WORK

WORK
 
Work is not a curse from Pandora’s Box, it is from GOD. In fact, GOD Himself worked (Genesis 1) and we are created to work (Genesis 2).

Work will not give us meaning or purpose. It will not define who we are. Yet, we have to work and we have to give our best. Why? Because it is not what you do, it is to whom you do it for that matters.

This is the reason why JESUS said; LOVE the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your MIND and with all your STRENGTH (Mark 12:30).

Whether you are a manager, supervisor, QA, driver, teacher… we have to give our best as we are working for GOD.

I thank GOD for my job and I know that I don’t have the right to complain about it. Regardless of how imperfect the company is, I still give thanks for I know, what I have right now is what I once prayed for.

TODAY 10042011

Today, I don’t know LORD what will happen. But I know GOD, I can trust YOU.

Today, I don’t know if my temper, or my patience, or my character will be tested. But I know, as long as I fix my eyes on YOU everything will be OK.

Today, I don’t have any idea if things will work in favor of me. But I know YOU know everything.

Today, I might not have enough sleep, but GOD, in YOU I find rest.

Today, I can’t change other people’s attitude, but I know GOD, YOU are in control of everything, so control my heart.

I can write all my uncertainty for today and be blank the whole day. But I won’t do that. Why waste this day? Why waste my life? Why waste what YOU did for me?

FATHER, APART FROM YOU I AM NOTHING.

Today I will just do what I am created for, to honor YOU JESUS…

Gift Wrapper

Gift Wrapper

I was in the mall to buy my niece a birthday gift when I was reminded of a story.

To give you a background of what happened, I bought my niece a huge stuff toy.  When I ask the cashier to wrap my gift, she said that gift wrappers are out of stocked. At the back of my mind I was like screaming. In my disappointment, I just asked the cashier to bag the toy.

While walking away from the store, I was convincing myself that it is just ok. That it was just a wrapper. That I got the stuff toy I wanted to give my little angel. Then I was reminded of the story I once heard back in high school.

The story was about the father’s gift to his beloved child… here’s the story...

The little girl has been asking her father to give her a doll. So on her birthday, the father gave her the gift she has been wanting. The father loves his child so much. He was excited to give his little princess the gift and see the joy in her face when she opens the gift. The father wrapped the doll and gave it to his child.

On his surprised, his child opened the gift and played on the gift wrapper instead. The doll was just left in a corner and the little girl was playing with the gift wrapper.

The father call his daughter and said; “My child, why are you playing with gift wrapper and not the doll?”  The littler girl was busy playing and did not hear her father. Then her father call her again and said; “My dear child, my gift for you is the doll and not the wrapper. “ He call again and said; “ my dear precious child, didn’t you asked for a doll? Why are you not enjoying the gift I gave you?”

Many of us are like the little girl in the story. We been asking God for some things but we settle ourselves with the wrappers. We settle ourselves with things that cannot even consider as second best.

We can’t see that God is willing and able to give us what we asked Him because we already focused ourselves with things that have less value or no value at all.

Like the father in the story, God love us so much. That He is also excited to give us the gifts we are asking Him. God is more than willing and able to give us our hearts desires. God is calling us to enjoy the gifts He gave us.

God’s gifts to us are not only “material things.”  He also gives us gifts in a form of love, wisdom, relationships, talents, peace, joy, salvation and etc…  All God’s gifts are great and perfect. God’s blessings are good and He does not add trouble into it.  (Proverbs 10:22)

My point is this… do not be settled.

When you ask God for a car don’t buy a second hand car. God wants you to have the best. He will give you a brand new car.

When you ask HIM for a job, don’t just get any job. He will give you what you prayed for.

When you ask HIM for a partner, don’t be settled with just anyone. HE will give you a partner that will love you, respect you, honor you, value you and care for you for the rest of your lives.

Do not also be settled with what you have now. Keep praying… Keep asking God for more. Remember, you are not the only human on earth; you might also want to pray for others and ask God to bless them with same gifts you have.

Don’t be settled with anything that has less or no value. God blessed you with BEST gifts, not wrappers.

Ask and it will be given to you… - Matthew 7:7

WORK

Psalm 103

Psalm 32

Genesis 2:18

Matthew 9:29

2 Corinthians 1:24

faithfulness

7/9/2011

One life to live (review)

One life to live (review)
“Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” –Psalms 90:12

If you have 1 month to live, will this radically change the way you live your life? Will you live each day as it is our last?

Life is too short to live in mediocrity. Life is too short to live without passion. Time is limited. And if something is limited, we should spend it wisely.

Sometimes we think that if we fill-up our schedule, we will have a full life.  But full schedule doesn’t mean full life. You can have full schedule but still have an empty life. Some people are existing but are not living their lives. They live like zombies, lifeless.

God wants us to maximize our lives, not just to survive each day.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (JESUS) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10


LIVE WITH A PURPOSE

“The LORD has made everything for HIS own purpose.” – Proverbs 16:4

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of GOD.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

The search for the purpose of life has puzzled people, because we begin at the wrong starting point – ourselves. Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose. We are born BY HIS PURPOSE and FOR HIS PURPOSE. We exist only because it is GOD‘s will that we exist. We are made BY GOD and FOR GOD, and until we understand that, life will never make sense.


LIVE WITH PASSION

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” - Philippians 1:21

Passion comes from knowing to whom we do things for.

You may fulfill the long bucket list you have, but at the end of the day you will go home empty.  Because it is not what you do, it is to whom you do it for – PASSION.

But for me, my passion is nothing but CHRIST.


LIVE WITH WISDOM
(Live wisely)

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” - Proverbs 3:13-14
A little wisdom is better than a lot of wealth.

Wisdom is discovered and enjoyed only by those who are diligent, devoted, and determined to seek it.

Know Jesus and you will know what wisdom is.


LIVE BY FAITH

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6

Finding God is a matter of faith, confidence in HIM, and commitment to HIM.

This confidence and commitment should remain strong even though the object of our faith is unseen.



God designed life to be great... He wants us to live to the fullest.

May God remind us of how brief life really is.  God bless!

Why can’t we just have sex?

 Why can’t we just have sex?

The Bible has always approved of sex as long as it is confined within the commitment of marriage between a man and a woman. The only prohibition God’s Word says about it is when it is used outside of marriage, like in adultery or fornication.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 - As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.  It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God;  and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

8 Biblical Reasons Why We Can’t Just Have Sex:
1.       Please GOD   - 1 Thessalonians 4:1
                Our lives’ initial purpose is to please GOD.  We are created to worship GOD. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
2.       God’s word is our final AUTHORITY - 1 Thessalonians 4:2
                You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
3.       God DEMANDS that we avoid sexual immorality - 1 Thessalonians 4:3
4.       LEARN SELF-CONTROL - 1 Thessalonians 4:4
5.       LUST is always wrong - 1 Thessalonians 4:5
                                Lust takes – LOVE gives. True love waits. LOVE- marriage –SEX, it is not the other way                                around.
                Multiple sexual encounters are wrong. Like a sticky note, if it was transferred from one place to another for a number of times, it will loose its stickiness. Same with relationship / sex, we will loose our ability to bond.
6.       Sexual immorality always wrong someone - 1 Thessalonians 4:6
                Sexual immorality will wrong our future partner.
                Sexual immorality will wrong our future children.
                Sexual immorality will offend our parents.
7.       We are called to live a Holy life - 1 Thessalonians 4:7
                Holy life is living our lives glorifying GOD.
8.       He who rejects this instruction does not reject man but GOD - 1 Thessalonians 4:8
                GOD is love. But always remember that GOD is JUST. HE will not let any sin unpunished.

Ladies, you are not a pick up truck, do not let anybody test-drive you.  You are worth waiting / pursuing for…  Honor God with your bodies…

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. -1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. - 1 Corinthians 6:16-20

Beware of Frogs

Beware of Frogs

for whoever touches you touches the apple of HIS eye—Zechariah 2:8

Princess deserves a prince not a frog. This phrase applies not only in Disney movies, but most especially, into heavenly realm. JESUS’ love is so great that HE wants the best for HIS people.

Princess, you are so precious to God. He even described you as the apple of HIS eyes. He wants you to experience the joy of being in HIS family. Treat yourself with high respect and value, for God’s love for you is immeasurable.

.... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. -Ephesians 3:18

Be sensitive of those deceitful men who are wolfs in the sheep’s clothing. They will show you their nicest mask; but their minds are filled with selfish desires and their hearts are with impure intentions. Be sensitive and ask God for wisdom. Make sure that no unworthy men will take advantage of you.

To help you with, here are three things I observe on men.

Spiritual Values

• Real men love JESUS.
• If your spiritual values are not same with the man that pursues you, then he is a big NO-NO.  
• Men are the head of the family; it is their job to lead their family closer to Jesus. If his values are not same with yours, then he will just lead you to your distraction.
• Second to God, you (wife) should be the most important person in your husband’s life.  Not their selves, careers, nor your children.  

Personal Values

• Don’t let men treat you like you are just their least priority. Again, second to Jesus, you are the priority.
• Men should not dictate you who you should be. If he wants to change you, then he does not love you. Be yourselves. Do not change your identity just to fulfil their fantasies.
• Men are to respect and protect women.

Financial Stability

• I-love-you’s cannot pay the house rent, phone bill, electricity bill and etc. Reality bites, this is one of the reasons why married couple separates.
• Men are the / should the provider of the family. His ability to provide for the future family is a sign that he is ready for a long term and serious relationship.
• You are worth more than chocolates, flowers and greeting cards.
• Men should also be responsible in handling God’s money. You wouldn’t want someone who will make you their credit cards.

Do not be settled with the momentary pleasures. Keep in mind the long-term results of your actions and decisions.

Guard your hearts. Relationships do not consist of love alone. Healthy relationships are consisting of Trust, Respect and Love. Two of these without the other one are not enough.

Nevertheless, as we set standards for men, we should also set standards for ourselves. In the same way, we also have responsibilities for our future husbands.

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. -Proverbs 12:4

Have also the attitude of praying for your future husbands. If you want a faithful husband, then ask God for a faithful husband. If you want a responsible husband, pray for a responsible husband. With God, nothing is impossible! You only need to ask.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! -Matthew 7:7-11

You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. -James 4:2


May God bless you with discernment and wisdom. I pray for our husbands, that they may have Jesus in their hearts and in their lives. I pray that God would mold them into the man that HE wants them to be, and that HE mold us into the woman that HE wants us to be. I pray for God’s protection against the enemy how wants to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10) In Jesus’ mighty name I pray. Amen!

Blessings to all!

Care for Philippines

Care for Philippines

K4Phil Intercessors Convergence 2011
May 7, 2011

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. - 1 Timothy 2:1-4

This it is to encourage everyone to pray for the government and for the authorities.

But before that, there is one negative mindset that we need to demolish. “Complaining”

Complaining about our government and its process is easy, but it won’t do us any good.  Instead, let us be involved in changing Philippines to a better nation.  Let us start in praying. For we know, that the prayer of a righteous man is effective and powerful.

Indeed, it is hard to pray for those who are not pleasing and unlovable. But let us not lean-on on our own understanding.  God mandated us to INTERCEDE for the authorities, LOVE our enemies and PRAY for those who persecute us.


WHY PRAY for the authorities.

1.       They are God’s delegated authorities.

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. - Romans 13:1-5

Authorities are not perfect. They are imperfect human beings as we all are. Do not expect too much from them. We will pray for them not for “who” they are but for “what” they are. They are God’s delegated authorities.

2.       Their rulership affects our daily lives.

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Their job affects us. Praying for them is also doing you a huge favor.

3.       Because God wants to save the civil rulers.

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. - 1 Timothy 2:4

God wants to save them too. HE wants all people to be reconciled to HIM.


WHAT to PRAY for the authorities

• KALUSUGAN (health)
• KALIGTASAN (safety and salvation)
• KARUNUNGAN (wisdom)
• KATUWIRAN (reasoning / way of thinking)

 
WHOM to pray

o   President
o   MMDA Chairman
o   Mayor
o   Brngy Chairman

Other authorities to pray for:
Judiciary
Legislative
Law Enforcers
Media
Parents
Teachers
Employers
Clergy


WHEN to pray

At least four times a day.  But of course, you can do it your way.

Example:
Pray for the President in the morning,
Include MMDA Chairman in your prayers in breakfast,
Pray for the Mayor in the Lunch time,
And the Brngy Chairman before dinner.

It is your choice. This is just to make sure that you won’t fall to sleep while praying for many people and for many reasons.

Please don’t miss the point. God hear our prayers NOT because of many words or how long we pray.

God look at our hearts.

Let us do everything out of LOVE.

Let us be involved in changing Philippines to a better nation.  By this, the whole world will know that there is a God in Philippines. All will hear that our LORD saves.

Blessed is the nation whom Lord is JESUS CHRIST.

AMAZING GRACE

GRACE

OMNIPRESENT GOD

OMNIPRESENT GOD





What does JESUS mean when HE said, “I am with you” and “I will never leave you nor forsake you”?



God is indeed with you all the time. God is with you right now. God is with you when you are sick, sad, happy, playing, reading, working, walking, name it all! God is with you always. God is actively involved in our day-to-day lives.



Now, knowing that God is always with us, this shall bring COMFORT, CONVICTION and CONFIDENCE in our lives.





-COMFORT



Our God is the God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3) Our God is our ever-present help in times of need. (Psalm 46:1)



We need not to set an appointment when we need to speak to HIM. We have an instant access and instant connection to HIM. God is our help 24/7.



The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)



If you need help, pray. God is with you. HE cares and HE is ready to listen.





-CONVICTION



Knowing that God is always with us makes us revere HIM with HOLY FEAR.



Let me differentiate fear and HOLY FEAR.



Fear is the fear of the wrath of God. That is the fear of Hell. As we all know, apart from the grace of God revealed in JESUS CHRIST, the only thing left for us is the wrath of God.



HOLY FEAR on the other hand is our LOVE FOR GOD. HE wants us to have HOLY FEAR for HIM.



When we say we love and respect God; and knowing that HE is with us, we will be conscious of what we are doing. We will not dare to do awful and wicked things because we love God and we do not want to hurt HIM.



JESUS deserves our praise and worship. Live a life that honors HIM.





-CONFIDENCE



“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in HIM.” (Jeremiah 17:7)



God is with you. Whatever it is you are dealing right now, trust God and be strong. God is mighty to save.



If you’ve been living a sinful life and you want it no more. Just pray, trust and obey God. He will not condemn you. You are forgiven! Now, have faith in JESUS and repent. Confidence will follow when faith takes the lead. Do not be afraid. God is always with you each step of the way.





God is always with us. Let us live a life that honors HIM.





God bless!

STANDING TALL IN THE BATTLE

STANDING TALL IN THE BATTLE

(1 Samuel 17:45-50)





In the battle between David and Goliath, we can say that Goliath has an advantage over David. He has been a fighting man from his youth. He has the height, the armor, the sword and maybe a thousand Philistine army cheering for him. He has all the advantage yet he loses and died. Why? Because he lacked the most important shield in a battle. Goliath failed because God is not with him.



David on the other hand was just a boy with a sling and a stone. Yet, he came out and faced the giant. With much boldness he said, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD ALMIGHTY.” “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s….” David believed in God and he declared his victory even before the battle begun. David won because God is with him.



We all have our own giants in our lives. Problems that make our head ache and hunt us even in our dreams. Problems that never seems to leave us. Or maybe a sin that keeps us away from God. All these things may shake and break us. But fear no more! Be strong! If we believe in our hearts that Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us; then stand firm! If God is with us, who can be against us? Whatever problem or sin that we are facing right now, do not be afraid! Do not lose hope. Stand firm in your faith.



Like David, believe in Jesus and declare your victory over tribulations.



In Jesus name, be slaves of your problems and sin no more!



God is with you, let nothing move you!



God bless!

JESUS RISEN

My strength comes from the LORD.

My help comes from the living GOD.

My victory over the giants is sure and it was proven, when JESUS RISEN.

JESUS freed me

JESUS redeemed me

JESUS won the battle for me

JESUS never leaves me nor forsakes me

JESUS lives

I am victorious because JESUS RISEN

My LORD and SAVIOR is victorious because JESUS RISEN

There is no other like my GOD because JESUS RISEN

There is no greater than my GOD because JESUS RISEN

This is the strength and confidence I have when I am in the midst of the storms;

JESUS THE MESSIAH HAS RISEN

MARRIAGE....

Victory Ortigas Youth
February 19, 2010_Meeting Minutes
Read: Mark 10: 1-12
DIVORCE
1Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.
2Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"
3"What did Moses command you?" he replied.
4They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away."
5"It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied. 6"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'[a] 7'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,[b] 8and the two will become one flesh.'[c] So they are no longer two, but one. 9Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
10When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. 11He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. 12And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."

“GOD’S PERSPECTIVE SHOULD BE OUR STANDARDS OF MARRIAGE.”

1. Marriage is a COVENANT.
- It meant to be forever.
- It is blood sealed.
“Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” – Mark 10:9

2. Marriage is a COMMUNION.
- It is designed to be intimate.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one.” – Mark 10:7-8

3. Marriage is COMPLIMENTARY.
- It has responsibility.
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife.” – Mak 10:7


MARRIAGE IS THE UNION OF A MAN AND WOMAN WHO WANTS TO MAKE GOD HAPPY EVER AFTER....

Pursuing GOD: FELLOWSHIP

* We pursue GOD together.

“By a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, HIS body, and since we have a great priest over the house of GOD, let us draw near to GOD with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – HEBREWS 10:20-25

*GOD wants us to worship HIM together.

“Then say to him, The LORD, the GOD of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: Let MY PEOPLE go, so that THEY may worship ME in the desert.” – EXODUS 7:16

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for HE is our GOD and we are the people of HIS pasture, the flock under HIS care.” – PSALM 95: 6-7

What is FELLOWSHIP?
• Fellowship is a MUTUAL SHARING.
• Fellowship is a PARTNERSHIP.
• Fellowship is a JOINT PARTICIPATION.

*LET US DRAW NEAR TO GOD.
“Let us draw near to GOD with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” – HEBREWS 10:22

*LET US HOLD UNSWERVINGLY.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised is faithful.” - HEBREWS 10:23

*LET US SPUR ONE ANOTHER.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” - HEBREWS 10:24

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – PROVERBS 27:17

*LET US CONTINUE TO MEET TOGETHER.
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – HEBREWS 10:25

What are the avenues of pursuing GOD together?
• When we WORSHIP GOD together.
• When we PRAY together.

- It is not finding time; it is MAKING time for the fellowship.

The CROSS signifies:
• The vertical line means we can have relationship with GOD.
• The horizontal line means we can have relationship with one another (together).

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the FATHER and with HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST.” - 1 JOHN 1:3

FELLOWSHIP IS CENTERED TO CHRIST.