campus once and found their main office to be immaculate and quiet - there was an absence of chatter and laughter. The obsessive compulsive nature in me enjoyed the peace for about fifteen minutes. Then the Christian educator in me started to wonder how this can be good for ministering to our youth who lead troubled lives in very disruptive homes. I spoke to the administrator at the time about the work place, trying to carefully make it sound like a compliment that his campus is quiet and tidy and mine was noisy and filled with commotion (I didn't use laughter and joy but that's what I meant when I said commotion.) He nodded but then he noted how laughter was important which was why he and his wife made it a point to purposefully laugh every morning. Hmmmm. Purposefully???? - Really???? That was pretty interesting to me because I never had to purposely laugh for anything. But I'm beginning to learn that some people do.
Someone once asked how we could laugh when a loved one dies. I simply stated, "how could we not?" If we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we know He is in control - so our joy should abound. If we know Jesus is the only Way, Truth, and Life, then we know that this world is temporary and the life hereafter is the one we look forward to - and our loved one is now in a better place for all eternity.
Last week, my brothers, sisters, and my dad's wife buried my dad. The last few weeks of my dad's life was hard - he was in a lot of pain - but he never failed to laugh and crack jokes. He wasn't perfect - during many of his painful episodes, he yelled and grumbled and got angry. But during those times, we would laugh and tease him and this helped to redirect his attention from his discomfort and he would start joking around again. This was the legacy my dad left to all his kids and grandkids - the legacy of laughter. The last few months of my dad's life - we were constantly by his side and he was always surrounded with laughter. Laughing was not a show of coldness or carelessness but rather it was a sign of strength and knowledge that only comes with having a sense of security in knowing who you are and who you belong to - and we belong to God.
I've come to realize that there are many who go through several days without laughing. I can't imagine going through a single day without laughter... Back track a little... not to go give away the identity of anyone I will be vague and not list them in any particular order in regards to the three who thought that my natural habit of laughing was an unusual pleasantry. Well one lost his job, the other went into depression, and the other is currently facing marital difficulties.
Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
A few years back, a good friend of mine once told me that he liked me because I laughed a lot. I thought it was a strange compliment but a compliment is a compliment - so I simply said, "thank you". I grew up in a home that was always filled with people - I have seven brothers and sisters - so laughter was a given. We never had to put any thought into it - whether the day was good or bad - there was always something to chuckle about.
I visited a school campus once and found their main office to be immaculate and quiet - there was an absence of chatter and laughter. The obsessive compulsive nature in me enjoyed the peace for about fifteen minutes. Then the Christian educator in me started to wonder how this can be good for ministering to our youth who lead troubled lives in very disruptive homes. I spoke to the administrator at the time about the work place, trying to carefully make it sound like a compliment that his campus is quiet and tidy and mine was noisy and filled with commotion (I didn't use laughter and joy but that's what I meant when I said commotion.) He nodded but then he noted how laughter was important which was why he and his wife made it a point to purposefully laugh every morning. Hmmmm. Purposefully???? - Really???? That was pretty interesting to me because I never had to purposely laugh for anything. But I'm beginning to learn that some people do.
Someone once asked how we could laugh when a loved one dies. I simply stated, "how could we not?" If we know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we know He is in control - so our joy should abound. If we know Jesus is the only Way, Truth, and Life, then we know that this world is temporary and the life hereafter is the one we look forward to - and our loved one is now in a better place for all eternity.
Last week, my brothers, sisters, and my dad's wife buried my dad. The last few weeks of my dad's life was hard - he was in a lot of pain - but he never failed to laugh and crack jokes. He wasn't perfect - during many of his painful episodes, he yelled and grumbled and got angry. But during those times, we would laugh and tease him and this helped to redirect his attention from his discomfort and he would start joking around again. This was the legacy my dad left to all his kids and grandkids - the legacy of laughter. The last few months of my dad's life - we were constantly by his side and he was always surrounded with laughter. Laughing was not a show of coldness or carelessness but rather it was a sign of strength and knowledge that only comes with having a sense of security in knowing who you are and who you belong to - and we belong to God.
I've come to realize that there are many who go through several days without laughing. I can't imagine going through a single day without laughter... Back track a little... not to go give away the identity of anyone I will be vague and not list them in any particular order in regards to the three who thought that my natural habit of laughing was an unusual pleasantry. Well one lost his job, the other went into depression, and the other is currently facing marital difficulties.
Proverbs 17:22 says, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
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| My dad and his grandkids. |
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| My kids love playing with my "iphoto" on my Mac. |
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Its been awhile
The last time I blogged was in June of this year. The summer went by so quickly that I could scarcely find time to write about it. Things haven't slowed down much but I figure its time to put some thoughts into writing.
When I started blogging, I named my page two steps forward because I wanted to put a positive outlook in life. We've all gone through phases in our lives when it just seemed like every step we take we'd find ourselves taking two steps back. I've seen this in my quest to losing weight, to saving money, to spending more time seeking God. The blog was a tool - that maybe if I said it, put it in writing, and everyone's read it - then maybe I would follow through with what I set out to do.
Well, it didn't work. But hey, that's not to say I'm throwing in the towel. I'm gonna get right back up and start again. Two steps forward. So here we go again. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
When I started blogging, I named my page two steps forward because I wanted to put a positive outlook in life. We've all gone through phases in our lives when it just seemed like every step we take we'd find ourselves taking two steps back. I've seen this in my quest to losing weight, to saving money, to spending more time seeking God. The blog was a tool - that maybe if I said it, put it in writing, and everyone's read it - then maybe I would follow through with what I set out to do.
Well, it didn't work. But hey, that's not to say I'm throwing in the towel. I'm gonna get right back up and start again. Two steps forward. So here we go again. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Enoch WALKED with GOD
The past few weeks, I've been chewing on this piece of tidbit... Enoch walked with God. Our small group has been going through the old Testament - studying the lives and times of the people. But Enoch was different in that he was taken up to heaven with no record of his death. He was just taken. What made Enoch different from anyone else? God was pleased with David. God called Moses His friend. Daniel stood apart from the rest of the people in Babylon. So why was Enoch's experience different from the others. The key is in the word WALK.
Genesis 5:21-24 MSG
21-23 When Enoch was sixty-five years old, he had Methuselah. Enoch walked steadily with God. After he had Methuselah, he lived another 300 years, having more sons and daughters. Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked steadily with God. And then one day he was simply gone: God took him.
(New Living Translation) 21 When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. 22After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters. 23 Enoch lived 365 years, 24 walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.
I remember when I first came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior. There was such a passion there that, sad to say, isn't present in my life today. I loved reading my Bible. I had difficulty putting my Bible down because every time I read it it was as if I could hear the sweet voice of the Holy Spirit speaking every word on the page. When I woke in the morning, I would greet God with great expectation. I would dialogue with Him about what my day would look like and at the end of the day we would talk about what had happened. While walking down the corridors of my high school, I would be conscious of Him beside me - so much so that we would often be talking to each other while on the way to the next class. While I was doing my chores at home, I would be singing praise songs to Him or asking Him questions about what I read or telling Him about a family member who needed to get "saved." That was my relationship with the Lord. There was passion - the relationship was special. He was my Savior, my Creator, my Redeemer, and Friend. I walked with HIM. Psalms 42 was real to me - "As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you, oh God."
I allowed time to distance me from my Best Friend - priority changed I guess. He still stands ever so near - waiting for my meetings with Him. And don't get me wrong - I meet with Him often - in the morning, at church, just before a meal, at bible study, before bedtime, and whenever I say a prayer. Yes - I've gotten things a little mixed up the past few years. I've settled with meeting with God and allowing that to be the extent of our relationship. But... its no longer satisfactory for me. I want to once again WALK with God - just as Enoch walked with God.
So here's a challenge - for me - and maybe for some of you who are reading this today... instead of meeting with God, lets walk with God. Let's see how that will change our day, our week, our family, our community. In just the few days that God has allowed me to come to this realization, I already can feel a change in me. So this is what it means to be plugged into "The Vine" - my God, my Source... I forgot but now I'm remembering it all and it is good... Two Steps Forward.
Genesis 5:21-24 MSG
21-23 When Enoch was sixty-five years old, he had Methuselah. Enoch walked steadily with God. After he had Methuselah, he lived another 300 years, having more sons and daughters. Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked steadily with God. And then one day he was simply gone: God took him.
(New Living Translation) 21 When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. 22After the birth of Methuselah, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God for another 300 years, and he had other sons and daughters. 23 Enoch lived 365 years, 24 walking in close fellowship with God. Then one day he disappeared, because God took him.
I remember when I first came to know Jesus as my Lord and Savior. There was such a passion there that, sad to say, isn't present in my life today. I loved reading my Bible. I had difficulty putting my Bible down because every time I read it it was as if I could hear the sweet voice of the Holy Spirit speaking every word on the page. When I woke in the morning, I would greet God with great expectation. I would dialogue with Him about what my day would look like and at the end of the day we would talk about what had happened. While walking down the corridors of my high school, I would be conscious of Him beside me - so much so that we would often be talking to each other while on the way to the next class. While I was doing my chores at home, I would be singing praise songs to Him or asking Him questions about what I read or telling Him about a family member who needed to get "saved." That was my relationship with the Lord. There was passion - the relationship was special. He was my Savior, my Creator, my Redeemer, and Friend. I walked with HIM. Psalms 42 was real to me - "As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you, oh God."
I allowed time to distance me from my Best Friend - priority changed I guess. He still stands ever so near - waiting for my meetings with Him. And don't get me wrong - I meet with Him often - in the morning, at church, just before a meal, at bible study, before bedtime, and whenever I say a prayer. Yes - I've gotten things a little mixed up the past few years. I've settled with meeting with God and allowing that to be the extent of our relationship. But... its no longer satisfactory for me. I want to once again WALK with God - just as Enoch walked with God.
So here's a challenge - for me - and maybe for some of you who are reading this today... instead of meeting with God, lets walk with God. Let's see how that will change our day, our week, our family, our community. In just the few days that God has allowed me to come to this realization, I already can feel a change in me. So this is what it means to be plugged into "The Vine" - my God, my Source... I forgot but now I'm remembering it all and it is good... Two Steps Forward.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Perseverance: A deeper understanding
(IN THE SECRET by Mercy Me)
...I am reaching for the highest goals
That I might receive the prize
Pressing onward
Pushing every hindrance aside
Out of my way
Cause I want to know you more...
Every time I hear this song, I remember the time Guam experienced an 8.2 earthquake (1993). It was a Sunday evening, and I was at church. The worship portion of the service had ended and a young lady made her way up to the podium to sing a special number. A few seconds into her lovely song, I felt a very gentle shake - I looked at my friend and with a very calm smile I whispered, "oooh, is that an earthquake?" But my smile change to concern when the gentle shake continued for a few seconds more. I then whispered, "should we be getting up - evacuating or something?" As my friend tried to give her reply, the gently nudge became a terrifying shake that seemed to go on forever. She didn't need to give me an answer. Everybody in the church started to scream as they made their way to the door.
The goal to get to safety wasn't easy to achieve. The folding chairs we sat on became one huge entangled mess - blocking the passage to the door. With my friend was an elderly lady who we were assisting to get to safety, but she just could not get past the chairs that kept getting in the way. So like a good Christian girl that I am, I let go of my dear friend's hand (the elderly lady I was trying to help), and pretty much gave her my "see you later" look, hurdled over the chairs and darted for the door. I figure if the building were to collapse, I'd have to be outside if she wanted any hope for a rescue. I need to be outside to help with the recovery - what use would I be if I were stuck under this potential rubble. Right? Fortunately, the building did not fall, and my elderly friend lived to see 17 more years.
But going back to that song, I think about how if I set my sights on the prize, I would push every hindrances aside. In the song, that prize is knowing our Savior more. What would happen if I just focus my eyes on Jesus? What would that look like?
See, lately I've been evaluating my walk with God - it doesn't look so good. Just a few days ago, I was lecturing my kids about receiving B Honor Roll when they have the ability to obtain the A Honor Roll. Granted their B meant they had only one B amongst the many A's - but still. They weren't hungry for it - they were satisfied with what they got - because "more" would mean they would have to let go of the distractions. They didn't press onward for the prize. And I shared my displeasure for this attitude.
However, I think I have that same attitude when it comes to my walk with God. I don't think I've been doing much "pressing forward" lately. I have become complacent and satisfied with the amount of time I spend and give HIM. I have not hungered for HIM like King David did in Psalm 42:1 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." Or like Moses did when he asked God to "show me your glory (Exodus 33:18)." I need to get to that place again - that place where my eyes are once again on the prize - where I will push all hindrances aside to get there.
I end with this story. Up until June 2010 I worked as an administrator at a Christian school. At the end of each year, I made sure I made it a point to speak to all the high school students to discuss their academic status - to encourage them to keep pressing on or to encourage them to do better. At the end of school year 2009, this scrawny sophomore asked me if he had a chance at first place. He didn't do so well his freshman year but wanted to make changes to turn things around. He set his eyes to making the top ten. End of sophomore year, he accomplished just that and found himself within reach of the top five. So he pushed further and decided he was gonna do everything it takes to make it to first. Every semester he would ask me if he had a chance. In my head I thought "no" but out loud I said, "it's hard but possible - anything can happen." At the end of his junior year, he made his way to second place and the gap between first and second was pretty close. He asked again if he had a chance - in my head I thought "no" but out loud I said, "it's close to impossible to displace the #1 guy this late in the ball game but it doesn't hurt to keep trying. After all we should live by the school motto; Whatsoever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Right?" Well, the end of his Senior year came and the current administrator had to run the tabulation for class ranking several times - after she did so, she called me to verify that she ran the tabulation correctly. She had to do this because the outcome came as a huge surprise to every one.
After the graduation ceremony, I sought out the student, gave him the biggest hug and told him that I was really proud of him. He proved me wrong and I was humbled by his attitude, his diligence, his determination. In spite of the impossibilities, he decided to set aside all obstacles and pressed forward for the prize. As this Valedictorian towered over me, he just smiled and said, "thank you Mrs. Nish" as if I had anything to do with it.
If I could strive for my God the way he strived for that top honor, what would my walk with God look like. If I don't look to the left or the right; if I desperately press towards the prize; if I pushed all hindrances aside; if if if...
...I want to know you
I want to hear your voice
I want to know you more
I want to touch you
I want to see your face
I want to know you more...
Lord, this is a new day. Forgive me for my complacency - I want to know you more. Help me to strive to win this race because I know you are waiting for me at the finish line. I would so love to hear you say, "well done my faithful one."
...I am reaching for the highest goals
That I might receive the prize
Pressing onward
Pushing every hindrance aside
Out of my way
Cause I want to know you more...
Every time I hear this song, I remember the time Guam experienced an 8.2 earthquake (1993). It was a Sunday evening, and I was at church. The worship portion of the service had ended and a young lady made her way up to the podium to sing a special number. A few seconds into her lovely song, I felt a very gentle shake - I looked at my friend and with a very calm smile I whispered, "oooh, is that an earthquake?" But my smile change to concern when the gentle shake continued for a few seconds more. I then whispered, "should we be getting up - evacuating or something?" As my friend tried to give her reply, the gently nudge became a terrifying shake that seemed to go on forever. She didn't need to give me an answer. Everybody in the church started to scream as they made their way to the door.
The goal to get to safety wasn't easy to achieve. The folding chairs we sat on became one huge entangled mess - blocking the passage to the door. With my friend was an elderly lady who we were assisting to get to safety, but she just could not get past the chairs that kept getting in the way. So like a good Christian girl that I am, I let go of my dear friend's hand (the elderly lady I was trying to help), and pretty much gave her my "see you later" look, hurdled over the chairs and darted for the door. I figure if the building were to collapse, I'd have to be outside if she wanted any hope for a rescue. I need to be outside to help with the recovery - what use would I be if I were stuck under this potential rubble. Right? Fortunately, the building did not fall, and my elderly friend lived to see 17 more years.
But going back to that song, I think about how if I set my sights on the prize, I would push every hindrances aside. In the song, that prize is knowing our Savior more. What would happen if I just focus my eyes on Jesus? What would that look like?
See, lately I've been evaluating my walk with God - it doesn't look so good. Just a few days ago, I was lecturing my kids about receiving B Honor Roll when they have the ability to obtain the A Honor Roll. Granted their B meant they had only one B amongst the many A's - but still. They weren't hungry for it - they were satisfied with what they got - because "more" would mean they would have to let go of the distractions. They didn't press onward for the prize. And I shared my displeasure for this attitude.
However, I think I have that same attitude when it comes to my walk with God. I don't think I've been doing much "pressing forward" lately. I have become complacent and satisfied with the amount of time I spend and give HIM. I have not hungered for HIM like King David did in Psalm 42:1 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God." Or like Moses did when he asked God to "show me your glory (Exodus 33:18)." I need to get to that place again - that place where my eyes are once again on the prize - where I will push all hindrances aside to get there.
I end with this story. Up until June 2010 I worked as an administrator at a Christian school. At the end of each year, I made sure I made it a point to speak to all the high school students to discuss their academic status - to encourage them to keep pressing on or to encourage them to do better. At the end of school year 2009, this scrawny sophomore asked me if he had a chance at first place. He didn't do so well his freshman year but wanted to make changes to turn things around. He set his eyes to making the top ten. End of sophomore year, he accomplished just that and found himself within reach of the top five. So he pushed further and decided he was gonna do everything it takes to make it to first. Every semester he would ask me if he had a chance. In my head I thought "no" but out loud I said, "it's hard but possible - anything can happen." At the end of his junior year, he made his way to second place and the gap between first and second was pretty close. He asked again if he had a chance - in my head I thought "no" but out loud I said, "it's close to impossible to displace the #1 guy this late in the ball game but it doesn't hurt to keep trying. After all we should live by the school motto; Whatsoever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Right?" Well, the end of his Senior year came and the current administrator had to run the tabulation for class ranking several times - after she did so, she called me to verify that she ran the tabulation correctly. She had to do this because the outcome came as a huge surprise to every one.
After the graduation ceremony, I sought out the student, gave him the biggest hug and told him that I was really proud of him. He proved me wrong and I was humbled by his attitude, his diligence, his determination. In spite of the impossibilities, he decided to set aside all obstacles and pressed forward for the prize. As this Valedictorian towered over me, he just smiled and said, "thank you Mrs. Nish" as if I had anything to do with it.
If I could strive for my God the way he strived for that top honor, what would my walk with God look like. If I don't look to the left or the right; if I desperately press towards the prize; if I pushed all hindrances aside; if if if...
...I want to know you
I want to hear your voice
I want to know you more
I want to touch you
I want to see your face
I want to know you more...
Lord, this is a new day. Forgive me for my complacency - I want to know you more. Help me to strive to win this race because I know you are waiting for me at the finish line. I would so love to hear you say, "well done my faithful one."
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Jacs' 5th grade speech
Jacqueline was awarded the best Writer in her 5th grade class. She had prepared a speech but was unable to read it during the 5th grade promotion - instead she attempted to do an impromptu speech - not bad for an 11 year old. But here was the one she wrote:
Good morning Rev. Dr. Jon and Eva Pineda, Rev. Dr. Paul Pineda, Mrs. Debbie Pineda, parents, fellow classmates, teachers, and other distinguished guests.
My name is Jacqueline Nishihira and I am the Vice President of the fifth grade class. I can still remember running up and down the elementary hallways like it was yesterday – oh wait that was yesterday. Well, I can remember the first time we ran up and down the hallways – for some of us - as little kindergarteners. Today we sit in this gym, as we have for many awesome elementary chapels given by Pastor Eva – but not as the little 5 year olds but as fifth graders.
Through the years we have drawn closer to each other. We have had to say good-bye to some of our friends as we welcomed some new faces. But we have been able to stay close – building great memories that we will take with us forever. We are not just wonderful friends – we’ve become a family. As we move on to the next chapter of our lives, entering into middle school, we will never forget these memories that we have shared.
A few days ago, someone asked me to describe my class in one word. I didn’t have to think hard because I knew what it was and that word was “LOVING.” I chose ‘LOVING” because all of you are kind, compassionate, loyal, and what better word to describe all of those characteristics.
While we drew closer to each other, we also drew closer to God. The funny thing is when I was in K5 I didn't know about God the way I do now. As a K5, I had a very simple, child-like understanding – God loved me and we are to read our bibles and pray everyday. Then I remember 1st grade, Mrs. Snively’s class, where she explained that Jesus died for me and that He is the only way, the truth, and the Life and no one goes to the father except through HIM – she explained to me how important HE was in my life and where I might be without HIM. It was the start of my grown up thinking of my Christian walk and has continued expand each school year through each teacher and it has continued to mold and shape my life and probably for several of us sitting here today.
I would like to thank all our parents for bringing us here to Saint Paul Christian School and for always believing in us. I would like to thank our teachers for never giving up on us no matter how difficult it was for you at times. And most especially, I would like to thank the LORD, because all we had to do was our best and HE did the rest – because all things are possible in JESUS – and because HE paid the price for us. We really appreciate you all. Thank you.
Friday, April 22, 2011
It was Indeed a GOOD FRIDAY
In the past two weeks it seemed like all I was receiving was one bad news after the other. A dear friend from college had requested prayer because her father was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. A brother-in-Christ was struggling with major health issues and was admitted into the hospital. We received a call from my brother-in-law informing us that doctors could not find the heart beat of their baby girl (my sister-in-law was 8 months pregnant) and that they were in the process of inducing labor. While we were still making sense of the news of our niece, I received yet another email of a sister-in-Christ who had just been told she has non-hodgkin lymphoma.
The chain that linked the prayer warriors was definitely hot all week - a text here and a text there as news spread to step up prayers for one another. Throughout the week, as many of the saints bowed their hearts to pray, their heads remained lifted with eyes stayed on the One who gives us the victory. And as we entered the end of the Holy Week, we dusted ourselves off and went to the Good Friday service to worship the One who brings us the victory. In our respective churches, each heard the Good News that our tired spirit so longed to hear - Jesus loves us - He is the One who gives us the victory.
It may seem that the term Good Friday is an oxymoron because it seems like there was nothing good about that day over two thousand years ago. There is good in it. You see - the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) - and because of our sinful state, our destiny was eternal death - but it no longer has to be - Jesus stood in our place and all who accepts this gift of LIFE will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). As we are reminded of all that Jesus had suffered - we are also reminded of the warning that Jesus gave to his disciples in the wee hours before He faced his bogus trial that lead Him down the road to Calvary. The warning was to watch and pray so that we wont be tempted - so that we will be able to stand strong in the face of the enemy, in the trials of these last days for we are indeed in the last days.
The chain that linked the prayer warriors was definitely hot all week - a text here and a text there as news spread to step up prayers for one another. Throughout the week, as many of the saints bowed their hearts to pray, their heads remained lifted with eyes stayed on the One who gives us the victory. And as we entered the end of the Holy Week, we dusted ourselves off and went to the Good Friday service to worship the One who brings us the victory. In our respective churches, each heard the Good News that our tired spirit so longed to hear - Jesus loves us - He is the One who gives us the victory.
It may seem that the term Good Friday is an oxymoron because it seems like there was nothing good about that day over two thousand years ago. There is good in it. You see - the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) - and because of our sinful state, our destiny was eternal death - but it no longer has to be - Jesus stood in our place and all who accepts this gift of LIFE will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). As we are reminded of all that Jesus had suffered - we are also reminded of the warning that Jesus gave to his disciples in the wee hours before He faced his bogus trial that lead Him down the road to Calvary. The warning was to watch and pray so that we wont be tempted - so that we will be able to stand strong in the face of the enemy, in the trials of these last days for we are indeed in the last days.
So be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might
Put on all His armor and fight the good fight
In all of our weakness, He becomes so strong
And He gives us the power and the strength to carry onMore power to ya when you're standing on His Word
When you're trusting with your whole heart in the message you have heard
More power to ya when we're all in one accord
They that wait upon the Lord, they shall renew
They shall renew their strength (MORE POWER TO YA by PETRA)
That GOOD FRIDAY over two thousand years ago was bleak and dreary. The disciples who stood by and watched at ground zero felt the devastation to the very core of their being - they were confused, lost, scared, sad (if the word sad could ever satisfy what they must have felt). But what they didn't know then - we know now - that Sunday came - He rose from the dead.
He came, He saw, He conquered Death and HellHe came, He saw, He is alive and wellHe was, He is, And only He forgivesHe died, He rose, He livesHe came, He saw, He conquered (He Came He Saw He Conquered by PETRA)
The road is still long and hard (not comparable to the Via Dolorosa but hard none the less) - and it may seem that no message will take away the heartache of missing a love one or take away the despair one feels when your love one has just been diagnosed of a scary illness - But we hang on to the good news that He loves us and He lives. That is our hope, our comfort - that this place is all temporary - although we our living our GOOD FRIDAY - SUNDAY IS COMING and in a little while we'll be home with Jesus (the One who gives us the victory.)
This blog is dedicated to my mom - We will see each other again.
Have a blessed Easter
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