As I have promised in my recent post A-C-E, that I will be posting blogs about things I have learned this year to fill in my December 2012 archive. And at this point, I will be writing about the movie I just watched title "Courageous". A must see movie for every family specially for the fathers who seek to live devotedly to Christ. Every man who desires to have a family of their own, for all the sons/daughters who grew up with or without a father. And for all the woman who desires to have a husband in the future. The movie had shown importance on how to be a "Courageous Man of God" the kind of a man with integrity in the eyes of God, the kind of a husband who honors and respect his wife, and the kind of a father who will protect, provide and love his family. This movie is an encouragement how to be "courageous" in our walk of faith.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
—Joshua 24:15
Below are some of my favorite scenes in the movie:
The Resolution Ceremony
The Final Scene
.... I urge you to watch this movie with your family during this season to commemorate the true essence of Christmas "loving our God with our Family".
I leave you with this song "Courageous" by Casting Crowns, reminding us:
"We were made to be courageous,we were made to lead the way, we could be the generation that finally breaks the chain. We were made to be courageous"
The month of December is here and we are almost half - way this month to bid 2012 goodbye. As I may need to fill in my December 2012 archive I have few topics I want to blog before the year ends. It's about few things I learned this year. But, first I would like to share about A-C-E in serving/following/obeying God. You see, following Christ is not a one time big time thing. It doesn't stop when you got baptized or when you have disciple someone and not even when you become a leader. It's a journey you have to walk constantly and though you need to walk barefoot sometimes, it's necessary to remind yourself why do it anyway.
....Which reminds me of my former supervisor Van, she would always remind us the key to maintaining our job metrics is to simply follow A-C-E:
A = Accuracy in giving the right specification to clients in order to set the right expectation.
C = Consistency in providing the same service to all clients.
E = Effectiveness in giving the appropriate solution based on what the client needs.
Reading back these key points is not just to keep my metrics but the same rule can also be applied in our daily life or in our walk of faith.
A = Accuracy on sharing God's words, is imperative that accurate bible story should be practice as not to mislead and confuse others.
C = Consistency on doing your devotional reading/ministry serving/volunteering to sustain relationship with Christ as not to cause idle moments because in those idle moments we let pass us by. It's easy to get tempted to do things which can lead us to sin.
E = Effectiveness is also important when you are serving in a ministry. Having the heart to serve is a plus but must also take note how effective are we in it, matters too.
And just to encourage:
"Jesus Christ is the same
Yesterday,
Today
and
Forever..."
~ Hebrews 13:8
....Although living a christian life is never easy and it will never be in the future. But you can always choose to be happy in whatever situation you are in just as long as you remind yourself everyday. God's love is constant. He is the same God, who helped David to overcome the giant. He is the same God who promised Abraham many descendants. The same God, who helped Moses cross the red sea. He is the same God we serve today and will always be. Isn't it amazing? The anticipation, If God gave Abraham many descendant what can He not do for you? This is an encouragement to remind us, that as God is constant. We ought to do the same.
Sharing you my Devotional Song while doing this blog, "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me
For the whole month of October our small group was on the series all about "Prayers" when do we result to prayer? Are we praying the wrong prayers? or how should we pray?. Sometimes when we are too preoccupied on so many things like our job, responsibilities, career, ministries, and other activities we result to taking things on our own and least to pray.
The bible say:
"When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them."
~ Acts 4:24
..... If you have read the book of Acts particularly on chapter 4 on this passage when the Elders have heard of the miracle over a sick man who was healed, they prayed. The elders first reaction was to Pray, you see prayer should be our highest appeal says Ptr. Steve. It should be our first resort to anything whether in need, trouble or thanksgiving. God's intention is for us to seek him first and all these things will be added unto us. (Mat. 6:33)
Last Tuesday, I was told I had to discuss this Sunday's topic and at this point we are to talk about Prayers but it's going to be a "freestyle". I paused, thought of what is my definition of Prayer and how do I really pray? Then I came up with my "Prayer 101" my prayer must have. I searched from my notes and some of the Pastors preaching's and here are my list:
1. Pray a Realistic Prayer
When Ptr. Clayton's daughter was undergoing the pain of teething, he prayed for all her pain to go away.But then Ptr. Clayton returned to the word for guidance and it says:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its works so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
~ James 1 : 2 - 4
Then Ptr. Clayton said:
. "Then I started praying different prayers.
I prayed that Jesus would strengthen her to overcome,
strengthen her to endure. I prayed she'd be stronger
because of what she's enduring
so that she'll be able to overcome later on,
and help others to do the same.
I started praying realistic prayers"
2. Be persistent.
One of the example of persistent prayer Ptr. Brett sited was from the book of Kings, when Elijah went to Ahab (who at that time worship, Baal) and asked to gather the people of Israel and went to Mount Carmel. This is for Elijah to prove how real our God is. Elijah had ordered his servants to put the bull to the ground and watered it, so God can put a fire on it. He told Baal worshipers to follow and ask their Baal to do the same. Elijah prayed and prayed, until third time God answered his prayers.
The bible says:
34 “Do it again,” he said, and they did it again.“Do it a third time,” he ordered, and they did it the third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench. 36 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!”
~ 1 Kings 18:34-39
"It is not that God is hard of hearing
or that an abundance of words
is required to capture His attention.
It's just that He's developing our tenacity and patience
while He answers our prayer. So, allow Him to change your heart, making you more resilient and enduring - more like Him.
Then you will have the privilege
of watching Him bring you the "cloud" of encouragement signaling the answer is on the way.
Live right, live well".
~ Ptr. Brett
3. And lastly, Pray and Fast
I remember I did told you I was taking one of the class that we had at our local church. And I was reminded of the topic we also had and its about fasting.
It was written:
"Fasting is abstaining from food as a spiritual discipline. It is denying the flesh its necessities so that our inner man can be more in tune with the Spirit of God."
~ Training for Victory, A Study Guide for Being and Making Disciples.
Three Benefits of Fasting
1. Victory over Spiritual Forces.
The Bible says:
"25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer (and fasting)."
~ Mark 9:25-29
2. Answered Prayer
23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.31 On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way.
~ Ezra 8: 23, 31
3. Guidance
The bible says:
"The Lord will guide you always"
~ Isaiah 58:11
.... It was written that prayer with fasting will benefit you victory over spiritual forces, like the apostles before us who followed Christ also experience prosecution spiritual and physical prosecution. In our age rather, we have spiritual warfare of spiritual forces around us and when we pray and fast we will have victory over it. God has always answered our prayers, but fasting in different forms like abstinence from certain things or food will give you spare time to focus on prayer and read the bible. You will be amazed that its in these moments God reveal to you His words. Each of us has different walk with God. But we only have one common basis of our relationship with Him and its through prayer alone........
........My encouragement for you today, is to remember when you pray? Pray a realistic prayer not God to take away your pain but to Pray for endurance and perseverance to overcome it. Be persistent in Prayer, just like what Ptr. Paolo said "Its not how good you are, but how bad you want it". God reveal to you His response sometimes through discernment of our prayers, it may not be something we want. But He will definitely provide us our needs more than our wants. And lastly to strengthen our prayer, fast. It benefits you more than you know. Its not about sacrifice but its actually giving you more time to focus on the Spirit of God. Its when you are empty you become full. Its when you are weak, you are the strongest.....
I leave you with this song "I'll Just Worship You" by Tony Sutherland because when we Pray we are actually worshiping Him as well.
I mention in my recent posts that I'm currently taking up TFV class in our local church and it was an amazing experience to learn and to refresh the applications I learned during Victory Weekend. One of the topic I want to share today which I believe God has revealed to me in the past weeks its "Forbearance". In our walk with God, we all have struggles and we are not perfect. However, for some our own imperfections are acceptable and we can easily forgive ourselves for little impatience and short-comings. We know our own weakness and strengths but in times others have failed you how would you react? May it be, someone closely attached to you, someone you love, or maybe someone who is a Christian. How should we take it? do we need to rebel? do we take a stand for something because we are misunderstood? do we take pride on what we think is best? or do we return to the word?
"Forbearance,
is tolerance in the face of provocation.
It is patiently enduring
the weaknesses and failings of others."
~Training for Victory~
The bible says:
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace"
~ Ephesians 4 : 2 - 3
.... As it says in the scriptures, In times others have wronged us or had disappointed us for whatever reason we have to bear with them with humility, gentleness, patience and with love. The world would say, its impossible not to hold a grudge or not to take things our own way some would even shout "REVENGE" but what do we think God would do? Matthew 18 : 21 - 22.
I leave you with this song, "At the Cross" by Hillsong. For God has searched us and even we have failed him so many times, "HE LOVES US" look up to God and be encourage that even how many times we have wronged Him. " HE FORGIVES" and "HE LOVES" despite of... and no matter what....
This topic has been long over due, I was meaning to write about the Single Getaway (Yes, I am single again... will write about it soon but on my other site ... ^_^) event I just attended last month but again its been a busy week. Going through my notes of the said three days and two nights unforgettable event, I have some key points I want to share from the talk of Mrs. Eileen Fabregas about career and what should Christians do about it:
She said:
1. Find out where God has called you.
~ "You need to understand your talent"
~ "Understand the balance where God is leading you"
.... Simple words but powerful, one will never know how to excel on something if he doesn't know his own strengths. Knowing where you're good at allows you to master that skill with constant practice, perseverance and focus to achieve it.
.....Like what Mrs. Eileen said, focus is the key. I was really encourage on this, for the longest time I was often out of focus. I really don't know where to begin with and its not even the first time I heard these words but for some reason at that moment it meant a lot.
3. Financial Literacy for what God has called you.
~ "God is leading us to be the lender not the borrower"
~ "As Christians we need to share our knowledge about money"
.....When one shares knowledge it empowers everyone who hears it. And I really like what she said, why is it that Christians never talked about money? she's right, we are accustomed to think that its a bad thing but in reality its not. The demand of money, the greed for money, and the love for money is what makes it evil.
Wait there's more.......
The Bible says:
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."
~ Luke 16:10
..... Ptr. Jason Lo talks about our mind "Paradigm" about changing our mindset of how we think of money, I was really reminded of the talk of Chinkee Tan which I also attended few months ago. They share the same concept on how one should think about money and like what Mrs. Fabregas also said money is not evil but the "love of money" is what makes it evil. It does make sense...
On the third day.... ^_^
.... Before leaving we were down to one last topic the most anticipated topic of the event "Relationship" I was encouraged by Ptr. Jonathan's love story and it was refreshing to hear such stories from Pastors of the church. Also to mention how skillful dancer Pastor Jonathan really is, (hehehe) but kidding aside I was also encouraged of what he shared from the bible:
The Bible says:
"For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task?"
~ 2 Corinthians 2 : 15-16
..... "We are God's signature scent to the world" as Ptr. Jonathan said. And I believe that we are God's aroma to this world. An aroma which will entice the world to be closer to God....
And Lastly.....
"A Woman should be
so lost in God's love
that a man must seek God
first to find her"
~ Unknown~
.......One final thought for this topic, the theme is "Game Changer" because we are called to change the game of this world. Wherever God has placed you, whatever your career, whoever you are "HE has called you to CHANGE THE GAME" for "HIS HONOR" and for "HIS GLORY". "BE BRANDED AS GOD'S SIGNATURE TO THE WORLD" so the rest of the world will wear the same brand as yours "GOD'S SCENT" and that's what Game Changer is for..... atleast for me.... ^_^
I leave you with the "Single Getaway Video" to encourage, to excite, and to inspire you how singleness can be fun and blessed. In this waiting season, "be encourage to wait upon the opportune time" as Ptr. Jonathan said it. And "trust God's promise" because he will never fail you.
In my previous post, "Now Serving" I remember I told you that I have been to foreign land and years I have spent there has been a mix of whirlwind of happiness but it was not all holy. I have live my life in a worldly way. Hanging out with so-called-friends whom I trusted and gain supports and motivation. At the moment, I thought I was living a good life. Until I met a man, he has become the "peanut butter to my jelly" and for that moment I thought "we are the perfect two". Being in the relationship at that point in time, I knew something was wrong. There's always something strange about it. And it came to the point God has revealed, he was in current relationship with his long time girlfriend (which became his wife now by the way, the reason I know just keep on reading...) . I want to skip the part of how I pity-party-for-months, we all know how the story goes. But the main Plot of the story; I thought I could never forgive him, I wanted revenge, I want him to feel how hurt I was and how he made me feel so ashamed about myself. I have thoughts of him in a most hurtful situations every woman could possibly think of. Eventually, I moved on with my life and met the person who brought me back to Christ. He reads bible verses and took me to attend church every Sunday. I was hesitant, but you know God was so persistent. He keeps knocking at my heart, and just always there waiting patiently for me to open it up to him.
The bible says:
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
~ Colossians 3:13
...... You see, I have forgiven my-ex because of how God has forgiven me. It is said in the scriptures forgive in order to be free of the bitterness and of the bondage that hindrance growth in relationship with Him. Its true to fully understand God's ways is to simply follow him. "So if the son set you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36).
I am now currently attending a TFV class at Victory, our local church. And my ex and his wife is in the same class as I am, the odds and the awkwardness of seeing them there. I was uncomfortable, but I know it was never an accident. Out of all the classes and the many churches, why here? and why now? and why seat in front of me? I asked myself... But thank God for his good people. I had my friend Anne Centeno prayed for me, in this time of need when we are put in a situation particularly in "my situation" I just paused, prayed and listened. And thought of how God would respond, my group leader Jael told me "just be confident because God has redeemed you of your past". Isn't God good? He aims for you (like an arrow) and he will release you when he knows you will hit the mark. I know I needed to talk to his wife and God has place a desire in my heart to reach out to her. And I did, and by the grace of God I was even able to pray for both of them. My ex apologized after and I just told him, " I have forgiven you". Writing this part of the story in my life right now makes me wanna cry, thank God for his goodness, thank him for his promises. Its like watching a "telanovela" wherein the "bida" gets the last laugh but in my story its different. I never took my revenge but instead God has taught me to be forgiving and kind. Just like He did.
The bible says:
"All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
~ 2 Corinthians 5: 18 - 21
..... I have put down my hat to God, as the scriptures says God gave us the ministry of reconciliation for He will reconcile us for himself. My journey brought me to tears, heartaches, awkwardness but I would never want it any other way. As the scripture says we are Christ's ambassadors. Be reconciled to any painful past, past you never even want to think about. But be encourage, because through Christ you will be made righteous....
I leave you with this song, I am currently listening to "Voice of Truth". For those times God tells us to go out of our comfort zone. And where the GIANTS (our problems) tell us we will never win. Listen to the voice of truth (God) He is telling you "DO NOT BE AFRAID" because He tells you "THIS IS FOR MY GLORY"..... so just go and be confident, because "GOD IS WITH YOU"
It's been a while since I write as constant as I could, I actually have pending topics I really want to share. But time for me is harder to get by these days, as living a life committed to passion and love has been my hobby. Passion to do as much as I can to honor Him and obedience to do his will out of His love for me. As I have accepted the authority He bestowed on me, I have been called to do His every will. And its the very reason I created this blog, for others to know how God's love have been the core of the changes I am encountering in my daily life. I am not perfect, and I understand that now. Even living under obedience to him, my very nature is indeed weak. I draw my strength to God for those time I was fragile. And He never fails to send people to encourage and support me, He send his words through them to enlighten my soul. My journey does not stop when I have fallen short, but its a new chapter for me to stand against in every thing I believe in.
Our challenges does not pertains to the critically of the situation we are in. Its actually on the daily basis of our lives; how to control anger when traffic hits while riding the bus going to work, what to say when dealing with strangers who annoyed us, when talking with irritating colleagues or for some classmates, how to react when a boss yelled at you or when a customer demands too much from you, how to forgive when your siblings ruined the shoes you bought last week or how to respond when your dad thinks you are useless. In these simple moments, God call unto us how should we respond.
The bible says:
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
~ James 1:19-20
..... When you read the whole chapter of James 1:1-20 it discuss situations wherein we get tempted but also states what happens if we do. In general this verse summarizes how one should respond when temptation comes. Have time to listen but also be cautious when we speak to others. If someone tempt us to be angry, pause and reflect how God would react in his righteous way...
In the kind of world we are living today, the most bourgeois type of temptation is the "lust of the flesh" I would like to state situations based on what I have observed in the past and in the most current observations. The lust of the flesh would be predominantly seen through women wearing skimpy skirts and loose blouses or in a certain behavior that stimulates as such. But "men" nowadays, have known the power of "words" to coax, to entrap, and to eventually seduce a woman. Many women may have fallen or unaware of it but its the very reason I was urge to post it here. In the workplace, in the streets, in the very comfort of our homes. It can be used by anyone either unintentionally or intentionally. My plea would be to again "guard our hearts" be cautious how we allow these things to stimulate temptation. Just as what Ptr. Carlo said "flee" at the moment your awareness of what was said or seen just run away from it (1 Corinthians 6:18) . Whether a woman has desire to inappropriately dress or act improperly the bible tell us:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent
has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
~ Matthew 5: 27 - 28 ~
~~~~~ 0 ~~~~~~
"Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality,
divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.
I warn you, as I warned you before,
that those who do such things
will not inherit the kingdom of God".
~ Galatians 5:19-21 ~
..... Need I say more, those are the the exact words written in the bible for us to follow and instill in our hearts.
"For I believe there are still a "few good men" among us,
and my prayer is for us to recognize these struggles
and let us not allow these thoughts to crawl into our minds and populate our hearts. For out of those little thoughts may also bear fruit of consequences and sin may come in.
Let us return to the "word" for in times we face these kind of battles. God's words will be our armor".
.... In the same light, this is not to intentionally put fear in our hearts because we have sin we can no longer enter the gates of heaven. My prayer is for us to realize to be so in love with God, but be cautious in the works of the enemy. God's grace has save us, and will always be upon us. But not entitled to use grace alone for us to be save. Our salvation comes from God (A gift from God) Its through and by him alone....
I leave you with these song, "Chains Be Broken" by Hillsong for I believe once those chains of impurities has been broken. We will be free indeed. Free of shame and guilt. God has always love us, He just wants us to come and follow him, all of his ways.
These past few months, I have been battling storms in my life... One of which is the raging wind of loneliness, the unpredictable weather changes of happiness and the low pressure area of doubt. In this area of my responsibility, I know I have to do something. These negative thoughts will not flood my heart and my mind. No, I don't need to "sun dance" I need to "praise and dance". No, I don't need to "cover up and go to sleep" I need to "go out there and serve". No, I will not "whistle to the world" but "I will shout and proclaim God's goodness". You see, a midst these storms in my life. I know I am surrounded by God's volunteers who will relief my pain by encouragement. Brought bread of life to regain my strength of faith, and had clothe my heart with compassion and understanding. A midst these storms, God is there.
The bible says:
Acts 27: 22 - 26
"22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ 25 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
....... If you will read the whole chapter of Acts 27 Paul was saying these words during the storm. The men didn't listen to him when he said not to pass Crete. And that has happened. But I believe if these men listened to him, they will not be encourage and will not believe that God will surpass everything for them.
"Every storm in our lives is not because God is punishing us, but because God is allowing these things to happen. To let us learn, grow in faith, and mature in the holy spirit and to know that the only way to safety and salvation is to put our trust in God and his ways."
Recently, our nation has been flooded by rain. In this physical manifestation of the real storm, we have been challenged and our faith has been tested. But in this state of calamity I saw God's goodness. Despite, the weather changes, lost homes, and worst of all lost of loved ones. God never cease to let us know, he is present. He sent volunteers to reach out, He give food to the hungry, He provide shelter to the needy and He gives comfort to the weary. This is how God reveal himself to us, that out of everything we are going through, he is always there. I salute the volunteers who risk their lives to help the people in need. I salute the old man who carry his dog out to shelter and I salute the President of this nation for instead of staying at the comfort of his home, he went out and "serve". I know God is in control and he is with us. My family and I are safe. But my heart is within those people who have suffered and lost. And giving myself for service to them is an appreciation of how God loves us, its giving back to God all the glory and honor by serving others. My simple act of volunteering will not measure up to His love for us. But those little act of service, I know it honors him. And just by doing these acts, I know I have encourage someone that God loves them too.
"Out of the WORST in our lives,
GOD
will bring out the BEST"
I will leave you with this song, "Praise You in The Storm" by Chris Tomlin. Let us not be discourage but rather Praise him in this storm because of his goodness and trust that he will overcome these storms for us like what He did to His apostles before us.
As a person who longed to seek God and all His ways, along the way God will allow us to meet individuals who share the same passion - of serving God. While we continue to build our relationship with God – he continue to establish that relationship by introducing us to great people who would testify God’s love. Some will genuinely give a helping hand or share an encouraging words for those days we almost felt like giving up on our faith. People who give assurance of God’s love by simply being a living testimony of His love. How they can turn each tribulation in their lives into an awesome revelation of God’s words in different ways. It amazes me in tremendous measure. As Ptr. Paolo said “Our lives can be the only bible people read”. Yes, its true God use people's lives to be a blessing to others. And as we continue to know more about God, its a humbling experience to know how unconditional His love truly is. You see, its not really taking pride of what we had done in our lives but its being proud of the changes "God" has done for us. Even how undeserving we are of his love, yet his grace continue to pour. And when one has so much, it just overflows and having the right heart to follow Christ, gives more meaning in whatever we do and joy will eventually radiates in unimaginably contagious way... And here's what I have learned;
The Bible says:
But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
~ 1 Samuel 16:7
... As the bible says God looks at the heart.... And my desire is for others to understand too... That its not about the wisdom that really matters, or what church I attend to... But its the right relationship we have with God. Because at the end of the day, what matters most to God is not our "wisdom" we used to shame others, not our "talents" that gives glory to ourselves, and not our "good works" out of our own pride but how "pure our heart is doing all these things". Because all those things will be meaningless without the "right heart" for it.... I have been a victim of believing that I can do things on my own... My heart was to satisfy the need to prove myself worth.... but at the end of the day... It leaves me empty and lacking because pride has colored my heart pitch black....and its a real experience I want to share.... that without the "right heart" it bears no fruit....
"Our hearts are important to God. What is the heart? The heart is the soul or mind of man. It is the foundation of our thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, and endeavors.God wants our hearts to be right with Him and not just our outward appearances and actions."
I leave you with this song, Surrender by Planetshakers for I believe it is when we fully surrender to God, our life, our soul and our heart... we can fully obey God according to his will...
Sure, maybe he’s not Prince Charming, but he’s a good guy.
I know he loves me, I just wish he’d treat me better sometimes.
Maybe it’s not the best relationship, but what’s the alternative? No one else is asking me out.
What if I can’t find anyone better? At least I’m not alone.
Ever had these thoughts about someone you are dating? I’ve been there. Too many of my friends are finding themselves there now too. I can’t say that I’m an expert on relationships, but if there is one thing that I feel like God taught me during my dating years (and it took about three years too many for me to learn this) it is that you should never settle for less than God’s best.
I’ve read many books about relationships and Christian dating. My favorite one by far is Choosing God's Best by Don Raunikar. His views helped me establish my own standards regarding marriage. I decided that I wanted nothing less than God’s best for me.
What does that mean?
It means if you have doubts about the relationship, if your significant other doesn’t treat you with the upmost respect, if you argue more than you get along, if you constantly find yourself defending him or her to your friends, then end it. I know that sounds harsh, but let me explain my theory on Christian dating.
I do not believe in “soul mates,” necessarily. But I do believe that if you are seeking God’s will about who you date, He will lead you to someone that is a true fit for you. I don’t mean that your future spouse will be perfect or that you will think alike or always agree on everything. That will never happen. But I do believe that if you seek God’s guidance, He will lead you to the person who is going to be the best match for you. I believe that God pairs us up with people that complement the gifts, talents, and personalities that He has given us – if we let Him.
I have found this to be true in my own life. The guys I dated before I began dating my husband were not all bad guys. In fact, most of them had many good qualities. We genuinely cared about each other and had fun together. But in each relationship there were things that didn’t feel quite right.
In some relationships, I found myself compromising some of my values to be more in line with that guy’s. In other relationships, I began to think that some of the things I had wanted in a husband were perhaps more wishful thinking than things that could actually be. Did those caring, sensitive, funny, godly men really exist?
For instance, one guy that I dated was a very nice guy. But although he said his faith was important to him, attending church and reading the Bible were not high on his priority list. I had to ask myself, “Is he really on the same page as me when it comes to my Christian faith?” “If we have children, will it be important to him that they are raised by godly principles and involved in church?” It turns out we were not in sync on these issues, and I decided to end the relationship.
Another guy was also an okay “match” in many ways. But I began to notice subtle patterns that bothered me. His job often seemed more important to him than our relationship, and he would repeatedly put friends or family before me. For someone whose “love language” is spending quality time together, that was a major issue. When friends began to point out other red flags about our relationship, I took some time to seriously seek God’s will on the matter.
I’d been struggling with making a decision about this particular relationship for at least a year. I truly wanted to do what I felt was God’s will, but I also really didn’t want to give up the relationship. It wasn’t until I was fully ready to obey God’s leading, that the answer came. Once I took my fingers out of my ears and agreed to truly hear what God had to say, His answer was quite clear. “No, this is not the one for you.” After that I made the difficult decision to break up with the guy.
Does it hurt to end a relationship? Of course it does. It’s not easy to break up with someone that you have grown close to. But I’m convinced it is much less hurtful than spending your life being miserable in a marriage.
After that relationship, I had come to the end of my dating rope. “I don’t want to fall in love with anyone else until it is ‘the right one,’” I told God. Since I had not done such a great job of choosing relationships on my own, I decided to let God choose the next one. I wouldn’t even consider dating again until I had sought His will about the person and the relationship.
It was after this that God began unfolding the events that led me to start dating Matt, the man that would become my husband. We had met in college and built a solid friendship through the years, but I had not considered him in a romantic way (although he repeatedly let me know that he was somewhat interested in me).
However, once I put God in charge of my love life, a funny thing happened. I began to see in Matt several of those “husband material traits” that I had been searching for with other guys. I ran down the partial list in my head and realized they were all there.
Godly, Christian man? Check.
Capable of being the spiritual leader in the relationship? Check.
Sensitive? Caring? Funny? Check, check, check!
As I began to observe his life and how he interacted with others, as well as how wonderfully he always treated me, I decided that there could really be something here. As I prayed about it, I felt like God gave me permission to pursue it. Later on, when I prayed about the possibility of marriage, God answered that prayer clearly too. The rest is history. We dated for about 10 months before he proposed.
And now, after nearly four years of marriage I am so glad I followed God’s leading. It’s not that my husband and I never disagree, or that we do not get on each other’s nerves periodically, but married life is so much simpler when you know that this is the person that God led you to. With that in mind, we know God will see us through whatever difficulties we face in the future. And as I look back on past relationships, I can see why Matt and I are the best match compared to others we each dated.
Don’t get me wrong, you could probably make your current relationship work. I believe that there are any number of people that we each could marry and make it work – and even be happy. But I also believe that we will be happiest in marriage if we allow God to choose our mate for us. That doesn’t mean waiting for God to drop that person into your lap, or waiting for a flashing neon sign to blink over his or her head identifying that person as “the one.” Instead, it means taking each relationship to God and asking, “Where do You want this relationship to go?”
And the next step is just as important, are you truly willing to abide by God’s answer?
If God’s will is for you to be married, then I believe He wants you to have the best marriage possible. You deserve someone who will appreciate you for who God made you to be, encourage you to grow spiritually and embrace all that God has for you, and cherish you as a precious gift from your Heavenly Father. Don’t settle for less than that.
The question I've posed to my friends lately, and the one I would ask of all Christian singles, is this: Are you willing to wait for God’s best or are you simply settling for all the rest?
I posted this in my other blog and I was reviewing some of the blogs I had posted there and I realized I needed this here...
As a Person
❤I am a child... who is still unaware of some battles of life, therefore needs guidance as I walk the uncertainty of it.
❤ I am a woman... who has limitations, often lacks the strength to face the heaviness of life's battle.
On my faith....
❤I am not perfect.... I have my own flaws and needs God, so I won't be persuaded easily by worldly deeds.
❤ I am a student.... still learning about God and his ways.
❤I am a seed.... needs nourishment by feeding my soul the bread of life (God's word)...
I will be who God wants me to be.... but as I mature in faith I have to prepare myself to:
✥Get hurt, and feel pain....
"The PAIN caused you to REPENT and CHANGE your ways"
~ 2 Corinthians 7:9 ✥Live for others and not for myself...
"And if your brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with you; then you shall relieve him: yes, though he be stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with you"
~ Leviticus 25:35
✥Continue to live in the scriptures...
"Men does not live with bread alone, but in ever word that comes from the mouth of God" ~Matthew 4:4
.......I am not perfect, and I know to be successful in my journey I can not do it in on my own... but through Christ alone.... I would no longer boast about worldly deeds but I'll be bold in sharing God's words....
Obedience is difficult or for some a struggle to come by with. But its better to learn God's lesson in obedience than learned it in difficult experiences. God reveal to us his plans when we fully obey. In our waiting season, like an ordinary rock ( us ) let us allow the sculptor ( God ) to take away every unwanted parts in our lives ( may it be career, plans, relationships which are not pleasing to God ) yes, its painful and will definitely hurt but these excess baggage ( sin ) once removed, we are then allowing God to fully use us in becoming his "masterpiece". And if along the way we get lost or still searching what is God's will for us, just trust God's promises (Romans 12:2) let us return to the Bible which serve as our guide in continuing our walk of faith. ( Matthew 4:4 )
The Bible says:
"If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth."
~ Deuteronomy 28 : 11
.......In obedience to God's commandment he will set you in a far off place than where you are right now, may it be physically, emotionally or spiritually.... I remember a friend told we "a partial obedience is not obedience at all" but "it is in full obedience we serve God's purpose" ...
The Bible says:
"Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free."
~ Ephesians 6 : 6 - 8
......As the scripture says, "serve wholeheartedly" the service we do for others... We do it for the Lord, but what we have done is not for us to boast... but to give glory to God... to serve without expecting in return, to be of service without demands, to be a servant of God not for man but for God's glory... to obey not just to act but to have the right heart....
"For whatever we do in God's name....
it honors God....."
I leave you with the song: "The more I seek you" by Kari Jobe, I believe the more we seek of God the more we know him and when we do, obedience follows...
Back in my younger days, I really hate reading books. I am more of the listening-to-teacher-and-watching-videos-over-reading-really-long-novels type of a girl.... I never wanna spend time reading books for 3 days, when I can watch a movie about it in one and a half hour. Its how I learn, I learned more on things that I visually understand than read and visualize what was read. But you see, as time goes by people mature and at this point we are more laid-back. We learned new things differently each time. When I decided to follow Christ, he gave me the longing to know him - all of him. His ways, teachings, people and his will and aside from going to church to know all these things I also decided to read. Read as many scriptures in the bible I can think of.
Don't you know that every little thing that we ask or want to know in our life is in the bible?
And yes, everything.... but then again, its not as precise answers as we hoped for... but its more of what we needed to know to make the right decision in every aspect of our life....
Its more of Love Notes, Reminders and a Memo written by God anointed people, so the youth, leaders, and parents of today will acknowledge how God wants us to live our lives no matter what year, nation, and race we are born in.
In every battle, we needed an armor... (Ephesians 6:17)
In our every day life, we needed food to nourish our soul... (Matthew 4:4)
In all the days of our life, we needed guidance.... (Psalms 119:105)
Coming from the one-maker, one provider, and one God - Jesus Christ.... his life, love, and amazing story... has been written in the "Bible"....
"One will never fully lived to know God's ways, when one does not read his own bible"
Start your own habit.... Read the bible.....
Make it part your life.... Do it everyday...
Apply what was written... and Encourage others to do the same...
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self - control. Against such things there is no law."
~ Galatians 5 : 22 - 23
..... Only when having the right relationship with Christ we can be baptized by the Holy Spirit and living according to what the scriptures says, we begun to see the fruits of the Holy Spirit. When continually obeying to God's word our hearts become renewed. We no longer desire the same things, that is made of this world but we are now living according to the result of following His word. Unknowingly we become a changed person - a born again, in our own little way we execute these things. But these acts does not come from us, but from the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. It is because God has already instill in us the desire to change; mind, body, and soul. Aligned to what God had already planned. Nothing but the best of his perfect will for us.
When I was about five years old, I can still remember I used to go to my Dad's closet (yes, my dad's closet! ^_^) to look for his big jacket. And what I would do with it, was wear the jacket from my waist so it will be like a gown (I am not kidding... ^_^) then cover my whole body with a blanket to get the illusion of a dress worn by Princesses in the medieval days. Then, I would walk around the room holding the dress a little higher to see the shoes I borrowed from my Mom. Reminiscing those days today makes me happy. Even as a child, I dreamed to be a "Princess".
"A person is either born into a royal family or not. If not, then no amount of intelligence, education, good looks, or money will make one royal. Peter calls us royal priesthood. As Christians, we are born into a privileged bloodline. Because we are royalty, we should hold our heads high and walk in confidence.
Not only we are born-again into a royal bloodline,we are royal priesthood. For the Jews in ancient Israel, to be a priest was a spiritual privilege for a few. The priest had special access to God. The priest had a place of honor in society. In Christ, we have special access to God and a place of honor as His royal priesthood.
We are royalty. We are priesthood. We should act like it by living in the presence of God"
~ Steve Murrell, (Identity, Experiencing Victory. IBS 2011)
.......... I was reading this while attending one of the seminars we have at the church. I was sitting down and tears watered my eyes... Because, all along I was dreaming of becoming a princess not knowing my true Identity in Christ. But the truth is, as what it says in the scriptures "I am a Princess" after all. Daughter of the King of kings and Lord of all ---- Jesus.
I leave you with a claiming heart, "I am his daughter" by Nicole Sheahan
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
~ Romans 6:23
......The bible says the penalty of our sin is death, the Lord requires punishment for any unrighteousness and that whoever sinned must die. "You are not a sinner because you sinned, you sinned because you are already a sinner, by nature we are a sinner" says Ptr. Paolo. We are all a sinner, and because we sinned we have to die. And when a sin has been committed, someone has to pay it is either the sinner or an exchange for it. In the bible when God has ordered Abraham to sacrifice his son (Isaac) to test his faith, a lamb was provided by God to be a burnt sacrifice instead of Isaac (Genesis 22). In the Passover, when the plague of the first born. The blood of the lamb was shed and placed at the front door of the Israelites, and they were spared (Exodus 11: 1 - 13,16). The blood of the lamb in exchange for the death of the first born son.
The bible says:
"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
~ John 1:29
.......Why does it have to be a lamb? because lamb are young (innocent), white (pure) and weak (harmless). And because of these characteristics, God has chosen a lamb as a sacrifice. You see, we are supposed to die in order for our sins to be forgiven, but because God's standard cannot meet by anyone of us who are sinner in nature. Jesus had been an exchange instead, and He took our place at the cross. Because Jesus like a lamb are free of sin, worthy of God's standard (lamb of God).
The bible says:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
~ John 3:16 ESV
.........It is said, that God has love us so much that he gave Jesus - his very own son to die for us. To sacrifice his worthy lamb (Jesus) for our sins. As it is said in the scriptures, It is finished! long before we are born Jesus had paid the price for our sins. We have been forgiven and we celebrate holy week to recognize that Jesus was the sacrifice for our sins - all because of God's love for us....
"My prayer is for us to commemorate God's love
this Holy Week to remind us that because we sinned,
Jesus had to die."
I leave you with this song, "We Are The Reason" with the Passion of Christ video to commemorate God's love....
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
~ Matthew 6:33
......The most important thing to do is to seek the kingdom of God, because only God can give us everything the world couldn't give. If we seek, obey and follow him in all his righteousness; all the things our heart desires will be given to us (peace, love, joy and etc). Trust in the Lord and not worry of anything but believe and accept God as our savior, and king.
The bible says;
"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the people on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other people, for you were the fewest of all people. But it was because the Lord loved you."
~ Deuteronomy 7:6-8
.......It is said that God has chosen us not because we love him, but because he loves us. It was never because of our strength, that God has chosen us but because we are his treasured possession (children of God). As Ptr. Joey said "God does not call the qualified, but He qualifies the called", it was never about what we have done for God but because of God's love that we qualify to be called.
The bible says;
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
~ 2 Corinthians 5:17
♥Gift of the Holy Spirit ♥
The bible says;
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, we too may live a new life."
~ Romans 6:4
✿March 31, 2012 ✿
~ Awesome day it is ~
I leave you with the song that speaks the content of my heart;
My small group and I, are in our journey in reading the book of Genesis for this month facilitated by Eka Soriano. Every chapter brings out the wonder of God's creation. Acknowledging how God made everything as precise as they should be. My most favorite part of creation was, when God created man and woman.
The bible says:
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them".
~ Genesis 1:27
......God created us in his very own likeness, among everything else he had created. Its amazing, how God designed every detail of our body to serve its purpose. There is no single word, would best describe God... But I'm very grateful of everything he had made.
The bible says:
"The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil".
~ Genesis 2:9
......God all loving and trustworthy still didn't deprive us of our own "free will" he has given us a chance to know good and evil. Despite all his power, he gave us the opportunity to learn from all our mistakes and make our own decision. You see, he has all the power in the world to control us to just obey him, in one single word. But because God love us so much, didn't force us to obey. But instead, he has given us "free will" to desire, to accept, and to follow him.
I attended an amazing workshop yesterday although it was for only 3 hours, it was enough. To hear God's words coming from God's chosen people, every second is worth it.
"Don't put limit to what you can do for the kingdom of God. Because there is no limit to what God can do in your life."
~ JB Dela Cruz (How to win the Crowd, EN)
.........These words stuck in my heart for I used to set limitations on what I can do for God, thinking that I am not worthy enough and afraid that I will fail, I will humiliate myself, etc... I had so many reasons, and realized that there shouldn't be any limitation to what I can do for Christ but trust that whatever God wants me to do he will use it for his glory.
The bible says:
"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose"
~ Philippians 2:13
..........Just what Ptr. Mark said, "When God called you, you can't make excuses." And he is right, we can't make excuses because God will equip us of what we need to be able to fully serve and use our lives for Gods' glory.
The bible says:
"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
~ Romans 8:31
I leave you with an inspirational song from Chris Tomlin:
"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens,
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pull up what is planted;A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;A time to dance; a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away;A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;A time to love, and time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace."
Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8
....... God's time is perfect, never too early and never too late. God's will is always the best may not be something we want now, but he will definitely give us what we need in his perfect time. Never loose hope, for God works best when the time is right.
.jpg)
.jpg)