Courageous

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"

Also, read my previous post: A-C-E

A - C - E

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

Also, read my previous post: Prayer 101

Prayer 101

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.






Also, read my previous blog: Forbearance

Forbearance

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.... 

Also, read my previous post: Game Changer

Game Changer

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.




2. Focus where God has called you.

~ "Generation today doesn't want to wait"
~ "Skillful + Excellence = Prosperous"

.....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.

Also read my previous post:  Reconciliation

Reconciliation

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"

A Few Good Men

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, 

impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, 

fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, 

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.

Also read my previous blog: A Midst The Storm