Where is your income coming from?

“Ill-gotten treasures are of no value, but righteousness delivers from death.” Proverbs 10:2

So where is your income coming from?

You can pause for a while and examine yourself.

 Because this is a question that all of us need to answer.

As we grow older, at some point, all of us need to get out of the comfort of our home and find a job to survive.

But how do you get your income, how are you surviving?

Do you get it from hard work or do you get it from taking advantage of others?

We can point fingers however we want, but this is not about them. It is about you! We are all responsible for our actions, they are responsible for theirs but you are responsible for yours.

The scripture tells us that treasures that are acquired wrongly are of no value. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is. If we have acquired something out of wrongdoing unless our heart is calloused,  we know that it does not belong to us and our conscience tells us that we need to return it, one way or another. Whether we are a Christian or not, there is a lot of indication that tells us that our income is not acquired properly.

First is our conscience. Our conscience warns us from being drawn to this kind of activity. That goodness inside of us tells us we did something wrong. It is because our hearts and mind condemn any wrong action. God has put the seed of righteousness in us to guide us and protect us. Whether we like it or not, wrong is wrong and right is right.

The second indication is sleeplessness. It could be just a few cents or a few dollars, but it wouldn’t let you sleep. It could be just a single receipt of reimbursement request from an employee of yours that you pocketed, but it wouldn’t let you sleep.

The third indication is the unending playback in your head. It could be just something small, but that act plays repeatedly in your mind over and over again and keeping you from doing your normal activity.

There are more indications but the most important one that I would like to mention is the Word of God. God’s Word tells us exactly that Ill-gotten treasure is no good to us. It is a sin to acquire something that is not supposed to be our wrongly. There is no joy in that. You may be able to buy your dream house but living in it will not give you any satisfaction nor joy. For your inward self will condemn you daily until you give up and do what is right. If you have done such things, humble yourself before God. Ask for forgiveness and start doing what is right. If you can still make everything right, do it right away and so God will turn your sorrows into joy. 

Do what is right while you still can. Labor with love and honesty.

May God bless your heart today and keep you away from evil. Have a wonderful day and God bless.  

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!

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.  

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.

A QUESTION TO PONDER: Do I praise God and curse at the same time?

According to James 3:9-12 NIV:

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father,

and with it we curse human beings,

who have been made in God’s likeness.

¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.

My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?

Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

The Bible clearly said that cursing and praising should not come from the same mouth. We cannot be like an angel praising God on Sundays and cursing others from Monday to Saturday.

If we profess that we are a Christian but we still curse and use all difference kinds of bad words when we talk, we better check ourselves, as God clearly said, "this should not be". Moreover we must know that:      

1. Cursing is not a Christian nor a professional attitude.

" Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. " Ephesians 4:29 In any kind of situation, it is never a word someone would want to hear from you. Imagine a man cursing while talking in front of his girlfriend's parents - not impressive or swearing in front of our kids - not a good example.

2. Cursing and Praising should not come from the same mouth.

^"10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." As a coconut cannot bear mango, like the fig tree cannot bear grapes, our mouth should only be filled with positive words and praises.  

3. Cursing is a Sin.

Exodus 20:7 "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain." Moreover, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless." James 1:26

God does not want us to use bad and unpleasant words, he also doesn't want us to curse. God wants us to be gentle and forgiving.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:  

God knows that we cannot change ourselves overnight especially if it is already a habit. But it is not an excuse to change. Ask God for forgiveness and help. God loves you and believes in you. He know you can change. Try this experiment and see the difference:

1. In the morning, try to count how many times you curse, or say unpleasant words to others, and take note of those unpleasant words and see the outcome, how it fuels your stress and anger and how it affects your relationship.

2. In the afternoon, try NOT to use any kind of bad words and be gentle in everything you say. If you are having a hard time, ask God to help you. Instead of cursing, pray and say, help me God.

3. In the evening, try to see the difference, write the outcome of both actions. Then count all the different kinds of unpleasant words that you use habitually and try to avoid saying them one by one everyday, little by little replace it with pleasant words until its gone. Observe how your life and relationship changes. Observe how pleasant it is to obey the Word of God.

PRAYER:

Dear God,

Thank you for this wonderful reminder that cursing should never be part of my daily conversation. It should never be part of my life. Please help me that I may find it unpleasant to myself and to those who hear me. I am weak and I can't change this alone by myself. Help me that I may follow you by not cursing or using unpleasant words. Help me Lord, I need you. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.  

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Are YOU the Blessed Man the Psalmist have spoken about? 

The passage below is from the famous book of Psalm 1, please read through the passage and see if you are the man or woman the Psalmist have spoken of:

¹ Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of the sinners or sit in the seat of mockers,
² but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
³ He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither— whatever he does prospers.

⁴ Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,  

nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

⁶ For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

Probably, you will say "yes", that is me or maybe no that is not me. But if you are, please encourage others by leaving a comment below of how God wonderfully bless you. But if you think you are not, I am glad to tell you that though this passage is a description of a blessed man, Psalm 1, is at the same time, a formula showing cause and effect and a key on how to become a blessed man. Imagine how everyone in the world looking and searching for a formula or a way to be successful in all aspects of life and sadly some find it in a wrong way.

Yesterday, I have posted about how important your mornings can be and how spending it with God makes a difference. In continuation, this biblical scripture pointed out how blessed a person can be if he or she delights himself in the Lord. Science have spoken of cause and effect so as the Bible. 

According to the Psalmist if you are the person who:

1. Does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.

2. Stand in the way of the sinner.

3. sit in the seat of the mocker. 

And if you:

4. Delight in the law of the Lord.

5. Meditating on it day and night.

Then you are,

1. Like a tree planted by streams of water, 

2.which yields its fruit in season
3. and whose leaf does not wither— 

4. whatever he does prospers.

If you have found a key to a treasure box or have found a map to a land with hidden treasure, will you ignore it or throw it away? Certainly not. You will try to open it and try to get the precious items on it. God's Word is a treasure box filled with precious jewels. His Words are perfect and is useful in our daily life. Making a man walk straighter. How wonderful and amazing to know that if we walk according to God, He will direct our ways and will be our supplication. And surely, if God blesses he adds no trouble to it. After reading, think for awhile and see if you are the person the Psalmist have spoken about. If not, read Psalm 1 again and do the EXPERIMENT of cause and effect:

Study Psalm 1 carefully. Try to carefully follow verses 1 and 2 for a week and see the effect.

PRAYER:

Dear God,

Thank you for this wonderful day you blessed me with. I am not sure if I am the man the Psalmist have spoken about to be blessed, but if you think I am not. Please show me your way so I can follow you and delight myself in you. And if I lack faith, let me experience you that I may believe. Thank you so much. In the mighty name of Jesus, I ask and pray. Amen.

Please also check our ministry at: www.dailydoseofheaven.info 

How's My Parenting?

First, I would like to say thank you for all the positive feedback with my last post "How to Keep the Marriage Intact and Stronger", God is so faithful, he wanted us to know that there's so much to life than what it is. We just need to follow and obey his Words. His Word is life and a precious jewel to those who seek for it. So I would like to share more of his wisdom and be an inspiration especially to those who need it the most. Before we go and dig into today's wisdom, if you are a parent, try to ask yourself this question:

Who am I to my children? Are they proud of me? Is my name worth mentioning to them? Did I or am I raising them right? Two days ago, my husband and I were listening to this song "Walk a Little Straighter" by Billy Currington and whenever I listen to it, I can't help but cry. It says so much about the reality of life in a family and there's so much lesson to get from this song so I decided to share the first part of the chorus with you and the lyrics goes:

"And I'd say
Walk a little straighter daddy  You're swaying side to side 
You're footsteps make me dizzy
And no matter how I try
I keep tripping and stumbling
If you'd look down here you'd see
Walk a little straighter daddy
You're leading me"

Children learn almost all the basics through their parents. The way they talk, walk, dress and nearly everything else. Children see their parents as someone they can look up to from the moment they open their eyes and even when they are grown up. Though a child sometimes will not tell how they feel about their mom and dad, but inside them they know what and who their parents are to them. But sadly not all parents are good to their children. Parents must raise their children but sometimes it is the other way around.

SELF CHECK:

1. Who am I to my children?

Have you ever asked yourself who are you in your children's eyes. Are you someone they look up to?  Or someone they don't want to be?

The influence of the parents to their children is endless that is why setting a good example is a must. You cannot just hand your obligation to the school. The basic and most important education is at home and whether you like it or not you are your child's first teacher. The bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Every word and language you use is registered and remembered by your son or daughter, if you swear and say all kinds of bad words, don't be surprised when you hear your child say it. If you don't keep your promises don't expect your children to keep theirs.

Furthermore, mothers and fathers are their children's hero's because they can do and fix almost anything but what if they always mess up? What will the children learn from them? Will mom and dad remain as heroes in his or her eyes or the villain who destroys all that is good. "Walk a little straighter daddy, You're leading me" You are leading your child, so make sure you don't sway from side to side. Because whether you like it or not you are setting an example, so better set a good one.

2. Did I raise my kids right? or Am I raising them right?

The future of your child is in your hands. If you raise them good the way God wants it, they will likely have a better life. But in order for you to raise them well, you have to live right. Show your kids the ways of life through your actions and words. Don't teach them something you don't even do or else they will call you a liar. Set a Godly standard. If you do, you will always be at peace, because you know that your child is in the right way. As the Psalmist said, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."

3.Does my child respect me and is proud of me?

As we all know, pride and respect cannot be dictated, you have to work and invest on it to earn it. You can't just tell them to respect and be proud of you, because in reality that is not how it works. You have to invest on it by behaving the way you should, the way a good parent should. Your child will honor you and respect you not because you told them to do so but because you are worthy of it. A good example can be found from the second stanza of the same song:

"He stumbled in the gym
On graduation day
And I couldn't help but feel
So ashamed
And I wasn't surprised a bit
When he didn't stay
He stumbled out before they called my name

And I thought
Walk a little straighter daddy
You're swaying side to side
It's not just me who's watching
you've caught everybody's eye
And you're tripping and stumbling
and even though I've turned 18
Walk a little straighter daddy
You're still leading me"

That is why the Bible teaches us about how to live our lives. If your having an issue with respect from your children, ask yourself why? what went wrong? Then, ask God to help you figure out how to fix this aspect of your relationship with your children. There's still hope and it is not too late. God can still help you.       

PRAYER:

Dear God,

Thank you for reminding me today of my family. I don't want to lead my children astray. I want them to be proud of me and love me and respect me. Help me O God and heal my brokenness. I can't do this without you. Build a bridge between me and my children. I know I cannot change the past but I can still do something with our future. Restore my family and make me a good example to them starting today. Let me walk straighter and lead them to a better future. Help me. This is what I pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.