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.

Eat Pray Love (The Truth Version)

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

The search for peace, joy and purpose of life has puzzled many many many people. Many have been misled and went on different direction. The heartbreaking part there is that, they sin and die eternally. (For the wages of sin is death. Romans 6: 23)  Blinded by the lies of Satan, we sinned against not on a mayor of a small city or a president of one country; we have sinned against the Holy God who created our lives and everything around it. 

Focusing at the wrong starting point will never reveal our lives’ purpose. Focusing on OURSELVES will never reveal our lives’ essence. 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, our lives will never make sense.

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.   Romans 11:36 (New Living Translation)

It is also a severe sin to worship other gods. We only have ONE TRUE GOD and HIS name is Jesus Christ. It is not a multiple choice.

Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the ONLY TRUE GOD, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3

Peace and joy only comes from the grace of God. All we need to do is to surrender our lives to Him. It is His anyway. “We are made BY GOD and FOR GOD”

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5

Ningas Cogon

Ningas Cogon
Read: Matthew 13 – The parable of the Sower.

Ningas Cogon is a part of Filipino culture. It is when people start doing something but quit right at the middle of it. The term “ningas cogon” is actually from the word “Cogon” or the “Cogon Grass”. Cogon grass is thin in texture, and even a little amount of flame that brought close to it can cause a quick and wild fire.  The next thing you know, there is nothing left. This is why the term “ningas cogon” refers to those people who show zealous interest in the beginning of something like a wild fire but not finishing it. Their interest quickly burned out. They start great but when they encounter some difficulties, they quit right in the middle of it.

In our walk with Christ, we need to abolish this mindset. We are Christians, not converts. A genuine disciple of Jesus Christ walks with Him to the end. Regardless of how hard the challenges are. Regardless of how broken we are. We continue walking with Him. We will keep on fighting the good fight of faith.

Seeds fell along the path.

As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Matthew 13:4

When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. Matthew 13:19

As we pursue God there will be lot of temptations left and right.
                Will I go to church today or go to the movie house and watch the latest movie?
                Will I join our victory group today or will I call my other friends and chat about non sense?
                Will I read my Bible or watch my favorite series on TV?

Does it ring a bell to you?

If those things that you love doing do not draw you nearer to God, then it is not from God.

Let us not be like those seeds that fell along the path. When temptation comes, there they go with the temptation. They live as if they do not know Jesus. As if God did not give us law to obey.

He who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) Whatever temptation may it be, continue pursuing God. The more you know Him, the more you’ll love Him. Keep on seeking God. Be your own witness on how deep, how wide God’s love is.

Do not fall on those temptations. The enemy’s main goal is to destroy you.


Seeds fell along the rocky places.

Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they have no root. Matthew 13:5

The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Matthew 13:20-21

In the midst of difficulty; PUSH. (Pray Until Something Happen) Do not give up. Never give up. God calls you for a greater purpose. In the midst of trouble or persecution, the joy of the Lord will be your strength. Keep moving forward. Why worry if you can pray?

Do not be bothered if people mock you because you are Christian, or because you are different. Hold on to your conviction. You are set apart, predestined, redeemed for His glory. Be concern on what God will say, not of other people.

In the midst of your adversity, keep in mind that God will never leave you nor forsake you.

Job said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. “

Endure hardship like a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

Seeds fell among thorns

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Matthew 13:7

The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. Matthew 13:22

Deceitfulness of prosperity

God wants to prosper you; I have no doubt about that. But for some, it is a trap that causes people to forget God. Use your wealth as a tool to bless other people, not a trap that drag you away from God. In prosperity, the more you need to ask God for guidance and wisdom. Because He said; “you cannot serve both the Lord and money.” He also said that; “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” “Everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Prosperity gospel is not the real gospel. Continue reading God’s word. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you.

Seeds fell on good soil

Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop- a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13: 8

But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:23

If you’re claiming to be His disciples, you must carry your cross and follow Him.

Jesus Himself experienced all kind of hardship and temptation. Yet He did not sin. He won the battle.

Jesus humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross. Because it is His desire is to please His Father. And on that cross He said; “It is Finish”.

Everything happens for a reason. Adversity is not entirely negative at all. God might put a divine purpose into it. It is to stretch you. It is for you own maturity. God wants to show His glory in that situation. Think of it this way; if God brings you into it, He will bring you through it.

Now, what kind of seeds are you? Are you one of those seeds that feel on along the path? When the evil comes it can snatch away what was sown in your heart. Or are you one of those seeds fell along the rocky places? When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, you quit. Or are you one of those seeds fell among thorns? Because of the deceitfulness of wealth you become unfruitful.

Or will you rather be one of those seeds fell on good soil? Despite of everything, you continue walking with Christ. Will you also have the same desire as Jesus; to please God.

The greatest, most amazing, worthy way to live is to live with/for Jesus.

As Paul said:
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 

Fight the good fight of faith. Finish the race.

Purpose of God's blessings.

If God will give you 1 million pesos, what would you do with it?


I’m sure you've already hear this phrase; "Everything happens for a reason.” Indeed it is true. Your life has a purpose. There is a reason why God gave us two hands. There is a reason why you are not blind and you are not deaf. There is a reason why you can read. There is a reason why you have job. All these blessings that God gave and will give you have a purpose. God’s blessings have divine purpose.

” so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” - Isaiah 55:11

God’s blessings have a purpose.

God blessed us for a reason.

It is very important for us to know that HIS blessings have a divine purpose. Why? Because if we do not know, what are the chances that we will just forfeit its motive. What a waste right?!

What are the purposes?

“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing…” - Genesis 12:2

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” - 2 Corinthians 9:11

Are we being a blessing to other people, especially to those who are in need? Do you have that desire to bless others without having in mind that they have “utang na loob” on you? (Debt of gratitude)

God blessed us so we could be a blessing.

We are called to be a channel of blessing.

What does “be generous on every occasion” mean?

We have to abolish the negative mindset that we will not bless other because we have nothing to bless them with.  That is a big lie and that is very wrong to say.

God, our FATHER gives ALL his children gifts and blessings.  If you said you have nothing to give, it also says that God gave you nothing…

When we say “blessings” it is not only about money. It can be in a form of Time, Wisdom, Encouragement, Skills, Knowledge and etc.

God gave us two hands. One for receiving and the other one for giving.

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” - 2 Corinthians 9:11

God blessed us so in everyway, we will give ALL THE GLORY AND HONOR BACK TO HIM. Our generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

We are blessed not only to bless other people but also to give thanks to God.

ALL GLORY BE TO GOD

Apart from the love and grace of GOD, we are helpless.
Apart from the mercy of GOD, we are hopeless.
Apart from the guidance of GOD, we are restless wanderers.
Apart from JESUS CHRIST, we are nothing.

“Everything comes from GOD alone. Everything lives by HIS power, and everything is for HIS glory.” – Romans 11:36

Our answered prayers are not because of our faith; it is because of HIS faithfulness.
Our success is not because of our hardwork; it is HIS will for us to be successful.
Our riches are not from the fruit of our labor; it is GOD who blessed us the ability to produce wealth.
Even our righteousness is barrowed from JESUS CHRIST who willingly died on the cross for us.

We are not created to receive glory. We are created to give glory to the only righteous GOD.

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of GOD.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31

THE HOLY BIBLE

We are all in one journey called LIFE. And we all want to end up in one destination called HEAVEN.

But have you ever asked yourselves the questions “How to get there?” or “Am I in the right direction?”

Our great and awesome God really wants HIS people to be with HIM. HE gives us direction/ instruction thru HIS very own word. That is why we have the HOLY BIBLE.

Let me describe the BIBLE.

TREASURE- the BIBLE is like a treasure. Its value is more than gold and more than any possession. Everything you see here on earth is perishable, but the word of GOD will never fade away, it will remain. It is a treasure that no one can steal from you.

But for those who have BIBLE but not reading it; it is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.

LAMP/ LIGHT –  “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” - Psalm 119:105
Compare walking in darkness and walking in the light. Which is better? Walking in the light right?! So as living with and living for JESUS; it is the best, it is worthy.

HAMMER- “Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? - Jeremiah 23:29
GOD’s word has divine power that can demolish strongholds. It can and it will change you.

WATER- “to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,” - Ephesians 5:26
We consecrate ourselves by reading and living HIS word. Reading HIS word is like taking a bath, cleaning yourself, cleaning your mind, cleaning your soul.

SWORD- “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” - Ephesians 6:17
As we fight the good fight of faith, we use the word of GOD as our sword. If GOD is with us, no one can stop us. If GOD is for us, no one can stand against us.

KEY – Heaven have a gate, and the BIBLE is your key. You cannot open the gate unless you have the key and unless you know how to use it.

So, why is it important to read the BIBLE?

Because it is important for us to know who JESUS is. To know HIS precepts. To have a glimpse of those wonderful things HE did and will do for us.

And because HE wants us to be with HIM. Because HE love us.