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!

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:

Anxious? Let Go and Let GOD!

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." Prov. 12:25

Did you know that anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year?

According to The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders, "almost one-third of the country's $148 billion total mental health bill,"a study commissioned by ADAA (The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 60(7), July 1999).

People nowadays are filled with stress and anxieties and mostly it is not because of big thing but because of the daily small things that is happening in their lives. But what does the Bible says about being anxious and worrying? Is God silent about this issue? Let us read the following verses taken from Philippians 4:6-7:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

What a lovely promise and reassurance from a loving and faithful God. But why is that, that people are still filled with anxiety and stress? Check the following :

PROBLEM:
1. Most does not really read the Bible. According to a famous quote, "Knowledge is Power." which is quite true. Knowledge makes you go beyond and achieve more in life. Imagine a life lived according to God's Word. What a wonderful that life can be. But sadly most people don't even read the Bible even though they have the luxury of time so they don't know what God can do for them. I remember someone who told me that the Bible is only for those who work in the church and its their duty to explain it on Sunday which is definitely wrong. The scripture is for everyone for it is the manual of life so all must read it to live our lives accordingly. Living without the Word of God is like operating a machine without reading a user manual. Just trying to figure out how it works.

Moreso, the Bible is not just one the religious books in the library, it is the very Word of God written for everyone to know how to live life to the fullest.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8

2. Maybe reading but not believing. Holding on to every word and promise of God is the key. Believing and having faith on what he can do. We can't just say Amen but walk away with our problems still in our mind. We must let go and let God. Believe that God can help.

"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.…"

1 Peter 5:6-8

3. Seeking help and answer from the wrong people and places. We develop anxiety when we can't find the solution to our problems, we tend to overthink and overthink until anxiety kicks in and starts to develop complications in our life and health. Because we seek help somewhere else, for example instead of praying to God most go to the bars and drink with friends and get wasted to forget their problem. But this is not the solution. Drinking is not a solution, we must face the problem and deal with it with God.

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise." Prov.20

Moreover, seeking advise from ungodly people is not a good idea as they will never give you the best advise and solution to your problem. "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Cor.15:33. Look for godly people as they will draw you near to GOD and not away from HIM.

Remember, Kneeling should never be your last resort, but the only solution. Whether small or big issue, God wants to hear it from you. Now let see what GOD wants us to do:

SOLUTION: Philippians 4:6-7

1. "Do not be anxious about anything." Do not worry or overthink or be anxious about all your problems. Whether it is about your family, love life, your job and even your future. Do not worry.

2. "But in every situation" In all circumstances, which means not only during the times of emergencies, but in all situations whether big or small.

3. "By prayer and petition". We must kneel and seek God. Pray and ask him about what you need without ceasing.

4. "With thanksgiving, present your request to God" Tell God about everything and give thanks to what he has done and what he is about to do for you. He is the GOD who sees and will help.

5, And the peace of God, will transcend all understanding, Then after presenting your request to God, He will renew your mind and will give you peace. Peace that the world cannot give. The kind of peace that only comes from God.

6, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And knowing that God is now in control, he will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus, knowing that all his promises are true and he never fail those whose hope is in him.

How beautiful it is to know that God is on your side. There is no greater gift than the love of God and that he will always be with us, helping us with our lives. Why be anxious, if GOD can do it. God can help and he wants to hear us call to him.

Get rid of anxiety by letting go and letting God take over!!!!!!

PRAYER:

Dear God,
I feel helpless and weary. My anxiety is beyond I can bear. I don't know what to do. Please help me. You said in your words that I can cast my anxiety on you because you care for me. Please I need you now. Take over all these problems. I cant do it alone. I need you. Let me have the wisdom, strength and courage to continue. Be with me. Change my heart and give me peace. Show me who you are and what you can do in my life. Bless me and let me become a blessing as well. This is what I pray, in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

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.

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.