Luke 1:20 My words.. will come true at their proper time
Luke 1:45 What the Lord has said... will be accomplished
I think this is what is truly great with God's Word... it has always and in all ways been consistent and true. Nothing in it has been disproven. Everything is as real as real gets. And if we browse history books, all things point to the reality that the stories foretold in the bible are factual. Discovery channel even featured the remains of the chariots that got burried when the Red Sea closed up.
Thus, I am in awe because God had graciously promise to give us all that we ask in His name. And all that He had said will happen, will. He had promised that... and His words are true.
Ang galing ng God natin!
I.T.
Ps 126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.
I am awed at how Jesus accepts me for who I am. At times I don't feel worthy and even look for the valleys when I'm in the mountaintop. What I fail to realize is that where I am right now is where God ought me to be and He has given me supernatural joy in my heart. The least that I can do is bask in it. :)
J.B.
30 June
Job 4:16 I heard a hushed voice....
Hearing God's hushed voice is an awesome experience. Ive experienced it and was truly awed by God's power and wisdom.
These happened when I was very deep in prayer (for my visa)... when i was about to make a major decision (about my lovelife)... when God wanted to protect somebody (my dad).... the lists goes on. I knew it came from God coz it was such a clear, clear voice even though it was told in hushed tones. I knew it came from God coz it made me stop dead on my track. I knew it was God coz nobody was with me during those times. I knew it was God because only God will care enough, love enough... to do that for me.
I think these instances are God's way of showing me that I truly belong to Him, that I am His child. That He loves me and cares for me thus, He talks to me. Nakakaiyak!
Thank you God for the hushed voice... isa pa please!
I.T.
I have been unaware of my vindictiveness. There is an area in my life where I still seek to have my own way and I must renounce it. Jesus' love for us allows us to identify with Him.
To identify with him is to be able to surrender and abandon myself. I must be careful though in thinking that certain acts: living a prayerful life, attending CGs, being present every week at church - will lead me to this oneness or salvation. It is only through Jesus' dwelling in my heart . If Jesus is not in me, all my acts are futile.
Holiness is a way of being identified with Christ. I must have conscious efforts toward holiness. . . or what is heaven for?
J.B.
Hearing God's hushed voice is an awesome experience. Ive experienced it and was truly awed by God's power and wisdom.
These happened when I was very deep in prayer (for my visa)... when i was about to make a major decision (about my lovelife)... when God wanted to protect somebody (my dad).... the lists goes on. I knew it came from God coz it was such a clear, clear voice even though it was told in hushed tones. I knew it came from God coz it made me stop dead on my track. I knew it was God coz nobody was with me during those times. I knew it was God because only God will care enough, love enough... to do that for me.
I think these instances are God's way of showing me that I truly belong to Him, that I am His child. That He loves me and cares for me thus, He talks to me. Nakakaiyak!
Thank you God for the hushed voice... isa pa please!
I.T.
I have been unaware of my vindictiveness. There is an area in my life where I still seek to have my own way and I must renounce it. Jesus' love for us allows us to identify with Him.
To identify with him is to be able to surrender and abandon myself. I must be careful though in thinking that certain acts: living a prayerful life, attending CGs, being present every week at church - will lead me to this oneness or salvation. It is only through Jesus' dwelling in my heart . If Jesus is not in me, all my acts are futile.
Holiness is a way of being identified with Christ. I must have conscious efforts toward holiness. . . or what is heaven for?
J.B.
29 June
Job 38:
22 "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses
of the hail, 23 which I reserve for times of trouble, for days of war and battle?
The background of this story is on Job finally given his desire to have an audience with God after
the "suffering" he underwent. Verses 22-23 is part of the questions God posed to Job....
Truly, even if we are the wisest man on earth, even if we live a sinless life, even if we had received
10 noble prizes... we can never match God's wisdom. He may allow us to undergo trials and
suffering BUT His reasons for doing so should never be questioned.
Like Job, questioning God will only make us see our unworthiness.
I.T.
Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. Ps 119:109
It is through God's amazing grace that we can truly become His disciples.
We first build upon a relationship with Jesus Christ, a relationship that will be tried and tested but must not be blurred.
God's supernatural grace will sustain us in building our relationship with Him because he chose us (Jn 15:16)
As a Christian, building on a relationship with Jesus means dismantling our relationship with ourselves. When God calls us to do something for Him, let his grace make us fit to do it.
J.B.
23 June
Jesus, until he reached Jerusalem where he was crucified, faced many persecutions, and perhaps a handful of blessings, from people around him - and so shall we during our journey.
Like the Psalmist, let's ask for God's unfailing love to be our comfort when we are facing trials on our way to Jerusalem, not to be persecuted but to share in God's glory. This love shall encompass the will and the strength that we need so our hearts may be "blameless toward God's decrees, that we may not be put to shame."
J.B.
Like the Psalmist, let's ask for God's unfailing love to be our comfort when we are facing trials on our way to Jerusalem, not to be persecuted but to share in God's glory. This love shall encompass the will and the strength that we need so our hearts may be "blameless toward God's decrees, that we may not be put to shame."
J.B.
22 June
The Psalmist in Ps. 199:73-80 asks to be given understanding to learn God's commands. The psalmist is clearly sold-out that he barely has awareness that he is being mastered or ruled over by a higher power. That is the kind of relationship that we should have with our God.
In our earthly lives, we are given commandments by our bosses or someone in the higher authority and sometimes we do not understand, especially when it seems unjust or unreasonable. Our challenge as Christians is to show that we serve the King of kings and the Lord of lords and no high authority here on earth can surpass Him! We must exhibit "divine characteristics" of humility and gentleness.
J.B.
In our earthly lives, we are given commandments by our bosses or someone in the higher authority and sometimes we do not understand, especially when it seems unjust or unreasonable. Our challenge as Christians is to show that we serve the King of kings and the Lord of lords and no high authority here on earth can surpass Him! We must exhibit "divine characteristics" of humility and gentleness.
J.B.
20 June
I was reminded last night of how God grants us the things that we ask for. It is through circumstances. When we ask for patience, He'll present circumstances that enables us to develop our patience.
"He created us for Himself." This is His creative purpose for us. We must not rely on happenstances or people to bring us closer to God. There must be purposeful and deliberate acts to focus on Jesus - the one who walks steadily on water amidst the tempest.
J.B.
"He created us for Himself." This is His creative purpose for us. We must not rely on happenstances or people to bring us closer to God. There must be purposeful and deliberate acts to focus on Jesus - the one who walks steadily on water amidst the tempest.
J.B.
19 June
God has been giving me plenty of opportunities to prove whether or not I am "perfect, as He is perfect." (Matt. 5:48)
There must be a deliberate act to "identify with God's interest in other people" and it must come naturally to us, a deliberate action that is governed by a purpose of being one with God. In natural situations, when we are faced with difficult circumstances (cramming, running out of time, getting hungry and grumpy), God's life in us must exhibit His supernatural grace that can give us the "power to stay wonderfully poised."
J.B.
There must be a deliberate act to "identify with God's interest in other people" and it must come naturally to us, a deliberate action that is governed by a purpose of being one with God. In natural situations, when we are faced with difficult circumstances (cramming, running out of time, getting hungry and grumpy), God's life in us must exhibit His supernatural grace that can give us the "power to stay wonderfully poised."
J.B.
18 June
Hebrews 12:12-13 Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for our feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Ay ang hirap ng ampalaya ko! Di ko ma-gets. hahaha! Natahimik tuloy ako.
But based on my guide book, this means daw na God's word of encouragement is for us to lift the hands of faith and to fortify our knees of prayer. Coz there will be times when we get weak and tired kaya our prayers lose power and effectiveness.
Oo nga naman!
I think this is the time when our spirits and energy are at its lowest BUT this is the best time to hang on all the more and praise God. Simply because this is the time that we need Him the most.
We should be conscious when our spirits are down. When Satan is hovering and waiting to snatch us! We should not let Satan boast of having overwhelmed us!
We shd plow ahead!
I.T.
Psalm 119:33-40
The Psalmist asks the Lord to teach him about the laws for him to gain understanding and to be directed in the path of God's commands. There is a deliberate act to honor the Lord, it must not depend on happenstances.
We must understand what's at stake here. The world may blind us with its riches that can make us forget what heaven is for. Whatever we watch, listen to, or read - whatever bodily actions - must be done in honor of Jesus.
Jesus, during his earthly life, was himself tempted yet he showed us how he overcame and Revelations 3:21 tells us about a promise that God has for those who do the same.
J.B.
Ay ang hirap ng ampalaya ko! Di ko ma-gets. hahaha! Natahimik tuloy ako.
But based on my guide book, this means daw na God's word of encouragement is for us to lift the hands of faith and to fortify our knees of prayer. Coz there will be times when we get weak and tired kaya our prayers lose power and effectiveness.
Oo nga naman!
I think this is the time when our spirits and energy are at its lowest BUT this is the best time to hang on all the more and praise God. Simply because this is the time that we need Him the most.
We should be conscious when our spirits are down. When Satan is hovering and waiting to snatch us! We should not let Satan boast of having overwhelmed us!
We shd plow ahead!
I.T.
Psalm 119:33-40
The Psalmist asks the Lord to teach him about the laws for him to gain understanding and to be directed in the path of God's commands. There is a deliberate act to honor the Lord, it must not depend on happenstances.
We must understand what's at stake here. The world may blind us with its riches that can make us forget what heaven is for. Whatever we watch, listen to, or read - whatever bodily actions - must be done in honor of Jesus.
Jesus, during his earthly life, was himself tempted yet he showed us how he overcame and Revelations 3:21 tells us about a promise that God has for those who do the same.
J.B.
17 June
Ezekiel 1:25... Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings.
Very, very nice imagery!
Isn't it true that when we are in bended knees, with heads bowed... that we hear God's voice? Isn't it in these moments that all are senses are in sync and tuned wholly to our Creator? No wonder then that it is in these moments that God's voice is truly loud and clear.
My challenge: I should try kneeling more often when praying... rather than lying or just sitting on my bed.
I.T.
Very, very nice imagery!
Isn't it true that when we are in bended knees, with heads bowed... that we hear God's voice? Isn't it in these moments that all are senses are in sync and tuned wholly to our Creator? No wonder then that it is in these moments that God's voice is truly loud and clear.
My challenge: I should try kneeling more often when praying... rather than lying or just sitting on my bed.
I.T.
16 June
Psalm 62:5 Find rest, o my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him.
In God ALONE. Our hope comes from HIM. Very simple, very direct, very clear.
It does not say that our rest and hope should come from saints (be that St. Peter/John/Joseph/etc), nor from Jesus' earth mother (Mary), nor from images (am sure you've seen the waving cat) nor trinkets that act as protection (agimat, bracelets, horseshoes, etc). As the bible says, only in God should we find rest and hope.
In the other parts of these chapter, it even states that we should not put our trust in people who bless with their mouths but curse with their hearts nor on increasing wealth money (v4, 10). Its a clear warning that we should be wary of people who are pretending to be Godsend. Who pretend to know Him. Nor should we be deceived or rely only on our wealth/money.
Lets not make things complicated.
I.T.
In God ALONE. Our hope comes from HIM. Very simple, very direct, very clear.
It does not say that our rest and hope should come from saints (be that St. Peter/John/Joseph/etc), nor from Jesus' earth mother (Mary), nor from images (am sure you've seen the waving cat) nor trinkets that act as protection (agimat, bracelets, horseshoes, etc). As the bible says, only in God should we find rest and hope.
In the other parts of these chapter, it even states that we should not put our trust in people who bless with their mouths but curse with their hearts nor on increasing wealth money (v4, 10). Its a clear warning that we should be wary of people who are pretending to be Godsend. Who pretend to know Him. Nor should we be deceived or rely only on our wealth/money.
Lets not make things complicated.
I.T.
15 June
In genesis 41:52 Joseph named his son as Ephraim which means God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.
This teaches me one impt lesson: that our land of milk and honey may be, at first step, our land of suffering also. That we may have to undergo first some trials and challenges before we harvest our fruits.
Just like what Joseph had underwent in Egypt. He suffered a lot first. He got sold (by his own brothers!), accused of seduction/rape (by Potiphar's wife) and imprisoned for 13 years. Egypt was truly a land of suffering for him.
BUT, BUT, BUT with unwavering faith, no bitterness and with God's hand, everything got turned upside down.
Pharaoh gave him his signet ring (how cool is that, its like the LA lakers giving you their champion ring or manny paquiao giving you his boxing belt). He was dressed with linen robes (hey thats like wearing Armani or a wedding gown by Lhuiller). He was given his own chariot (thats the jaguar in the old times) and men shouted "make may!" every time he passes by. Those are A-1 perks of life! Pogi na nga si joseph eh di lalo na after all these!
Truly, when some rains fall in our land.. we should not focus on the damage it will do. The best attitude is to wait eagerly for the thousands of flowers that will bloom afterwards.
Ay naku, i love philrice from now on! Pakner, love mo na rin clsu? hehehe
I.T.
Psalm 119 v9: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."
v11: "I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches."
I pride myself in my collection of books. I remember thinking that if I devote this much time reading and finishing novels, I must devote far more time in reading God's words. If I take my time learning and following the handbooks and manuals, I must be more vigilant and on guard in following God's laws.
No other love surpasses the love that God has for us and His love is manifested in His laws which purposes are for us to be better children of His kingdom. It's for our own good.
Are we becoming better citizens day by day?
J.B.
This teaches me one impt lesson: that our land of milk and honey may be, at first step, our land of suffering also. That we may have to undergo first some trials and challenges before we harvest our fruits.
Just like what Joseph had underwent in Egypt. He suffered a lot first. He got sold (by his own brothers!), accused of seduction/rape (by Potiphar's wife) and imprisoned for 13 years. Egypt was truly a land of suffering for him.
BUT, BUT, BUT with unwavering faith, no bitterness and with God's hand, everything got turned upside down.
Pharaoh gave him his signet ring (how cool is that, its like the LA lakers giving you their champion ring or manny paquiao giving you his boxing belt). He was dressed with linen robes (hey thats like wearing Armani or a wedding gown by Lhuiller). He was given his own chariot (thats the jaguar in the old times) and men shouted "make may!" every time he passes by. Those are A-1 perks of life! Pogi na nga si joseph eh di lalo na after all these!
Truly, when some rains fall in our land.. we should not focus on the damage it will do. The best attitude is to wait eagerly for the thousands of flowers that will bloom afterwards.
Ay naku, i love philrice from now on! Pakner, love mo na rin clsu? hehehe
I.T.
Psalm 119 v9: "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word."
v11: "I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches."
I pride myself in my collection of books. I remember thinking that if I devote this much time reading and finishing novels, I must devote far more time in reading God's words. If I take my time learning and following the handbooks and manuals, I must be more vigilant and on guard in following God's laws.
No other love surpasses the love that God has for us and His love is manifested in His laws which purposes are for us to be better children of His kingdom. It's for our own good.
Are we becoming better citizens day by day?
J.B.
10 June
Romans 8:28...and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
In ALL things! Not in some things, not in most things nor not only in good things BUT in ALL things! And when it states ALL, the promise spans from the very smallest detail of our life to the most important... from the humblest acts to the greatest... from the most joyful moments and the most hurtful/sacrificial. Can we truly measure and fathom God's love for us?
The promise states: God WORKS.. it is in present tense therefore it is a continuing operation. Not "worked" which means its done already. Not even "will work" which means it will only be done in the future. But simply God WORKS. So while writing this and you reading it, God is doing something for me/us.
ALL things... for the the good. Yes, some things in our life will be drab, some will be very colorful, others will be down moments, and the rest will be happy moments. But taken all together will produce something good. Ever wonder why we can say an event is a happy moment? Because we have something to compare it with. Because we know how to treasure it based from past events. Remember how down we were in the past and then after a few months, we look back on that incident and just smile and realize some things? John 13:7 states You don't realize now what God is doing but later you will understand.
Again let me ask you: How good is our God?
I.T.
In ALL things! Not in some things, not in most things nor not only in good things BUT in ALL things! And when it states ALL, the promise spans from the very smallest detail of our life to the most important... from the humblest acts to the greatest... from the most joyful moments and the most hurtful/sacrificial. Can we truly measure and fathom God's love for us?
The promise states: God WORKS.. it is in present tense therefore it is a continuing operation. Not "worked" which means its done already. Not even "will work" which means it will only be done in the future. But simply God WORKS. So while writing this and you reading it, God is doing something for me/us.
ALL things... for the the good. Yes, some things in our life will be drab, some will be very colorful, others will be down moments, and the rest will be happy moments. But taken all together will produce something good. Ever wonder why we can say an event is a happy moment? Because we have something to compare it with. Because we know how to treasure it based from past events. Remember how down we were in the past and then after a few months, we look back on that incident and just smile and realize some things? John 13:7 states You don't realize now what God is doing but later you will understand.
Again let me ask you: How good is our God?
I.T.
9 June
Psalm 37: 1-9 in a gist tells us that we should not worry, fret, be angered, or be envious about evil men succeeding in their ways for like grass they will soon wither. Instead of feeling that way, we should keep trusting in the Lord so we will enjoy safe pasture and inherit the land.
This QT reminds me of the former president Marcos and how he had enriched himself and made himself above the law. I also thought of Hitler's scary power and how many he had ordered killed. Or of Michael Jackson and how he idolized himself.... But where are these people now? Marcos and Hitler are both dead and the only legacy they left behind is that of bad leadership. M. Jackson now is almost in hiding because of how he looks after all those surgeries and law suits.
God's word is soooo real. If we had exhausted our energy thinking how bad these men are, we stand to lose more. Sometimes we even spend time secretly thinking and wishing what will happen to them.... we even get frustrated.
The right attitude is to trust God and grow/delight in His word. Trust that God's justice will reign.. we may not always see it during our lifetime BUT it will prevail. In fact, in v13 it stated that the Lord just laughs at them for He knows their day is coming.
Just trust.
I.T.
An "eagerness to maintain unbroken fellowship and oneness with God." Truly, in whatever situation we may find ourselves in, if we do not know which direction to take - turn to Jesus and He WILL give us rest. Surely He CAN but he definitely WILL, no exceptions. Isn't that a great promise?
J.B.
This QT reminds me of the former president Marcos and how he had enriched himself and made himself above the law. I also thought of Hitler's scary power and how many he had ordered killed. Or of Michael Jackson and how he idolized himself.... But where are these people now? Marcos and Hitler are both dead and the only legacy they left behind is that of bad leadership. M. Jackson now is almost in hiding because of how he looks after all those surgeries and law suits.
God's word is soooo real. If we had exhausted our energy thinking how bad these men are, we stand to lose more. Sometimes we even spend time secretly thinking and wishing what will happen to them.... we even get frustrated.
The right attitude is to trust God and grow/delight in His word. Trust that God's justice will reign.. we may not always see it during our lifetime BUT it will prevail. In fact, in v13 it stated that the Lord just laughs at them for He knows their day is coming.
Just trust.
I.T.
An "eagerness to maintain unbroken fellowship and oneness with God." Truly, in whatever situation we may find ourselves in, if we do not know which direction to take - turn to Jesus and He WILL give us rest. Surely He CAN but he definitely WILL, no exceptions. Isn't that a great promise?
J.B.
8 June
1 John 5:4 Everyone born of God overcomes the world.....
Superman gets weak with krytonite, batman gets fooled by the Joker or Penguin, President Kennedy got assasinated, Erap and Marcos got overthrown, Bill Gates is scared of computer viruses....Pero ako, I can overcome the world! Asteeeeeg!
And why is that? Its because I am a believer. As a child of God, as somebody who knows and has God, I am truly blessed as I have the assurance of victory from this world.
All the superpowers in these world, fact or fiction, can never claim that.
Amen!
I.T.
Superman gets weak with krytonite, batman gets fooled by the Joker or Penguin, President Kennedy got assasinated, Erap and Marcos got overthrown, Bill Gates is scared of computer viruses....Pero ako, I can overcome the world! Asteeeeeg!
And why is that? Its because I am a believer. As a child of God, as somebody who knows and has God, I am truly blessed as I have the assurance of victory from this world.
All the superpowers in these world, fact or fiction, can never claim that.
Amen!
I.T.
6 June
In Matthew 26:36-41 Jesus reprimanded the disciples when He caught them sleeping while He was praying. Jesus said: Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
Yes, my flesh is weak! Sorry talaga Lord.
I am guilty just like the disciples. There are times when i'd rather sleep (esp when im tired from work), watch TV (my fave tv show is on air!!!), shop (or go UK), cook (my to-die-for hobby!), eat, chat with friends than pray or spend time with God. Sometimes, id pray first BUT i'd shorten my prayer so i can "play". Kakahiya ano?
I never learn that when i misprioritize, i miss the freshness and strength that God would have imparted me when i spend time praying or reading His word. Tigas ng ulo ko!
I should always remember that if Jesus, the son of God, the One who knows everything, felt the need to rise each morning to pray, i should be compelled to do so also. If Jesus who holds the world in His hand is doing it... what reason do i have not to do it?
I.T.
psalm 112 states characteristics that I surely would like to have:
wealth and riches in my house
no fear of the bad news
all the good that can come to me
secure heart
light that dawns in darkness
privilege to look in triumph over the enemies
freedom not to be shaken
gifts for the poor, even those abroad
being remembered forever
having mighty children
and our one and only God who is forever faithful lets us know what must be done:
fear the Lord
steadfastly trust in the Lord
delight in His commands
give to the poor
be gracious and compassionate
be righteous and just
Lord, may you grant me an undivided heart that I may fear your name. The wisdom that only comes from you is what I am after. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
J.B.
Yes, my flesh is weak! Sorry talaga Lord.
I am guilty just like the disciples. There are times when i'd rather sleep (esp when im tired from work), watch TV (my fave tv show is on air!!!), shop (or go UK), cook (my to-die-for hobby!), eat, chat with friends than pray or spend time with God. Sometimes, id pray first BUT i'd shorten my prayer so i can "play". Kakahiya ano?
I never learn that when i misprioritize, i miss the freshness and strength that God would have imparted me when i spend time praying or reading His word. Tigas ng ulo ko!
I should always remember that if Jesus, the son of God, the One who knows everything, felt the need to rise each morning to pray, i should be compelled to do so also. If Jesus who holds the world in His hand is doing it... what reason do i have not to do it?
I.T.
psalm 112 states characteristics that I surely would like to have:
wealth and riches in my house
no fear of the bad news
all the good that can come to me
secure heart
light that dawns in darkness
privilege to look in triumph over the enemies
freedom not to be shaken
gifts for the poor, even those abroad
being remembered forever
having mighty children
and our one and only God who is forever faithful lets us know what must be done:
fear the Lord
steadfastly trust in the Lord
delight in His commands
give to the poor
be gracious and compassionate
be righteous and just
Lord, may you grant me an undivided heart that I may fear your name. The wisdom that only comes from you is what I am after. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
J.B.
5 June
In Isaiah 7:11 the Lord said: Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above....
There is no reason why we should not ask our God for great things or for signs... why He even commanded it! Without a doubt, we will receive if we ask in faith. We should always remember that the same great wonders that were done by God as prayed for by bible characters can still be done today.... Simply because the same Spiritual force that was available to these bible characters which enabled them to become spiritual heroes are also available to us. Sometimes we even have more because of the technology around us :-) If we exhibit the same faith, we will achieve miracles as great theirs... maybe even more.
This again proves that our God is truly powerful and gracious. Lets not put a limit to what he can do for us.
I.T.
"Anyone who does what is good is from God." 3 John 11
Minister in everyday opportunities.
Being charitable and compassionate to the poor and needy are ways to become closer to God because Jesus himself is close to the poor and needy. When we do so, we become like Christ and it is also one way of ministering.
We say that we'd like Jesus to be present in every detail of our lives and He sure is! Through the the people that surrounds us.
How do we treat others?
J.B.
There is no reason why we should not ask our God for great things or for signs... why He even commanded it! Without a doubt, we will receive if we ask in faith. We should always remember that the same great wonders that were done by God as prayed for by bible characters can still be done today.... Simply because the same Spiritual force that was available to these bible characters which enabled them to become spiritual heroes are also available to us. Sometimes we even have more because of the technology around us :-) If we exhibit the same faith, we will achieve miracles as great theirs... maybe even more.
This again proves that our God is truly powerful and gracious. Lets not put a limit to what he can do for us.
I.T.
"Anyone who does what is good is from God." 3 John 11
Minister in everyday opportunities.
Being charitable and compassionate to the poor and needy are ways to become closer to God because Jesus himself is close to the poor and needy. When we do so, we become like Christ and it is also one way of ministering.
We say that we'd like Jesus to be present in every detail of our lives and He sure is! Through the the people that surrounds us.
How do we treat others?
J.B.
4 June
Exodus 14:21 shares the classic story of Moses stretching out his hand over the sea.. and ALL THAT NIGHT the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided...
ALL THAT NIGHT!!! While the Israelites were sleeping, God was working to save them from the Egyptians. Makes me think, siguro when im sleeping or during my darkest times, God is doing something for me that i am completely unaware of... that when i awake, i may not know it, but God twisted this and that or rearrange something in the world for me to feel better and safer. Or that after a dark time, i am unaware, that God allowed it for me to learn something or see an angle i am blind to. How good is our God? ALL the time... 24/7.
Things i should reflect on: What pursuing army (like the eqyptians) do i fear most that i would love my God to provide me an awesome escape (like parting the sea)? What is the battle i would like my God to fight for with me? Ang hirap sagutin!
I.T.
"A private relationship of worshiping God is the greatest essential element of spiritual fitness." O. Chambers
"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." 2 John 9
praise God for instilling His love that is abounding. I believe God would like to use me and it's remarkable how the things He tells me are of one thing: His love and how I could love him back.
Allow me Lord to minister - through the small things I do or say, and even to a greater extent, to my classes. May You be glorified, Lord and not I. Amen.
J.B.
ALL THAT NIGHT!!! While the Israelites were sleeping, God was working to save them from the Egyptians. Makes me think, siguro when im sleeping or during my darkest times, God is doing something for me that i am completely unaware of... that when i awake, i may not know it, but God twisted this and that or rearrange something in the world for me to feel better and safer. Or that after a dark time, i am unaware, that God allowed it for me to learn something or see an angle i am blind to. How good is our God? ALL the time... 24/7.
Things i should reflect on: What pursuing army (like the eqyptians) do i fear most that i would love my God to provide me an awesome escape (like parting the sea)? What is the battle i would like my God to fight for with me? Ang hirap sagutin!
I.T.
"A private relationship of worshiping God is the greatest essential element of spiritual fitness." O. Chambers
"Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." 2 John 9
praise God for instilling His love that is abounding. I believe God would like to use me and it's remarkable how the things He tells me are of one thing: His love and how I could love him back.
Allow me Lord to minister - through the small things I do or say, and even to a greater extent, to my classes. May You be glorified, Lord and not I. Amen.
J.B.
3 June
Mark 4: 35-41 tells the story of Jesus calming the storm/wind when he was with the disciples. The disciples were very afraid of drowning during that time that Jesus said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
Two concrete lessons here.
First, being a believer does not exempt "storms" from coming in my life. Yes, i have Jesus but this does not translate to a worrry-or-problem-free life. Trials will still come my way. Just like the disciples in the story, it was when they were with Jesus that the storm came their way.
Second, in stormy times, we should not be afraid. We shd not question God. The right attitude is to stand PROUD and BRAVE as no harm can touch us for Christ is with us! Truly, with Christ in our vessel, we can smile at the storm :-)
I.T.
"So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body." Ecc 11:10
There are plenty of times that we are reminded to let go of things that worry us. I worry of the coming semester because of the tons of schoolwork, yet again! But didn't God help me get through it the first time? Yes, He definitely did!
Sometimes it's hard to keep focus on Jesus especially when circumstances can be overwhelming. But God tells me to remain steadfast. It's awesome how he allows me to bawl like a baby, kicking and screaming when I don't get what I want but still he has the patience to stay with me and guide me all the way out of the candy store!
Lord, I admit that there are plenty of times when I decide that I want to be alone and not want to have anything to do with you. Thanks you for your forgiveness and for your loving and patient arms that always finds its way around my shoulders.
J.B.
Two concrete lessons here.
First, being a believer does not exempt "storms" from coming in my life. Yes, i have Jesus but this does not translate to a worrry-or-problem-free life. Trials will still come my way. Just like the disciples in the story, it was when they were with Jesus that the storm came their way.
Second, in stormy times, we should not be afraid. We shd not question God. The right attitude is to stand PROUD and BRAVE as no harm can touch us for Christ is with us! Truly, with Christ in our vessel, we can smile at the storm :-)
I.T.
"So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body." Ecc 11:10
There are plenty of times that we are reminded to let go of things that worry us. I worry of the coming semester because of the tons of schoolwork, yet again! But didn't God help me get through it the first time? Yes, He definitely did!
Sometimes it's hard to keep focus on Jesus especially when circumstances can be overwhelming. But God tells me to remain steadfast. It's awesome how he allows me to bawl like a baby, kicking and screaming when I don't get what I want but still he has the patience to stay with me and guide me all the way out of the candy store!
Lord, I admit that there are plenty of times when I decide that I want to be alone and not want to have anything to do with you. Thanks you for your forgiveness and for your loving and patient arms that always finds its way around my shoulders.
J.B.
2 June
Romans 4:18-19 reminisced the story of Abraham...it states that against all hope, Abraham in hope, believed and so became the father of many nations...without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was good as dead as he was 100yrs old already and that Sarah's (abraham's wife) womb was also dead.
Having babies at the age of 100? Even the greatest doctors of this high tech era will think twice if that is at all possible. We have front page news and headlines of parents who give birth at the age of 45-55... considering the sitn as miracles of medicines. Doctors and mothers are interviewed, the birth is videotaped, and the babies are instant celebrities. Wonder how they will react to Abraham's story? But for our mighty God, it was just a simple case of having pure and undoubting faith.
It makes me ask myself: where i am being strrrrrrrrretched by God in my ability to trust Him? If having babies at the age of 100 is possible for my God, what then is impossible to Him if i simply exercise my faith?
Im 40 and single. An age many consider as PANIC time for getting married. Kahit-sino-na-lang Lord-phase? :-) But i know my God and He knows me. He provides comfort when society becomes harsh. My God knows my heart. He holds my future. He knows if I will marry or not. And whatever He wills for my life, I know i shd trust that its for my best. So i tell my 4o yr old heart: Hush...every thump, every beat should be for God...for He alone deserves my love...if a man, in God's time, seeks me... then he would have to seek Him first to find me..."
I.T.
Having babies at the age of 100? Even the greatest doctors of this high tech era will think twice if that is at all possible. We have front page news and headlines of parents who give birth at the age of 45-55... considering the sitn as miracles of medicines. Doctors and mothers are interviewed, the birth is videotaped, and the babies are instant celebrities. Wonder how they will react to Abraham's story? But for our mighty God, it was just a simple case of having pure and undoubting faith.
It makes me ask myself: where i am being strrrrrrrrretched by God in my ability to trust Him? If having babies at the age of 100 is possible for my God, what then is impossible to Him if i simply exercise my faith?
Im 40 and single. An age many consider as PANIC time for getting married. Kahit-sino-na-lang Lord-phase? :-) But i know my God and He knows me. He provides comfort when society becomes harsh. My God knows my heart. He holds my future. He knows if I will marry or not. And whatever He wills for my life, I know i shd trust that its for my best. So i tell my 4o yr old heart: Hush...every thump, every beat should be for God...for He alone deserves my love...if a man, in God's time, seeks me... then he would have to seek Him first to find me..."
I.T.
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