Last blog of the year

Can't believe it, it's the last day of 2007. And it's hot! 42 degree Celcius. It's a good thing we have an evaporative cooling, outside is almost like an oven.

I must say that this year has been a great year for us, no doubt there were some challenges, but when I looked back and reflected on the things that has happened in our lives, I'm thankful to God, to what He has done for both me and Wendy.

We also have made some new friends this year. Not only acquaintances, but close friends. For that, I'm really thankful. Not to mention His abundant provision to us.

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Psalm 103, particularly verse 12: As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

I am looking forward to 2008 with great anticipation that God will do greater things in our lives and through our lives. God wants to bless everyone of us that we may be a blessing to people around us, that we are to be the light that shines brightly in this dark and broken world.

Have a safe and blessed New Year! God bless you all.

Lifegroup

Below is supposed to be our Bible study last night. But we decided to watch John Bevere Undercover DVD teaching series instead. Lots of teaching there I must say.

Reflection of 2007

1. When we look back, don’t focus on the negative, what should have, could have, would have, if only.... etc.

Phillipians 3:13-14, Psalms 77:11-12, Gen 19:26, Isaiah 43:18-19

2. Count your blessings.

Psalms 103:2, 143:5,

3. Change the way we think (get rid of the negative, get in the positive) by meditation and reading Bible (and train to live a godly life- 1 Timothy 4:7)

Phillipians 4:8, Romans 12:2, Proverbs 23:7

4. Believe God has good plans for your life

Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 12:2 (again), Psalms 1:1-3

You are responsible for who you are today. Yes, other people and your environment have been influential factors but you are responsible for how you have chosen to respond to what life has brought your way – for better or for worse.

Responsibility (literally ‘response-ability’) is the ability we each have to choose our response. The opposite of this habit is the tendency to blame other people, events or the environment - anything or anyone “out there” so we are not responsible for our lives. Once we blame something else we can easily create evidence that supports that "something" as the real problem.

We can choose our response to any situation or any person. (Mark Conner)

In the next couple of months, spend more time with God by praying (Phillipians 4:6-7), reading Bible or good Christian books and have fellowship with believers (Hebrews 10:25), so we can grow mature in Christ. (Hebrews 6:1)

Some quotes:

God has a habit of picking up nobodies and making them somebodies. (Jentezen Franklin)

Suffering never leaves you where it finds you; you either become bitter or better. (JF)

Reputation is who people think you are; Character is who your family knows you are. (JF)