I just read today in yahoo news why the color "RED" symbolizes luck. (I saw the news article earlier, but I dunno why it was removed. Actually they just put up a link to this article from Yahoo!Answers)
Some people may find it interesting and enlightening particularly those who are more than curious about how certain things came to be. It's a cultural belief that anybody may find easy to embrace especially if their ancestors were following the same traditions.. if it's in their bloodline, so to speak. While others wouldn't even care about such -- they'll just accept and follow because it's the norm.
Red is a very strong & passionate color. It may represent love or perhaps connote conflict. Red is the color of successful Singapore. We see a lot of red-colored items in February, as well as during Decemeber. Red is also the color of our blood -- and we know same is true even if you have royal blood :)
In scripture we'll find a very significant story (yes, not from any tales nor legends) about a blood that has been shed for us. A blood of the covenant. A blood of love.
Matthew 26:28 says, "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remmision of sins"
So, would you bank on luck in finding life and success? Or would you rather be guided by His love and naturally receive abundance?
Which would you rather declare, "I must've been very lucky I survived that ordeal," or "I'm protected, loved, and blessed I survived that agonizing test"
I believe things happen for a reason. In John 9:1-3 we'll find this story,
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
God created us in His own image and likeness, by His grace and faithfulness. We're here NOT out of chance, but of love.. unconditional love :)
Try to think of any phrase, title of a song, or a name that has the word "red" and replace it with either "luck" or "love." Which of the two sounds better? =)
God bless y'all! Ciao! c",)
Here's an interesting read: What about Luck(?)
Faithful and True
Artist: Marc Taylor & Jennine Henderson
I know the thoughts that You think towards me.
Thoughts of peace and not of evil.
You sent Your Son to die for me.
To be my future and my hope.
Lord You are faithful, and I will call to You.
You're always there when I need You.
And in this life, when the world falls down,
Lord You alone are faithful and true.
Jesus said "I go to prepare a place,
That you could always be with Me.
And when I come back,
I'll take you home, for all eternity."
Lord You are faithful, and I will call to You.
You're always there when I need You.
And in this life, when the world falls down,
Lord You alone are faithful and true.
You will wipe away all my tears.
Dry my eyes and calm my fears.
This is the promise that you have made,
When the former things have passed away.
Lord You are faithful, and I will call to You.
You're always there when I need You.
And in this life, when the world falls down,
Lord You alone are faithful and true.
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RED: Luck or Love? |
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Happy Red Day! c",) |
It's amazing how GPS in mobile phones has greatly improved and continues to advance. With this modern technology we have no reason to get lost. We can even plan our route, and some far advanced devices can give us information such as the flow of traffic and/or petrol, banks, & store locations.
Such tool, and other technological inventions, exist because tech achitechs painstakingly believed it can be done. Yes, anything you can think of nowadays seems possible, mostly in terms of tech doodads.
Thinking all things are possible is agreeable, but believing it.. is notewothy. It's the kind of faith God is expecting from us. In Mark 11:23, Jesus talks about this (you can find the verse quoted in the devotional I attached below). May our sweet and mighty Savior strengthen you everyday. With God all things are possible :)
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27)
TGIF!
Happy weekend, V-day, and CNY everyone! :)
- Jep c",)
Today's Devotion
February 12
Moving Mountains
I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go, throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him (Mark 11:23).
Scripture: Mark 11:20-25
Song: "Faith Grasps the Blessing"
I once saw a bumper sticker that said, "I'm not lost; I'm exploring." I had to laugh, because I related so well. Call it what you will, the truth is that I get lost very easily. Thankfully, I live within view of the Rocky Mountains. Just knowing they loom to the west is often enough for me to get my sense of direction squared away.
Some days, however, when a storm moves in, I can't see the mountains. The view in any direction looks the same. I'm without my compass.
When Jesus taught His disciples about prayer, He told them they could move mountains. Frankly, those words frighten me. I need my mountains. How else will I know where I am?
The answer, of course, is that I will be right where God wants me to be. I will be more dependent on Him, more trusting of His guidance, more reliant on Him for the next step. I wonder sometimes why we fail to pray for the mountains in our lives to move. Is it because they give us a sense of security, and we're afraid to let go?
Lord, You know the mountains looming in my life right now. Help me look only to You for guidance as I climb. In Jesus' name, amen.
(This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions)
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Pssst! c",) |
It's funny how almost everyone tends to look around when somebody goes "pssst." It is really an attention grabber. And when someone calls out our name and we recognize the voice, we look around immediately for that person.
How do we recognize someone's voice?
I believe it's when we've established some sort of bond with the person. The moment you hear a familiar tone, it links up and searches through the address book embedded in your brain. And that familiar voice also connects to your heart, which in turn will send the type of emoticon your face will display :)
In other words, it's our relationship with someone that enable us to quickly identify their voices. Same is true in terms of hearing from God, it's our relationship with Him that will allow us to easily recognize His voice.
Quoting from Ps.Kenneth's preaching yesterday..
"When we walk with God with intimacy His will becomes our will."
Isn't that amazing? Some of us desperately search for God's will for our lives, but God is simply saying, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps46:10)
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me." (Rev3:20)
Have a blissful week everyone!
- Jep c",)
Today's Devotion
February 8
Listen Up!
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27).
Scripture: John 10:22-30
Song: "The Shepherd of Love"
Our little flock of black-faced sheep always came running when we called. Whether we were standing at the fence with a treat or calling them in for the night, when they heard us, they came. They knew us, and we knew them. We knew Rosie, with her beautiful eyes; Dinger, with his warning bell; Old Mamie, with her bony back. They were a flock, but they were individuals too.
It is no accident that Jesus calls us His sheep. Sheep may throw their heads around and act tough and independent, but without someone caring for them-providing for their basic needs, keeping them safe from danger-they will not survive long. Their dependency, however, is part of what makes them so lovable. One word from the shepherd, and they know that all is well.
Do you know the sound of Jesus' voice? Does it seem distant and hard to hear? Or is it near and familiar? A sheep's job is simple: listen to the shepherd. What is the Shepherd saying to you today?
Lord, sometimes I don't listen very well. My mind wanders as a sheep wanders, nibbling here and there. Teach me to listen, to recognize Your voice above all others. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.
(This devotion is from the book, 365 Devotions)
