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.

The Power of Jesus

"For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

1 Corinthians 15:22

     How wonderful it is to know that Jesus did it all. I can only imagine how difficult the process of atonement for the people of the Old Testament was. But thanks be to God our Father that he gave his only begotten son Jesus Christ to pay for our sins. Yes, indeed! He paid it all! With his own precious blood on the cross of Calvary. Because of the blood Jesus that was shed on that cross, we are now made alive in Christ. For we have all died because of sin but thanks be to God that we can shout hallelujah. Only through the blood of Jesus Christ that we can be made alive. He paid it all once and for all. That is why all who believe can enjoy a perfect eternal home filled with happiness and no sorrow. This is the power of Jesus. This is the power of the lamb of God that took away the sin of the world. Amen.

                                                         Praise be to our God!

I Believe in Jesus

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."Romans 1:16

Confession of faith in Jesus Christ is the most important confession a person could ever make. For it is the confession that leads to eternal life. However, not everyone has a freedom to do so. Some non-Christian countries would not allow Christians to openly worship God and profess their faith in Jesus. And most Christians who live there, struggle to live their faith in God. Most of the time, they would worship in secret places. 

    On the other hand, there are some, despite the abundance of freedom of speech and religion, would not bother to confess their faith and even worse, is ashamed of the Gospel and would rather keep it to themselves. As Paul instructed, "we must not be ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God that bring salvation to everyone who believes." Salvation is for everyone. The Gospel must be spread all throughout the entire world. If we are living in a country that gives us the freedom to speak about faith and religion, we must use that opportunity to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At first, we may feel awkward or nervous but we must remember that Holy Spirit is with us and He will lead us and bring words in our mouth. Moreover, we must remember that it is not us who will change and save them but God. We are just vessels and instruments of his Gospel.

Note:

Pray first for the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.  

Dear God, 

     I am a sinner and I am not worthy of your love but thank you for your son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for my sin and for the sin of the world. Now, I want to spread the good news of salvation, but I am weak and I do not know what to do or say. Please help me and guide me. Put words in my mouth that I may speak of you and you only. Let me be a vessel of salvation to those who are lost. Open their hearts that they may receive you through me. This is what I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen. 

The Power of Faith in God through Prayer

Jesus Cursed the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14)

            The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the seasons for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. 

The Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-25) NIV

“In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Jesus showed his disciples that there is no such thing as impossible when we ask God in faith and proclaim our faith in prayer. In this passage Jesus demonstrated the key elements of an answered prayer:

1. Have Faith in God

a. Faith - “Have faith…”

We need to have faith when we pray. We need to believe and hope that our prayer will be answered. We need to believe that it will be done.

b. God - “…in God”

 Notice that Jesus specifically said to pray in God. Not to any saints or anyone else but God. Because it is only God who can answer our prayers. He is the only one who can see our hearts and hear our prayers even when we pray in silence. Therefore, we must have faith in God alone.

2. Believe and not doubt

a. Believe- “believes what he says will happen” This is very important. Now that we know that we need to have faith in God, we must believe that God can do it and that our prayers will happen. That is why Jesus says it again by saying “believe that you have received it”. We must know who our God is. God is not just anybody, God owns the universe and everything we see. There is nothing impossible for him. So, whatever you need, believe that God is able to give it to you. “and it will be yours.” How wonderful it is to know that someone like our God would give extra special attention to our needs even the things that we want. God made us special and he wants us to know that as a Father, we can call on him through prayers and tell him what we need in our lives and believe that he can provide everything to us, even the most impossible things we can ever think of.

b. Doubt - “Does not doubt in his heart” Aside from our sins and wrong motives, this is one of the main reasons why so many of our prayers get hindered or delayed. This is because we are playing hide and seek with God. Sometimes we believe but sometimes we doubt our prayers. Doubting God is a sin and we must ask for his forgiveness every time we think that God is not able. For doubt is the absence of faith and without faith how are we able to believe that God can help. Therefore, doubt must be eliminated. We can do this, by counting our blessing, by giving thanks to God and by sharing our faith and blessing with others. So, when times comes that you feel like not doubting, there will be more things to remind you of God’s faithfulness.                

3. Forgive – “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Forgiveness is not easy, we need more than courage to forgive. We need to be selfless and humble. Moreover, we must lay it all to Jesus. We may think that a lot of people do not deserve forgiveness especially when they have done terrible things we cannot even imagine. But God said, we must forgive so that our sins must also be forgiven. We must pray for those who have wronged us, for Jesus will be our reconciliation.

If we go back to the story of the fig tree and the example of Jesus of the mountain throwing itself to the sea. We may wonder why he would use these kinds of examples. The mountain throwing itself to the sea seems so silly and humorous. But with wisdom, Jesus is just trying to imply that there is nothing impossible for God. That God has no boundaries and that even the mountain will obey him. Therefore, pray in faith in God. 

SOMETHING TO DO:

If there’s anything today that you would like to ask God, come to him in prayer and tell him everything that is in your heart. Tell God everything that you are longing for. It could be about a job, a broken relationship that you would want to be fixed, a dying marriage that you would want to be revived, or a tragedy that you want to move forward from. However big or small it is, God is always there to listen and yes! He would love to help you, just pray with faith in God, believe and not doubt, believe that you receive it and it will be yours. And when you pray, remember also to forgive. These are the words of Jesus. Pray and receive his answers 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!

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.  

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.