Whole day of Friday I was full of anxiety for the preparation of the bible study in Shyam's group. Worrying a lot of things like what will be the exact time they will be out, what are their schedules, what location, who will lead, what to teach, who will come, etc. That's me being a 'WORRIER' . Despite all the effort I exerted, I ended up distressed.
In a moment I have forgotten the focus of the ministry - the Lord. Not me not anyone else. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The connect family is my ultimate prayer warriors and that adds up the confidence. I reminded myself of where the power and the strength came from...Jesus Christ.
I slept that night rejoicing to the Lord because He gave us answers to my prayers. We have 2 teachers available. One will be teaching in the morning and one in the afternoon. Stating that, you know that there was a schedule change but there are still attendees expecting a bible study. How amazing is our Lord!
I am up earlier than my alarm, I saw a text message from one of the attendees and she informed me that there will only be one bible study and that is for the afternoon schedule. I texted the teacher in the morning and informed him for that, it was also a relief because I can still sleep longer, but God had a different plan for that day... It didn't go the same as I want it to be, instead it's God' s work that has to be done.
There was a confusion on my part, and I was sorry for that. I confirmed with shyam that it is not canceled for the morning! Everyone is available in the morning and we will cancel the afternoon! "Gulong gulo na ako Lord!" (Lord,I am really confused!).
Our teacher wasn't able to come because of my initial text message and he was also not feeling well. On that situation, I felt that, He really wants me to be ready. I have to obey. So He enabled me to teach the 'parable of the sower'... I was thankful to the prayers and the one who answered our prayers... Another divine appointment. We all felt the blessing.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
At the end of the day of Saturday, I once again witnessed the work of His hands. :)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Cost of Following Christ
 | |
| My Milk Tea moment :) |
I used two illustrations from my first paragraph. One is my indulgence to the Milk tea and the second one is my addiction to the movie-Avengers. Both were earthly possessions and the desires of my flesh. Then, I've reviewed my devotion today found in Luke 9:57-62:
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”
58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
59 He said to another man, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”
62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
What would it cost me to follow Jesus? this is the next big question. Is it my Milk tea or my movie addiction? whatever it is, or should I say whatever are they we should be prepared to let go and just drop everything to follow Him!
 | |||||||
| "Follow Me!" |
When i think about following Christ, this is the perfect picture on my mind (thanks google images). With so many new things coming in this generation like iPad, iPhone, DSLR, notebooks, laptop, HD tvs, etc, it is really hard to let go acquiring them knowing that these are the status quos of the world. You have to have this, you have to be like that, you have to do this...
Mr. David McCasland gave a brief explanation for this passage:
In Luke 9:57-62, we encounter three people who told Jesus they wanted to follow Him, and all received what seem to be harsh replies from the Lord: “The Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (v.58). “Let the dead bury their own dead” (v.60). “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (v.62).
"For each person, Jesus stated the sacrifice and commitment required to become His disciple." He added.
The follower of Jesus has NOT EARTHLY SECURITY; NO EARTHLY TIES; and NO EARTHLY DISTRACTIONS.
Jesus said to the first man: “COUNT THE COST”. He said to the second man: “LEAVE IT BEHIND”. And He said to the third man: “DON’T LOOK BACK”.
What’s He saying to YOU tonight?!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
The Avengers!
The movie started around 11am, I told you we are really excited. The line was starting to get longer when we came but good thing the tellers were fast in assisting customers. (we salute them for that ). Then the movie started.
I was never a fan of Marvel comics until these started to come to live in theaters. That made me more and more interested every time hollywood creates a movie with a Marvel cast. The Avengers didn't fail my expectations.
At first, I was thinking how can these
awesome characters can be on one movie considering it is just almost a 2
hour movie? I mean, come on, Iron man sequel
had
2 hours each. Interesting! For Mr. Josh Whedon, the writer and director
of the movie, Congratulations!
Last night I was on twitter, (by the way you can follow me @xtyness123) and #Avengers, Tony Stark and Captain America were trending worldwide! Great! Everyone was talking about it and good thing i can relate. lol. Tony Stark aka 'Iron Man' is still the man of humor, but i chose to love Jeremy Renner aka 'Hawkeye' for his very attractive skill (archery) which is the modern day Legolas in the Lord of the Rings played by Orlando Bloom.
"The Avengers lived up to the hype as far as I'm concerned. This may be the best super hero movie I've ever watched."Kevin Sanders on his blog. He also added this : "Let me say a quick word as far as the content/ratings: There was no nudity or sexual content, and I don't remember any profanity. There are intense action sequences, but the violence was not very graphic in nature."
I recommend you all to watch this movie, its for all ages! ( I want to watch it again lol ).
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
A tempting offer
It's been a week now since Nic-Nic ( my niece ) and I were talking about where she will attend college/ university. I didn't know it will take this long! (It is maybe because, it was easy for me before). She is really depressed with all things going on. I can feel it even though she is not sharing it (yet). A lot of plannings are needed and unfortunately she is only getting a little support from our family. It's sad but we both know our Lord is there with us.
On my part, the Lord is disciplining me in this area of being responsible for my relatives regardless. In my quiet time, It led me to this scripture found in PROVERBS 4: 1-9 - 'Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, 4 he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have,[a] get understanding. 8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”
This is the relevance of this passage to my walk - that the younger generation of believers often learns best about God from the family. "Burdening?!!?" I told myself.
Here's the application : Early today, we went to a reputable university in Manila (I chose not to disclose the name) , because we want to seek reconsideration for Nic Nic's admission even though she didn't pass the entrance exam ( we were just trying our chance ). As her guardian, I have to be compose of what I am doing and how solid my plans are for the day. So I asked one of the admin officials inside the university. He gave me a straight forward answer that it is not possible to enter the college if the student didnt pass the exam but he said she can apply to other school first then she can transfer next year. ( which is doable and acceptable option). Going through all these, I have first asked the Lord's guidance and I was very vocal to her that whatever happens lets see how God will answer it and that its His will. Then, we stopped hoping because we know He answered it and it's a NO for her. Rather, there's a better plan for her ;)
The sun was at its hottest temperature recorded today by PAGASA (36.4 degrees), so we stayed inside the campus for couple of hours and we ate lunch there. The wind was inviting us to just relax for awhile and enjoy the scene. After couple of minutes, someone saw us, and we both know him too. He is one of our neighbors! Then I learned he is working there in student council. " Wow Lord is this your work?" I asked God.
We spoke with the chairman of student council regarding the matter. He asked her, her achievements in school. She has nothing but the special award for 'most service oriented student of the year'. They needed a betterback ground. Someone who is an achiever academically. She doesn't have those. Then they come up with a plan of falsifying the document.... I was stunned about the idea of giving wrong information. " Is this another scheme Satan?" ( talking to myself ). Then I know I have made a decision of discontinuing the conversation. " This is not going to happen Nic, this is lying...and it's not pleasing to the Lord" I whispered to her.
We came out of that room with so much disappointment but the Lord kept us away from accepting the offer. Thank you Lord! It was really easy to say yes to them, but again as a christian it is not our conviction to give false information. We have to be truthful. Pleasing the Lord always is our goal even if it means our own inconvenience.
I prayed : "Father we pray as adults, we might instill in the minds of our children, nephews and nieces, and those of our friends, godly attitudes and principles that will last them a lifetime. I pray in Jesus name. Amen."
When we follow God, we blaze a trail for those who would follow. - our daily bread.
On my part, the Lord is disciplining me in this area of being responsible for my relatives regardless. In my quiet time, It led me to this scripture found in PROVERBS 4: 1-9 - 'Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. 3 When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, 4 he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have,[a] get understanding. 8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. 9 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”
This is the relevance of this passage to my walk - that the younger generation of believers often learns best about God from the family. "Burdening?!!?" I told myself.
Here's the application : Early today, we went to a reputable university in Manila (I chose not to disclose the name) , because we want to seek reconsideration for Nic Nic's admission even though she didn't pass the entrance exam ( we were just trying our chance ). As her guardian, I have to be compose of what I am doing and how solid my plans are for the day. So I asked one of the admin officials inside the university. He gave me a straight forward answer that it is not possible to enter the college if the student didnt pass the exam but he said she can apply to other school first then she can transfer next year. ( which is doable and acceptable option). Going through all these, I have first asked the Lord's guidance and I was very vocal to her that whatever happens lets see how God will answer it and that its His will. Then, we stopped hoping because we know He answered it and it's a NO for her. Rather, there's a better plan for her ;)
The sun was at its hottest temperature recorded today by PAGASA (36.4 degrees), so we stayed inside the campus for couple of hours and we ate lunch there. The wind was inviting us to just relax for awhile and enjoy the scene. After couple of minutes, someone saw us, and we both know him too. He is one of our neighbors! Then I learned he is working there in student council. " Wow Lord is this your work?" I asked God.
We spoke with the chairman of student council regarding the matter. He asked her, her achievements in school. She has nothing but the special award for 'most service oriented student of the year'. They needed a betterback ground. Someone who is an achiever academically. She doesn't have those. Then they come up with a plan of falsifying the document.... I was stunned about the idea of giving wrong information. " Is this another scheme Satan?" ( talking to myself ). Then I know I have made a decision of discontinuing the conversation. " This is not going to happen Nic, this is lying...and it's not pleasing to the Lord" I whispered to her.
We came out of that room with so much disappointment but the Lord kept us away from accepting the offer. Thank you Lord! It was really easy to say yes to them, but again as a christian it is not our conviction to give false information. We have to be truthful. Pleasing the Lord always is our goal even if it means our own inconvenience.
I prayed : "Father we pray as adults, we might instill in the minds of our children, nephews and nieces, and those of our friends, godly attitudes and principles that will last them a lifetime. I pray in Jesus name. Amen."
When we follow God, we blaze a trail for those who would follow. - our daily bread.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Self Evaluation...Check!
Yesterday, which is Sunday, I wasn't able to update my blog.hehehehe. Though I understand that blog is really not a regular basis because it is not a diary. It's just that it is my accountability with the Lord. I want it this way. Rather, it's better this way. :)
Anyways, again yesterday was another incredible creation of the Lord when it comes to my walk with Him. My heart is always ready to receive the blessings and challenges, so this Sunday was one of those two (challenges and blessings).
The Sunday church service is always a blessing for every one who hears the gospel and it's a way of reminding us how good the Lord has been for the last few days of the week. Indeed, GCF is blessed with very good singers/group of talented musician singing for the Lord and is a refreshing start. Also blessed with excellent teachers of the Word. The Lord really enables them to speak The truth without any hesitations. Praise the Lord for the lives of our pastors, elders, deacons and volunteers. May they always find encouragement to Christ who gives them strength. Philippians 4: 13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Of course the most important part of the service is the sermon. It was found on Philippians 4: 1-9. Let me just give emphasis to these verses : " 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Paul urgently advises us to develop a Christian thought life in everything we do. William Barclay rightly observes that..."The human mind will always set itself on something and Paul wished to be quite sure that the Philippians would set their minds on the right things. This is something of the utmost importance, because it is a law of life that, if a man thinks of something often enough, he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it. His thoughts will be quite literally in a groove out of which he cannot jerk them. It is, therefore, of the first importance that a man should set his thoughts upon the fine things (Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.") and here Paul makes a list of them." (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press)
I remembered Pastor Larry asked the congregation, "Is the person you truly hate, still sees you as a loving and forgiving person?" Only we can answer this question. The challenge there is to evaluate our walk everyday. Are our minds and actions reflect on the truth? Praise worthy or excellent? Right? Pure? Lovely and admirable? Or is it dominated by lust, anger, greed, selfishness, etc (just to name a few).
More from the goodness of the Lord is The Holy Spirit that sanctifies our mind through God's truth, His Word...
Anyways, again yesterday was another incredible creation of the Lord when it comes to my walk with Him. My heart is always ready to receive the blessings and challenges, so this Sunday was one of those two (challenges and blessings).
The Sunday church service is always a blessing for every one who hears the gospel and it's a way of reminding us how good the Lord has been for the last few days of the week. Indeed, GCF is blessed with very good singers/group of talented musician singing for the Lord and is a refreshing start. Also blessed with excellent teachers of the Word. The Lord really enables them to speak The truth without any hesitations. Praise the Lord for the lives of our pastors, elders, deacons and volunteers. May they always find encouragement to Christ who gives them strength. Philippians 4: 13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
Of course the most important part of the service is the sermon. It was found on Philippians 4: 1-9. Let me just give emphasis to these verses : " 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Paul urgently advises us to develop a Christian thought life in everything we do. William Barclay rightly observes that..."The human mind will always set itself on something and Paul wished to be quite sure that the Philippians would set their minds on the right things. This is something of the utmost importance, because it is a law of life that, if a man thinks of something often enough, he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it. His thoughts will be quite literally in a groove out of which he cannot jerk them. It is, therefore, of the first importance that a man should set his thoughts upon the fine things (Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.") and here Paul makes a list of them." (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press)
I remembered Pastor Larry asked the congregation, "Is the person you truly hate, still sees you as a loving and forgiving person?" Only we can answer this question. The challenge there is to evaluate our walk everyday. Are our minds and actions reflect on the truth? Praise worthy or excellent? Right? Pure? Lovely and admirable? Or is it dominated by lust, anger, greed, selfishness, etc (just to name a few).
More from the goodness of the Lord is The Holy Spirit that sanctifies our mind through God's truth, His Word...
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Back to back concerts!
There were two amazing things happened to me this day. Yup! Just two, I know, maybe your thinking, "why just two?". I agree every minute of my life, every breath i take, i owe it all to the King, Jesus. Though I admit sometimes I failed to acknowledge His importance, still today was one of those days that I will never forget :)
First things first I thank God for this wonderful opportunities going on in my spiritual walk. I've been talking about our concert of prayer 2 days ago and it happened earlier this morning. It was really the power of praying for the church and for the volunteers of the church. We prayed for the growth groups and the GG leaders; prayed for new leaders/teachers amongst growth groups, and of course for them to worship in our church and soon to be a member of GCF. Also we prayed for the children ministry and the teachers sharing God's word and pruning new volunteers to teach in addition to the existing teachers. From all of which I guess what really triggered me, was the sharing time for everyone in our group. It was really a blessing how these people just volunteered what they felt about the prayers. I know that God is pleased about their responses. Praise God!
Second, most amazing thing? Yes it was the concert of Planetshakers at Araneta Coliseum! Wow! What a nice way to end my day with worship! These singers are really blessed with talents and they even care to share that talent all over the world! Wait, i haven't added, this band serves the Lord through songs of praises. What more can you ask for?
This is one the songs of Planetshakers that they perform during the concert, which eventually becomes one of my favorite. The title is:
"NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE"
Through You I can do anything
I can do all things
'Cause it's You who gives me strength
Nothing is impossible
Through You blind eyes are open
Strongholds are broken
I am living by faith
Nothing is impossible
I'm not gonna live by what I see
I'm not gonna live by what I feel
Deep down I know that You're here with me
And I know that You can do anything
I believe, I believe
I believe, I believe in you
Psalm 95:1 - "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."
Investing our time for money can be profitable, but investing in our spiritual lives offers the best kind of return for our future!
Now is the time to invest in eternity!
Friday, April 20, 2012
From MOURNING to MORNING with Jesus :)
It was already 9:00am when I opened my eyes earlier this morning. Indeed it was too late for my morning. I just don't know, there's always something good in every morning. The beauty of a new beginning, new journey, new challenges and for others, this morning can be the start of their trials at work dealing with their demanding bosses, or maybe a start of a first customer who came in saying nothing about how rubbish your products are. Everyone has their own take for every morning of every day.
Even in the bible, 'morning' is used to denote every coming of the Lord, consequently it is an expression of new creation.
(Psalm 30:5) "In the evening weeping may pass the night, but in the morning shall be singing."
Our mornings will be great if we start it with Jesus. He sees our pride, anger, and lack of love for others, but He also knows who we are in Christ. He calls us justified and reconciled Rom. 5:9-10 - "Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" ; forgiven, holy, and beloved Col. 2:13 - "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[a] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins" also in Col 3:12 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" ; chosen and faithful Rev. 17:14- "They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Remember how God sees you and seek to let that define who you are in your every mornings. So whatever or however we view it, we have to remember what it meant from the eyes of our Lord. The struggles we are facing can belittle us but be reminded that our God is bigger than our problems. Change the mournings to mornings with the Lord and it will surely be awesome!
Even in the bible, 'morning' is used to denote every coming of the Lord, consequently it is an expression of new creation.
(Psalm 30:5) "In the evening weeping may pass the night, but in the morning shall be singing."
Our mornings will be great if we start it with Jesus. He sees our pride, anger, and lack of love for others, but He also knows who we are in Christ. He calls us justified and reconciled Rom. 5:9-10 - "Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" ; forgiven, holy, and beloved Col. 2:13 - "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[a] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins" also in Col 3:12 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" ; chosen and faithful Rev. 17:14- "They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Remember how God sees you and seek to let that define who you are in your every mornings. So whatever or however we view it, we have to remember what it meant from the eyes of our Lord. The struggles we are facing can belittle us but be reminded that our God is bigger than our problems. Change the mournings to mornings with the Lord and it will surely be awesome!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
His love never fails!
My clock started to alarm at 4:30am, April 19 - Thursday. Just a few hours of sleep, i still want to sleep more! I am tired! With all these hesitations, I followed what I have to do... That is to pray and ask for God's guidance to start this day with enthusiasm and not of laziness. Praise God, he woke me up and then, my day started. :)
I met Janet ( my discipler ) in eastwood for fellowship. The lord revealed a lot of things to us and we were so ignited about it. We ended up so full of joy and happiness. "Wow Lord what a starter."
" Yes, I'll continue to sleep once I come home." I told myself. Indeed, on my way home, I'm already dreaming...( as if I am sleeping lol) dreaming of what heaven looks like... And the fact that the Lord is preparing a place for me there... John 14: 2 "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" is a Goosebumps!
I was waiting for the elevator to reach ground floor and take me to my sanctuary. Suddenly, a familiar face, I have noticed. It was Nic Nic. Honestly? I said "Why are you here?" I know that my rest will be interrupted by her presence. It was true! She needed company for her college admission. Then my eyes became "chinky" (if you know what I mean).
I felt the need, and i am always free for service. "Lord, I just trust in you for my day... This is your plan and I will obey..." my hearts prayer. Since Nic Nic is a new believer, this is a way for me to model Christ in my life through patience (Christ-like model). As a Christian for how many years, i know that this is to check our obedience to Him.
We shared laughter during our journey. We have visited/inquired 5 universities within Manila (u-belt). We were in peace and in great happiness because even when we were walking under the hot summer sun, we know that the Son of God was in our midst.
Finally, we reached home safe and cool at around 3:30pm, I told her I will just sleep for 2 hours and she gave me that time. Then, we bond more by sharing things of our same interests... Girl bonding!
But then again i saw in her eyes the pain of what she is going through with our family. ( the Lord knows it and we both prayed for it). We ended up sharing the same struggle about our faith exposing it to our family. I did cry and just prayed harder with her, all of a sudden, there were two ladies weeping about our family situation.
The Lord spoke within my heart to share the story of Jesus anointed the sinful woman in Luke 7: 36:50. A story of forgiveness and of greater Love. It was a divine intervention. We didn't plan of studying it since it was already my devotion yesterday. Unknowingly, it was the proper application.
After all of the tears we have shared at the beginning, i again saw my self crying in praising God about His goodness and unconditional love. We are so blessed because we know that this is the greatest decision we have made, to surrender our lives to Christ as we received Him as our Lord and saviour.
Even when we have “plowed wickedness” and “reaped iniquity”: (Hosea 10: 13 But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception. Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors), God does not stop loving us. Whatever our situation today, just like us, we can turn to the Lord and find forgiveness to make a new start. His love never fails!
I met Janet ( my discipler ) in eastwood for fellowship. The lord revealed a lot of things to us and we were so ignited about it. We ended up so full of joy and happiness. "Wow Lord what a starter."
" Yes, I'll continue to sleep once I come home." I told myself. Indeed, on my way home, I'm already dreaming...( as if I am sleeping lol) dreaming of what heaven looks like... And the fact that the Lord is preparing a place for me there... John 14: 2 "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?" is a Goosebumps!
I was waiting for the elevator to reach ground floor and take me to my sanctuary. Suddenly, a familiar face, I have noticed. It was Nic Nic. Honestly? I said "Why are you here?" I know that my rest will be interrupted by her presence. It was true! She needed company for her college admission. Then my eyes became "chinky" (if you know what I mean).
I felt the need, and i am always free for service. "Lord, I just trust in you for my day... This is your plan and I will obey..." my hearts prayer. Since Nic Nic is a new believer, this is a way for me to model Christ in my life through patience (Christ-like model). As a Christian for how many years, i know that this is to check our obedience to Him.
We shared laughter during our journey. We have visited/inquired 5 universities within Manila (u-belt). We were in peace and in great happiness because even when we were walking under the hot summer sun, we know that the Son of God was in our midst.
Finally, we reached home safe and cool at around 3:30pm, I told her I will just sleep for 2 hours and she gave me that time. Then, we bond more by sharing things of our same interests... Girl bonding!
But then again i saw in her eyes the pain of what she is going through with our family. ( the Lord knows it and we both prayed for it). We ended up sharing the same struggle about our faith exposing it to our family. I did cry and just prayed harder with her, all of a sudden, there were two ladies weeping about our family situation.
The Lord spoke within my heart to share the story of Jesus anointed the sinful woman in Luke 7: 36:50. A story of forgiveness and of greater Love. It was a divine intervention. We didn't plan of studying it since it was already my devotion yesterday. Unknowingly, it was the proper application.
After all of the tears we have shared at the beginning, i again saw my self crying in praising God about His goodness and unconditional love. We are so blessed because we know that this is the greatest decision we have made, to surrender our lives to Christ as we received Him as our Lord and saviour.
Even when we have “plowed wickedness” and “reaped iniquity”: (Hosea 10: 13 But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception. Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors), God does not stop loving us. Whatever our situation today, just like us, we can turn to the Lord and find forgiveness to make a new start. His love never fails!
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Concert of Prayer
On Saturday, April 21 we will have a special event organized by our church in GCF center. It's "CONCERT of PRAYER". Ephesians 6:18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints"
I am so excited because this time we will surely have a lot of invites. Hehehehe. I praise the Lord really as He gave me this task of texting our attendees in Metis -connect every Saturday morning for this said event. We will have no bible study this coming Saturday but they will be attending this concert. All for the glory of our Lord Jesus. The bible study will resume next Saturday that will still be led by Brother Abe.
This new group was formed last April 5. We formally launched the group as our 9th bible study group (growth group). This is one those works of God in our call center ministry. Just to give you a little back ground, Metis apax comp. is where my beloved Shyam Singh Negi is working (yikeee!) He is one of the managers there and it is really a divine appointment that he will encourage these agents to come to Christ. It wasn't so easy for him to do this but what matters most was He listened to the directives of his Holy spirit and just obey the calling. The enabling capability which comes from the power of Christ :) Galatians 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” I thought it will be a short background but I guess I said enough, not enough to add that these attendees also were so obedient to the call of Jesus. Luke 11:28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Jesus speaking). We thank God for their lives, they just don't know how we are all truly blessed by their responses to the Word.
Matthew 9:13 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jesus’ speaking).
This is God at work and we are all in progress in serving Him. It all boils down to this great Commision for all Believers of Christ : Matthew 28:18-20 - 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
For my brothers and sisters in the ministry, it is my prayer that we give humility in all we do for His Kingdom, we will take no credit for all of these. 1 Peter 5:5 "...Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
I am so excited because this time we will surely have a lot of invites. Hehehehe. I praise the Lord really as He gave me this task of texting our attendees in Metis -connect every Saturday morning for this said event. We will have no bible study this coming Saturday but they will be attending this concert. All for the glory of our Lord Jesus. The bible study will resume next Saturday that will still be led by Brother Abe.
This new group was formed last April 5. We formally launched the group as our 9th bible study group (growth group). This is one those works of God in our call center ministry. Just to give you a little back ground, Metis apax comp. is where my beloved Shyam Singh Negi is working (yikeee!) He is one of the managers there and it is really a divine appointment that he will encourage these agents to come to Christ. It wasn't so easy for him to do this but what matters most was He listened to the directives of his Holy spirit and just obey the calling. The enabling capability which comes from the power of Christ :) Galatians 5:13-14 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” I thought it will be a short background but I guess I said enough, not enough to add that these attendees also were so obedient to the call of Jesus. Luke 11:28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Jesus speaking). We thank God for their lives, they just don't know how we are all truly blessed by their responses to the Word.
Matthew 9:13 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jesus’ speaking).
This is God at work and we are all in progress in serving Him. It all boils down to this great Commision for all Believers of Christ : Matthew 28:18-20 - 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
For my brothers and sisters in the ministry, it is my prayer that we give humility in all we do for His Kingdom, we will take no credit for all of these. 1 Peter 5:5 "...Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Peace conquers frustration!
I came home so late today ( around 11:30pm ) considering the dinner fellowship of connect-makati (Anne's gg) ended around 10pm. I have nothing to blame because it was God's perfect instruction not to be impatient in waiting for the bus to just fly me back home.
Why am I so eager to go home? Few reasons, I was tired of this bus waiting for those passengers, The AC was so strong I can feel I am freezing inside my bones and I have colds, then the worst part, the movie which was playing was somewhat disturbing, stressful... Let me explain further, it was not good for people who just came from a long day of work ( maybe were not in a mood ) and this movie was not relaxing at all.
But then again, good thing I was with Rajsh ( co-blogger and a sister in the faith ) continually distracting me ( in a positive way ) not to look at the movie. Not until she went off the bus, my struggle begins. Rajsh was still texting me and encouraging me not to look on the movie coz that can also lead me to sin. That made me decide to get off the bus and take taxi instead. At first I didn't know why I really did that, until I prayed for God's revelation on what happened earlier.
This is the leading of the Lord, the Holy spirit convicted me with this scripture (Luke 21:19 NKJV) "By your patience possess your souls." (Commenting on this passage, John Gill said it means that we should let nothing to disturb or destroy us, but we should posses the peace and joy in our souls which the world cannot take away) and I quote him for this.
Then peace withheld my frustrations. The decision of just droping off from that bus and take a taxi was God's plan for me to remain in peace. "Then there was light"... Hehehehe I mean, then there was peace. Good night everyone!
Why am I so eager to go home? Few reasons, I was tired of this bus waiting for those passengers, The AC was so strong I can feel I am freezing inside my bones and I have colds, then the worst part, the movie which was playing was somewhat disturbing, stressful... Let me explain further, it was not good for people who just came from a long day of work ( maybe were not in a mood ) and this movie was not relaxing at all.
But then again, good thing I was with Rajsh ( co-blogger and a sister in the faith ) continually distracting me ( in a positive way ) not to look at the movie. Not until she went off the bus, my struggle begins. Rajsh was still texting me and encouraging me not to look on the movie coz that can also lead me to sin. That made me decide to get off the bus and take taxi instead. At first I didn't know why I really did that, until I prayed for God's revelation on what happened earlier.
This is the leading of the Lord, the Holy spirit convicted me with this scripture (Luke 21:19 NKJV) "By your patience possess your souls." (Commenting on this passage, John Gill said it means that we should let nothing to disturb or destroy us, but we should posses the peace and joy in our souls which the world cannot take away) and I quote him for this.
Then peace withheld my frustrations. The decision of just droping off from that bus and take a taxi was God's plan for me to remain in peace. "Then there was light"... Hehehehe I mean, then there was peace. Good night everyone!
Monday, April 16, 2012
My journal, my blog, for the Lord!
I always love writing and I usually write on a journal which I know, is old fashion. But hey, Still i write. I guess that's the most Important thing right?
Yes, in writing, the hardest is always on how you can start your write ups ( writers will definitely agree with me) because we just have to write stuff that attracts our readers ( sometimes listeners ) however,for me personally, I didn't write this for entertainment nor popularity purposes. It is just the work of the Holy spirit. Yeah it is! Now, I am more of justifying myself on why just now ( I blog) Stupid me, am so late bloomer! Lol. Again, let me reapeat myself ( though you can always re-read this) i acknowledge the urge of God in my step in doing this new thing.
This is my devotion today (April 16) "...for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16: 7
It dawns on me how God even knows our motives, our very heart before we act on something. Awesome right? So let Him be my judge.
Not so long ago, the fire that I had for our ministry in the church, washed out by a strong water which I wasn't able to identify what was it, that stopped the fire burning. I know I received Jesus but I am getting away from Him. I felt that my prayers were just like a responsibility for me, that He is not listening more over not answering it. There came a time that even my quiet time was interrupted by BUSY-NESS. Busy sched at work and chores. "Really Christy?!?!" yup. I enjoyed fooling myself back then. " reasons, reasons..., endless reasons..."
I became so complacent and I never see it coming. That caused me to be away with Christ. I didn't know how i managed my life without Him... There, realization came into my senses... I said to myself (thru the work of the Holy spirit) wait..."What did Jesus Christ do for me? He died for me and for my sins and gave me The gift of salvation and the passport to heaven? What am I doing now?".
I was so consumed with these things : career, financial stability, relationship, new gadgets, clothes, family issues, etc, then I knew something was really wrong! Because of His promise : Hebrews 13, verses 5 and 6. God's sweet voice: "I will never leave you nor forsake you", i remained blessed. As His child, i know I have to come back to Him and ask for forgiveness ( like the story of the parable of the prodigal son) and go back to His words, to meditate to it day and night (Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.") The priority is Him and Him alone.
The truth about this is that: " You will never find contentment in life until you live for Him"
Yes, in writing, the hardest is always on how you can start your write ups ( writers will definitely agree with me) because we just have to write stuff that attracts our readers ( sometimes listeners ) however,for me personally, I didn't write this for entertainment nor popularity purposes. It is just the work of the Holy spirit. Yeah it is! Now, I am more of justifying myself on why just now ( I blog) Stupid me, am so late bloomer! Lol. Again, let me reapeat myself ( though you can always re-read this) i acknowledge the urge of God in my step in doing this new thing.
This is my devotion today (April 16) "...for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16: 7
It dawns on me how God even knows our motives, our very heart before we act on something. Awesome right? So let Him be my judge.
Not so long ago, the fire that I had for our ministry in the church, washed out by a strong water which I wasn't able to identify what was it, that stopped the fire burning. I know I received Jesus but I am getting away from Him. I felt that my prayers were just like a responsibility for me, that He is not listening more over not answering it. There came a time that even my quiet time was interrupted by BUSY-NESS. Busy sched at work and chores. "Really Christy?!?!" yup. I enjoyed fooling myself back then. " reasons, reasons..., endless reasons..."
I became so complacent and I never see it coming. That caused me to be away with Christ. I didn't know how i managed my life without Him... There, realization came into my senses... I said to myself (thru the work of the Holy spirit) wait..."What did Jesus Christ do for me? He died for me and for my sins and gave me The gift of salvation and the passport to heaven? What am I doing now?".
I was so consumed with these things : career, financial stability, relationship, new gadgets, clothes, family issues, etc, then I knew something was really wrong! Because of His promise : Hebrews 13, verses 5 and 6. God's sweet voice: "I will never leave you nor forsake you", i remained blessed. As His child, i know I have to come back to Him and ask for forgiveness ( like the story of the parable of the prodigal son) and go back to His words, to meditate to it day and night (Psalm 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.") The priority is Him and Him alone.
The truth about this is that: " You will never find contentment in life until you live for Him"
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