Rejoice

i was reading Philippians 1 last night before i went to bed.
and i felt very encouraged after it. basically, it's because i found it amazing that even when Paul is in chains, he can still stand firm and rejoice in the lord. like it's just amazing how in the worse of all situations, in prison, he can still praise god with thanksgiving.

even more, i think this paragraph really struck me.

19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.

(when i read this i was reminded of how i should have faith, and have full assurance that God will deliver me from my situation, after all, i think i really have a lot of people backing me up with prayer besides praying for myself. and yes, whatever that i am going through, serves to develop perseverance, it's definitely a test of my faith. and like what she told me, she thinks God called her to place me in Happy Chocolate jc because of this very reason. YES, BELIEVE THAT WTV TEST THAT I AM PLACED IN NOW, WIIL TURN OUT TO DELIVER ME, TO TEACH ME. and yes, i agree that sometimes we may not be fully convicted in the things we believe through the lessons we've learnt.that's why God will continue to teach us through our daily circumstances.)

20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.


22If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!

23I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;

24but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.

25Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

26so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

(back to my sharing)
to think that i actually thought that it would be extremely fantaastic if i could go to heaven like NOW. haha, i recall mike asking this question at service that day, and i was lamenting to my brother that.. yes like totally, i would want to go to heaven now now now.cause there isn't any studying in heaven right? haha! yes, it's always good to to expect gifts that are stored for us in heaven and be excited about it, but i thk i am reminded of smth which is to know what it means to suffer for Christ.

in paul's case,he suffered for Christ while preaching the gospel. and because of what he did and the attitude he chose to adopt, others became more bold to speak the living word and more encouraged to stand firm in their faith. so, in that way, God's purpose is fulfilled through him. Similarly, i saw it as how Christ may be glorified when i emerge victorious from the situation i am now in.

haha, an angel resides in my room with good news. It says, "This is a great test, be not afraid. God's holding your hand. the victory is near." yes, that's what i want to encourage everyone else too.

yes, back to the aspect on joy. www.dictionary.com says that 'joy' means to be glad.. i guess the word 'glad' portrays this feeling of being contented. and now i see even more clearly what Enai meant when she was sharing on how 'joy' does not equate to feeling happy but rather, to be contented. i realised paul mentioned the word 'joy', 'rejoice' more than once in the chapter. how he continues to pray with joy, rejoice knowing that he is not alone in his prayers, rejoice even though people preach with false intentions..

i think we can all learn from paul to praise god in all circumstances, for all things..to be prayerful and joyful knowing that God does things with a purpose..

breathtaking passage.
makes me want to continue studying the book of Philippians.

on a side note, school feels considerably more relaxing now that choir has stopped. but i guess not only choir la, but perhaps i am feeling more comfortable with everyone else around me.

well, for now, i'm good, besides the fact that i need to keep to my schedule of studying.