Your Daily Word: April 2009

His Strength is Perfect | He's Enough and Able

2 Corinthians 12:9 (New International Version)

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Reflection:

You may be going through a tough time right now. Or you maybe going through a very hectic schedule and deadlines are almost piling up. Or you maybe cramming to meet all your priorities and all your responsibilities the soonest.

I too am currently going through what you're going through right now. A lot of pressures and stresses are coming from all over the place. Work problems and changes, for some it maybe family expectations, others would be peer pressure and for some even in the Ministry. Yes, even in the ministry we sometimes feel pressure and stress to the point of giving up. To be honest, there were a lot times that I wanted to just give up and let go of my responsibilities. To just stop and live a "normal" life. Maybe you too. Maybe there was a point when everything is just tumbling down and messed up and you just want to break down. The reason for this is most of the time, we focus on our own ability and capability.

Let me share with you what God had reminded me through his Word in 2 Cor. 12:9: "My Grace is sufficient for You, for My power is made perfect in weaknesses".

What is God telling us?

1. He is ENOUGH
- You don't need anything else to conquer your situation, to solve your problem, and to meet all those needs! You don't need you own strength. You don't need your own ideas and wisdom. God's grace is sufficient and ENOUGH for you. He is all that you need.

2. He is Able
- He's the Lord of all lords and the God of all mankind, there is nothing that would be hard for him. All we need to do is trust in him. He's able to help you go through whatever you're going through right now.

Here's one song from Stephen Curtis Chapman entitled: His Strength is Perfect. As you listen, worship the Lord and lay down all your problems and worries to him, lay down all of YOU to him and allow him to work in your life.

Forsaking all for Christ

Luke 14:33 (New King James Version)
"So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."

Reflection:

To Follow Jesus is not a minor or a light decision that a person can do. It’s forsaking your ALL and making HIM your ALL. It is carrying your cross. It is dying to yourself and living through the life he had given. Let’s read the preceding verses:

"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple."

God is a jealous God [Exodus 20:5] and He deserves to be the #1 in your life!

There was a young rich ruler who went up to Jesus and asked what it takes to inherit eternal life. He asked what more he can do when he faithfully obeys all the commandments. To this Jesus looked at him and loved him, said “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” [Mark 10:21]And the young ruler went away sorrowful for he had great possessions.

A lot of us are like this Young Man. We can easily confess and announce that we follow Jesus but we turn back and went away when things start to be demanding, when it starts to change our lifestyle, when it starts to prevent us from doing what we love to do and when it tries to invade our lives. Remember, when Jesus is not Lord of all, he’s not Lord at all.

Christian life is not a happy-go-lucky life! It takes one to sacrifice. It takes one to change. It takes one to forsake his ALL! Let go and yes LET GOD!

I would like to also recommend for you to read Sacrificing for your Enemies by Provocative Christian Living.

God bless you as you continue to follow him!

Recommended Readings:

Be Still and Know He is God

Remember not to Forget | Make Him your First

Answered Prayers | Shout ALL the more!

Mark 10:47-48 (New International Version)
When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"
Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Reflection:

Bartimaeus was a blind man who desperately needed miracle! So when Jesus was passing by the road where he was sitting, he grabbed this chance to call on him. A crowd was following Jesus and a simple or soft call surely won't be heard. A loud CRY must be done! When he cried loud enough, the people rebuked him and told him to be quiet. This didn't discouraged him, instead he cried out all the more!

Have you been praying for something and it seems that God's not listening? Have you been praying for a long time now and are now starting to get discouraged? I experienced that as well. Surely, there will be a time that it would seem God is so far away and all our prayers just bounce back. There will be times that everything and everyone just disagree and contradict to what you desire in your heart. And there will be times when it seems God is sleeping and deaf to our prayers.

What is God telling us?

We can learn from the life of Bartimaeus. He was born blind and was really in desperate need for a miracle to restore his sight. When the chance came, the people rebuked him and stopped him. He could have just given up and shut up. But he didn't! He SHOUTED ALL THE MORE! He didn't get discouraged! The persecution and the situation fueled his faith instead.

When you pray and no one seems to listen, PRAY Harder! Sometimes God would ask you to pray harder to bring you closer to him and for you to go deeper in your relationship with him. Trees dig down deeper to get water but at the same time this makes its foundation stronger. In the same way, God wants you to dig deeper to be stronger in him. Be assured, God is listening! Don't give up! Pray harder!

Recommended Readings:

Prayers are Answered God gives you Joy

Prayers Answered by God through faith

Prayer of Jabez

Prayers Answered By GOD through Faith

For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.”

Mark 5:28 [NKJV]

This woman was healed immediately after she touched the clothes of Jesus Christ. A lot may have touched Jesus because a mob is following him but this woman did something different. She Believed! She had faith that her Prayers will be answered by God. She had been bleeding for 12 years and when she heard Jesus was passing by, she said to herself; "If Only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well." Jesus felt this and confirmed, "Woman, your faith has healed you!" [Mark 5:34].

What does it take for your Prayer to be Answered?

Have Faith! Believe that your needs will be met. Believe that your dreams will come true. Believe that you'll be promoted and be succesful in what you do. Believe that YOU Shall be Made Well. And yes, your faith shall heal you!

Recommended Readings:

Prayers Are Answered God gives you JOY

Prayer of Jabez

2 Daughters in 1 of Ptr. Guy from Heresy Today

Christ Lives in You | I DON'T WANNA GO by Avalon

Galatians 2:20 (New International Version)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Reflection:

When we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and accepted his Lordship in our lives, we no longer live. This is radical I know but that's the truth. The Life we should live now is the life that is given by the Lord Jesus Christ. The Life that follows his will and a life that is being transformed into his likeness day after day and being changed from glory to glory.

Let's listen to a song from Avalon entitled "I don't Want to Go". The lyrics that says "the me without you is a LIE" especially touched me. Indeed it is true! I can never continue without him anymore. I cannot decide and make choices without consulting Him first. I cannot just pursue my own plans without his approval. He is now my partner and I don't wanna go somewhere if I know that He's not there.

Listen to the song and acknowledge his Lordship in your life once again.

I Don't Wanna Go | Avalon

I Don't Wanna Go by Avalon

You changed my world
When You came to me
You drove a passion
In my soul down deep
Lord, to follow You in everything

I don't want to go somewhere
If I know that You're not there
'Cause I know that me without You is a lie
And I don't want to walk that road
Be a million miles from home
'Cause my heart needs to be where You are
So I don't want to go

So come whatever
I'll stick with You
I'll walk, You'll lead me
Call me crazy or a fool
For forever I promise you that...

repeat chorus

Without Your touch
Without Your love
Filling me like an ocean
For Your grace is enough
Enough for me
To never want to go somewhere
If I know that You're not there

Recommended Readings:

Father Hillsong-United

Father's Love Letter

Be Still and Know that He is God

Mark 4:39 [King James Version]
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm

Reflection:

Sometimes when we're faced with a tremendous problem, we panic and we rattle. When we are overwhelmed with the situation, we lose control. When we're pressed with deadlines and severe needs, we rush and fear. The disciples also felt the same way when they faced Storms and Great Winds. They thought they're all going to die [Mark 4:38]. But Jesus was just asleep the whole time until the disciples woke him up. Jesus then stood and "rebuked the wind saying; PEACE, BE STILL!".

Jesus asked the disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" [Mark 4:40]. Now, he's asking you why do you panic and rattle when you're faced with great problems? Why do we forget God at times like these? I believe God was not just directing "Peace, Be still" to the storms but to the disciples as well. God said:

"Be Still and Know that I AM GOD."
Psalm 46:10

Know that HE IS GOD! God who has control of everything! God who is the "Lord, the God of all mankind" and there's nothing too hard for him [Jer. 32:27]. God who can make all your problems, bad situations, difficult circumstances cease.

Next time you encounter a problem or if you have problems presently, BE STILL! Yes, don't move! Trust HIM and believe. God can solve them!

Prayers are Answered | God gives you Joy

John 16:24 (BasicEnglishBible)

"Up to now you have made no request in my name: do so, and it will be answered, so that your hearts may be full of joy"

Reflection:

When I was still a new Christian, this is one of the first verses I have memorized (Yes, John3:16 was my very first). This is one verse that surely had encouraged me to continue and persevere in the faith. This is one verse that had fueled my faith in Him.

All of us have needs. Some have more wants which they sometimes consider needs. From food, shelter, clothing to gadgets, branded bags, vacation and many more, as human as we are we long for these things. Now, here's what God wants us to see. Our God is not just a God when you're praying, or when you go to church and when you read the Bible. He's a God of everything and anything in your life including these needs and yes the wants as well. God said in His Word:

"But I came so that my sheep will have life and so that they will have everything they need."

He's a GOD who gives you life that makes you happy. He's a God that makes your heart be filled with joy! He's a God who wants you to have everything you need.

Read John 16:24, you'll see God waiting and anticipating for you to ask. He says, "UP UNTIL NOW, you still haven't asked anything". It's as if He's saying, "What are ya waiting for? Ask now!"

With your asking, he's promising an answer that will give your hearts Joy.

Such an amazing God indeed! Would you agree?

Now, what are you waiting for? Pray and Ask God right now!

Recommended Readings:

Prayer of Jabez

Stop Worrying God Knows Your Needs

God has a PLAN

Picture courtesy of ExtremeSelf

Be Humble | Let others Praise You

Proverbs 27:2 (New International Version)

² Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
someone else, and not your own lips.

Reflection:

How many times did we try to praise ourselves before men? How many times did we struggle just to be noticed and appreciated or recognized? And most of the time it ends up the opposite.

We need recognition, rewards, praises and appreciation at times but it should never become our main reason and motivation for doing something. God blesses us when we obey His will but our motivation should never be the blessing but the desire to obey Him. Not after the Hand but after the Heart of God as others would usually say. Let's be excellent with what we're doing not because we have been recognized and appreciated but because we're working for the Lord and not for men [Eph. 6:7].

God wants to remind us through his Word,

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. [Phil. 2:3]

Today, I'd take the opportunity of thanking my friends for Blog Awards they've given me. Let God be glorified with these awards. More of him and less of me.

by Kay of Christian Blog and Koko of Kokijar

Frienship Awardees:

Cindy of God Nuggets Blog

Valerie of Simply4God

Rey of Bloggista's Attic

Brad of -sound of softbreath-

Xprosaic's World

Tyrone of Provident 360

by Goody of A Friend Named Goody

The instructions say I would need to award these awards to other bloggers. For now let me hold off and choose the right ones to be recognized. I'll just be updating this post once I've already chosen. Again Thanks Kay, Koko and Goody! God Bless you more!

Recommended Readings:

The Power to be Wealthy and Rich

Remember not to Forget

God works for the Good

Genesis 50:20 (New International Version)
”You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Reflection:

Joseph experienced being rejected by his own brothers by selling him to Egyptian traders. He became a slave to a foreign land. He was wrongly accused of rape when he refused to go to bed with Potiphar’s wife and was imprisoned because of that. Even with all of these, he still managed to say “God intended all of it for good”.

How many times did we ask God “Why?” when we were going through some difficult times? How many times did we get disappointed with God when our prayers weren’t answered right away or when God didn’t seem to answer at all? I too am guilty of this sometimes especially when things seem to be unbearable and uncontrollable and problems seem so big and unsolvable.

What is God telling us?

Things may come to discourage us. People may discriminate us at times or even inflict harm on us. Situations may seem so dark and hopeless. The devil may lead us to situations to harm and destroy us [John 10:10]. But Praise the Lord because of his Sovereignty! Even how things look right now, God is able to shift it for our good. Other people even those who are close to us may harm, put us down or destroy us but God can still tweak it for our good.

Paul wrote to the Romans saying:

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.
(Romans 8:28)

Don’t lose hope! Don’t be discouraged!

If you’re still not winning against your problems, be assured God is not done with it yet!

You are BEAUTIFUL | God's Wonderful Masterpiece

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.”

Genesis 1:10 (NIV)

Reflection:

During creation, the last one created was MAN. Last but not the least in fact the most special. Yes, you are special! God made an effort in picking up dust and formed your great grand father Adam from it and breathed into his nostrils [Gen. 2:6] to bring him to life when he could have just commanded and said a word like how he created the rest of the creations (e.g. sun, moon, stars, trees, animals, etc.). Imagine him as an architect making his best creation so far. That’s how he made you!

He also made sure that everything is ready and complete [Gen. 2:1] before he created man. He made sure man can have food to eat and place to stay and live comfortably.

Aside from that here’s what I want you to look at today found in Gen. 1:26,

God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness…”.

God is saying when he looks at us, it’s as if he’s looking at a mirror. He’s saying: You are his picture here on Earth! You have been created according to nobody else’s likeness but his. King and Psalmist David remembered this while writing one of his songs [Psalm 139:14],

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

Paul also wrote to Ephesians saying [Eph. 2:10],

“For we are His workmanship…”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

You are his Marvelous and Wonderful Workmanship made according to his IMAGE and LIKENESS!

With this TRUTH, will there be still room for insecurity and lack of confidence in your life?

Just like David, you need to know full well and believe this truth!

Be confident! You are a beautiful creation of God!

Then God said, “It was very good.” [Gen. 1:31]

The Power to be WEALTHY and RICH!

Deuteronomy 8:18 (New American Standard Bible)
"But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth"

Reflection:

A lot of us are in search on how to make money especially in this time of recession. In fact "Make Money" is one of the most searched keyword in www.google.com with approximately 92 million search results. For some one job is no longer enough, they must try to look for sidelines after shift and sometimes during shift hours just to earn more.

Today, the Word of God says, "It is God who gives us the Power to make wealth". On other versions, it would say, "has given you the power to produce wealth". There's the end point to everyone's quest for more Money: God! He said in his Word [Philippinas 4:19]

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

I want you to focus on the word "riches". Our God is RICH! He's the richest God in the entire universe! In fact he owns everything! Today he's telling you, "I WANNA SHARE THESE WITH YOU!"

If you say, what's the catch?

Here's the catch: REMEMBER GOD! Remember him not just on Sundays and Prayer Meetings. He's saying Remember him whenever and wherever you are. I've discussed this in detail here: Remember not to Forget. But to summarize everything, let me leave you a Word from Joshua 1:8,

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."

God Bless you more!

And God saw that IT WAS GOOD (Gen. 1:10) - Earth Hour

"And God saw that it was good."

Genesis 1:10 (NIV)

Reflection:

Let's all acknowledge that God is the creator of all things. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made [John 1:3] which includes even the most hi-tech gadgets we have today. But here's what I want us to look at. God said "...IT WAS GOOD." not just actually in Genesis 1:10 but also in 1:3, 1:12, 1:18, 1:21, 1:25 and in every day God created something. Yes! God created all these things: trees, mountains, landscapes, sun, stars, the sea, the rivers, the animals and the most special, US! And everytime he finishes a day creating something, he always ends up by saying; IT IS GOOD!

He in fact uses His creation to show forth his glory to everyone.

Now, what right do we have to damage what he has created beautifully? Damaging God's creation is disobedience before him. Even as simple as throwing your cigarette butts or plastic wrappers anywhere to as big as Factories emitting Carbon Dioxide and depositing wastes to the ocean, we damage this EARTH. On the other hand, even as simple as recycling plastic wrappers, cleaning your engines (for drivers), planting trees in your backyard or to as grand as organizing an event in your place, we can do something to save our Earth.

As Christians, we are expected to participate in this event even in our own simple ways. I have supported Earth Hour and now I'm supporting Earth Day this April 22! Anything for this Earth! Anything for God's creation! Anything for God! Now, how about you?

Recommended Readings:

Stop Worrying! God Knows your Needs

Give Thanks for Everything

We are Being transformed from glory to glory

2 Corinthians 3:18 (New King James Version)
18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Reflection:

Today is my Birthday! Today marks another year for God's glory to be shown in my life. This is yet another year fully offered to him and for him as he transform me into His image from glory to glory. My only prayer is for my life to be a door where he can come in to reach out to more people! Everything in me shall be used for the expansion of His Kingdom. First to my family, and then to my workmates, friends and everyone around me. May I continually be a Blessing, A light, and a Salt to this world!~

May God bless you who's reading this today and may God answer all your heart's desires.

Recommended Readings:

Welcome to Your Daily Word

Trust the Lord with All your Heart

Nothing can separate us from God's Love

Romans 8:38-39 (New International Version)
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future,

nor any powers,

39neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection:

Love as they say should be unconditional but how many times did you dislike a person because of something he did or he said? How many relationships, marriages, families had broken because the parties have fallen out of love because of some problems and personality conflicts.

It's sad even if we deny it, our love is most of the time conditional.

But, Praise the Lord! He said in Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you with an everlasting love, I have drawn you with my loving kindness." God's love is not just uncoditional but also everlasting. What he feels for you is not dependent on who you are and on what you've done in the past. It is just purely HIS NATURE to Love YOU no matter what.

The verse above [Romans 8:38 - 39] reinforces this fact all the more saying nothing, absolutely nothing can make Him un-love us.

Praise the Lord for his Love!

God Bless you!

Recommended Readings:

Because of His Great Love

Father's Love Letter

You can Do ALL things through Christ

Matthew 19:26 (King James Version)
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.”

Reflection:

Who says you can’t do it? Who says you can’t achieve your dreams? Who says you’ll always be a loser and a quitter.

God is telling you, YOU CAN! You can win over troubles. You can fulfill your dreams. You can achieve your goals! You can be a WINNER!

Let’s stop focusing on our own weaknesses and “can’ts”. Let’s stop listening to discriminating words from other people. Let’s stop looking down, let’s start looking up.

Paul wrote a letter to the Philippians saying,

Philippians 4:13 (New King James Version)
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

And Yes, You can also DO ALL THINGS (and I mean ALL) not through your own strength but through Christ who strengthens you.

Be extraordinary, today!

God Bless you!

Recommended Readings:

Stop Worrying, God knows your needs

Pray the Prayer of Jabez

Believe in God's Promises

Numbers 23:19 (New International Version)
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

Reflection:

The Bible is filled with promises of God. It is even called a Treasure Chest by some people as they consider every word Gold and Silver. True enough because all of these were promised by no less than God Himself. He said in the Book of Numbers that he’s not like a man who lies and changes his mind. Was there a time that somebody didn’t show up in your agreed time?I’m sure you felt bad about it. But I’m also sure that God would never do that to us. God would never let us down. What he promises, he fulfills. What he says he will do, he will do.

If he says he’ll provide for your needs if you ask him, he will give you more than you can imagine (John 16:24)! If he said he will heal your sickness, he will heal you by His power (1 Peter 2:24). If he says he’ll make you prosperous and successful, he will do it for you (Joshua 1:8).

But at the end of the day, these promises would remain futile if you don’t believe. You would need to believe and trust in HIM to make these promises real and be made true in your life.

God bless you today!

Recommended Readings:

Trust the Lord with All your Heart

Remember not to Forget, Make him your First

Give Thanks in Everything

I Thessalonians 5:18 (King James Version)
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Reflection:

Whatever happens, it is right to give thanks to our God. Thanking Him is an act of Faith believing that He’s above everything and that He’s in control of your life. We sometimes forget that all these things whether it’s good or bad are part of God’s plan for us. It maybe painful and gloomy at times but let us be assured with the Word of God:

Romans 8:28 (New International Version)
“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.”

One of the most common sins people commit is “ungratefulness” or “lack of gratitude”. God is telling us today to thank Him for everything and in everything and to have FAITH in Him no matter what. Take courage, you’re in good hands!

God bless!

Recommended Readings:

Trust in Jesus Completely

Stop Worrying! God knows your Needs

Father - Hillsong United

John 3:16(King James Version)
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The following song you'll be listening in is entitled "Father" and was sung by Hillsong United.

This song tells us about God's Amazing Love for each one of us. His amazing love for you whoever you are who's reading this post right now. His amazing love never changes even if you don't know him and even if you don't believe in Him. His Love will remain steadfast, everlasting and unconditional no matter what. He has given His love so much that he had given up his only Son to die for us.

Let's all celebrate and be thankful for his Love forevermore!

Song lyrics | Father, I lyrics

Recommended Readings:

Father's Love Letter

Because of His great Love

Because of His Great Love

Romans 5:8 (New International Version)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Reflection:

Christ didn’t die for us because we were worthy. He didn’t come down to save us because we deserve it. No! He came to seek and to save what was lost. He came to show you His love for you (John 3:16). Are you willing to accept his LOVE?

As the Song, So You Would Come by Hillsong would say:

Nothing you can do

Could make Him love you more

And nothing that you've done

Could make Him close the door

Because of His great love

He gave His only Son

Everything was done

So you would come

The Who Am I song lyrics reinforces this:

Not because of who I am,

But because of what you’ve done.

Not because of what I've done,

But because of who you are.

In this Lenten Season, let's all remember his Death and his Love which is the reason of this all!

God Bless You!

Read also:

Trust the Lord with All your heart

Thanks to davidtjordan.wordpress.com for the picture.

UPDATE:

A Guilty Murderer Set Free by MyBibleDevotional

Trust in Jesus Completely

Hebrews 11
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Reflection:

I’m sure you’ve heard of the saying “To see is to Believe”. This principle is opposite to what God wants us to practice. We may not know it but sometimes we agree to it. When we doubt that God can help us through anything we’re going through, we agree to it. When we worry about our problems, needs and priorities, we agree to it. When we choose to carry our burdens even though God said, “Come to me and I will give you rest.” we agree to it. When we ask God, WHY? we agree to it. Agreeing to that principle simply implies we don’t trust God enough for our lives.

What is Faith?

Faith as defined in the verse is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. This clearly rejects the principle mentioned above. Faith is your eyes seeing your problems get resolved. It is your perspective on how things would turn out no matter how gloomy and dark the situation may be. It is your CHOICE to trust God for everything in your life.

Luke 17:6
'If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.'

This is how powerful Faith in God is.

What is the Lord telling us?

TRUST in Him completely no matter what! Believe and Know that He is God and he’s in control of everything.

God Bless you.

RECOMMENDED READINGS:

Stop Worrying! God knows your needs!

Trust the Lord with All your heart.

Be a good Example, Be Humble as he is Humble

John 13:13, 14 (New International Version)

"You call me "Teacher" and "Lord," and rightly so, for that is what I am.

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,

you also should wash one another's feet.

Background:

This is during the LAST Supper of Jesus with the disciples, the night before Judas Iscariot betrayed him. Washing of feet at that time is a customary to the Jews and necessary knowing that they use Sandals most of the time. Washing of feet though is never done by a Jew, only a slave or other people with different nationality.

Reflection:

We'll look at two things from these verses:

1. Power of being an Example to others

- How will the future generations remember you? Will they look up to you and follow your footprints? Have you set a good example to others? Here Jesus became a great Example to his disciples saying even though He is the Lord and Teacher, He'd still wash their feet so they too can wash each other's feet. With this act, his message was sent across effectively.

2. Humility

- When was the last time you chose to accept your mistake and asked for forgiveness? When was the last time you still asked forgiveness even though it was not your fault? Here Jesus did a humbling act in washing his disciple's feet. There are a lot of reasons to justify why He shouldn't do it. One is He's the teacher and Lord. A lord doesn't wash his followers' feet. Second, he's a Jew and no Jew should do such a thing. Third, he's GOD, the creator of all things. But even if he knows his authority and "position", he still chose to bow down and washed his disciple's feet.

What is the Lord telling us?

Let us be great examples of what we say. Let us be doers of our declaration. If we say we're Christians then let's act like one. We cannot expect our friends, family, workmates to believe what we're saying if we're not showing it with our deeds. As James, the brother of Jesus, had said Faith without Deeds is Dead (James 2:14). Let our lives be an Open Book for others to read in proclaiming God's goodness. Let our lives be a blessing to everyone we meet.

Second, let's be humble as he is humble. Here's a passage from Philippians 2:3-11 to explain it:

3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and

became obedient to death: even death on a cross!

9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him

the name that is above every name,

10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and

on earth and under the earth,

11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

At the end of the day, it's Him who should be lifted up instead of us. It's Him who should be recognized not us.

God Bless you more!

Remember Not to Forget, Make Him Your First

Just a while ago, I had a fellowship with the Young Professionals Ministry of my Church. As Young Professionals just like everybody else we are really busy all the time (that's what we think) that sometimes we unintentionally forget the most important thing in Christian life. Sometimes we can't help but get so overwhelmed with our work or even with our ministry especially if we're aiming excellence and if we're running after a deadline. I am guilty of this at times and maybe you are too.

The Word of God that was preached during that fellowship was taken from Rev. 2:4,

Revelation 2:4 (New International Version)

⁴Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your FIRST LOVE.

Reflection:

This verse is a great reminder for everyone of us. Sometimes we get so stressed out from managing things, meeting deadlines, and working really hard that we can't even remember to pray and ask God for guidance. When we hit our beds, we can't even open our Bibles to read a verse or two because we're so tired and we need to sleep right away thinking that God would maybe understand. But let me show you the preceding verses before Revelation 2:4,

Revelation 2:2-3 (New International Version)

²I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. ³You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

Examine how excellent these people are. They are hard working. They don't tolerate evil acts and they're persevering. What else can you look for? Everything is just so Ideal. But God even though knowing these great things they're doing has this to say:

⁴Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your FIRST LOVE

How sad can this be?

For those who are working: we may get all the Salary Increase and all the Promotions and Accolades as rewards for our hard work and commitment to our work but have we maintained our Love Relationship with our God? Have we even remembered to pray, thank and praise Him?

For those who are committed to a ministry: beware of the saying, "Busy expanding the Kingdom but has forgotten the King". We may set up the most excellent programs, plans and events to do what we have been commissioned to do but if we forget to fellowship with the one we're working for, God is still not satisfied.

What is God telling us?

Seek God first and all these things shall be added unto you as well. Don't be overwhelmed with the situation you are in, or with the problems you're trying to solve, or the great task ahead of you, Cling on to the King and he'll surely direct your paths. Make him your First Priority! Make him your First Love! Make Him the first person you talk to when you wake up. In every success, make Him the first person you thank. In every failure, make Him the first person you run to.

Remember not to Forget the main reason why we're here. Make him your First!

God Bless you more!

Father's Love Letter to You

It's the weekend!
I'm hearing Yipee! and Woohoo! Me too I'm glad it's the weekend and tomorrow is Sunday! I can go to Church again and have fellowship with my brethren. As David had said, " I rejoice with those who said to me, let us go to the House of the Lord".

Before that, let me leave you with this video: "Father's Love Letter". It touched right through the deepest portion of my heart and I'm sure it will move you as well.

"Father's Love Letter to You"

Pray the Prayer of Jabez

1 Chronicles 4:9-10 (NKJV)
Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers,
and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, "Because I bore him in pain".
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying,
Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory,
that Your hand would be with me,
and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!
So God granted him what he requested.

Reflection:

You may not have heard of Jabez as a Bible Character. He's not famous like the Patriarchs, the prophets or the apostles but his life is worth studying and learning from.

Jabez?

Jabez is Hebrew word which means PAIN, SORROW or TROUBLE (Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary). During those times your name is what you are (e.g. Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and many more) which means Jabez was pre-destined or "called" by his own mother to be a PAIN to others. Can you imagine how disappointing that is when people dread you because you might cause them pain? How about you? What have you been called to do?

How did Jabez react?

Jabez did not allow his name to dictate how he would live his life. He cried to the Lord to change his destiny and God granted him what he requested.

PRAYER OF JABEZ Defined

Bless me Indeed = In Bible translations, INDEED means there's no hint of disbelief! This prayer is not the usual request for blessing but a fervent request with strong faith that it will happen.
Enlarge my Territory = In those times, when you have a larger territory then you're more powerful than the rest. This prayer is asking God for Expansion of your Influence and Success financially, in your work life and in your personal life.
That your Hand be with me = This prayer is asking God to lead us in everyway everyday. It's a declaration that we cannot continue living without his Hand guiding us.
Keep me from Evil = This is where we denounce all the negative things other people have said and confessed against us. This is where we depend on God to be kept from evil. This is where we focus our minds on what He's saying and not what others are saying.

WHAT IS THE LORD TELLING US

People may have named and called you immature, childish, stupid, idiot, dumb or any bad thing from the past. It may or may not be true, it doesn't matter. You can do what Jabez had done. Don't allow others to dictate what will happen in your life. Cry to the Lord and pray the PRAYER of Jabez and GOD will grant your request as he has answered Jabez.

God Bless you!

Stop Worrying! God knows your Needs!

Matthew 6:31 - 34 (New International Version)

31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Reflection:

Everyone worries just about anything. It can be as big as where to get the payment for a loan or as petty as what to wear to a party. Some people worry about what other people think about them. Some even worry whether their gadget is up to date. How about you? What things do you worry about? Appearance? Status?

So what if we worry?

We worry because we look at what we can do and not on what God can do through us. Worrying is an act of disbelief, mistrust and doubt on God's sovereignty and power! He said through the prophet Jeremiah, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? Jeremiah 32:27".

What the Lord Promises

The Heavenly Father knows what you need even before you ask Him. Yes, you read it right! He already KNOWS what you need. Here's what he's saying in the preceeding verses:

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Trust in him in everything!

Furthermore, if we choose to pray, read the Bible, be a blessing to others and do something for God instead of spending time worrying then God will add ALL THE THINGS YOU NEED FAR BEYOND YOU CAN IMAGINE.

God Bless You!