Ay katuwa QT ko ngayon!
When it comes to close relationships in life, we knit our soul to another person's as the relationship grows. Kaya we develop a SOUL TIE to that person. Pero kwidaw tayo... kasi may danger when we knit ourselves to someone who is not led by the Spirit. In effect the TIE then can strangle us, pull us down... pull our spirit. we need to be reminded of Gal 5:1 "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
I.T.
"All a man's ways seem right to him but the Lord weighs the heart." Prov 21:2
"Just because it feels good, doesn't make it right." (Skunk Anansie)
We have a tendency to think that as long as our actions don't hurt anybody, then it's ok. We think our heart is resilient. We seize the day and declare our feelings to a person, thinking that tomorrow might just be too late. Often we end up getting hurt especially when we find out that there is still tomorrow. But if we actually let Christ guide our actions and ask the Holy Spirit, we can be given the proper timing. God makes things beautiful in His time.
J.B.
23 Feb 2009
My ampalaya challenges me to show love to people who give me a hard time. This we can achieve if we let God show us the way. Sabi nga sa 2 cor 5:18 God has given us the privilege of urging everyone to come into favor and be reconciled to Him. With God, he'll give us the power to be able to do something nice for these people. With His love, we will be able to rise above the hurts and pride and their attitude won't matter anymore. So i committed to God 3 people and pray that I'll be able to rise above the pain they have inflicted on me.
I.T.
"Seeking to do 'the will of the Father' was the one dominating concern throughout our Lord's life. And whatever He encountered along the way, whether joy or sorrow, success or failure, He was never deterred from that purpose." O. Chambers Aug 3
It's not about me. For the past few days, God had been telling me to let go and to just go look for Him. One application of this is to always be thankful for what He's done in my life - anything else shan't matter: the heartaches, the disappointments, the looming economic crisis. All that matters is His word and His promise that He wouldn't leave those who believe.
J.B.
I.T.
"Seeking to do 'the will of the Father' was the one dominating concern throughout our Lord's life. And whatever He encountered along the way, whether joy or sorrow, success or failure, He was never deterred from that purpose." O. Chambers Aug 3
It's not about me. For the past few days, God had been telling me to let go and to just go look for Him. One application of this is to always be thankful for what He's done in my life - anything else shan't matter: the heartaches, the disappointments, the looming economic crisis. All that matters is His word and His promise that He wouldn't leave those who believe.
J.B.
22 Feb 2009
"...Warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1 Thes 5:14
Last week was the "dropping" week for students who think it best to drop subjects rather than get a failing grade. I did remind some of my students about dropping but what I failed to do is 1 Thes 5:14.
Some students just couldn't care less about their studies and as a teacher, it could be irritating when they are unresponsive and irresponsible and when efforts just go to waste.
But even these seemingly unattached students need support. Anybody could use a little push (or punch) and I could've done more for them had I shown a little love.
J.B.
Last week was the "dropping" week for students who think it best to drop subjects rather than get a failing grade. I did remind some of my students about dropping but what I failed to do is 1 Thes 5:14.
Some students just couldn't care less about their studies and as a teacher, it could be irritating when they are unresponsive and irresponsible and when efforts just go to waste.
But even these seemingly unattached students need support. Anybody could use a little push (or punch) and I could've done more for them had I shown a little love.
J.B.
21 Feb 2009
"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Jn 16:33
This is telling us in essence not to worry and instead to be thankful always. This is one lesson that I learned this week - to quit worrying especially when things are not working my way. It is also submission because when it seems like our prayers do not get answered, we offer thanksgiving because God knows what's best for us and whatever that is, rest assured that He is tuned in to having us achieve the best.
J.B.
This is telling us in essence not to worry and instead to be thankful always. This is one lesson that I learned this week - to quit worrying especially when things are not working my way. It is also submission because when it seems like our prayers do not get answered, we offer thanksgiving because God knows what's best for us and whatever that is, rest assured that He is tuned in to having us achieve the best.
J.B.
20 Feb 2009
On Deut. 26:9, God brought us to this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. What this is telling us is that God has a physical place for us here on earth, e.g., Adam and Eve has the garden ; Israel people has the promise land. This place is where we will experience Him fully if we obey. The challenge is if we are now in the place that God has for us.
I.T.
"Wait for the Lord and keep His ways." Psalm 37:34
Disobedience happens when I refuse to wait patiently on Him. I may have the notion that I am being patient - waiting for a phone call from an employer, a text message from a friend, students who do not seem to want to learn - but along the way, though I seem to be sitting still and patiently waiting, my heart is embittered, sulking and feeling sprry for myself. I keep seeing how hurt I am. I must learn and understand how God has been very patient to me.
The Lord truly is amazing! Perfect timing he has! He knows the right tiume to change my heart. I must understand that He's always near, looking out for me, while I cry and stomp my feet like a kid, pulling on His garments in the middle of a crisis.
J.B.
I.T.
"Wait for the Lord and keep His ways." Psalm 37:34
Disobedience happens when I refuse to wait patiently on Him. I may have the notion that I am being patient - waiting for a phone call from an employer, a text message from a friend, students who do not seem to want to learn - but along the way, though I seem to be sitting still and patiently waiting, my heart is embittered, sulking and feeling sprry for myself. I keep seeing how hurt I am. I must learn and understand how God has been very patient to me.
The Lord truly is amazing! Perfect timing he has! He knows the right tiume to change my heart. I must understand that He's always near, looking out for me, while I cry and stomp my feet like a kid, pulling on His garments in the middle of a crisis.
J.B.
19 Feb 2009
"Let patience have its perfect work , that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:4
"Carelessness is an insult to the Holy Spirit. Beware of becoming careless over the small details of life..." O.Chambers July 31
I was hit hard again. But I marvel at how God has been patient with me in teaching me His ways. It made me understand how His timing is so perfect. He knows just the right time to give me the answers to my questions.
J.B.
"Carelessness is an insult to the Holy Spirit. Beware of becoming careless over the small details of life..." O.Chambers July 31
I was hit hard again. But I marvel at how God has been patient with me in teaching me His ways. It made me understand how His timing is so perfect. He knows just the right time to give me the answers to my questions.
J.B.
18 Feb 2009
My QT really showed how kids are viewed by God. If Satan is out to destroy kids, God is out to protect them. For example, Satan tried to kill Moses and Jesus when they were babies. Pero with God, verses upon verses would show His love for kids. The question then is why? Kasi kids have qualities (trusting, free, lighthearted, etc.) that are worth copying. God wishes that we retain this even if we age because He refreshes and restores life (Ps 23:3)
I.T.
"Our Lord never places His faith in people, yet he was never suspicious or bitter. Our Lord's confidence in God, and in what God's grace could do for anyone was so perfect that He never despaired, never give up hope . . ." O. Chambers
How inspiring. This is one good lesson that I've learned from Jesus. Being a teacher, I am faced with numerous happenstances where I get to exercise this faith on my students. The trouble is, I don't think I'm growing on that department.
J.B.
I.T.
"Our Lord never places His faith in people, yet he was never suspicious or bitter. Our Lord's confidence in God, and in what God's grace could do for anyone was so perfect that He never despaired, never give up hope . . ." O. Chambers
How inspiring. This is one good lesson that I've learned from Jesus. Being a teacher, I am faced with numerous happenstances where I get to exercise this faith on my students. The trouble is, I don't think I'm growing on that department.
J.B.
17 Feb 2009
The tongue daw is a restless evil. In proverbs 18:21, the tongue is described as having the power of life and death. But taming the tongue is possible if we submit it to God. I guess with me, I tend to be tactless at yun ang dapat ko i-ask ng help kay God.
Q.T.
"It is throught these clouds that the spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith (....) Through every cloud, (...) He wants us to UNLEARN something." O. Chambers My Utmost for His Highest July 29
It is a pleasure to know that God is continually teaching me His ways though I have a feeling He thinks I'm the most hard-headed student who constantly needs to be reminded.
God had taught me to be thankful in all circumstances - I kept asking, begging even, Him for a new car but it never occured to me to thank Him for the one I drive; I cried to Him about my heartaches because of a boy but it never occured to me to thank Him for a minor problem that the whole family does not have to deal with.
I pray that he would allow me to discover more about what it is to have a child-like relationship with Him.
J.B.
Q.T.
"It is throught these clouds that the spirit of God is teaching us how to walk by faith (....) Through every cloud, (...) He wants us to UNLEARN something." O. Chambers My Utmost for His Highest July 29
It is a pleasure to know that God is continually teaching me His ways though I have a feeling He thinks I'm the most hard-headed student who constantly needs to be reminded.
God had taught me to be thankful in all circumstances - I kept asking, begging even, Him for a new car but it never occured to me to thank Him for the one I drive; I cried to Him about my heartaches because of a boy but it never occured to me to thank Him for a minor problem that the whole family does not have to deal with.
I pray that he would allow me to discover more about what it is to have a child-like relationship with Him.
J.B.
16 Feb 2009
God speaks to us all the time (Prov 8: 32,34), but we have to develkop the skill of learning to hear Him. Thus we should daily communicate with Him as if our very survival depended on it. Lets tune in and listen.
I.T.
"What he desires for me is that I see 'Him walking on the sea' with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having that absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see 'Him walking on the sea'". Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest July 28
I forwarded this to about six friends on Monday morning. This hit me and I marveled at how wonderful Chambers had reflected on Mark 6:49. Chambers further said that God is more concerned in the NOW and that we don;t have any business having any particular goal in mind when we obey. What counts is our obedience in the present.
J.B.
I.T.
"What he desires for me is that I see 'Him walking on the sea' with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having that absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see 'Him walking on the sea'". Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest July 28
I forwarded this to about six friends on Monday morning. This hit me and I marveled at how wonderful Chambers had reflected on Mark 6:49. Chambers further said that God is more concerned in the NOW and that we don;t have any business having any particular goal in mind when we obey. What counts is our obedience in the present.
J.B.
15 Feb 2009 Cell Group Meeting and exchange Valentine's gifts :-)
Luke 15
The Parable of the Lost Sheep 1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
*Jesus found himself in a certain circumstance where he was being persecuted. This shows how Christians may also find themselves out of their comfort zones - friends invitation for a drinking binge, other people's mockery of someone, etc. The challenge lies on how we become the light and salt for other people. It is okay to mingle with unbelievers, just as long as the difference you make as a Christian will always remain evident. Christians must find a way to influence others and bless them.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep 1Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
*Jesus found himself in a certain circumstance where he was being persecuted. This shows how Christians may also find themselves out of their comfort zones - friends invitation for a drinking binge, other people's mockery of someone, etc. The challenge lies on how we become the light and salt for other people. It is okay to mingle with unbelievers, just as long as the difference you make as a Christian will always remain evident. Christians must find a way to influence others and bless them.
14 Feb 2009
"...First go and be reconciled with your brother; then come and offer your gift." Matt 5:24
"He is saying in essence, 'Don't say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right.'" Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest July 27
I remember telling myself that it is just too hard to obey; that this week had been hard on me and it was just too easy to let my guard down and show my frustration by frowning, rolling my eyes, and shaking my head..
I told myself that I deserve to indulge in a little annoyance because I haven't done so for a long time. That must've irritated God.
The next time I feel like putting my defenses down and think how easy, tempting it is to indulge, I must bear in mind that that easier it is, the harder it will be for me to get right with God.
J.B.
"He is saying in essence, 'Don't say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right.'" Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest July 27
I remember telling myself that it is just too hard to obey; that this week had been hard on me and it was just too easy to let my guard down and show my frustration by frowning, rolling my eyes, and shaking my head..
I told myself that I deserve to indulge in a little annoyance because I haven't done so for a long time. That must've irritated God.
The next time I feel like putting my defenses down and think how easy, tempting it is to indulge, I must bear in mind that that easier it is, the harder it will be for me to get right with God.
J.B.
13 Feb 2009
I am challenged by my QT to seek someone whose ugali is a challenge to me, and bless that person. This is based on Romans 15:2 which teaches us to please others, not ourselves. kaya naisip ko officmate ko na megatigas ulo at solo-worker. Next time we meet, I vow to bless her.
I.T.
I.T.
12 Feb 2009
My QT is patawa kasi about losing weight :). It states that losing weight with presenting my body as a living sacrifice is like trying to prosper financially with tithing. The lesson is anchored at Romans 12:1 "Present your bodies a living sacrifice..."
I.T.
"Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him,
My savior and my God." Ps 42:11
I had such a high a couple of days ago and now it's like I plummeted. This probably does not make sense as a testimony but that's how I feel, and the reason is sin - worrying, being distracted, neglecting to focus, forgettign God's promises. . .
Jesus is and has been telling me to rely to Him and not on something or somebody, to count only on Him when I'm having it real bad.
J.B.
I.T.
"Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him,
My savior and my God." Ps 42:11
I had such a high a couple of days ago and now it's like I plummeted. This probably does not make sense as a testimony but that's how I feel, and the reason is sin - worrying, being distracted, neglecting to focus, forgettign God's promises. . .
Jesus is and has been telling me to rely to Him and not on something or somebody, to count only on Him when I'm having it real bad.
J.B.
11 Feb 2009
(at Ilo-ilo) I'm challenged by God to not only walk in the spirit (Gal 5:16) but to live in the spirit as well (Gal 5:25). This isn't easy. Thus we have to seek Him relentlessly. That way, it becomes more and more our natural inclination to walk and talk like Him.
I.T.
Since I read the article in Yahoo about recession-proof jobs, I became determined to have a change of career path to something that is on the list, even became fixated on the idea of actually taking Physical Therapy. However, I needed to check my motives if it's still in line with God. I honestly thought that I needed the career change so I could land on a job that pays more, what didn't occur to me is to consult God about it.
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate (...) his life, he cannot be my disciple." Lk 14:26
J.B.
I.T.
Since I read the article in Yahoo about recession-proof jobs, I became determined to have a change of career path to something that is on the list, even became fixated on the idea of actually taking Physical Therapy. However, I needed to check my motives if it's still in line with God. I honestly thought that I needed the career change so I could land on a job that pays more, what didn't occur to me is to consult God about it.
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate (...) his life, he cannot be my disciple." Lk 14:26
J.B.
10 Feb 2009
My QT is based on Revelations 12:11 we hav the power to prevent danger and accidents from happening to our loved ones BY appropriating HIS promises through the blood of Jesus and walking in His word. God showed this in deifferent situations in Exodus. I believe that through this QT, God is again assuring me that my dad or my parents will always be protected as long as I pray for them through His blood and obey.
I.T.
The only way that we can get to know God is if we have the Holy Spirit to guide us. It's never evertoo late to know Jesus and He will always look for ways for us to come to a realization of His presence if we never give up.
Never kill the Holy Spirit within by being "matigas and ulo".
There's nothing more profound than getting to know Jesus like how we get to know interesting friends or new acquaintances in our lives and investing time with them.
"I want to know Christ and the power of resurrection..." says Paul in Phil 3:10. Even paul who has been going to places and teaching the gospel still maintains the desire to know Jesus more because he STAYS AMAZED (quoted from Helen Burns) just like what we must be to God and to our dear friends.
J.B.
I.T.
The only way that we can get to know God is if we have the Holy Spirit to guide us. It's never evertoo late to know Jesus and He will always look for ways for us to come to a realization of His presence if we never give up.
Never kill the Holy Spirit within by being "matigas and ulo".
There's nothing more profound than getting to know Jesus like how we get to know interesting friends or new acquaintances in our lives and investing time with them.
"I want to know Christ and the power of resurrection..." says Paul in Phil 3:10. Even paul who has been going to places and teaching the gospel still maintains the desire to know Jesus more because he STAYS AMAZED (quoted from Helen Burns) just like what we must be to God and to our dear friends.
J.B.
9 Feb 2009
"(....)my eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises." Ps 119:148
I hope to reach a "Christian status" wherein every situation I am in, I can cite and cling to God's promises, and that I should always remind myself that how could i ever feel depressed when we are so seated and blessed with God.
I.T.
The unrest that I have been feeling must be replaced with stillness - that's it.
This is God's way of teaching me. He allows a week long wondering (and wandering) and at the end of the week He makes me realize something. It is a blessing to know that He takes His time to teach me
"...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according tp His good purpose." Phil 2:12-13
J.B.
I hope to reach a "Christian status" wherein every situation I am in, I can cite and cling to God's promises, and that I should always remind myself that how could i ever feel depressed when we are so seated and blessed with God.
I.T.
The unrest that I have been feeling must be replaced with stillness - that's it.
This is God's way of teaching me. He allows a week long wondering (and wandering) and at the end of the week He makes me realize something. It is a blessing to know that He takes His time to teach me
"...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according tp His good purpose." Phil 2:12-13
J.B.
7 Feb 2009
It does seem that sometimes nothing is happening, that the Lord may have forgotten to turn His gracious hand to me and that I am merely experiencing nothing - nothing whatsoever in my work, in my duties, in my relationships.
When this happens, I'd want to escape whatever monotony this is - the small town where I live, the car that I drive, the usual people I deal with. What I don't realize is that God has been teaching me something. If I don't change my heart, the changes that I am seeking will not happen. The first step in changing heart is obedience. Obeying with Jesus in mind.
"He never insists on obedience, but when we truly see Him, we will instantly obey Him." Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest July 19
This unrest is evidently rebellion. I am struggling with the way things are because of my lack of faith and unforgiveness, because I keep thinking of myself and not delighting in finding Him.
Heavenly Father, thank you once again for your grace and mercy. May your Holy Spirit be always upon me so I can learn to trust in you with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding.
J.B.
When this happens, I'd want to escape whatever monotony this is - the small town where I live, the car that I drive, the usual people I deal with. What I don't realize is that God has been teaching me something. If I don't change my heart, the changes that I am seeking will not happen. The first step in changing heart is obedience. Obeying with Jesus in mind.
"He never insists on obedience, but when we truly see Him, we will instantly obey Him." Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest July 19
This unrest is evidently rebellion. I am struggling with the way things are because of my lack of faith and unforgiveness, because I keep thinking of myself and not delighting in finding Him.
Heavenly Father, thank you once again for your grace and mercy. May your Holy Spirit be always upon me so I can learn to trust in you with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding.
J.B.
4 Feb 2007
I am informed of the four stages of friendship: acquaintance, casual, close, and intimate. And the topic is backed-up by Ecclesiastes 4:10 ...if one falls down, his friend can help him up. With the topic, i went down memory lane and recalled how i got into the SP group. How I started with acquaintances with mother romyne (who was a bit wary kasi daw doctor ako... hahahaha). My basic question then: why has this person crossed my path? Then more new acquaintances in the person of Ange, Ren, Azon, Jackie when I started attending the BS/CG. Then it turned to casual friendship as i attend the meetings regularly. we learned of each other's kakekoyan at kaartehan while learning God's ampalaya. I think we became close when we started sharing our lovelife!!!! hahaha. I still remember karen and ange's story!! How i appreciated Azon's humor, Judith's "seriousness", curls, and her penchant for saying: naman!, Ren's tyaga in looking for BS materials, Cyrene's job and great texts hirits, Ruby's made in japan lovestory, Helen's great prayers... etc, etc, etc and then more pretty members came along. Alam mo ba God na the SP group balances my life? That our friendship makes me look forward each week to meeting them. That laughing for an hour with them, makes me smile for a week, it makes me realize that clean fun is definitely really fun, etc, etc. I think I am soooo looking forward to turning this friendship into an intimate one. Why has romyne crossed my path? Simply because God wanted me to enjoy the beauty of "damn" good friendship through the SP :-)
I.T.
I.T.
5 Feb 2009
The bible says it and there shouldn't be any hindrance, any inhibitions, any restraint from doing it because Jesus has given us this freedom - Pray and do it without ceasing.
"…pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. " Eph 6:18
We may neglect the fact that God actually wants to be consulted on even the smallest detail of our lives. There is a big part of our lives where God has to play a leading role and that is the 2010 elections. Let's urge everybody to pray, and do it without ceasing, for a righteous leader.
-J.B.
My ampalaya is perfect for what i am celebrating today :-) perfect timing talaga ang God. It has to do with receiving healing and the ampalaya is found at Mark 11:24 Jesus said, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Well you see, it's exactly one year from the date of my myomectomy. It's exactly a year na when i believed God will heal me and He did. I can still remember all those doctors telling me that they can't save my uterus anymore... but after praying and believing... eto na ako, buong buo pa rin ang uterus and super ganda pa rin. hehehe it's exactly a year when I have experienced how God can perform miracles if one just believes.
-I.T.
"…pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. " Eph 6:18
We may neglect the fact that God actually wants to be consulted on even the smallest detail of our lives. There is a big part of our lives where God has to play a leading role and that is the 2010 elections. Let's urge everybody to pray, and do it without ceasing, for a righteous leader.
-J.B.
My ampalaya is perfect for what i am celebrating today :-) perfect timing talaga ang God. It has to do with receiving healing and the ampalaya is found at Mark 11:24 Jesus said, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Well you see, it's exactly one year from the date of my myomectomy. It's exactly a year na when i believed God will heal me and He did. I can still remember all those doctors telling me that they can't save my uterus anymore... but after praying and believing... eto na ako, buong buo pa rin ang uterus and super ganda pa rin. hehehe it's exactly a year when I have experienced how God can perform miracles if one just believes.
-I.T.
3 Feb 2009
God's priorities should be what we seek in life. Regardless of how significant other people are in our life, how important our work is, or how badly we need rest... all these should only be second to our time with God.
Time with God is vital. If we don't have time with Him, we won't be FILLED UP to handle the day effectively. We will probably run out of patience, self-control, be filled with angst or pride. We might have accomplished what we had set out to do at work but we usually are drained by the end of day/week. Mali kasi ang priorities natin. Who wants that, right? Our time with God is our source of strength and wisdom.
So God, teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are... help us to spend them as we should (Psalm 90:12) SEIZE the DAY... with God's WORDS :-)
- IT
"We use God only for the sake of getting peace and joy. We seek only our enjoyment of Jesus Christ, not a true realization of Him. This is the first step in the wrong direction." Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest July 10
In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from you sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. Ps 31:22
Ed Lapiz was saying something very interesting on the radio that Friday night and it was unfortunate that I didn't get to hear the whole show. But God, once again provided reinforcement through a page I read the next morning from Oswald Chamber's book. God always does this. He's so cool!
A Christian's life is characterized by revolution - that is, against sin. We see injustice done all the time, yet we must not fold and turn to our little hide-outs where we can be at peace. This I have yet to learn: what it is to be a Christian in an unjust world. The Holy Spirit taught me one vital first step - a Christian must not cave in to sin, it is not something that we can be lax about.
2 Feb 2009
As Christians we don't aim to just be in SURVIVAL MODE as we live our life here on earth. As stated in Psalm 1:3... He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters, that bring forth his fruit in his season, his leaf shall also not wither; and what ever he does shall prosper. Simply put, we must THRIVE.
And when we thrive this means we make steady progress, we prosper, or (my fave among the bunch) we grow VIGOROUSLY. (sayang di physically, hehehe).
Just as trees need water to fruit in season and for its leave not to wither...... as Christians, our water is the AMPALAYA of God. Lets devour it so that we bear our fruits :-)
-IT
"A saint is not to take the initiative toward self-realization, but toward knowing Jesus Christ." Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest July 11
God continually finds a way for us to get to know Him. We must delight ourselves into knowing God so we can claim his promises for us. God reminded me once again that He never fails in his promises. I went on a trip last Saturday and not all things turned out the way I wanted them to be but because I started out with the right relationship with God and constantly put things in his hands, although I was hurtful and on the verge of being bitter, He never allowed for that to happen. With a bruised ego, I was able to go through it the way God would've wanted me to. Even if it's not what I had in mind, what He has for me is always always far better. No regrets. I like things His way.
-JB
1 Feb 2009 Cell Group Meeting 5:30 PM
Each member was made to share one QT during the week and one insight came from our leader which she took from Matthew 7:6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearl to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet and then turn and tear you to pieces."
"We must invest our life (money, time, resources) to something worthwhile - that is Jesus." according to her.
She further mentioned what it is like to minister to people who are seemingly not in their right moment to receive Jesus. Basically, all people are deserving of our life, she says, but when you found out that they're throwing you pearl away, you must think twice about giving your all to them.
Our topic is from the Book of Ruth, chapter 1, V. 1-18. We looked for characteristics of both Ruth and Naomi and tried to see if there are actual people in our lives who are our Ruth or Naomi.
Sadly, I wasn't able to come up with either one.
I learned that there must be a deliberate choice to do something about my relationships.
I must choose to LOVE and TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT
There is a circus of different people that I'll be surrounded with all the time. What they need is love - not my unsolicited criticism. I should bless those around me.
I must learn to be sick of myself
It is not about me. I must think of what I can give, not what I can gain and continually pray for people that I love.
Smile
The first step to loving.
-JB
"We must invest our life (money, time, resources) to something worthwhile - that is Jesus." according to her.
She further mentioned what it is like to minister to people who are seemingly not in their right moment to receive Jesus. Basically, all people are deserving of our life, she says, but when you found out that they're throwing you pearl away, you must think twice about giving your all to them.
Our topic is from the Book of Ruth, chapter 1, V. 1-18. We looked for characteristics of both Ruth and Naomi and tried to see if there are actual people in our lives who are our Ruth or Naomi.
Sadly, I wasn't able to come up with either one.
I learned that there must be a deliberate choice to do something about my relationships.
I must choose to LOVE and TO MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT
There is a circus of different people that I'll be surrounded with all the time. What they need is love - not my unsolicited criticism. I should bless those around me.
I must learn to be sick of myself
It is not about me. I must think of what I can give, not what I can gain and continually pray for people that I love.
Smile
The first step to loving.
-JB
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