I've found a friend who died for me

Hellos;) You all doing fine?

I would like to share my quiet time with you.
From Psalms 100, i learn that we are to give thanks to the Lord for everything everyday. 5mins a day will do.
Thank him for his guidance , goodness , faithfulness and even times of discipline.
Although you may say that this is all common sense, but think about it, how often do we stop thinking about the situation or ourselves and start thanking the one who has made everything possible, God Almighty.
And also, thank you Earthly parents for what they have done also. They have sacrifice alot behind the scene even when they seem uncaring.

“Against all odds”

When considering the many dramatic victories recorded in the Bible, many of us will immediately think of David and Goliath. I’m sure you remember that story of a bold, young shepherd who took down a huge Philistine warrior using a slingshot and a ton of confidence in God (1 Samuel 17:1-50). Most of us forget, however, that before David killed the giant, Jonathan (who would become one of David’s closest friends), displayed a similar level of courage and trust.

Here’s the setting: The army of Israel was in a dangerous bind. The Philistines had assembled a mighty military force that was armed to the teeth and ready to fight. Unarmed and outnumbered by thousands, the men of Israel fled to the hills and hid in caves (1 Samuel 13:6-7).

Eventually Jonathan, the son of Israel’s king, got tired of living in fear and decided to take action on his own. He and his armor bearer challenged a Philistine outpost that was strategically positioned high on a cliff. At first glance, it looked like a suicide mission. But Jonathan’s view was “nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” (1 Samuel 14:6). Through a miraculous chain of events, Jonathan and his companion overtook the Philistine outpost (vv.8-14). Their victory triggered a major panic that swept through the entire Philistine army and led to their defeat (vv.15-20).

Against all odds, God rescued Israel that day. It may not be as obviously dramatic, but God will sometime call us into situations where the odds will seem to be stacked against us. Why all the drama and suspense? Perhaps to increase our awe and confidence in Him. For the one who wins the battle is God—not us.

—Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey

1 Peter 3:15 - "but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;"

“Borrow me”

The Malmö Library in Sweden has allowed its patrons to borrow live human beings, instead of just books. The Living Library project featured nine people including an iman, a gypsy, and a journalist. Library members could check out the person for a 45-minute conversation at the library’s café to learn more about him or her.

As Christians, people around us are “checking us out” all the time—especially friends who might not share our faith. That’s why Peter advises, “If someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it” (1 Peter 3:15).

And, he reminds us to “do this in a gentle and respectful way” (v.16). He wants us to share our faith in love, not with a judgmental, “I’m right and you’re not” approach. After all, it was because of God’s love that that He gave “His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Our friends may become interested in God’s offer of eternal life when they see how our faith influences our everyday living. When we “don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world” (Romans 12:2), people notice! Although it’s not about appearing perfect, it is about living to please God and letting the “Holy Spirit guide [our] lives” (Galatians 5:16).

Even when we’re doing okay spiritually, it’s a little scary to think about sharing our beliefs with friends. That’s why we need to pray for openness and trust that “even if [we] suffer for doing what is right, God will reward [us] for it” (1 Peter 3:14).

I don’t know about you, but I want to be ready to share my faith with kindness. Until then, I’ll strive to live in a way that makes me the first to volunteer, “Borrow me!” when it comes to speaking up for Jesus.

—Jennifer Benson Schuldt, Our Daily Journey

Birthdays!♥