"Did you feel the mountains tremble?" lyrics

Did you feel the mountains tremble?
Did you hear the oceans roar?
When the people rose to sing of Jesus Christ the risen one.

Did you feel the people tremble?
Did you hear the singers roar?
When the lost began to sing of Jesus Christ the saving one.

And we can see that God you're moving
A mighty river through the nations
And young and old will turn to Jesus
Fling wide you heavenly gates
Prepare the way of the risen Lord

Open up the doors and let the music play
Let the streets resound with singing
Songs that bring your hope
Songs that bring your joy
Dancers who dance upon injustice.

Do you feel the darkness tremble?
When all the saints join in one song.
And all the streams flow as one river
To wash away our brokenness.

And here we see that God you're moving.
A time of jubilee is coming
When young and old return to Jesus
Fling wide you heavenly gates.
Prepare the way of the risen Lord

"Better is One Day" -- Chris Tomlin

Better Is One Day Lyrics -- Chris Tomlin

Complimentary "Better Is One Day" Ringtone

How lovely is
Your dwelling place
Oh Lord Almighty,
For my soul longs
And even faints
For You
Oh, here my heart
Is satisfied (is satisfied)
Within Your presence
I sing beneath
The shadow of
Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Than thousands elsewhere)

One thing I ask,
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells
(One thing I ask)
One thing I ask
And I would seek,
To see Your beauty
To find You in
The place Your glory dwells

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(Better is one day)
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

(My heart and flesh cry out)
My heart and flesh cry out
For You, the Living God
Your Spirit's water for my soul
I've tasted, and I've seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
I will draw near to You
To You

Better is one day
Better is one day
Better is one day
Than thousands elsewhere
(2x)
Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere
(4X)
Yeah, than thousands elsewhere (Yeah)
Oh, than thousands elsewhere

Bible - Romans verse

I have always really enjoyed learning from the book of Romans, it's very philosophical and compact with principles.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

Hard Conversations

A while ago my car got broken into, TWICE within the same week. The M.O. being similar (crack passenger side window) and both times occurred when I parked my car out front on a Sunday night.

The first time, I just blamed myself for being careless with leaving the GPS attachment visible on the window (and leaving the GPS unit in the glove compartment), resulting in it got stolen, along with all the attachment accessories. The thief also took quite a few merchandises out of my car since I just came back from a trip to the shopping mall.

However, it's not until the second time that they broke into my car, dislodged my window, cut out my CD player, took my roller blades, tennis rackets, and swimming gear, etc. that totally *ENRAGED* me. This time I didn't hesitate, and drove straight to the police station, insist that they take down the finger prints (yes, the idiots left clear prints on the window). I also proceeded to vow to catch him/her. Thus I went as far as trying to track down the GPS unit on eBay, and narrowed it down to one suspect seller, managed to get in contact and brought the policemen to their door! Now it didn't turn out to be the thief that stole my unit, but that's besides the point. I realized that I am the determined type to protect MY things all the way to the end. Until I've exhausted my resources and detective routes, one has to protect one's own interest, nobody else will put in more effort than you yourself.

Something of more gravity similar happened in my life more recently. I was angry, sad, and upset initially. But now that the "dust has settled" (so to speak), I am determined to no longer run away but face the situation head on. I am not the type to try to "smooth things" over when the situation is so grave, I am mentally preparing myself to face the challenge and deal with it, so that I can move on with my life, and start the healing process.

It's been some time since I've calmed down and reflected on the whole situation. I know objectively what had happened and what the mentalities involved were. I know where everyone stands and what their current mentality is. However, it's clear in my mind that the situation is severe enough that I don't think "smooth it over" will be the right solution. It needs to have a clear cut closure so that everybody can move on.

I have come to the realization that I am not the type to run away from difficulty, I am more likely to rise to the challenge and figure out a way to deal with it. I only pray that God will give me the strength and the wisdom to handle the aftermath of the situation properly, so that I am just and objective and maintain a cool head.

spiritual decompression

Last night's reading from "Our Daily Bread" (Aug 26, 2007 entry) was an entry written on spiritual decompression. The author used the example of DCS (Decompression Sickness/Caisson Disease), a common sense phenomenon, to illustrate the need of mental /spiritual gradual decompression as well. I thought it was insightful and quite interesting (yes, I am a big Nerd! "Smart is Sexy" is always my model).

a decompression chamber would eliminate the sickness entirely by allowing the body enough time to re-pressurize. Similarly, some times I feel that I need some time alone and space to think and reflect on things..

the "tipping point" in ODB

It's been a few weeks since I opened my "Our Daily Bread" guide, today's (8/23/2007) article is very thought provoking since it somewhat parallels my personal/spiritual life.

---

August 23, 2007

The Tipping Point

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Romans 12:1-8

Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. —Romans 12:1

In his book The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell observes that struggling businesses are often turned around by one key decision. Many once-foundering companies are now thriving and successful because of a choice that became the tipping point.

Although targeted to those in business management, the principle also applies to those who are committed to advancing the cause of Christ. Sometimes we find ourselves up against a wall, struggling with a decision or situation that threatens to cripple our capacity for effective service to our King. It’s at those critical junctures that we can make a “tipping point” decision to turn things around.

The decision? Surrender your will and heart to God. James 4:7 says, “Submit to God,” and Romans 12:1 tells us, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.” Be willing to sacrifice your agenda for His greater purposes.

What if Noah had told God, “I don’t do boats!” What if Joseph had not forgiven his brothers and failed to protect them from the life-threatening famine? Or what if Jesus had refused to die on the cross?

Surrender is the tipping point. When we make that choice, God can use us to do great things for Him. —Joe Stowell

Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine.
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender, Lord—in me abide. —Orr
© 1986 Word Music

Surrender becomes victory when we yield to God.

scripture verses..

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." - 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV).

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

Mark 10:27

seek ye first thy kingdom of God

Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)

33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Matthew 6:33 (King James Version)
33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

---

Matthew 7:7 (King James Version)
7Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

---

read Matthew 7 (KJV)

---

Seek Ye First

C      Em       Am         Em
Seek ye first the kingdom of God
 Dm7     C        G    G7
And His righteousness
 C              Em            Am         Em
And all these things shall be added unto you
Dm7  C       G C
Allelu, alleluia

Man does not live by bread alone
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God
Allelu, alleluia

Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you
Allelu, alleluia

Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things shall be added unto you
Allelu, alleluia

©1972, Maranatha! Music
Words and Music by Karen Lafferty

Thy Word

Another great song where the chorus line stays in my memory, always there to remind me where to look for guidance and wisdom. the song "Thy Word" can be heard via MP3: here.

NIV verse: Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.

KJV verse: Psalm 119:105 King James Version (KJV)
105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

song lyric:

Thy Word

Thy Word is a lamp onto my feet
And a light onto my path
Thy Word is a lamp onto my feet
And a light onto my path

When I feel afraid
Think I've lost my way
Still, you're right there beside me
And nothing will I fear
As long as You are near
Please be near me to the end

Thy Word is a lamp onto my feet
And a light onto my path
Thy Word is a lamp onto my feet
And a light onto my path

I will not forget
Your love for me, and yet
My heart forever is wandering
And, Jesus be my guide
And, hold me to your side
And, I will love You to the end.

Thy Word is a lamp onto my feet
And a light onto my path
Thy Word is a lamp onto my feet
And a light onto my path

Copyright 1984, Meadowgreen Music.

more encouraging bible verses

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.

---

1 Corinthians 10:12-13
12So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

---

Psalm 73:21-28

21 When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,

22 I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.

23 Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.

24 You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

27 Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28 But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

---

Revisit to the "Father's Love Letter" from May 22, 2007 post.

psalm 139

Psalm 139

1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, ^[a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to ^[b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 139:8 Hebrew Sheol
2. Psalm 139:17 Or concerning

trials and perseverance + verses

James 1:2-8, 12-18

Trials and Temptations

2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

(9-11)

12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

---

1 John 1:9

9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

---

Psalm 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is always before me.

4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are proved right when you speak
and justified when you judge.

5 Surely I was sinful at birth,
sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts ^[a] ;
you teach ^[b] me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will turn back to you.

14 Save me from bloodguilt, O God,
the God who saves me,
and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

17 The sacrifices of God are ^[c] a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart,
O God, you will not despise.

18 In your good pleasure make Zion prosper;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

Footnotes:

1. Psalm 51:6 The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.
2. Psalm 51:6 Or you desired?; / you taught
3. Psalm 51:17 Or My sacrifice, O God, is

Refiner's Fire + Amazing Grace

"Refiner's Fire" is a song I know well by heart, since I have been singing it growing up in fellowship. It has always been one of my favourites, not some hip songs that comes and goes, but along with "Amazing Grace", they are the classic staples of one's spiritual well-being. These along with certain verses in the Holy Bible are what one comes back to at times of trial and perseverance in life.

Vineyard Lyrics - Refiner's Fire Lyrics

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will

Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within

---

Amazing Grace Lyrics

John Newton (1725-1807)
Stanza 6 anon.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

eyes on Him + verses

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. ^[a]

Footnotes:

1. Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths

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2 Corinthians 12:9-10

9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

---

1 Peter 1:4-8

4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,
5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
7These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

---

Philippians 3:13-14
"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and
straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward
the goal to win the prize for which God has called me
heaven ward in Christ Jesus."

The Father's Love Letter

My Child ...
You may not know me, but I know everything about you.	Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up.	Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways.	Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.	Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image.	Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being.	Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring.	Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived.	Jeremiah 1:4-5
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.	1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.	1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.	Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father.	Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.	James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.	Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.	Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love.	Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.	Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing.	Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you.	Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession.	Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.	Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things.	Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.	Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.	Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires.	Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.	Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager.	2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.	2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.	Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.	Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.	Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.	Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.	John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.	John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being.	Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.	Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.	2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.	2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.	1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.	Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.	1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.	Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.	Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father.	Ephesians3:14-15
My question is…Will you be my child?	John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you.	Luke 15:11-32
-- Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

$0.03 humbling experience

God never fails to teach his lessons, even if the "worldly value" is only 3 cents, but the value of the lesson is immeasurable.

First thing this morning I decided to read a random entry on another friend's blog, and her personal experience is similar. Not knowing that I have a life experience lesson coming up, I went about my day encouraged by her note, but still, it's like "in one ear out one ear" type of thing. Today, just as I was getting comfortable in my spiritual life, and is complacent with my personal development, God never fails to show me new ways.

That is, until I had my 0.03 experience. I am grateful of the lesson He taught me, and the beauty of human kindness shining through a small incident like that. I believe today will mark an indelible imprint on my personal/spiritual journey.

And that's my 3 cent story...

which bible?

I am thinking about getting a new bible, been debating between the "Life Application bible" (Hardcover) or (Burgandy leather bond) and the "Study Bible" Personal size (hardcover), both NIV and by Zondervan. Here are my considerations:

- version: NIV for sure
- Christ's words in red
- not too big (but I understand that most study bibles are bulky)
- prefer thumb indexed (these are not that frequent in latest editions for some reason, very useful)
- maps and explanations..
- I like the "study bible" due to the amount of extra material and information contained within. However, I heard the "Life Application bible" is more applicable when you do personal studies and is good for trying to relate to your daily life tasks.

so for folks who has experience with either one of these, can you please let me know about the pros/cons of each? and what your thoughts are?

thanks in adv..

where your Treasure is...

Treasures in Heaven

19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:19-21

This past Sunday's message at GrX centered around where your treasure is. if you have the chance, please listen to the audio online.

"Your Beloved"

Sang this song at a small group study the other day, really liked it. Lyrics below:

Your Beloved - By the Tree

Lord it was You who
Created the heavens
Lord it was Your hand
That put the stars in their place

Lord it was Your voice
That commands the morning
Even oceans and their waves
Bow at your feet

Bridge
Lord who am I
compared to your glory ( Oh Lord)
Lord Who am I
compared to your majesty

Chorus
I am your beloved
Your creation
And You love me as I am
You've called me choosen
for Your kingdom
Unashamed to call me Your own
I'm Your beloved

Amazing Grace

a friend forwarded this image to me yesterday, amazing. Brings to mind the song "Amazing Grace", which I have been singing since my childhood..

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found.
’Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear.
and grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed.

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun.

Amazing grace, ohh how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found,
was blind but now I see....