The roof sign on my tuition vehicle was missing yesterday morning. I left the house just after 10AM to take Nick to Arnold Clark and I was having difficulty pinpointing my car as usually I identify the roof sign from afar. I was pretty sure I parked it across the road near the church, but it wasn't until I walked closer towards my Fiesta and saw the rear number plate that I could confirm the third car from the front was mine. So, somebody had removed my roof sign and it was nowhere to be found. It was not on top of another car nearby nor dumped on a street corner. After walking around scanning the area for a few minutes the two of us gave up and drove to Arnold Clark to get the car hire.
I was quite disappointed through the day that some people would do such thing. I have heard of roof signs being moved from one car to another for a laugh, but I could not even find it at all. Why did someone take it? What did they do with it? Will it ever be found? Though these questions circulated my head I was still quite peaceful inside and didn't let the unhappiness show on the outside, after all it was Cat and Nick's special day. By evening time I had resolved to using magnetic L-plates temporarily for a few days and maybe wait for some news of the roof sign, or look into getting a new one, costing up to £100. Mum reminded me to commit it to prayer.
At 7:20PM I left the house for Ayrshire. I received a text message telling me I had received a voicemail. I listened to the voicemail in the car and it was a lady saying: "Hi it's just to let you know that your sign for learner driver, it's at Armadale Street, facing a school, near Alexandra Parade. It's just sitting in the fence, I've put it over the fence, if you're looking for it. Bye!!"
I was so surprised and excited when I heard the message! What?! Someone actually found my roof sign? AND had the decency to call me to let me know?! AND it was nearby?! Wow!!!! Amazing!! =D
I quickly drove up to the street where she described - I only knew it too well as it was across from my former primary school! - and I quickly picked it up. Although it was cold, wet and lonely leaning against the black railings of a garden, it appeared unscathed, totally intact and totally useable condition. I was so excited that I had to record a video of that special moment, especially since I didn't have that woman's number, but I managed to call her back through the voice message and left her a voicemail thanking her so so much for her kindness in contacting me. God bless her!
So the roof sign is now secured back on to the roof, all dried up and cleaned underneath. I thank my Heavenly Father for helping keep my roof sign safe although it was missing for so many hours. Must have been taken off overnight from Saturday night. I thank my Heavenly Father that it appeared again at the opposite end of a long road, unscathed, undamaged and for the kind woman who called me to let me know. It was very decent of her. Because in this day and age, many people are just focussed on themselves and their selfish needs that they wouldn't really care about the sign let alone call me to let me know. She saved me lots of money also =)
This is another sign that God cares about all our issues, no matter big or small. Bad things do happen in this world and some can affect our lives, directly or indirectly. But ultimately God is Sovereign, everything is under His control. We have to put our trust in Him. The story of this roof sign being missing and then found again is like how we are in life. We once were lost lost but then found and saved by God's grace. =)
12 September 2011
08 August 2011
Psalm 127
Last week was a very tough week for me. Work was very taxing and I was very tired physically and mentally, from work and from the gym etc. It hasn't been easy working six days a week and on the seventh day (Sunday), meant to be a day of rest, actually serving in church. So there's rest, but not quite rest as having responsibility just pushes you on the go again. Nonetheless, I plod along take each day as it comes.
However, last Wednesday (3 August) was one of the worst days. I had four driving lessons. The first one went pretty well and I thank God for that. The pupil found it enjoyable and productive, as did I. The second lesson was very taxing indeed. The pupil was out of focus and just drove in a very weird manner, not his usual style. When I asked him to park up to side to explain stuff to him he asked if we could step outside so he could have a smoke. I was quite surprised at that request, but agreed to it as part of compassion for him, hoping the cigarette can calm him and letting the customer have their way. However, I found myself explaining stuff to him on my clipboard, other pedestrians walked by and looked at us, and I was also surrounded by second-hand smoke! I really dislike smoking!! I was caught between a rock and a hard place. There was debate within me between compassion for the pupil and professionalism. I thought to myself what Jesus would do. Jesus would definitely love this guy and would not care what he was like, what he requested etc. So I tried my hardest to do as Jesus would do and show love and patience to this pupil. However, the more I tried to do it, the more frustrated I became!
At the end of the lesson I was really tired out mentally. Was so glad it was over and as I made my way to the third lesson I was dreading how I could face the next two lessons. Once I got to the third lesson, about ten mins early (didn't have enough time to visit a toilet nor eat or drink anything) I switched the car engine off and prayed to God. I returned to my Maker and I asked Him to restore me. I asked God to give me the love and patience to handle the next lesson as I was really struggling. I believed that when I was am weak then God is strong. Lo and behold, the next lesson went really well! The pupil drove really well, learnt lots and we had fun during the two hour lesson. It made such a big difference. The fourth lesson was a little taxing as well, but again, with God by my side I was able to deal with it with more patience.
When I got home I was listening to a sermon by Pastor Prince and he talked about how we hear God's voice when we are rested. Also the passage where he spoke from was Psalm 127:1-2
"1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves."
This passage spoke to me in two ways. First verse reminded me that no matter what I do, what career I build, how hard I work, how hard I try at something. If the Lord is not there, it will not last. Everything will collapse without the Lord. So even if I try to be professional and patient with my pupils etc, if the Lord is not there and I rely on my own strength, then it will not last. My patience and love will run out, but the Lord's patience and love will not. So I have I ask for His patience and love through me.
The second verse reminds me, no matter how busy I am with work with the gym with anything, that I really should spend time with God. I should find time to 'rest' and it is in this 'resting' time that I will hear God's voice. I should make time to do devotions and make effort to spend time with God, listening to Him, recharging through Him.
Thursday and Friday lessons I arrived a few minutes before the lesson started and I prayed just before meeting the pupils and asked God for his presence among us in the lessons and the lessons were so different. I felt so refreshed after each prayer. Praise God!
However, last Wednesday (3 August) was one of the worst days. I had four driving lessons. The first one went pretty well and I thank God for that. The pupil found it enjoyable and productive, as did I. The second lesson was very taxing indeed. The pupil was out of focus and just drove in a very weird manner, not his usual style. When I asked him to park up to side to explain stuff to him he asked if we could step outside so he could have a smoke. I was quite surprised at that request, but agreed to it as part of compassion for him, hoping the cigarette can calm him and letting the customer have their way. However, I found myself explaining stuff to him on my clipboard, other pedestrians walked by and looked at us, and I was also surrounded by second-hand smoke! I really dislike smoking!! I was caught between a rock and a hard place. There was debate within me between compassion for the pupil and professionalism. I thought to myself what Jesus would do. Jesus would definitely love this guy and would not care what he was like, what he requested etc. So I tried my hardest to do as Jesus would do and show love and patience to this pupil. However, the more I tried to do it, the more frustrated I became!
At the end of the lesson I was really tired out mentally. Was so glad it was over and as I made my way to the third lesson I was dreading how I could face the next two lessons. Once I got to the third lesson, about ten mins early (didn't have enough time to visit a toilet nor eat or drink anything) I switched the car engine off and prayed to God. I returned to my Maker and I asked Him to restore me. I asked God to give me the love and patience to handle the next lesson as I was really struggling. I believed that when I was am weak then God is strong. Lo and behold, the next lesson went really well! The pupil drove really well, learnt lots and we had fun during the two hour lesson. It made such a big difference. The fourth lesson was a little taxing as well, but again, with God by my side I was able to deal with it with more patience.
When I got home I was listening to a sermon by Pastor Prince and he talked about how we hear God's voice when we are rested. Also the passage where he spoke from was Psalm 127:1-2
"1 Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.
2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves."
This passage spoke to me in two ways. First verse reminded me that no matter what I do, what career I build, how hard I work, how hard I try at something. If the Lord is not there, it will not last. Everything will collapse without the Lord. So even if I try to be professional and patient with my pupils etc, if the Lord is not there and I rely on my own strength, then it will not last. My patience and love will run out, but the Lord's patience and love will not. So I have I ask for His patience and love through me.
The second verse reminds me, no matter how busy I am with work with the gym with anything, that I really should spend time with God. I should find time to 'rest' and it is in this 'resting' time that I will hear God's voice. I should make time to do devotions and make effort to spend time with God, listening to Him, recharging through Him.
Thursday and Friday lessons I arrived a few minutes before the lesson started and I prayed just before meeting the pupils and asked God for his presence among us in the lessons and the lessons were so different. I felt so refreshed after each prayer. Praise God!
19 May 2011
Fuel in oil warning lamp
Yesterday evening just after six PM as my last driving lesson came to a close, I heard a warning chime in the car and an orange icon appeared in the car's instrument cluster. From the passenger seat it looked like the oil light. I didn't want to alarm the pupil as he was just pulling over to finish his lesson. After he left the car I took a closer look at the icon, it was a picture of an oil lamp but with a wavy line underneath, looking like waves, possibly symbolising water. Ok, so I had a look through my owner's manual and it had it listed as:
"Fuel in oil warning lamp: It will illuminate when the engine oil has been diluted with fuel. have the engine oil changed as soon as possible."
This had me very puzzled. How could fuel get into the engine oil?? I called my local Evans Halshaw to confirm if I could bring the car into the garage tomorrow as they had shut for the day. Guy told me to bring it in first thing in the morning and he was sure Services dept would look at it but he didn't know how busy their schedule was. I then called an instructor friend, Matt, who advised it might have been water getting into fuel tank due to condensation, which is common on diesel for diesel cars. Simple action of releasing a certain part of the tank would drain the built up water. Or it could be a leaking gasket which allowed fuel to get into the oil and that would be a bigger problem, but hopefully not. He advised I could drive home but to try keep the revs low. I was less than a mile from home anyway, so it wasn't so bad. I was very puzzled indeed, but thanked God I was home safely and then went home for dinner. Through the whole night I was very concerned for the car. Though it was still in warranty (only eight months old) I had to lose income from cancelling next day driving lessons. How long would the garage take to fix the problem? There was a storm within me: part of me was worried and disappointed at what happened. The other part of me remained calm and reminded myself of the Lord's Word, that God is in control at all situations and especially of the verse in Luke 12:25 - "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" Mum prayed with me before she went to bed. I prayed also before I went to bed. It was all surrendered to God. I planned to get the car into the garage by 8am sharp.
My alarm went off at 6:55am and I had intended to get up, get washed and have breakfast and do devotionals before going up to the garage. But after snoozing for "five minutes" I ended up getting up at 7:45am!! Shock!! Had no time to do any of my planned things, but instead got changed and rushed out up to the garage. I was the second customer to arrive at the Services desk. The guy Billy Kirk looked familiar. Think he dealt with me before when I went to garage with the AA lease vehicle. He didn't seem quite friendly this morning. Maybe too early for him. Haha! Anyway, I left the key with him and also requested an oil pressure check (in case it was a blown gasket, in which the reading would be in negative). I walked home and spent time at home, showering, breakfast, devotional, mum's customer care workbook, lunch and surfing the net. Truth be told, as time went on I was bored and was checking the time every so often. When will they call for an update? Should I chase up? By 2pm two of my scheduled driving lessons were forsook. One was rescheduled till tomorrow. At 2:06pm Billy called to advise the way they can get the Fuel in oil lamp to go off is to perform a oil filter service. He said diagnostics said the light came on due to deterioration in the oil and triggering the warning light. I asked for the cost of the job he said £88.50 inclusive of VAT and it would not be under warranty. I said it's a fairly new car and for that to happen it was very surprising. I said to go ahead with the job but I also asked if he could discount the price a bit because I am a regular of Evans Halshaw and I bought the car from another Evans Halshaw as well (only later I realised I bought from Machargs!! Lol!). Billy said he would see what he could do. Said the car should be ready for pick up at a quarter to four.
I called Matt to update him with the car and he asked if I asked for an oil pressure check. I said I did this morning but forgot to ask at the phone call. He said I should inside in checking out the report and look at the figures looking out for any negative numbers. Negative numbers are signs of gasket problems and will be big problem. Being a little worried I called for Billy again but an Amanda said he was not available to take call, so I left him a question: I asked if the oil pressure check was done and if I could see the report. Amanda said she'd get him to call back. Nothing came of it and there was no call even as I was walking up to the garage. I got the the garage and Billy was with a customer, so Alice served me. I asked about the oil pressure check and she looked at the paperwork. Billy got off a phone call and came over and said the pressure check was done, said the pressure is different at different temperatures, but at 80C it was reading 3.3bars. I said I was concerned for any negative numbers. He said there weren't, which was good!! Phew! He then also said, "I got you a wee discount too." I was quite surprised and said Thanks! Originally it was meant to be £88.50 and the new total cost changed to £67.24!! That is almost a 25% discount!! Amazing!
Originally I was very shocked at hearing the cost of £88.50 but felt it had to be done so I had no choice. Would dent my wallet for sure, but there was no harm in asking for a discount. Didn't expect to get much really, especially after not getting a callback regarding the oil pressure check AND Billy didn't seem that friendly. LOL! But you know what? By God's grace I got a discount of £21.26! I didn't really have to do anything, it was all God's grace and mercy on me. God understood my worries, my financial concerns etc. Once again He has shown me how much He loves me and cares for my needs .=)
"Fuel in oil warning lamp: It will illuminate when the engine oil has been diluted with fuel. have the engine oil changed as soon as possible."
This had me very puzzled. How could fuel get into the engine oil?? I called my local Evans Halshaw to confirm if I could bring the car into the garage tomorrow as they had shut for the day. Guy told me to bring it in first thing in the morning and he was sure Services dept would look at it but he didn't know how busy their schedule was. I then called an instructor friend, Matt, who advised it might have been water getting into fuel tank due to condensation, which is common on diesel for diesel cars. Simple action of releasing a certain part of the tank would drain the built up water. Or it could be a leaking gasket which allowed fuel to get into the oil and that would be a bigger problem, but hopefully not. He advised I could drive home but to try keep the revs low. I was less than a mile from home anyway, so it wasn't so bad. I was very puzzled indeed, but thanked God I was home safely and then went home for dinner. Through the whole night I was very concerned for the car. Though it was still in warranty (only eight months old) I had to lose income from cancelling next day driving lessons. How long would the garage take to fix the problem? There was a storm within me: part of me was worried and disappointed at what happened. The other part of me remained calm and reminded myself of the Lord's Word, that God is in control at all situations and especially of the verse in Luke 12:25 - "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" Mum prayed with me before she went to bed. I prayed also before I went to bed. It was all surrendered to God. I planned to get the car into the garage by 8am sharp.
My alarm went off at 6:55am and I had intended to get up, get washed and have breakfast and do devotionals before going up to the garage. But after snoozing for "five minutes" I ended up getting up at 7:45am!! Shock!! Had no time to do any of my planned things, but instead got changed and rushed out up to the garage. I was the second customer to arrive at the Services desk. The guy Billy Kirk looked familiar. Think he dealt with me before when I went to garage with the AA lease vehicle. He didn't seem quite friendly this morning. Maybe too early for him. Haha! Anyway, I left the key with him and also requested an oil pressure check (in case it was a blown gasket, in which the reading would be in negative). I walked home and spent time at home, showering, breakfast, devotional, mum's customer care workbook, lunch and surfing the net. Truth be told, as time went on I was bored and was checking the time every so often. When will they call for an update? Should I chase up? By 2pm two of my scheduled driving lessons were forsook. One was rescheduled till tomorrow. At 2:06pm Billy called to advise the way they can get the Fuel in oil lamp to go off is to perform a oil filter service. He said diagnostics said the light came on due to deterioration in the oil and triggering the warning light. I asked for the cost of the job he said £88.50 inclusive of VAT and it would not be under warranty. I said it's a fairly new car and for that to happen it was very surprising. I said to go ahead with the job but I also asked if he could discount the price a bit because I am a regular of Evans Halshaw and I bought the car from another Evans Halshaw as well (only later I realised I bought from Machargs!! Lol!). Billy said he would see what he could do. Said the car should be ready for pick up at a quarter to four.
I called Matt to update him with the car and he asked if I asked for an oil pressure check. I said I did this morning but forgot to ask at the phone call. He said I should inside in checking out the report and look at the figures looking out for any negative numbers. Negative numbers are signs of gasket problems and will be big problem. Being a little worried I called for Billy again but an Amanda said he was not available to take call, so I left him a question: I asked if the oil pressure check was done and if I could see the report. Amanda said she'd get him to call back. Nothing came of it and there was no call even as I was walking up to the garage. I got the the garage and Billy was with a customer, so Alice served me. I asked about the oil pressure check and she looked at the paperwork. Billy got off a phone call and came over and said the pressure check was done, said the pressure is different at different temperatures, but at 80C it was reading 3.3bars. I said I was concerned for any negative numbers. He said there weren't, which was good!! Phew! He then also said, "I got you a wee discount too." I was quite surprised and said Thanks! Originally it was meant to be £88.50 and the new total cost changed to £67.24!! That is almost a 25% discount!! Amazing!
Originally I was very shocked at hearing the cost of £88.50 but felt it had to be done so I had no choice. Would dent my wallet for sure, but there was no harm in asking for a discount. Didn't expect to get much really, especially after not getting a callback regarding the oil pressure check AND Billy didn't seem that friendly. LOL! But you know what? By God's grace I got a discount of £21.26! I didn't really have to do anything, it was all God's grace and mercy on me. God understood my worries, my financial concerns etc. Once again He has shown me how much He loves me and cares for my needs .=)
21 April 2011
Grace
I went into Costco today with a letter sent to me waaaay back in September 2010 reminding me to renew my Individual Membership card. I had put it off all this while because I was busy with work and also I didn't have anything that I needed to buy from Costco. With the expired card I was still able to enter and eat at the cafe, their cheap jacket potatoes, pizza slices, hotdogs, shepherd pies etc etc, so there was even less incentive to renew it. Haha! I had just left the renewal letter sitting at the corner of my table for a good number of months. In recent weeks I decided to make that move and renew the membership. I went to Costco recently and saw stuff I'd quite like like the Leatherman tool, Maglite torch, TomTom, basically gadgety stuff. However, without an active card I couldn't make any purchases.
Today after a driving test (of which the pupil passed!), I went to Costco with the renewal letter and the £30 renewal fee. I walked up to the desk and told the girl I was here for renewal. She keyed my information onto the computer and then after a short pause she said, "Oh, it has already been renewed." I was quite surprised and asked her, "Already paid? Oh, when was that?". The assistant said something like the 12th of October. What's more, it wasn't even at the Glasgow branch but the one in Edinburgh. So now the card does not need renewing until end of September. Wow! I was very surprised at this news. The lady collected my letter and I walked away from the desk with my reactivated card and was a little baffled.
This story reminded me of grace. Grace is getting something you do not deserve. Grace is getting something without even having to work for it. Where have we heard of the word Grace before? My earliest knowledge of grace came from the song Amazing Grace, with a message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God. Ladies and gentlemen, it is by God's grace that I am here today, that I can call myself a born-again Christian. Because of God's grace I can live each day knowing I am right with Him and that He loves me regardless of past, present and future sins. I am set free from guilt and condemnation. I do not need to "do" anything to make God love me more. I cannot "do" anything to make Him love me less either!
All this while, I had been thinking that I need to renew my Costco membership and thought if I didn't renew the membership I wouldn't be able to shop in Costco, and that if I entered Costco with an expired card I'd be 'living on the edge' that I might get caught one day. I thought today if I renew my membership, if I paid the price then I'd be free from all that and I'd get my 'freedom' of full membership without any problems. Then I found out at the desk that the price was already paid! All this time I limited my Costco visits, I didn't do any shopping, all the hotdogs and potatoes I missed out on, it was all in vain. The price was already paid and it was all for my taking, yet I was unaware.
Jesus Christ
In Biblical times many people offered sacrifices to God, they burnt offerings, they sacrificed their best livestock and fruits, they kept laws and rules in society and "worked" to gain God's favour, to have their sins cleansed away so they can be right with God. These were in the so-called Old Testament times. Then a man named Jesus entered the world. For over thirty years He lived on Earth among the humans and ate, drank, slept, walked and talked as a human being. He felt the same emotions and temptations as humans did. Yet He also performed miracles and healings which marvelled a lot of people. He was not a magician or a miracle doctor. He was God. He left His Sovereign position and lowered Himself down to Earth to the point of washing His disciples feet. But that was not it. His mission on Earth was to be the ultimate sacrifice between man and God. Once He sacrificed His life all barriers between man and God would be broken. The gap between man and God would be abridged by the cross. Yes, the cross, Jesus was crucified on a cross. He was nailed to the cross through His two hands and His feet and was left there to die, until He breathed His final breath. He paid the ultimate price. From that moment onwards, the relationship between man and God was repaired. We no longer need to sacrifice animals, burnt offerings etc to please God. All we need to do to be right with God, to have the peace in our hearts each day, is to believe that man Jesus actually died for us. If we truly believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus died for us and we allow Him into our lives as Lord and Saviour, this gift of a new life is yours. This freedom from condemnation is yours. You don't have to work very hard to please God, to make sure you get your place in Heaven once you die. If you want this gift all you have to do is accept Jesus into your life.
Don't take my word for it. If you have any queries, questions or uncertainties about Jesus, His life is recorded in the Bible and you will definitely find all the answers you need there. As well as that, you can talk to Christian friends or visit a local church who would be able to explain more about Jesus to you and about the gift of life that He brings.
The good news doesn't end there!! Jesus didn't just die on the cross and that was it. The ultimate proof that He was God was that after three days, he arose from the dead and left to rock tomb he laid in. He appeared to many people before ascending up to Heaven to be at the right hand side of God. That's why Christians celebrate Easter.
It is coming up to Good Friday and it is a time for Christians to remember the death AND resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord. What are you doing this Easter holiday? Will you be working making extra money? Will you be on holiday and chilling out? Will you treat this like every other holiday? I will be reflecting and marvelling on the grace of God on my life and the love, the life, death and ressurrection of Jesus.
Happy Easter! =)
Today after a driving test (of which the pupil passed!), I went to Costco with the renewal letter and the £30 renewal fee. I walked up to the desk and told the girl I was here for renewal. She keyed my information onto the computer and then after a short pause she said, "Oh, it has already been renewed." I was quite surprised and asked her, "Already paid? Oh, when was that?". The assistant said something like the 12th of October. What's more, it wasn't even at the Glasgow branch but the one in Edinburgh. So now the card does not need renewing until end of September. Wow! I was very surprised at this news. The lady collected my letter and I walked away from the desk with my reactivated card and was a little baffled.
This story reminded me of grace. Grace is getting something you do not deserve. Grace is getting something without even having to work for it. Where have we heard of the word Grace before? My earliest knowledge of grace came from the song Amazing Grace, with a message that forgiveness and redemption are possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God. Ladies and gentlemen, it is by God's grace that I am here today, that I can call myself a born-again Christian. Because of God's grace I can live each day knowing I am right with Him and that He loves me regardless of past, present and future sins. I am set free from guilt and condemnation. I do not need to "do" anything to make God love me more. I cannot "do" anything to make Him love me less either!
All this while, I had been thinking that I need to renew my Costco membership and thought if I didn't renew the membership I wouldn't be able to shop in Costco, and that if I entered Costco with an expired card I'd be 'living on the edge' that I might get caught one day. I thought today if I renew my membership, if I paid the price then I'd be free from all that and I'd get my 'freedom' of full membership without any problems. Then I found out at the desk that the price was already paid! All this time I limited my Costco visits, I didn't do any shopping, all the hotdogs and potatoes I missed out on, it was all in vain. The price was already paid and it was all for my taking, yet I was unaware.
Jesus Christ
In Biblical times many people offered sacrifices to God, they burnt offerings, they sacrificed their best livestock and fruits, they kept laws and rules in society and "worked" to gain God's favour, to have their sins cleansed away so they can be right with God. These were in the so-called Old Testament times. Then a man named Jesus entered the world. For over thirty years He lived on Earth among the humans and ate, drank, slept, walked and talked as a human being. He felt the same emotions and temptations as humans did. Yet He also performed miracles and healings which marvelled a lot of people. He was not a magician or a miracle doctor. He was God. He left His Sovereign position and lowered Himself down to Earth to the point of washing His disciples feet. But that was not it. His mission on Earth was to be the ultimate sacrifice between man and God. Once He sacrificed His life all barriers between man and God would be broken. The gap between man and God would be abridged by the cross. Yes, the cross, Jesus was crucified on a cross. He was nailed to the cross through His two hands and His feet and was left there to die, until He breathed His final breath. He paid the ultimate price. From that moment onwards, the relationship between man and God was repaired. We no longer need to sacrifice animals, burnt offerings etc to please God. All we need to do to be right with God, to have the peace in our hearts each day, is to believe that man Jesus actually died for us. If we truly believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths that Jesus died for us and we allow Him into our lives as Lord and Saviour, this gift of a new life is yours. This freedom from condemnation is yours. You don't have to work very hard to please God, to make sure you get your place in Heaven once you die. If you want this gift all you have to do is accept Jesus into your life.
Don't take my word for it. If you have any queries, questions or uncertainties about Jesus, His life is recorded in the Bible and you will definitely find all the answers you need there. As well as that, you can talk to Christian friends or visit a local church who would be able to explain more about Jesus to you and about the gift of life that He brings.
The good news doesn't end there!! Jesus didn't just die on the cross and that was it. The ultimate proof that He was God was that after three days, he arose from the dead and left to rock tomb he laid in. He appeared to many people before ascending up to Heaven to be at the right hand side of God. That's why Christians celebrate Easter.
It is coming up to Good Friday and it is a time for Christians to remember the death AND resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord. What are you doing this Easter holiday? Will you be working making extra money? Will you be on holiday and chilling out? Will you treat this like every other holiday? I will be reflecting and marvelling on the grace of God on my life and the love, the life, death and ressurrection of Jesus.
Happy Easter! =)
10 March 2011
Hate the sin, love the sinner
The above phrase "Hate the sin, love the sinner" replayed in my head a few times yesterday and today. I think I started thinking about some stuff after a conversation on last night in fact. Was quite random but still thought-provoking. Then I realised why I've been feeling the way I've been feeling recently. And a wee voice reminded me of the above phrase, telling me to live it out, not just to recite it. Yes, Lord, I will. I will make changes with Your help =)
Then tonight an unplanned visit to cell group had me join the group as they studied the Beatitudes taken from Matthew's gospel chapter 5 verses 3 through to 11. We looked at verse 9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
So we discussed what being a peacemaker is like, where does the peace come from? Many people see peace as absence of conflict, absence of war etc. Jesus gave us the peace, the Shalom. With this peace we should become peacemakers. In order to do this we i) need to find peace within ourselves. Some of us have issues with self worth and/or we blame ourselves for things. ii) we need to sort out bitterness with each other. iii) we need peace with God. Through Christ Jesus we are peace with God so we should strive to maintain a healthy relationship and walk with God.
It was the second point that really struck me. It really tied in with the phrase at the start of this post. I think there has been some bitterness inside me from recent events. A grudge of some sort. And these negative things actually get in the way between us and God. Between me and God. And you know what? Right at this very moment I recall my devotional time with God this morning. It talked about the Lord's prayer where Jesus taught us to say "Lead us not to temptation but deliver us from evil." (Matt. 6:13) The devotional sharing extract I read:
"Keep in mind too that the devil will take full advantage of any bitterness in us. That is why total forgiveness is essential if we are to be delivered from his [devil's] power. Satan exploits bitterness and grudges. Paul said, 'I have forgiven in the sight of Christ... in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes' (2 Corinthians 2: 10-11). As the New Living Bible puts it, 'A further reason for forgiveness is to keep from being outsmarted by Satan.'" - from "The Excellent Way", R.T. Kendall, 9 March 2011.
It's amazing how God can speak to us through so many different channels. For me it was a phone conversation that kicked it off and had me thinking about stuff inside. Then it was my personal time with God, again reminding me about bitterness. And then in a group setting where I study God's Word with fellow brothers and sisters in cell group. How amazing is that!
My prayer
The message is loud and clear God! Submit the bitterness and negativity over to You and let You take them all away. Forgive me Lord for holding anything back and letting these things get in the way between me and You and between me and others. Please help others to also forgive me and not feel bitterness towards me either, nor block me from Facebook. Yes, Lord, you know this is something that hurts me and I know I have done wrong and sinned against You too. I should not view such thing as important or more important than the security inside of me knowing I have been forgiven by You and that's what matters most. I should not care about other people's opinions of me but care about what You think of me the most. Thank You, Lord for Your love, grace and mercy. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Then tonight an unplanned visit to cell group had me join the group as they studied the Beatitudes taken from Matthew's gospel chapter 5 verses 3 through to 11. We looked at verse 9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
So we discussed what being a peacemaker is like, where does the peace come from? Many people see peace as absence of conflict, absence of war etc. Jesus gave us the peace, the Shalom. With this peace we should become peacemakers. In order to do this we i) need to find peace within ourselves. Some of us have issues with self worth and/or we blame ourselves for things. ii) we need to sort out bitterness with each other. iii) we need peace with God. Through Christ Jesus we are peace with God so we should strive to maintain a healthy relationship and walk with God.
It was the second point that really struck me. It really tied in with the phrase at the start of this post. I think there has been some bitterness inside me from recent events. A grudge of some sort. And these negative things actually get in the way between us and God. Between me and God. And you know what? Right at this very moment I recall my devotional time with God this morning. It talked about the Lord's prayer where Jesus taught us to say "Lead us not to temptation but deliver us from evil." (Matt. 6:13) The devotional sharing extract I read:
"Keep in mind too that the devil will take full advantage of any bitterness in us. That is why total forgiveness is essential if we are to be delivered from his [devil's] power. Satan exploits bitterness and grudges. Paul said, 'I have forgiven in the sight of Christ... in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes' (2 Corinthians 2: 10-11). As the New Living Bible puts it, 'A further reason for forgiveness is to keep from being outsmarted by Satan.'" - from "The Excellent Way", R.T. Kendall, 9 March 2011.
It's amazing how God can speak to us through so many different channels. For me it was a phone conversation that kicked it off and had me thinking about stuff inside. Then it was my personal time with God, again reminding me about bitterness. And then in a group setting where I study God's Word with fellow brothers and sisters in cell group. How amazing is that!
My prayer
The message is loud and clear God! Submit the bitterness and negativity over to You and let You take them all away. Forgive me Lord for holding anything back and letting these things get in the way between me and You and between me and others. Please help others to also forgive me and not feel bitterness towards me either, nor block me from Facebook. Yes, Lord, you know this is something that hurts me and I know I have done wrong and sinned against You too. I should not view such thing as important or more important than the security inside of me knowing I have been forgiven by You and that's what matters most. I should not care about other people's opinions of me but care about what You think of me the most. Thank You, Lord for Your love, grace and mercy. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
05 March 2011
Reflexes
I thank God for quick reflexes on Tuesday morning. I was on a driving lesson and pupil was driving on the Finnieston roundabout. We just came off the A814 dual carriageway behind PC World and followed signs for Clydebank which loops back around the light-controlled roundabout and back onto the dual carriageway slip road. Our car was on lane two (A814 & SECC), which after turning right became lane one and headed towards the SECC slip road and the acceleration lane for A814. As we were gaining speed towards the A814, minding our own business, a black coloured Volkswagen Touran suddenly appeared from the right lane and cut right in front of us!! In a flash I saw the black vehicle appear at the corner of my right eye and then immediately appear in front of us cutting diagonally in front of us and stopped on the side of the road. Initial response was to jump onto the spare brake and clutch, just a split second before my pupil pressed his.
The car stopped abruptly and I thank God there was no other car behind us at that point otherwise there could have been a nasty accident because of the Volkswagen! A few cars around us kinda saw what happened and some slowed down to check us out whilst slowly driving on. We started to move off again after being stationary for what felt like a looong time (we didn't stall so that was a bonus) and headed forwards to our slip road ahead, hoping to get a look at the driver of the Volkswagen. But it drove off before we got the chance to see anything.
With hearts pounding we drove on and continued with the lesson. Bad driving. Totally unncessary to cut our lane like that. However, it gave us a real-life topic on lane discipline and expecting the unexpected. Also was a great testimony to God the Father who overlooks everything and blesses us and protects us. Hallelujah!
The car stopped abruptly and I thank God there was no other car behind us at that point otherwise there could have been a nasty accident because of the Volkswagen! A few cars around us kinda saw what happened and some slowed down to check us out whilst slowly driving on. We started to move off again after being stationary for what felt like a looong time (we didn't stall so that was a bonus) and headed forwards to our slip road ahead, hoping to get a look at the driver of the Volkswagen. But it drove off before we got the chance to see anything.
With hearts pounding we drove on and continued with the lesson. Bad driving. Totally unncessary to cut our lane like that. However, it gave us a real-life topic on lane discipline and expecting the unexpected. Also was a great testimony to God the Father who overlooks everything and blesses us and protects us. Hallelujah!
01 March 2011
Feeling blessed
Hey all, have been wanting to provide an update for ages but have been soooo busy in the past one week! There are lots to give thanks to God for as well!
Monday
This week saw my final two days as a franchised instructor and so on Monday and Tuesday I still gave lessons in the Ford Focus. At the end of my first driving lesson (a two-hour lesson between 10am-12pm) my pupil gave me two bottles of mineral water. The weather was hot and she could sympathise with me about having to speak so much for so long etc. Initially I declined and told her I had water in my boot but when she insisted and ran inside her house to get them for me AND opened the lid of one of them for me, I knew she really meant it and cared. I showed appreciation by drinking some of the water and then continued with the lesson debrief. Oh, before anybody thinks anything else, she is a married woman, a family friend. Haha!! =D
I came home for some lunch before next driving lesson just after 2pm in preparation for a driving test at half past three. Was halfway eating my lunch when the buzzer went quite loudly. It was the ParcelForce courier with my roof sign for the car!! Praise God for the great timing. Last time the same company sent me something through ParcelForce I wasn't in and had to pick it up from the local post office. This roof sign was much bigger to carry so having the guy bring it up was much more convenient. =)
The pupil sitting her driving test was feeling a little nervous, naturally. It was still a very hot day with the sunshine blazing down. I offered her the bottle of unopened water that I put in the boot. I bless as I was blessed =) Just before we entered into the test centre I suggested we pray together and ask the Lord to be with my pupil. We prayed in the car park and we went inside the test centre. She went for the test whilst I waited inside the waiting room, all by myself, no other candidates taking tests at that time which was strange. I was praying, I was walking about, I was feeling very excited yet also nervous for the pupil. The car returned and I was near enough the car to see the examiner's mouth mouth to say "pass" and my pupil's happy reaction confirmed this word! Yaaasss!! I was so delighted!! I quickly said a prayer to God to thank Him for such great day and great result. First time pass for my pupil, what a great way to finish off the term with the francise eh? =)
Tuesday
Halfway through my morning lesson at 11am I noticed a strange noise each the car moved. It sounded like something was stuck on the nearside front tyre (passenger front), maybe a stone or something, and it made a strange scratching noise each time the wheel turned. So I got out of the car to check and low and behold there was indeed a foreign body embedded in the tyre. Not a stone or glass or anything I could remove. But a big metal screw, which went right through the tyre and was too deep to pull out. I thought it looked like if I had managed to take it out the tyre would deflate right away. So for health and safety reasons I terminated the lesson, sent pupil home slowly and carefully and then made my way to Maryhill Road Kwik-Fit. The tyre repair was carried out through Lombard account so was not out of my pocket, however, this Kwik-Fit was very busy with about six other cars ahead of me in the queue. So I ended up waiting three hours before the car was picked up. Had to reschedule my 1-3pm lesson until 7:30pm-9pm so therefore finished really late with the Focus. Not to worry, I was very grateful that the car was safe enough to drive and to teach in =)
Wednesday
I had been chasing up the AA for a letter confirming that during my time with the franchise that I've never had any accidents nor made any claims. This letter would go towards my No Claims bonus which applies when I took out driving tuition insurance. After three phone calls and two emails the letter really arrived yesterday morning and so I was thankful that this could be processed as the temporary insurance cover would run till 3rd April and the letter should arrive before then. So at least that is out of the way. Again, I prayed about this matter and gave it unto the Lord as I could do no more besides calling and sending emails.
Also want to thank God for keeping me safe at a roundabout as well. Was almost involved in a collision with a green truck at a roundabout. Keep your wits about you people. Just a concentration lapse of even two seconds could result in bad consequences!
Today
I popped in to Euro Car Parts today just for a wander round. Was my first time visiting and I had expected it to be like a Halfords. But it was much much smaller and the stuff they sold I didn't want or needed, like car mats, car cleaning gear, different oils, car parts like screws, and various different stuff. It was when I walked over to the accessories part that I saw again some power socket extension things. I had considered getting one from Halfords the other days as the Fiesta only has one power socket outlet compared to the two in the Focus. So I had thought about maybe getting a 2in1 or a 3in1 outlet, however wanted to really have enough stuff to plug in before getting it. Currently I only have a sat nav that needs occasionally charging up. Don't have any other need for power socket otherwise. However, I saw a pretty smart looking 2in1 power socket extension and asked the guy for the price. He checked the system then confirmed it was £4.99. I went back to the car to get cash. Upon my return I waited in a queue for a few minutes before I reached the front. Same guy served me. I gave him money to pay. After a short moment of pressing buttons on the system, he handed me back my money. "You can have this back", he said, "and you can take this. Merry Christmas." I was surprised. "Really? Why?", I asked. "Yes, we don't have this item on stock anymore." (probably meaning he cannot price it or charge me anymore or something??) "Oh right, thanks! But are you sure?!" I asked again. "Yes, unless you want to put something into this?". He lifted up a charity collection tub. I put in a coin and I thanked the guy again and made my way out with my new product for the car. Totally felt loved by God and really blessed by Him. What a nice surprise!! =D
Because of Tuesday's tyre incident, it started making me think what would happen if the same happened to my new car, the Fiesta. I would not have a tyre to change into as the new cars do not come with a spare tyre but just a tyre inflation kit which is not exactly the most practical or reliable way to repair a tyre once it is damaged. So I had a nice instructor friend Stephen who suggested I look online for used alloy wheels sold in eBay and in fact he took a look at the wheels for me whilst I was working late Tuesday and couldn't get access to a computer. So I went ahead to buy one. I did not hear anything from the Seller after I paid for it. So last night I emailed the Seller to ask for an update on the order. This morning he advised the wheel was sent out and gave me a tracking code. I did not see which courier the tracking code was for. It was this afternoon after 3pm when I was at home doing more admin and paperwork that the buzzer went really loudly and prolonged. Mum picked up the intercom and the guy said there was a parcel for me. It was a man from UPS carrying a big round and heavy-looking parcel all wrapped in layers of bubble wrap. He was delighted I was in to collect the parcel and went away happily after I signed for it. Thank God again that I was at home. His timing is the best. Had I not been in the delivery guy would have only left me a card and I would have had to pick the parcel up elsewhere. How inconvenient! The wheel is in my hallway now and I have not had the chance to open the packaging for a proper look. However, I am thankful it is here now.
I look forward to many more blessings from God for the rest of this weekend =)
Monday
This week saw my final two days as a franchised instructor and so on Monday and Tuesday I still gave lessons in the Ford Focus. At the end of my first driving lesson (a two-hour lesson between 10am-12pm) my pupil gave me two bottles of mineral water. The weather was hot and she could sympathise with me about having to speak so much for so long etc. Initially I declined and told her I had water in my boot but when she insisted and ran inside her house to get them for me AND opened the lid of one of them for me, I knew she really meant it and cared. I showed appreciation by drinking some of the water and then continued with the lesson debrief. Oh, before anybody thinks anything else, she is a married woman, a family friend. Haha!! =D
I came home for some lunch before next driving lesson just after 2pm in preparation for a driving test at half past three. Was halfway eating my lunch when the buzzer went quite loudly. It was the ParcelForce courier with my roof sign for the car!! Praise God for the great timing. Last time the same company sent me something through ParcelForce I wasn't in and had to pick it up from the local post office. This roof sign was much bigger to carry so having the guy bring it up was much more convenient. =)
The pupil sitting her driving test was feeling a little nervous, naturally. It was still a very hot day with the sunshine blazing down. I offered her the bottle of unopened water that I put in the boot. I bless as I was blessed =) Just before we entered into the test centre I suggested we pray together and ask the Lord to be with my pupil. We prayed in the car park and we went inside the test centre. She went for the test whilst I waited inside the waiting room, all by myself, no other candidates taking tests at that time which was strange. I was praying, I was walking about, I was feeling very excited yet also nervous for the pupil. The car returned and I was near enough the car to see the examiner's mouth mouth to say "pass" and my pupil's happy reaction confirmed this word! Yaaasss!! I was so delighted!! I quickly said a prayer to God to thank Him for such great day and great result. First time pass for my pupil, what a great way to finish off the term with the francise eh? =)
Tuesday
Halfway through my morning lesson at 11am I noticed a strange noise each the car moved. It sounded like something was stuck on the nearside front tyre (passenger front), maybe a stone or something, and it made a strange scratching noise each time the wheel turned. So I got out of the car to check and low and behold there was indeed a foreign body embedded in the tyre. Not a stone or glass or anything I could remove. But a big metal screw, which went right through the tyre and was too deep to pull out. I thought it looked like if I had managed to take it out the tyre would deflate right away. So for health and safety reasons I terminated the lesson, sent pupil home slowly and carefully and then made my way to Maryhill Road Kwik-Fit. The tyre repair was carried out through Lombard account so was not out of my pocket, however, this Kwik-Fit was very busy with about six other cars ahead of me in the queue. So I ended up waiting three hours before the car was picked up. Had to reschedule my 1-3pm lesson until 7:30pm-9pm so therefore finished really late with the Focus. Not to worry, I was very grateful that the car was safe enough to drive and to teach in =)
Wednesday
I had been chasing up the AA for a letter confirming that during my time with the franchise that I've never had any accidents nor made any claims. This letter would go towards my No Claims bonus which applies when I took out driving tuition insurance. After three phone calls and two emails the letter really arrived yesterday morning and so I was thankful that this could be processed as the temporary insurance cover would run till 3rd April and the letter should arrive before then. So at least that is out of the way. Again, I prayed about this matter and gave it unto the Lord as I could do no more besides calling and sending emails.
Also want to thank God for keeping me safe at a roundabout as well. Was almost involved in a collision with a green truck at a roundabout. Keep your wits about you people. Just a concentration lapse of even two seconds could result in bad consequences!
Today
I popped in to Euro Car Parts today just for a wander round. Was my first time visiting and I had expected it to be like a Halfords. But it was much much smaller and the stuff they sold I didn't want or needed, like car mats, car cleaning gear, different oils, car parts like screws, and various different stuff. It was when I walked over to the accessories part that I saw again some power socket extension things. I had considered getting one from Halfords the other days as the Fiesta only has one power socket outlet compared to the two in the Focus. So I had thought about maybe getting a 2in1 or a 3in1 outlet, however wanted to really have enough stuff to plug in before getting it. Currently I only have a sat nav that needs occasionally charging up. Don't have any other need for power socket otherwise. However, I saw a pretty smart looking 2in1 power socket extension and asked the guy for the price. He checked the system then confirmed it was £4.99. I went back to the car to get cash. Upon my return I waited in a queue for a few minutes before I reached the front. Same guy served me. I gave him money to pay. After a short moment of pressing buttons on the system, he handed me back my money. "You can have this back", he said, "and you can take this. Merry Christmas." I was surprised. "Really? Why?", I asked. "Yes, we don't have this item on stock anymore." (probably meaning he cannot price it or charge me anymore or something??) "Oh right, thanks! But are you sure?!" I asked again. "Yes, unless you want to put something into this?". He lifted up a charity collection tub. I put in a coin and I thanked the guy again and made my way out with my new product for the car. Totally felt loved by God and really blessed by Him. What a nice surprise!! =D
Because of Tuesday's tyre incident, it started making me think what would happen if the same happened to my new car, the Fiesta. I would not have a tyre to change into as the new cars do not come with a spare tyre but just a tyre inflation kit which is not exactly the most practical or reliable way to repair a tyre once it is damaged. So I had a nice instructor friend Stephen who suggested I look online for used alloy wheels sold in eBay and in fact he took a look at the wheels for me whilst I was working late Tuesday and couldn't get access to a computer. So I went ahead to buy one. I did not hear anything from the Seller after I paid for it. So last night I emailed the Seller to ask for an update on the order. This morning he advised the wheel was sent out and gave me a tracking code. I did not see which courier the tracking code was for. It was this afternoon after 3pm when I was at home doing more admin and paperwork that the buzzer went really loudly and prolonged. Mum picked up the intercom and the guy said there was a parcel for me. It was a man from UPS carrying a big round and heavy-looking parcel all wrapped in layers of bubble wrap. He was delighted I was in to collect the parcel and went away happily after I signed for it. Thank God again that I was at home. His timing is the best. Had I not been in the delivery guy would have only left me a card and I would have had to pick the parcel up elsewhere. How inconvenient! The wheel is in my hallway now and I have not had the chance to open the packaging for a proper look. However, I am thankful it is here now.
I look forward to many more blessings from God for the rest of this weekend =)
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