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.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
with Ptr. Jon Almusara (3rd from left, front row)
Two ladies from Lakas-Angkan,N. Ecija share their insights on each quiet time that they have ever since they heard about "ampalaya".
DO SOMETHING
"Faith that does nothing is dead!" (James 2:26)
Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. God is always near and always available. Just waiting for your touch. So let him know. Demonstrate your devotion:
Write a letter.
Ask forgiveness.
Be baptized.
Feed a hungry person.
Pray.
Teach.
Go.
Do something that demonstrates faith. For faith with no effort is no faith at all. God will respond. He has never rejected a genuine gesture of faith. Never.
---He Still Moves Stones
Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. God is always near and always available. Just waiting for your touch. So let him know. Demonstrate your devotion:
Write a letter.
Ask forgiveness.
Be baptized.
Feed a hungry person.
Pray.
Teach.
Go.
Do something that demonstrates faith. For faith with no effort is no faith at all. God will respond. He has never rejected a genuine gesture of faith. Never.
---He Still Moves Stones
SOLE PROVIDER, SOLE COMFORTER (from The Applause of Heaven)
As long as Jesus is one of my options, he is not an option.
As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need a burden bearer. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. And as long as you can take Him or leave Hin, you might as well leave Him, because He won't be taken half-heartedly.
But when you mourn, when you get to the point of sorrow for your sins, when you admit that you have no other option but to cast all your cares on Him, and when there is truly no other name that you can call, then cast all your cares on Him, for He is waiting in the midst of the storm.
As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don't need a burden bearer. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. And as long as you can take Him or leave Hin, you might as well leave Him, because He won't be taken half-heartedly.
But when you mourn, when you get to the point of sorrow for your sins, when you admit that you have no other option but to cast all your cares on Him, and when there is truly no other name that you can call, then cast all your cares on Him, for He is waiting in the midst of the storm.
Single Professional Fellowship
with Ptr. Jon Almusara (3rd from left, front row)
visit the LAKAS-ANGKAN website!!
Amena Brown: Ressurection
What's AMPALAYA?
Ampalaya or bitter gourd is a vegetable which has a bitter taste but very high in nutrients and said to be good cure for anemics. For Christians, it is devotion, the essence of your faith - that which Christians almost never like. It is the reading and meditating on God's word. Our faith may be focused on good deeds and making the world a better place, but it is nothing without ampalaya.
No comments:
Post a Comment