i've been going through a harsh dry spell. little or no joy in serving the church. reading Jeremiah for devotionals seems monotonous and irrelevant. purity in thought and deed has been lacking. what can i say? i had forgotten the joys and blessings of the Gospel...until today. i recently noticed that i do not listen to ANY "christian" music besides my "Hymns Mix." well, as i was driving home after tutoring Juho for two hours, my ears paid special attention to Sandra McCracken's "Who Is This, So Weak and Helpless?":

1. Who is this, so weak and helpless,

Child of lowly Hebrew maid,

Rudely in a stable sheltered,

Coldly in a manger laid?

�Tis the Lord of all creation,

Who this wondrous path has trod;

He is God from everlasting,

And to everlasting God.

2. Who is this, a Man of Sorrows,

Walking sadly life�s hard way,

Homeless, weary, sighing, weeping

Over sin and Satan�s sway?

�Tis our God, our glorious Savior,

Who above the starry sky

Is for us a place preparing,

Where no tear can dim the eye.

3. Who is this? Behold him shedding

Drops of blood upon the ground!

Who is this, despised, rejected,

Mocked, insulted, beaten, bound?

�Tis our God, Who gifts and graces

On His church is pouring down;

Who shall smite in holy vengeance

All His foes beneath His throne.

4. Who is this that hangs there dying

While the rude world scoffs and scorns,

Numbered with the malefactors,

Torn with nails, and crowned with thorns?

�Tis our God Who lives forever

�Mid the shining ones on high,

In the glorious golden city,

Reigning everlastingly.

what a beautiful song. i was reminded that our lives are full of suffering and unhappiness and harsh dry spells. but just like Christ, one day, we too, will rise in glory with our sovereign King who will reign eternally. i can only have this peace because the Lord has revealed His gospel to me.

we were talking about peace in Perspectives today. today was actually our last official day of class. i was really glad that i came out today because our speaker was really encouraging. this random Muslim woman came into speak on behalf her husband who was sick. it was so crazy because she dressed up (almost exactly like the picture) completely covered from head to toe except for her hands and eyes. she had a thick middle-eastern accent and constantly rotated these beads she was holding that were supposed to represent the 99 names of Allah. she apologized about the whole 9/11 incident, briefly explained Jihad, and talked about Christians in America like a real foreigner. she continually apologized for her husband's absence, so much to the point that you pitied her for acting excessively humble. after doing this for a good 15 minutes, she unveiled herself only to reveal a regular white woman in her 30's with a perfect American accent. the class went nuts. i thought it was a great learning experience because it revealed how you would've really reacted to a Muslim that was open to learning about Christianity. i was so ashamed of my hesitancy.

anyways, the speaker pointed out that a great witness for Muslims is the inexplicable peace that they notice in Christians. this is because Muslims live in fear and uncertainty of making into Paradise while Christians have assurance of their salvation. i must confess that sometimes when i meet devout Muslims, i stumble over my own faith because i am so fascinated with their pious lifestyle-they are crazy devoted to Allah. fortunately, i was really encouraged today by the many stories of Muslims who came to know Christ. i mean, you'll hear about the most knowledgeable Muslims who have memorized the whole Koran at a young age but end up following Christ after speaking with "unintelligible" christians. what a wonderful testimony of God's grace, power, and TRUTH!

as encouraging as the class was, i must admit that i am exuberant that Perspectives is finally over! i would encourage every follower of Christ to take it. it really is life-changing.

Thought of the Day: Intercessor.
Song of the Day: Who Is This, So Weak and Helpless?