Standing firm in the Lord

Lord, my flesh is weak. However, allow me to stand firm in You and You alone.

Sometimes, it may seem like I am not included in the groups however, I choose not to follow them and do things which isnt pleasing to Your Name. I want to be Christ-like and follow God's way and not the world's way. Lord, that is my choice. I will honour You through my actions instead of just saying it through words.

Lord, it would be nice if I would influence them, however its hard Lord to do it now as I am not close enough to share it with them.

Lord, I feel Your heartbeat and I know that You are upset to see Your precious children this way. Lord, I am not sure why they say that they are christians however, they are dressing up in Halloween costumes and such. I am in shock as when I first see them and the Christian materials in their room, i thought they are really people who loves You and obeys You.
Its scary Lord. Lord, Thank you being such a gracious God who loves us so much.

Powerful verses

Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Rejoicing in the Lord is a choice that I can choose to do.

Philippians 4: 6
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

A test which I've failed

Dear Lord,

I am really sorry. Sometimes, I feel that my faith level is really low especially when tests come my way. 

Today, there was an activity organized us at St Marg called "Friends in 60 secs". The game was rather simple yet many outcomes and lessons came out of this. The game goes like this; there are two lines of people facing each other and all are seated on chairs in a circle. You are given a minute to speak to the person and then after a minute the person opposite you would shift downwards, thus after each minute you have a new person in front of you.

During the play-time of this game, there was this girl that ask me why St Marg? And I said "firstly, this college is based on christian values". She then replied with a frown like expression "Are you like all religious and stuff?" I then said, "NoooooooooOoOooo, Yyyyeeeesssssss." I dont really know how to put it into sentences however just reminded me of this lesson which I learnt a long time ago in sunday school @ SAC. The teacher taught something like if someday a burglar or "bad guy" stuck a gun unto your head and asked for about your faith would you dare to say that I am a believer? Something along this line.

I feel so bad Lord, I repent and say to you that I really love and would believe in You and You alone for all my days ahead. 

20th Feb 2011 - Sunday (Part 2 - Thankfulness and knowing people)

Dear Father,

Thank You for such a wonderful day.

Firstly, I would like to thank you for meeting 3 new people at lunch today. I really enjoyed my meal with them.  Sometimes all I need to ask is "Can I join you?" The answer would be "Yes! For sure. Join me!"

Next, I would like to thank You for Jonathan. It has been good that I have meet him. It is good to know someone from your homeland. We went to sight see and also made our first trip to the supermarket. He couldnt really read maps, thus I have to do my best in trying to interpret maps. We did our very own self express checkouts. This innovation is so amazing as it cuts down on time and manpower. Sweet.

It was then time for a welcome afternoon tea. It was a time where students come together to mingle with other students. Parents were also invited to this event. The pastor of Otago came to pray for us, committing us to the Lord's hands. He prayed for us to have a good time of adventure and good friendships being formed. I am very thankful Lord for opening up this doors of St Margaret's and allowing me to reside in this college. Thank you for this fantastic opportunity. I really appreciate it and am very thankful. After this two short "speeches", afternoon tea was served and I got to mingle around. Wow, the people here at St Margaret's are really nice. One after another, I plucked up my courage and went around saying "Hi!" The first person I spoke to was an ex-Singaporean. She is currently residing at Auckland. I found out that she was also a christian and that she visited Elim Church this morning. This was the church which I wanted to visit this morning. However, I chose to sleep in as I didnt have much sleep in the plane. Also, I found out that every sunday morning at 9.45am, students of St Marg's go to church together. Isn't that exciting?

Thank you Father for providing a way. Just yesterday, I was worried about going alone, today I have come to know that every week, people are going there together. 

Something I would like to find out regarding how would I know that, that is the church which the Lord wants me to be there? 

For one, I know that I will have to pray and ask to lead me. Next, I think that I will have to see if I can align to the pastor's goals and missions which God has assigned to him. 

Next, I got to know someone called Madelynn and she is apart of the student exec. She was from Singapore as well. It was amazing to be able to meet her. Coincidentally, she is taking some human nutrition papers as well.

Following, I also got to know people on my floor called WB. I got to know this girl called Layee. She is from Taiwan but have moved to Hamilton. She is really nice and friendly.

Lastly, I got to know another girl called Celia who is doing Human Nutrition as well. She is going to second year which means that we will be classmates. Yay, I have someone whom I can go to, to discuss on work and also provide help as well. Thank you Father for this amazing day of knowing new people.

Love your daughter,
Joanne

20th Feb 2011 - Sunday

Dear Lord,
Thank you for Your morning devotion. Indeed You are the greatest treasure that I can find. I will rejoice in the Lord in all circumstances because I know that I have a God who is real who answers prayers. Lord, yes I admit that I have no confidence however Lord, I know that when I place my confidence in You, Your confidence will shine through me. Let my confidence come from You and You alone.

Lord, I will be humble and not boast in myself, my achievement, however I want to boost in God who works in and through and for me. Lord, knowing You is of "surpassing worth".

Lord, thank you for teaching me that "We need to change the way we see our weakness, see them as opportunities for God to show His perfect power in You. Lord, Yes I allow You to use my weakness to do God-sized things in and through my life.

I love you Lord.

19th Feb 2011 - Saturday

Currently at Christchurch, I am now waiting for my flight to Dunedin. I was charged for too many baggages and paid 70 dollars! Feeling kind of excited to be going to school.  However I know that when school starts, I would rather it be the holidays, how contradicting!

18th Feb 2011 - Thoughts when I was in the plane

The moment I board Singapore Airlines and sat down on my seat, I sensed the peace of God upon me. There was no fear but pure peacefulness. 

Thank you Father for giving me this sense of peace and joy. Thank you for letting me feel that You are so close to me.