Go! Trust God's Will

    

 Is God really leading me? How will I follow the will of God? What is the will of God for me and my family? These are the questions that seem to appear in our minds from time to time. Trusting God is never easy, especially if you are in a situation where you do not know what to do. Confusion, financial limitation, opinions from all different people and all other stuff that could get along your way. 

    Sometimes, it is almost impossible to see the will of God. This is the battle that most Christians are facing, not only by the members of the church but most especially the leaders such as pastors, ministers, and teachers. Not to mention, those who are still studying in the seminary and those who have recently graduated. The Bible clearly states that trusting God in all situation is the best thing that we can possibly do. Why?

     First, it is because God knows everything. God can see pass the time and the situation. We may not see what it is ahead but God can see what is coming. This is why we should trust in him. He said, "I am the Alpha and Omega." So he can see what will be the end result of everything.

     Most of the time, we can only see what is in front of us. We only see this big obstacle. But God can see pass through that. He is like the watchman standing on the very top of the hill, who warns and signals the soldiers to whether attack or retreat. Because he sees pass the wall, the hill, or any obstacle where the rest of the soldiers are. He can see because he is standing on the top of the hill, higher than everybody vision. In the same way, God's position is higher than ours, so we must trust his vision.

     Second, God is powerful. We have to remember that God is bigger than what we are and who we are. He can help us in any situation we are in. So if God commands us to do something, he will make sure that it is done. He has the power to do everything, even the ones that are impossible for us to do.

Third, God is with us. God is not like a regular boss at work, who gives instructions, leaves, and come back for results. He is not like that. He is the God who is with us. If he sends, he comes along. This is something that we must take heart. God will always be with us. He is there to help all the time. Though sometimes we feel alone, God is there. He never leaves.

Lastly, God is faithful, he will accomplish his plan. God will never give up. God will never surrender. He will see it through. When he sends someone, he knows that person is able. He is capable. So if God sends you, trust in him. Trust in the will of God. Remember, God is not sending you alone. God is going with you and he will see it through.

If this is the case, then why worry? what is stopping you? God is waiting for your answer. Trust his will. Stand up for the hope and vision that God gave you. If God sends, he will also provide. Raise that stick of faith like Moses and see the water part so you can walk on dry ground towards the promise land.

Friendship: Brotherhood

A friend loves at all times, 

and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

Prov. 17:17 NIV

Friendship is a gift from God. It is a gift of pure joy that can be found in a relationship that is filled with adventures and happiness. It also gives comfort and assurance to those who are troubled. That is why, one must find a good friend that loves and cares not only during the glorious days but also during the tough times. A true friend “loves at all times”, he or she will never leave you even in times of difficulties and sorrows. He or she is the friend who stick around no matter what happen. A true friend is like “a brother” or sister. He or she is like a family that is always there and will accept, forgive and understand. God wants us to have real and faithful friend. He wants us to cherish this gift of relationship that is why we must be careful to choose our friends. Find the ones that are true and will be like a brother or a family. Find the one who believes in God and will tell you to do right and will not lead you to do wrong. Find someone who is a friend that loves at all times.    

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Friendship: Beware of Gossip

A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends. Prov. 16:28

Chatting and talking with our friends makes our day better. We talk to our friends all the time. It doesn’t matter what, when and how. Sometimes, we call and chat with them over the phone for hours or sometimes meet up just to talk and spend time with them. This build the relationship with our friends.

However, not all talks and chats are beneficial. Some can be harmful, hurtful and devastating. Especially, when we start to talk about other people’s negative characters and features. Though many would enjoy criticizing another person negatively behind their back, this is not good and beneficial to our relationship with them. This not only impacts the subject but also ourselves and the friends we gossip with. Gossip can ruin our integrity as a friend and ruin our relationships. It is sad to know that twenty to thirty more years of good friendship can be broken and ruin because of gossip. This is true and most people experience it. Most would end up having more enemies than friends. That is why we must avoid gossiping and especially the gossipers. Do not be friends with those who does not care and are not sensitive to the feeling of others. We may enjoy gossiping at one point of time, but in the end, all it does is hurt and destroy someone. We must talk to uplift not to destroy. We must express blessings and not curse. We must build friendship and not ruin it. We must love our friends with all our hearts. We must be careful with our words. We must not gossip.

If you have been gossiping, it is not too late. God wants you to make good friends. Therefore, confess this sin to God and ask him to better your relationship with others. Let God bind the friendship that you have started and make it a wonderful and meaningful one. Have a blessed and wonderful day with your friend. God Bless!    

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Friendship: Friendship with the World

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” James 4:4

Friendship is one of the best relationship we can ever find. However, not every friendship will benefit us well. Some friendship can affect us negatively. A good example of that is being friends with the world. This means loving and embracing the worldly and sinful things that it offers. Being friends with the world is “enmity against God”, for God does not tolerate sin. God is blameless, holy and righteous. He is without flaws. That is why God does not want us to indulge ourselves with sin.

God wants us to be righteous like he is. He wants us to see ourselves as his reflection. Therefore, we must follow God and avoid the sins of this world. The devil is always waiting for an opportunity for us to sin. He will make sin pleasant and good to deceive us so we may fall on his temptation. But as believers and followers of Christ, we must look away and never entertain the friendship that this world is offering. For in the end, the sinful world will perish and only those who are friends with God will be saved. But thanks be to God, that as long as we live, we have hope in him. We can always repent and turn away from our sins so we can be friends with him and be saved. Amen.

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I Call on the Lord in my Distress, and He Answers Me. Psalm 120:1

I was watching CSI this afternoon and it amuses me even now how quickly the authorities respond to a 911 call. They treat every situation with urgency and importance. They selflessly rescue everyone without even thinking that their lives could also be in danger. Even a kid at a very young age is already taught how to dial the number so in case of an emergency situation, he or she can be able to call for help. That is why here in the United States, whenever there is a car accident, a disaster or any kind of emergencies, 911 is the best number to call for it is the number set by the government to ensure that every citizen can get help whenever, wherever it is needed. However, not all emergencies can be taken care of this agency. There are urgent matters that only God can address. That is why God has also designated a lifeline for everyone to reach. Sadly, nowadays, even an adult doesn't even know how to use this God-given lifeline. Let's look at this verse closely: 

     "I call on the Lord in my distress and He answers me."

There are two things that I would like to share today: 

1. Acknowledgment of our trouble and weakness. As the psalmists says, "I call...in my distress". He accept the fact that he is in distress and like him, we must acknowledge our situation and see the need for help. Most of the time, we don't see the need for prayer so we don't pray. Our hearts are arrogant filled with sin and pride thinking that we can make it on our own so we feel like we do not need anyone not even God. But that's a big mistake. We need others and we especially need God. We need to confess our sins and tell God of what is troubling us.  

2. Acknowledgment of God's power. As the psalmist calls"...on the Lord...and He answers me." We must acknowledge the existence of God and the power of God in our lives. It doesn't matter how big or small your problem is, God can still help. God answers prayer and God always care. Notice that all the words in this verse are in the present form of the verb, which means God respond the same time we call. Like 911 24/7 emergency hotline, God prioritize every call and prayer that we have. He knows every cry is urgent and needs immediate attention and care. That is why we can pray anytime, anywhere and however you want it to be. What God wants is for us to call with sincere heart with faith that acknowledge his power over all our troubles and fear. Believe in his mighty power. Believe that God can do exceedingly what he has promise and that is to be faithfully listening and answering our prayers.   

Something to do: 

            Today, take some time to pause and pray. Let God know your needs. Let God know your situation. Call upon God in your distress and he will answer you and save you from all your troubles. May God bless you today!

PRAYER GUIDE: Prayer for Forgiveness and Freedom from Sin

"If we confess  our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all our unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 NIV

     Almighty God, creator of heaven and earth, King of kings and Lord of lords, look upon your servant today. I am deeply troubled for my anxiety have already reached its peak. I cannot live like this any longer. I cannot live a day sinning again and again and again. I know I am wrong and at fault and I want to be freed, please forgive me for I have sinned against you. Show me mercy and kindness. I know you want me to change and become more like you and I want to change for you but I cannot do it by myself. Please help me. I have tried but failed. Help me change. Forgive me from all my sins. Let me turn away from it and never do the same mistake again. You said that if we confess our sins, you are faithful and just and will forgive us from all our unrighteousness and I believe your words with all my heart. Please show kindness to me and make me clean. Please guard my heart and my thoughts. Let every word that comes from my mouth be pleasing to you. I need your forgiveness in my life so that I will be free and at the same time let me also learn how to forgive myself and others. Help me that I may become more like you for I don't want to be bound by my sins. Oh, Lord please forgive me, save me and teach me your ways to everlasting.

Thank you God for your forgiveness. This is what I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

I hope and pray that this prayer will help you start up the desire to speak to God about whatever you have in your heart today. You don't need to be eloquent nor to be learned, all he ask of you is to call on him with an honest heart and a humble spirit. Have a blessed day!

Submit Yourselves to God

Scripture Reading: James 4:1- 12 NIV

     "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

     You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think that Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why the scripture says:

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

     Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts you double-minded. Grieve mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will life you up.

     Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you -  who are you to judge your neighbor? "

Amen!!!

Church Goers: Physically present but mentally absent?!?

Question: Have you ever experience being in the church but your mind is wandering away? If yes, how often? once in while? or every Sunday? Today I would like to point out something really important for us Christians and believers of God.  

God: "I was with you but you were not with me."

I remember one time going to the church with my mind completely thinking about something else and is so far away from where I am. But then suddenly I felt this ache in my heart, like someone literally pinch it, I look around trying to observe all the people in the congregation on that Sunday morning and wonder, if everyone aside from me is actually listening to the sermon, and if everyone aside from me is really praising God while singing, and if everyone is actually praying when they close their eyes. What if everyone's mind is also somewhere else not here. Then with all these in mind, this one big question strike my heart like a punch... WHO IS WORSHIPPING GOD AT THIS MOMENT THEN? WHO AMONG THIS PEOPLE IS ACTUALLY LISTENING? I feel so bad, knowing that my mind was wondering around. Then God put his Words in my heart, reminding me that godliness is a so personal. Even though you go to the church every Sundays of your life, it will not count unless you truly worship him in the sanctuary and not missing the point of being in the church. Today, I would like to point out the main purposes of going to church:

First is to worship and be with God. "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy." Exodus 20:8 Sundays is not the only day to worship God, we can worship him daily and anytime. However, God also set aside a day for us to rest with him. And this day should be specifically dedicated to him for worship.

Second is that we may find rest with God. 

"Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." Genesis 2:1-3

Most of us, work from weekdays to weekend and most of the time having difficulty finding time to pray and worship God. That is why God himself designated a day for us to rest and worship. Some worship on Saturdays, some on Sundays but whatever day it is, we must solely dedicate our time, heart and mind to God that we may find rest in him. God wants us to find rest in him.

Third is to fellowship with believers.

Another is that we may find encouragement and fellowship with believers. How sad to know that the world is not getting better and most would prefer to go to the mall, a party or even a coffee shop than to go to the church. They would rather sit and talk about an upcoming movie than to sit with believers.

How to be physically, mentally and spiritually present?

1. As much as possible, sleep early on Saturday so you will not be sleeping in the church.

2. If you need to do something, do it early on Saturday or set a schedule so that it will not be on your mind while you are in the church.

3. Before going to the church, confess your sins to God and pray that God will help you focus.

4. Concentrate on God's Word. To help you follow through the sermon, you can jot down notes to keep your mind from wandering. Avoid writing and drawing unnecessary things on the paper. This will also help you remember the sermons, in case you will forget.    

5. Wear something decent but comfortable.

PRAYER:

Dear God,

     Thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your unfailing love. I know that most of the time, I find myself thinking about something else and not focusing on your Words. I am sorry. Please help me that I may truly worship you and focus only on you while I am in the church. Please teach me how to set my heart and mind on you while listening to your Word. Help me be physically, mentally and spiritually present while I am in the church. I need you to help me in this area of my Christian life. Help me to become faithful. Thank you Lord. This is what I pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.  

SOMETHING TO DO: BE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY PRESENT THIS COMING SUNDAY.

Success: There is Nothing Impossible with God.

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."  Proverbs 16:3

Question: As of this moment, can you consider yourself successful? Yes/No

Answer:  You can use the comment box for your answer.

Question: In which area of your life do you think you succeed?

Answer: You can use the comment box for your answer.

Question: Which area do you think you failed?

Answer: You can use the comment box for your answer.

Question: Which area are you still working on?

Answer: You can use the comment box for your answer.

As we all know "Success" is the accomplishment of something that you have been working on, for example a goal of losing 20 lbs. or a dream to become a professional in your line of work. Whatever it is, it is natural for us to aim success in our lives. However, success does not come easy. Many have spent much time even a life-time before they actually can say that they are successful. Some succeed at work but fail in marriage. And sadly even though they tried the hardest, some don't achieve it at all. Why? What is wrong? In this topic, we will see what God says about how to be successful and not only for just one aspect of our lives but in everything:  

• First is we need to "Commit" or have a sense of commitment to succeed. Have you ever known someone who does not have a sense of commitment? You can tell that there is something wrong with his/her life. It is like driving a car without knowing where to go.
• Second is to succeed in all aspects of life our commitment should be"to the Lord" our creator.  We need to seek him and his Words. We need to know what he thinks about our decisions. Whether it is small or big, the decision that we are gonna make should not only be decided by us or by our family, but we must also consider God's opinion. God can always help. His wisdom is supreme.

Why we should commit to the Lord?

• Because he is the Alpha and Omega and he knows everything, the past and even the future and he knows what will be the ending of everything. He knows if it will be good or not.

Just imagine God as the driver who knows the road so well that he will never accidentally drive you to a cliff and fall.

That is why..

• Third, we must commit to the Lord "whatever we do" meaning "all", no restriction, no reservation. Whether it is financial, family or even in our daily decision makings because God knows best.  Sometimes, some part of our lives are not doing good because we never ask God to help us with it, or even if we pray for it, we still do it our way not God's way. If we commit everything to the Lord, then the next word says..
• Fourth, "And your plans will succeed". "And" (used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences that are to be taken jointly) so success is always a part of obedience to his Word that is why the scripture joined the phrase "your plans will succeed" with committing or trusting God.  

Committing to Lord can change and better our lives. God does not want us to waste our lives to something that is not even good for us. If we commit ourselves to him, he will give us hope and open our eyes to what he thinks is best. If we commit to him, we must totally rely on his capability. We need faith in order to do this, we must believe and trust him.

Remember, God will never put to shame those who trust in him.

Therefore... "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Amen.

SOMETHING TO DO:

Now, remember the last question,  "Which area you are still working on?" Whatever area that is, commit this to the Lord and see how God works.   

PRAYER:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for everything that you have done for me at the cross. Thank you for saving me. Today, I want to commit myself to you, I know that you are my God and that you care for me, but I haven't committed myself to you lately. Please help me that you will be the center of my life. Please take over and help me succeed, not only in one part but in all aspects especially those that are not pleasing  unto you. Oh God, I cannot do this alone. Help me with everything. This is what I pray in Jesus name, Amen.  

Beginner's Guide to the Bible

Introduction to the Bible

This page is for new Christians and for people who are interested in studying the Bible. This is just the basic but is very important in navigating from cover to cover. To make it simpler and less complicated, I have enumerated the following for you:

1. Protestant: There are 66 (Canonized) books in the Bible.

2. The Bible is divided into two. First is called "The Old Testament" and the second part is called "The New Testament".

3. The Old Testament consists of 39 books.  

     A. (5) The Pentateuch /The Laws.

• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Deuteronomy

    B. (12) History

• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• 1 Kings
• 2 Kings
• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chronicles
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther

    C. (5) Poetry

• Job
• Psalms
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Solomon

     D.  (5) Major Prophets

• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• Daniel

     E. Minor Prophets.

• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephaniah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malachi

4. The New Testament consists of 27 books.

    A. (4) Synoptic Gospel

• Matthew
• Mark
• Luke
• John

   B. (1) History

• Acts

   C. (9)Pauline Epistles' (To the Church)

• Romans
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Galatians
• Ephesians
• Philippians
• Colossians
• 1 Thessalonians
• 2 Thessalonians

    D. (4)Pauline Epistles' (To his Friends)

• 1 Timothy
• 2 Timothy
• Titus
• Philemon

    E. (9)General Epistles'

• Hebrews
• James
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• Jude
• Revelation

How to Read/ Find the Scripture within the Bible:

When the pastor asks to turn your Bible to "Genesis 1:1" this is how to find it.

"Genesis 1:1" The word in red is the name of book where you can find the scripture.

"Genesis 1:1" The first number after the name of the book is the Chapter.

                         This number is bigger and can be seen usually at the beginning.

"Genesis 1:1" The number after the colon is the verse. This number is smaller than the Chapter.

                         This is usually found at the beginning of every sentence or paragraph.

Please see the illustration below:

God's Love and Faithfulness is New Every Morning.

First Thing in the Morning

Lamentations 3:22-23 and Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Waking up being consumed by my first five minutes stressful thoughts of how to manage my life and all my responsibilities makes me like I don't want to wake up anymore. This kind of feeling is not only unique to me but to all. For some, this feelings could be once in a while, but sadly for most, stressful mornings could be daily. Like a husband stressed by his unwanted job or a single mother with three kids to feed, or maybe a college student trying to earn a degree. Stressful mornings affect not only ourselves but also the people that we live and work with. Moreover, that first five minutes of stressful thoughts can also affect your whole day.  But this is so contrary to what God wants our mornings to be. According to Lamentation3:22-23 (NIV): 

^22" Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.²³ They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Also in Isaiah 40:31 (NIV):

"but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

God is faithful and wants us to experience his love and faithfulness. But how are we going to experience his love and renewed strength every morning? As mentioned in the Scripture in order for us to have our strength renewed, we must HOPE IN THE LORD. This is a promise with a blessing from God. You must believe in God and hope in him then comes this unexpected rescue. Nothing is too small nor too big for him. God can do the impossible. Some think that their problem is too small for God to notice or to big and impossible for God to accomplish so instead of praying and reading the Bible first thing in the morning, they would rather consume themselves thinking of how to resolve their problems.  

The Bible itself proved and noted people who believed and hoped in God and have experienced the miraculous outcome of doing so. The same God that have done miraculous signs and wonder in the times of Abraham, Moses and Jacob is the same God that is present right now. The faithfulness and grace of God is new every morning and that is all we need. IF WE HOPE IN GOD, He will: 

1.  Renew our strength.

God will replenish our soul and will give us a renewed strength daily.

2.  We will soar on wings like eagle.

We can climb and reach for our dreams and though we may encounter the wind of troubles and hardships possibly come our way but like an eagle trying to reach the sky, we will soar, as God promised.

3. We can run and not grow weary.

Like an athlete supported by a coach and is aiming for the goal. We can run and know that our mighty coach is there leading and is present in every step of the way and in no time we can finish the race.  

4. We can walk and not faint.

As God is with us, we will never walk alone.

How wonderful to know that God is faithful and all his promises are true. Therefore, base on my experience, there is a huge difference between spending your morning with God from trying to figure life by yourself. My husband and I always pray in the morning and it makes a huge difference from not praying at all. For instance, when my husband and I forget to pray, all kinds of worriedness come to both of us, but when we pray we always experience peace. So I recommend the following: 

1. SPEND the FIRST 5 to 10 MINUTES of YOUR MORNING with God.

2. Read a verse or chapter of the BIBLE. I recommend Proverbs and Psalms for the beginners.

3. PRAY. Just tell God anything that is in your heart. Pour out your stress on him and ask him to be with you all throughout the day.

EXPERIMENT:

If you are not sure if it is true or not. Try to experiment and compare, A MORNING WITH GOD and A MORNING WITHOUT GOD. You will know the difference.

TODAY'S PRAYER:

Dear God,

Life is tough and it seems like even in the first five minutes of my day I am already consumed with all the daily stress of my life. Please show me how to believe and trust you. Please let me experience every morning and see the difference you can make and if my faith is not enough to believe, please show me who you are so that I may believe and worship you starting today. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

PLEASE ALSO BE INSPIRED BY THIS VIDEO:

Bad Friends Ruin Good Character.

Easy-to-Read Version: 1 Corinthians 15:34

Don’t be fooled: “Bad friends will ruin good habits.”Come back to your right way of thinking and stop sinning. Some of you don’t know God. I say this to shame you.

Everyone needs a friend, whether you are old or young, you still need someone to talk to and share your life with. And as we all experience making friends is good and enjoyable. However, not everyone can be a true friend and a good influence to us, that is why Paul warned the people of Corinth about having bad company. NIV: 1 Corinthians 15:33-34

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

Before we go further, pause for a moment and think about all your friends, try to count them with your fingers and answer the following questions for each friend you counted:

1. Is he/she my friend through thick and thin?

2. Are his or her advises godly and good to follow? If not good, did you still follow it?

3. Does he/she always get you in trouble?

4. Is he/she the one who gave you your first cigarette? If yes, though you think it is not good for your health, are you still smoking?

5. Did he/she make you lie to your parents just to hang out? If yes, how many times did it happen?

6. Did he/she ask you to go somewhere else instead of going to school or church?

If yes, how many times did it happen?

7. Did he/she make you feel better in doing wrong?

If yes, was it convincing?

8. Did he/she advise you to run away from home?

9. Did he/she laugh at you when you are talking about church or reading the Bible?

If yes, is that okay with you?

10. Does he/she believe in God?   

Through your own personal experience, your answer to each question above helps you identify what type of friends you have and how they influenced you? Now let us study this verse and dig deeper into God's Word:  

1. "Do not be misled," : Why do you think Paul said this? It is because most of the time, bad company appears to be good and they will make you think that you are of a great advantage when you join them. It is a deception. As stated in 1 Peter 5:8,"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." That is why we should not be confused. We can never do right by doing what is wrong in the eyes of God.

2. "Bad company corrupts good character".  Bad company is like a drop of ink on a pure white shirt, once the stain is there, it is hard to remove, unless we use a solution that will make it go away.

    - "Bad company" are ungodly people. People who appears to be good but evil, they are the ones who never knew God in the first place so there is nothing Godly in them.

    - "Corrupts" - and because God is not in them, they distort the truth that is in your heart. They would tell you that what your doing is not bad at all. For example, A white lie is still a lie, therefore it is still a sin in the eyes of God. They said get some cash from your mom's wallet, we will return it anyway so it is alright.  

    - "Good Character" It is the Godly character that God has given to you, possibly through your parents, teachers, and most specially from the Bible. Therefore, we cannot blend Godly character with evil, so deceive ourselves that we are still godly even though we are approving and doing what we are not suppose to be doing.

That is why Paul added, "Come back to your right way of thinking and stop sinning." I say this to shame you.

1. Return to God. "Come back to your right way of thinking" Once we know that we are making friends with people who are doing what is unholy to God, we must turn away and come back to God right away. Do not wait for your last breath or near death to return to God like everyone else plans, do it right away.

2. And sin no more. "Stop Sinning" let go of your sins, surrender it to God and be the person God intended you to be. Do not let sin empower you.

3."I say this to shame you." Paul addressed the people who already knew the truth but wandered away and followed the ways of the world. 

PRAYER:

Dear God,

    Thank you for this wonderful day. Thank you for letting me know that I have to be careful in making friends. I know that you don't want me to be alone and sad but you also don't want me to be misled by ungodly people. Please give me wisdom and a discerning heart that is careful even in making friends. And if I have friends that do not follow you, please let me be the light that shines through their dark path so that they may also see hope from you. Thank you Jesus for this wonderful reminder. I love you and I want to obey you. This is what I pray, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Praying with Wrong motives!

"When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your own pleasures." James 4:3

God always answer when we call to him, but sometimes his answer is not what we expected. Sometimes we don't really get what we want and expect to receive from him. Why?

Today, let us discover what the scripture says about this:

1. God sees our hearts. Base on the scripture found on the 4th Chapter of James, he explained praying with wrong motive is not a good idea. We must know that God sees our heart for everything is transparent in his sight. Our parents and friends can be sometimes clueless when we lie to them and could probable not find out about it but not with God. Everything is known to God, even the very secrets of our hearts. So praying with wrong motive will not work. So we need to ask ourselves this questions when we pray:

What is my request from God? Why do I pray for it? What is it for? What is my motive in praying? Is it for my own pleasure?  

If we are praying with wrong motive and intention, God will not do it for us. God is the Alpha and Omega, he knows where we have been and where we are going. If our prayers will lead us away from righteousness, then God will say no to it or will give us a better option. Like our parents, God will not give us something that will harm us and put us in danger.

2. Moreover, the condition of the heart plays a big role in prayer. What is the condition of your heart? A heart that is right with God will always have the right motive in praying, for it is one with God. And it follows the will of God. But sin pollutes the heart.

3. For that reason, sin must not be present. Confess to God the sin that has been committed, whether it is big or small, a sin is always a sin that contaminates the mind and the heart. So we must turn away from it and be one with our creator in prayer.

I remember an illustration about a man with the devil whispering on the left ear and an angel of God on the right ear. The devil whispers and suggests ideas that appears to be right but is wrong and so the presence of the devil confuses the man on what to do. Sin also does it in our prayers, as long as we have sins in our hearts, being right with God in our prayers is impossible. So we must get rid of the sin by asking forgiveness. Sin contaminates our thoughts while we pray.    

4. Therefore, after repentance, our prayers will be selflessly following the will of God for us. When our hearts are right with God, then our motive changes. Instead of the "I" being the center of the prayer, it will become "God" as the center of it. Then we are praying for the WILL OF GOD in us and not our own selfish desire.

SELF CHECK:

Today before you pray, list all your prayer request and see what are your prayers to God. Check the purpose, motive, and intention of your request. Then ask God to help you to pray. Pray for your prayer. Ask God to help you pray selflessly and according to God's Will.

PRAYER:

Dear God,

    Thank you for your word today. I know that sometimes, my prayers are so selfish and not according to your will. My prayers are impure and are only for my own benefit. Please help me by changing my prayers according to your will. That my heart and mind will be one with you. That I will prayer with a pure heart and mind. Please help me. Let me confess my sins to you and ask for your forgiveness. Let your light shine in my heart and make me pure as white as the snow. Let my prayers be pleasing to you. If my faith is not enough for me to trust and believe you in my prayers, please show yourself to me and let me experience your power so that I may give you praise and worship  you all my life. This is what I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

THE LORD'S PRAYER is the best example of a prayer that Jesus himself taught us. This can be found in Matthew 6:9-13. The Lord's Prayer is one of the topic that I will be working on shortly. Please don't forget to share the Word of God daily. Thank you and have a great day!

Do not Give up!

Are you having difficulties and problems today? And everything seems falling apart? And you will like giving up? Do not worry, just pray continually and do not give up. I remember a story in the Bible about Jesus telling his disciples to pray and not give up. Something that we all must do when we are in trouble or in a situation that is out of our control. Let's read this short story and see what Jesus means:  

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ²He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. ³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’⁴ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”⁶ And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

Praying is essential to every Christian. It is a lifeline that helps us continue and survive the trials and difficulties in life. Prayer is a lifeline to God. But tell me, how do you ask God about your needs? Are you persistent enough to get your prayers answered? Or do you pray without even believing that God can do it. God made it plain and even tell us a story about the power of prayer and how we must pray. Let us discover the power of prayer through the character of the widow in the parable:

CHARACTER OF THE WIDOW:

1. Persistent. The most obvious character of the widow is being persistent. She keeps on coming to the judge for help. This is exactly what God wants us to do. To keep on coming to him. We must pray continually without ceasing. Why do we need to be persistent? Because God sees our sincerity through our persistency. Persistency pays a lot even in prayer as Jesus mentioned,"And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?"   If we cry to God and plea for our needs, will he keep silent? No he will not so we must pray continually without stopping as God is listening to our cry and will act in our behalf. 

2. Faith. The woman knows that the judge can do something about her problem because he is of the authority and power to fix it. She has faith with the judge. God also wants us to go to him persistently asking him in faith, believing that God can do it for us and that he can handle our problems and issues in life and that he has the authority and power over all.

3. Determine. The woman never give up. She is determined that she will be helped and justice will be served. We must be like her, determined that God can do it, never giving up, but always looking forward to what God can do for it. Let's put our hope in God. As Scripture says, "Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame." Romans 10:11


RESPOND OF THE UNGODLY JUDGE:
He refused for a while but helped the widow eventually. Though the judge refuses for a while but because of her persistency the judge eventually helped her. “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!

RESPOND OF GOD:
God will quickly answer. “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. God knows our heart and if he sees that we are persistently praying in faith he will quickly respond to our prayer. God is a just God and he will make sure that justice is serve. He will help the helpless especially those who cry for his mercy.

God always answers when we call to him with an earnest heart. Call to him and he will come and rescue you.

PRAYER:

Dear God,

            Thank you for reminding me today that you are willing to help me and that I should be persistent in faith when I call on you. I know that you can help me and you are bigger than my fear and worries in life. You have the authority over all the earth and over my life. Please let me know that you are near and that you can do something for me. If my faith is too small, please let me experience you that I may believe and be blessed by you. Thank you Oh, God! Let me pray continuously without stopping, let me know that you are able. This is what I pray in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

In God's Perfect Time

     I woke up early this morning to bake some bread for my friends. I was hurrying up because they need to leave early so I tried to fast track the preparation and baking. So I put the dough in the oven and set it to a temperature higher than the usually thinking it will help lessen my time of baking but I ended up burning the top of the bread. Good thing I have an extra dough. Then because of this, I realized three things, first is that following instruction is really important. Second is perfect timing makes a perfect bread. Third is though the bread tastes fine, I knew, it could have been better.

From this experience, God impressed his Words in my heart from Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) :  

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens:"

     It is amazing how God teaches us the lessons in life through our daily activities and I would like to share with you what I have learned today: 

1. Following instruction is important. Like baking, cooking and even operating a machine, following instruction is essential for it will help you achieve the best result, which is quite true, I could have set the temperature according to the baking instructions but I didn't so the result was not as it was suppose to be. Like in life, God handed us over his very Word for instruction and guidance and sadly even though most of us already know about the Word of God and its effect and power, we still tend to experiment and follow our own worldly ways, so a lot of people go astray. As it was inquired and answered in the Bible:

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word" Psalms 119:9

2. Perfect timing makes a perfect bread. If the instruction says 20 minutes, then 20 minutes it is. Not 10 or 15 nor 25, it must be 20. The instruction on the packaging was not easily written down nor formulated. Bakers have done multiple trial and error to make sure that the process is perfect and will produce the best result. Therefore, I must wait for the perfect time for my bread. As the Bible said, "There is a time for everything.." Like baking, in life there are times that we need to wait, sometimes for a job, or for a medical result, or even for a spouse to spend the rest of our lives with. Waiting is one of the hardest thing to do and as we all have heard, "Patience is a virtue" and yes, it is true. Blessed are those who wait, especially those who wait upon the Lord. God has his own timeline, we may not know what he has instore for us but if God tells you to wait, know that what he has, is best and perfect for you.

3. Though the bread tasted fine, I knew, it could have been better. And as a result, the bread tasted just fine. But if I have just followed the instruction and waited a little longer, the bread could have been better. Life is often times like this, we could have waited a little more for God but instead we have chosen something else and settle for less.

Life is filled with decision making and what we decide on today can greatly impact our tomorrow so if our decision needs time, then we must take the time. We must ask God for guidance and give us patience in waiting. I know it is not easy to wait, but waiting in God is worth it because he is the Alpha and Omega, the first and last is he. He knows best and will always gives the best for those who wait on him. "No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause." Psalm 25:3

If your single, do not rush, God is preparing the best and Godly spouse for you.

If you are looking for a job, do not be involved with illegal businesses, God has a decent job for you. If you are waiting for a relationship to be restored, don't give up, God is mending it for you. 

If you have an unanswered prayer, God is working on it for you. 

PRAYER:

Dear God, 

     Thank you for everything that you have done for me. Thank you for reminding me to wait on you and seek you while waiting. Thank you for this great joy knowing that you are able and that you are always near. Help me to have patience and give me wisdom to recognize and discern your will in my life. Please let me know that you are working on my behalf. I will put my trust in you and wait on you.

Thank you Lord, this is what I pray in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.