Acts 1:1-11 (New International Version)

Acts 1

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

¹In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach ²until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. ³After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. ⁴On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

⁶So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

⁷He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

⁹After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

¹⁰They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹"Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

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For the couple of times I was privileged to share the gospel, I acknowledge God and was moved by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is what is giving me words to say.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bemky/sets/72157608107266736/

Sharing

Words fail me to describe that with God by my side, I led someone into His kingdom.

All Glory to Him and endless praise to Him.

Out of the Picture

When I was little, my siblings and I would always try to exaggerate how big something was. For example, one of us would say how big their cookie was by comparing it to a house. Then the other would compare their cookie to the size of the city; then one compare's their cookie to the whole state, then the country, then the world, and so on until that one person ends all by saying theirs is "out of the picture". I mean, what could be bigger than something "out of the picture"? It was something we understood as something so vast and enormous, there is nothing greater to compare it to.

One of the things that really amazes me are the stars I get to see at night. Its not very often I get to see them, seeing that I live in a heavily populated city with so much light pollution. However, about a week ago over the weekend, my church held an event known as primitive camping at a place called, Fisheating Creek. Let me tell you, that first night we arrived, the sky was so clear, you could see hundreds of stars with out a telescope! It was really awesome. While lying down on the blanket looking up in the sky, I was in awe of the greatness of space but even more amazed with the breathtaking magnificence of God himself. When I have that in perspective, it really changes the way I have previously viewed things. Problems I have thought of as impossible have now become possible because compared to God's greatness, it almost seems...insignificant. A quote from R.C. Sproul really says it best:

"Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God."

The more I think about it, the more I stand in fascination of His wonderful creations. Just imagine, this Great God created this enormous thing called space...and at the same time, He is the same Creator of the small complexities of life on earth. Its mind-boggling! This is why I call my God...Astronomically Extraordinary!

Now, it may seem a little hard to comprehend what I'm trying to express here, but a friend shared with me a video on youtube that really got me in total admiration of God. The speaker is Louie Giglio and the title of his message is Indescribable. And let me tell you...it truly is Indescribable. I can't really tell you more of what it is because you have to see it for yourself. By the way, there are 5 parts to the awesome message.

God Bless! <><

New Beginnings

It is only the second week to an exciting, fresh New Year—2010! Wow, when I look back over 2009, I cannot believe of all the things I've been through...most of which were totally unexpected and full of change. And if I recall, most of my New Year’s Resolutions were not fulfilled. However, the one that I was able to accomplish was "to read the entire Bible in a year". Thank God I finished, especially with my accountability partner making sure I pull through, haha!

Well, now that we have greeted 2010 back on January 1st...I think it’s time to consider the resolutions for the next 365 days. The goal is to start small, realistic, and then follow through until completed. One resolution is to read the Bible for the whole year again. There's just something about reading God's Word that just doesn't seem enough for one year. It seems that every time I read the same stories again and again, there are new lessons to be learned and promises to meditate on. And having to read some passages each day for the whole year would definitely teach you how to be consistent, persistent, and possibly motivated to really want to grow in your spiritual maturity. But this all cannot happen unless you have Jesus Christ in your heart. I mean, how can you be passionate about something (or in this case, someone) unless you know what/who it is you’re being passionate about…I don’t know if I’m saying it right, but does that make sense?

Another area in which I would like to resolve is “stepping out of my comfort zone”. I think this is one area I would really like to change in myself. I’ve always been so used to doing this that made me feel comfortable--avoiding things that may seem “out-of-the-norm” for me. At the same time, I ask myself, “How is this effective in living out as a Christian…since this is the name I bear.” The thing is…it’s not effective. If I am so settled in my comfort zone, how will I be able to share the love of Jesus to others? Instead of growing in my faith, I’d regress until Christ’s name is no longer reflective in my life. But isn’t it true? I have done this too many times not to be able to recognize this. Whenever I miss out on some good quite times with my Creator, or fail to read His book, or miss out on an opportunity to express my faith…I only grow into a deeper sense of separation from Him. But the amazing thing it that, because I am a child of God, He will never leave me or desert me…but rather, He will love me unconditionally. On the other hand, since He is my Heavenly Daddy, He has to discipline me in a way a father would discipline his child, especially if I do something that isn’t right.
I’m sure that along the road of 2010, I may discover other things that I may like to resolve, but until then…

Take care and God Bless!<><

My Testimony for RCA | 03.27.09

My life before I became a Christian wasn’t a smooth-paved life. I confronted many twists and turns and rocky roads. I was an extreme sinner. I disobeyed my parents regularly. Thinking I could be independent and just listen to my friends. I hung out with friends that lead me into the wrong path. Listening to explicit music, wearing obscene clothing, and cursing. I went to church sparingly and I didn’t really follow what was going on. I was raised on a certain belief that if I’m good, if I treat everyone right and if I wear a cross necklace, I’ll go to heaven. Five years ago I realized that was not the case. I came to the point in my life where I needed to make a change. Because if I make small mistakes now, in the future they will become big and devastating mistakes that will lead to the worst outcome. One night in seventh grade I came home with my mother and there were a group of cars in front of us, all white cars. They all parked in front of a house and tons of guys in black came out of the cars and beat up a bystander. They used baseball bats, clubs, and metal rods. Within minutes they all ran back into their cars and drove out of my complex. The cops came shortly after, and the bystander’s parents came out from their house and saw their dead son on the ground. I was 12 when I came to the realization that, you know what, I’m not going to live forever. Within minutes a life can change completely. At that moment, I asked myself “Where am I going to go when I die?” “Is my life really a “good life”.” That night my mother (who is Christian) prayed with me. For the first time in my life I heard a calling and felt compelled to change my life around for the better. I accepted Jesus Christ into my life when I was 12. What that meant was that I was no longer in control of my life. Everything and anything I do and did from that moment on wouldn’t be just me, myself and I, but God and I. I got baptized days later and since then my life had become a complete 180. I’ve attended our church since 2002 and from 2004 to the present I’ve become greatly involved. I’ve stopped dwelling in the past and looked onto my new future. Just as it says in Psalm 40:2 “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” God turned my upside-down life right-side up! Despite the fact that I’m a sinner, and I still make mistakes, there’s only one person who can accept me for I am, that is Jesus Christ. There is more grace in God’s heart than sin in my past and in everyone’s past. Before, my mistakes had to be fixed by me. Now, every mistake I’ve made and might make I can overcome with help from God. I now have reassurance in knowing that when I leave this earth, I will be with God.

-Jasmine Grace Ahmed

God's Love Letter to You!

Have you ever wondered what God would say to you if He were to write a letter addressed to you? The good news is, you can! To find out more, you can go to www.fathersloveletter.com or simply refer to your nearest Bible!<><

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My Child

Not only can I hear you, but I know everything about you. (Psalm139:1) 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 17:27-28) For are my offspring. (Acts 17:28) I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) I chose you, when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12) 

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth, and where you would live. (Acts 17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 13:13) And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (John 8:41, 42, 44) I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16) And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1John 3:1) Simply because you are my child, and I am your Father. (1 John 3:1) I offer 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. (Psalm 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 3:20-21) For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) And nothing will ever separate you from My love again. (Romans 8:39-39) I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)

Love,

Your Heavenly Daddy

Eternal life satisfaction!

I did not come to know my Savior until recently, to be honest, even though I grew up in a Christian environment. As I reminisce of my childhood days in Sunday school, I remember the stories and coloring activities we did as part of our lessons. I don't think I actually understood what it meant to have a Savior--someone who would give up their life for me so that I could be saved from eternal damnation. I went to church every Sunday, attended church activities, sang Praise and Worship songs, and even read my Bible a couple of times. However, it seems that my own personal relationship with God just really was not developing. I knew Jesus, but I did not know Jesus.

I believe it was around the time I was in Middle School when my heart started to have questions about my Maker. Although I was being influenced by my peers, occasionally I'd start thinking about God and what He was beginning to mean to me. At this time, I know God was tugging at my heart and it was only a matter of time when my eyes would truly be open.

Between Middle school and High school, God had revealed himself to me and my eyes did finally open. I was watching an old film that depicted the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Watching Jesus die on the cross convicted my own heart and helped me understand what it is he really went through to bring eternal life for me and all humanity. I'll be honest in saying that my life did not change overnight. It took a period of trials and tribulation for me to know God in a deeper, intimate and personal level. As of right now, I can attest that God has never left me or has ever forgotten about me (Hebrews 13:5b, Deuteronomy 31:6). Whenever I felt down, He always has a way to encourage and cheer me up. Whether it was from a verse I read in the Bible, quiet moments during prayer, or words of wisdom from a fellow brother or sister in Christ.

God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. I can't even begin to imagine what my life would be like if I never accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. All I know is that my life would have ended up miserably if I had not known Christ. Most importantly, my life would have no meaning. Without Christ, doing well in school would end up being meaningless; laughing with friends and family would be meaningless. There is no purpose in life without Jesus Christ in my life, so, I thank God for softening my heart and opening my eyes and ears to His call. Now, nothing has ever been so real to me in my entire earthly life than my relationship with my Heavenly Daddy, my Creator. I only hope and pray He could be the same for you.

My Astronomically Extraordinary Awesome God!!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." -John 3:16, 17

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