The pure, simple, fundamental message of the Gospel is beautifully presented

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I recently listened to the song called “Beautiful Things” by Gungor (http://www.gungormusic.com) on radio and absolutely love it. I happen to find an Youtube video with powerful message features this song, using cardboard testimonies.

Thank you God for “making beautiful things out of us.”

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Beautiful Things

All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make me new, You are making me new

We made it to Taoyuan safely, people and luggages. It was drizzle when we landed, and we could feel the heavy humidity in the air. It also felt a bit chilly from the cool breeze blew in. We were concerned how to fit all people with 3-4 pieces of luggage each into the two mini vans that they showed up. But all fit in quite comfortably. It’s a miracle in itself After being treated with homecook Pho, we rested up a little bit and started rehearsing for the Christmas program which would start in just few hours.

I found an acoustic guitar in the closet, and it was way out of tune. As I almost finished tuning it up, the first E-string snapped. The pastor of the local church then drove me to the shop and got the replacement string. Fortunately, the shop was still open and we were their last customer. It was strange they sell by single string rather the whole set.

Rain had stopped and the gray clouds cleared up. “It’s a good sign. God prepares for this” the pastor told me. He continues: “It’s been raining a lot and we haven’t seen the sun for 2 days. It’s hard for people to come because they don’t have time. When weather is bad, it’s even harder. So this is great that the rain has stopped.” He then continue told me the lives of the Vietnamese people here. They typically work 12-16 hours shift as required in their contract. The other 8 hours are their sleeping time or personal time. To attend church, or having personal time would mean they will have to sleep less.

The empty seats started to fill. We had about 30-35 young people showed up in this small room, or more like a 2-car garage in the US.  We started to introduce to get to know each other. Some read our advertisement in the magazine and came, hoping to connect with other Vietnamese people. Some were invited by friends. Some were first time comers. They were all excited to be here.  Few ice-breaker games helped them getting comfortable, we began to sing many familiar Christmas carols together. Temperature dropped faster after dark and it got a bit more chilly. There wasn’t central heat, nor insulated wall, but gathering around couple electric space heaters, they listened to the songs and the message.

We got 4 souls saved tonight. My heart was rejoycing for them, and I’m sure heaven must had a huge celebration tonight. They stayed with us a little longer, ate dinner, talked more, laughed more, and got to know each other a little bit more. Then some had to leave to go straight to work. Others have to take buses or ride a long way home. Though the weather was cold, the road was long, they didn’t seem to mind. They already have the true joy in their hearts. We said farewell and hope to see them again in few days.

That’s the wrap for day one. It was 5-hours long, but it was very worth it. I’m heading to bed and excited for days to come. Good night!

I am up late tonight preparing songs for the upcoming Christmas service. After picking strings and singing along couple times to the song Joseph’s Lullaby by Mercy Me, the song lyrics just hit me hard, I just busted in tears and couldn’t hold back. Knowing that this special Child will grow up and will DIE for the sins of human, Joseph just treasured the precious moment with baby Jesus sleeping in the manger now. There is just no sweeter moment than this, watching those tiny hands and feet, the silky soft skin of the child, eyes closed, in deep peaceful sleep.

Well, that was lovely but it was not why I teared up. It was the thought of “for God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son…” It’s the well-known verse that I have read and come across countless of time now suddenly ‘spoke’ to me. With God-given privilege of being a father, I understand more on the sacrifices God made.  I certainly cannot do what He did. Will not. Absolutely not.  I would not give up my children for anyone, for any reasons, even with getting all the money it the world. Never.

But He, who loved us so much, gave His one and only Son for us. That what brought me to tears. I just don’t know how else to react to that. It’s just too huge for me to think to comprehend what He did, all just because He so loved us. He gave His Son just so He can have the relationship with us. I’m just in shock for I’m not worthy of His love. I’m a sinner, and absolutely nothing in me that even worths His attention. Now He gave all He has for us, freely, how would we respond to His love? I don’t know about you, but I’m just humbly and accepting His love, His gift. I am in tears, but it is the tears of joy that God loved me that much.

I cannot look at the Nativity scene the same anymore. Seeing a baby in the manger, I see the love of a father who would gave his most prized possession to have me.

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On the way to work this morning, I heard this Bible verse on the radio and it got me thinking.

“But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, … that we might receive the full rights of sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5 NIV)

Even with our fancy Rolex couldn’t tell when God is about to do something. He operates on a completely different time set that ours. He allows things to happen at the right time when He sees it is good. Even in the event of God became man born in manger, has to wait until “the time had fully come“.  Why then was a good time? Why not when Israel was exiled to Egypt? Why not when they need a king? Or why not now?!

Though we might have a slightest idea of why, but one thing for sure, we don’t think like God does. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8) But we know that the end result, when the time come and God allows things to happen,  is always perfect and satisfying. It always works out at the end.

Some people might not like the idea of being kept in the dark for surprises. But aren’t surprise visit or Christmas gifts be more thrill and extra special when you are least expected? Especially, when it is someone very close to you and you haven’t seen for years, or e a present that you really want it. I think God just wants to make sure our joy be completed, exceed expectations, from joy to .. overjoy.

Aren’t we all the little children whom constantly bugging our Father with “Are we there yet?” question?! Follow God is a journey. There are things we are anxiously waiting, expecting, praying for so long, yet have come. There are things that just happened ‘for no reason.’ We might not have the answer or understand why at the time. But, take His word: “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” (John 13:7) We will understand. We will praise God for what He did.

I love this good oldie song, taken from Ecclesiastes 3:11, that I still often sing:

In His time, in His time
He makes all things beautiful, in His time.
Lord, please show me everyday
As You’re teaching me Your way,
That You do just what You say
In Your time.

Couple months ago, a friend told me about an evangelism mission trip to Taiwan and North Vietnam and invited me to go. Though it sounded exciting, but in my head I already said no for many reasons. Money for the trip was out of the question. Work had been very slow and I wasn’t sure how long the company would last. And spiritually, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this. My friend encouraged me to pray about it

So, I spent time in prayer with God that week, finding what God wanted to speak to me about. It was strange because the whole time I was thinking it must be about the people over there and what I could do. But it seemed God was saying to me that it is about my relationship with Him that He wanted me to develop through the experience. If you ask me how I know, I don’t, but that was what I felt praying with Him. Why not here local? Why a mission trip? I don’t know. God asked me if I accept it, and I answered Him that I strongly desire for Him and I want the relationship with Him to grow. If the mission trip is the place, then let it be, but He would have to provide the way because right now I don’t see how it is possible for me to go.

That was it. All God needed was an ‘yes’ from me, and He took charge and set wheels in motions. At the time, we were going to use our saving to refinance the house and were looking into different options. But God lead us to the right people to contact, the right program that would reduced our rate almost 2 points, half the loan term, half the closing cost, and little change to the monthly mortgage payment. So He took care the airfare. I then got a ‘go’ after talking to my boss about taking off for few weeks. After discussed and prayed, my wife also OK’ed. Deciding on using our little emergency money for the trip was risky and scary; it would be considered a stupid move really. It’s totally not like me at all, but somehow there’s peace in it. We were holding tight on God’s promise. Or so I thought..

Then came the test. My company was about to shutting down. I was about to finalize the ticket purchase, but then debating whether I should proceed or drop the whole thing. How can I make mortgage payment? How to pay for insurance? How to feed the children? Certainly I have thought of backing out of the promise, but God provided ways to let us know He is in control. Thanks God during this trial, my wife was my strong support. We prayed together each night, and she told me that even with the uncertain of future, she felt great peace. Women could sense problem long before it exist, they say, so what my wife said to me brought me peace as well. It really was God’s way of telling me He’s there, amidst the storm. In fact, He was. There were also many people who prayed for me, and I am so grateful for all. You all are powerful warriors who helped me through, holding my faith, and trust in God. It seemed God constantly reminded me to cast my fear and worries upon Him. He would take care of them as He promise, and I just need to do my part that I had said ‘yes’ to Him. Indeed He did. So last week, I started my new job. The amazing thing is this job I selected by narrowing down company that had no problem with I’m being gone for the mission trip. God is truly amazing.

I am looking forward to this mission trip, deepening the relationship with God. I don’t know what challenge, what’s await ahead but I am excited. I can’t share much detail about the upcoming trip and what to expect, but I will share the experience with you as soon as I can. I am thankful and appreciate for your prayers and thoughts.

My heart is now singing with Chris Tomlin, “I Will Follow”

Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve I’ll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you

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I was looking for some ideas for Christian drama and happened to find this awesome skit on Youtube done by OneTimeBlind. It’s a simple skit but convey so well the idea of Trusting God. The lady is so spontaneous in her lines and expression which makes the skit so lively. Love it!

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Updated.

OK. I found another great one. The Stool. Is God sitting on the chair of our heart? Are we following the decision he is making for us?

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As I’m anxious, worry, seeking answers to what-when-how, and feeling like I need to do something, God’s Word just come in at devotion with one simple word: Wait!

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord - Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

If there is anything we don’t like to do, it’s wait. Maybe that is why God is so interested in us learning to do it! There is something purifying about remaining strong in tough times and remaining faithful when ill winds blow. So God gives us times of waiting to see if our search is really for him or merely for something new or easy.

My Prayer

Loving Father, I know you have waited for me so many times — for me to show my faith, repent of my sins, grow in holiness, come to you in prayer, act more mature, give to those who cannot return my care … Help me as I wait for you to show me the way with my decisions, to act to relieve my need, and to reveal your presence in my loneliness. I really do seek you with all my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

I want to wait on the Lord, to place my trust in Him. He will renew my strength so I can mount up with wings like eagles, run and not be weary, walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

It took me sometime to be able to say that, and finally published this post. This is a bidding farewell to my company that I’ve been working with for the last 10 years. We have been through many ups and downs, success and challenges, but now it has come down to this decision that we will soon going into hibernation mode.

We have been working majority with non-profit business and organizations, developing web application software and services catering to the needs of those businesses. We take pride in our works which have been the key in their success. Unfortunately, the non-profit market does not fare well on the roller coaster ride of the economy, our company has been trying hard to hang on to the rail, but now is deeply affected by the motion jet lag. It is a tough decision, especially for my boss whom is the president of the company, to decide whether continue on course and hope the bumpy ride will smooth out eventually, or jump ship.

We believe “there is a time for everything,  and a season for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)  We strongly believe God is the Master of all plans, and nothing can succeed His ultimate plan for us. We move where He tells us to move, that’s where success at. In fact, in the past, we took a leap of faith knowing that was what He wanted, and He would catch us. We did, and He was faithfully bringing us right back to the top. It is different this time. It was amazing, yet scary at the time, but very satisfying when we obey His direction. Now, it’s a different direction this time. It is hard. We don’t understand it. Decision is made, not reluctantly, but in faith knowing that God is in control, and He has the best plan for us. Every single one of us.

It certainly has been a good run indeed. I am proud to be a part of the company and contribute to its value. Having been with the company from the get-go, I have learned many business aspects, developed wide set of technical skills more than any school or typical job could have offered, and formed relationships with great people. I have been involved with nearly all the projects in various phases, from the design phase to the release  phase. But mostly, the feeling being a part of something huge that has greatly impact on many lives and business and ultimately contribute to the work of building God’s kingdom is satisfying and making my work meaningful to me.

I’m not doing well with good bye. It’s a lot of emotions, and memories. But I’m ready for the next season, the next frontier, the new page that God has planned and placed before me. I will certainly miss my company, fellow workers, and the experience, that’s for sure.

Last Lunch with Agilize

.. with David's family

I can’t say that I like rap music, but recently I listen to couple songs by the artist named Lecrae, and man I love it. His lyrics just speak to the heart.  Word!! Here is one of his songs that I really like.

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Prayin’ For You
- Lecrea

Father God, I’m prayin’ to you for somebody, who knows you Lord but just hasn’t, hasn’t been seein’ you in the right view lately, Hear me out…

Father, I’m prayin’ for a friend he and I are pretty close, and out of all my friends for this one I’m concerned the most. He say he readin’ daily but he ain’t really learnin’. He been in church but say that he ain’t moved by any sermon. His face weak, he ain’t prayed in a week, he wake up and just weep with his face in the sink Lord, you gotta help my man, I’m prayin’ for him daily, he ain’t sinned but it just seem as if he goin’ crazy. He say he feelin’ trapped, can’t even head up the mall coz every lady’s half-dressed temptin’ him to lust and fall. He keep the TV off, videos just make him feel that he ain’t really nothin’ without money, girls and shiny wheels. The other day he told me that he felt less a man coz he ain’t have a five-year plan or a piece of land and man it’s crazy coz his family think so much of him, plus he got a godly wife who always showin’ love for him but he’s strugglin’, even though he talk to me, I tell him what to do but he don’t listen when he oughta’ be. I’m scared for him coz there’s people that look up to him, he got some younger siblings who been changed by what he’s done for them but is it done for him, Lord don’t let it be, if he don’t wanna talk to you then Father hear from me, is it done for him, Lord don’t let it be, if he don’t wanna talk to you then Father hear from me…

Yeah, I’m prayin’ for you, yeah, I’m prayin’ for you
Yeah, I’m prayin’ for you, yeah, yeah, I’m prayin’ for you…

God, his condition is worsen since we were last conversed and I’m with him now and he ain’t doin’ well and this I’m certain. He say he tryna’ trust you, doesn’t wanna disgust you but he was in the mist of sinners and did not discuss you and just today his anxiety’s got the best of him, he knows Christ but for hours refuse to rest in Him, he’s not the best of men but Lord I know he really loves you and I can’t understand why lately he’s not thinkin’ of you. People trust this dude, you could crush this dude, Father he needs more of you I pray you touch this dude, what can I say to him? I’m determined to pray for him Father empty and brake him I pray you’ll just have your way with him, coz there’s a change in him and the effects are strong, I pray you open up his heart before the next song and when he gets home, I pray he’ll open up the sixty-six book love letter you wrote and soak it up coz he ain’t hearin’ You and he ain’t feelin’ me and God I know it’s killin’ You because it’s killin’ me and matter of fact there’s somethin’ else he’s concealin’ see, the person that I’ve been prayin’ about is really me…

Peace amid the Storm

Stress!!!! Lately, I’ve been facing several tough issues and decisions to make, yet God’s promise and His abundant love are what carry me through. We are well aware of what God can do, but we will experience even more of His grace, wonder and power in the situations where you have to surrender all to Him, and take a leap of faith knowing that He will catch you.

In time, I will reveal to you what this is all about. Looking at what’s going with my life, I see God’s fingerprints are all over and it’s amazing. No one could have orchestrated better. I am not saying it’s been easy on me, or I just don’t worry, sit back, relax, and enjoy about the stuff that are happening (well, that is actually what God told me to do, but it sounds easy but so hard for me to do.. hahaha) . It’s my nature that I’m worry. BUT, in all that GOD is with me the whole time, sending helps, encouragements,  direction all along the way. He is walking with me through this just like King David said:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,  for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:4

This morning, I read this devotion from Heartlight and I want to share with you. It’s another message from God confirms His presence in my life and encourages me to push trough, persevere, go forward.

Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. – Hebrews 10:35-36

Thoughts on Today’s Verse…

There are some tough times that go with living. They’re inescapable. That’s when our confidence in the Lord’s salvation and our relationship with him get tested! It is one thing to sing “it is well with my soul” at the end of a peel-the-paint and raise-the-roof worship service, but it is quite another to be able to sing it when they auction your house off at the courthouse steps, you are told you have a long-term debilitating illness, or you lose a child to death. Faith can’t take a holiday when we travel through the suburbs of hell or we’ll never find our way out. So don’t throw it away. Persevere! Keep putting one foot in front of the other trusting that God will give you the strength for the next step. No matter how hard it is at the moment, don’t give up to despair. Be like Job or Jeremiah who both argued and complained to God, but never let go of God. Don’t quit. Christ is coming for you with grace and in glory. His return is just around the bend and could break into our world at any time.

Photo taken from Digital Inspiration

Few weeks ago, I heard this song at New Life Church and just loved it. It’s “Worthy” by Jared Anderson. They were playing during the time of communion, and its mellow tune and the lyric just stirred my heart. I went look on YouTube and surprisingly did not find a single video for this song. No clip, no cover, nothing. (or maybe I just didn’t look at the right place). Anyway, I found the chord tab that Jared Anderson linked for free from his website, http://jaredanderson.com. The song “Worth” is on his CD “Count on God”. By the way, the song with the same CD title is very fun song to sing. They sing that song quite often at New Life.

Anyway, here is my attempt at the song. It’s original in key of D but a little bit high for me to sing, so I played in key of B (On guitar, I capo 4th fret and play in key of G).

I guess I should set some expectation. I’m not a good singer and still learning to play guitar so there are plenty of mistakes in this cover song. Hopefully it’s bearable. hahaha. Lyrics are belows. I also translate it to Vietnamese so that we can sing it at our Vietnamese church.

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WORTHY – Jared Anderson

My heart is yours, there is no choice.

Your way is life, and your hearts beat for me

The cross was mine, but you laid down

Your precious life that I might hear you calling.

And now, the greatest gift of love

Never will be lost for I’m returning

Now the price I could not pay

Was giving when you gave your Son most worthy.

I will lift my voice again.

Worthy, worthy is the Lamb for sinners slain

Worthy, worthy. I will lift my voice again

Đời con thuộc riêng duy một Chúa thôi.

Nguyện theo đường Cha, chính Ngài sống trong lòng nầy.

Thập giá của con nhưng Ngài vác thay.

Chịu chết vì con để chuộc cứu con về bên Ngài.

Lạy Chúa, quí báu thay quà tình yêu!

Con nay thuộc về Cha vì bởi tình yêu Ngài

Chúa đã gánh thay tội tình con,

Xóa hết bao sầu đau, buồn thảm, và nghi ngờ.

Giờ con xin cất tiếng hát ca.

Vinh thay, vinh thay Đấng mang tội ô của nhân thế.

Vinh thay, vinh thay. Con ca ngợi danh Chúa không thôi.