the blue skies

Lovely

2011-12-04T11:57:00.000+08:00

To the lover of my soul, Jesus. This song is for you. You're the center of my universe. I love you.

( This song is a love song in kind. But the songwriter/singer intended it for the great God himself not to a particular person. Michelle Tumes is a contemporary Christian musician.)

Susie and the Pearls

2011-12-04T11:37:00.000+08:00

At the age of six Susie’s most treasured possession was a string of pearls.

The fact that they were fake didn’t bother her. She wore them everywhere and played with them every day. She loved the pearls.

She also loved her daddy. His business often took him away for days at a time. The first day home would always be one of celebration. As an adult Susie can still remember the time he spent a week in the Orient. When he finally returned, the daddy and daughter played all afternoon. As he put her to bed, he asked this question, “Do you love me?”

“Yes, Daddy. I love you more than anything.

“More than anything?”

He paused for a moment. “More than the pearls? Would you give me your pearls?”

“Oh, Daddy,” she replied. “I couldn’t do that. I love my pearls.”

“I understand,” he told her and kissed her good-night.

As she fell asleep, she thought about his request. When she awoke, she thought about it some more. It was on her mind that morning and later in the day. Finally, that night, she went to him with her pearls. “Daddy, I love you more than these. Here, you take them.”

“I’m so glad to hear that,” he said, standing and opening his attache’ case. “I brought you a gift.”

She opened the small flat box and gasped. Pearls. Genuine pearls.

You suppose your Father wants to give you some as well? He offers authentic love. His devotion is the real deal. But he won’t give you the genuine until you surrender the imitations.” (p.39-40)

Absolute Surrender

2011-11-08T22:55:00.000+08:00

"God comes and offers to work this absolute surrender in you. All these searchings and hungerings and longings that are in your heart, I tell you; they are drawings of the divine magnet, Christ Jesus. He lived a life of absolute surrender, He has possession of you; He is living in your heart by His Holy Spirit. You have hindered and hindered Him terribly, but He desires to help you to get hold of Him entirely. And He comes and draws you now by His message and words. Will you not come and trust God to work in you that absolute surrender to Himself? Yes, blessed be God, He can do it, and He will do it." - Andrew Murray

He wants all our heart - all the time - not just when we think we need Him.

2011-11-07T22:59:00.003+08:00

Wherever you go, whatever you do, no matter how far or how long, Jesus Christ will always be there for you.Our mind gather the dirt and dust of human opinion everyday..........
but God's words are like waterfalls that wash and purify our hearts & minds ....................

Allow God to be God For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His." -
( 2 Chronicles 16:9 )

All of us enjoy applause. Whether it be on the athletic field, the stage, the classroom or in the more insignificant events of life, every one of us enjoy being praised. Our confidence is bolstered when a person of authority or that we respect supports us and is on our side. Getting that pat on the back or that word of encouragement makes us want to do even better. We work harder. We take on our problems with more determination and vigor. We are infused with "want to".

Scripture reminds us that God wants to be our cheerleader. The Creator of this Universe desires to support us, and support us strongly. He is simply looking for that person that will allow Him to be God. He wants all our heart - all the time - not just when we think we need Him. And He is even looking for us. It is not a question of being found by God; He knows exactly where we are. It is a matter of completely giving our heart to Him. With Jesus Christ on our side, we have it all.

When you trust in the Lord, you'll feel as if the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders.
The pressure's off you now and on God, and he can handle it perfectly.

May Christ shine in everything you do today.You may not know where life's road will lead you. But keep moving. God is walking with you.If you keep God inside your heart, there is nothing that will come into your life that you won't be able to handle.Wherever you go, whatever you do, no matter how far or how long, Jesus Christ will always be there for you.

Trust His Heart

2011-10-30T00:49:00.000+08:00

The Kingdom Agenda: The Key to living a worry-free life

2011-10-30T00:45:00.000+08:00

By Bro Ray Fuentes

CCF St. Francis

http://www.ccf.org.ph/the-kingdom-agenda/

What are the things you tend to worry about? Is it having food on the table? How to pay the rent? Your kids? Your work? Your health? The future? What consumes you?

Most people have three areas on which they worry the most.

The first is basic necessities (Mt 6:31-33). The Bible says that God is concerned about all our needs. Our physical or material needs are just as important to Him just as our spiritual needs. As children of God, we can stop worrying about where to get our next meal because we are assured that He will take care of all our needs.

Secondly, we tend to be anxious about our treasures. Matthew 6:20 says, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” So we should not fret about our earthly treasures but instead focus on storing treasures in heaven.

The last thing we worry about is money. This is the most critical area of worry because it has the ability to become our master (Mt 6:24). Most of us struggle in giving because we cannot walk away from money. It has become God’s main competitor for our hearts. The Bible clearly states that we cannot serve two masters. Most of Jesus’ teachings were about money. He knows exactly what the dangers of falling in love with money are. God desires us to be free from such attachment.

But how do we live a life free of worry?

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” The Bible tells us that the key to a worry-free life is coming under the governance of God. We need to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. A kingdom is a form of government that is ruled by a king who has a territory or realm of governance. In this case, God is the King and His dominion encompasses the heaven and the earth and everything in it (Ps 24:1). That includes you and me. Righteousness is God’s nature of being right and doing what is right.

God has an agenda for every area of our lives. Our responsibility, as His subjects, is to submit ourselves to His agenda, knowing that He’s the only one who knows everything. And since He knows the beginning and the end, we can rest assured that His agenda is the best.

To ‘seek first His Kingdom’ is to place our selves under His rule and governance. When we do this, God will give us wisdom about what His will is and how to accomplish it. Prioritizing the kingdom agenda should be our primary concern. When we wake up, we must ask, “Lord, what do you want me to do today?” Prioritizing the kingdom agenda should also be our primary focus, for focus determines the direction of our lives. Lastly, it must be our primary pursuit because what we pursue in life determines what we truly desire.

There are so many areas in our lives that we lose sleep over. If we want a worry-free life, we should focus on God’s agenda. We must focus on what He wants us to do rather than what we want to do for ourselves. He knows what’s best for us. By His grace, He will back us up when we set our hearts and pursue His Kingdom and His righteousness.

A Love Story

2011-10-04T23:14:00.000+08:00

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah the beauty of God’s creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, I felt the Lord’s presence with me.

He asked me, “Do you love me?”

I answered, “Of course, God! You are my Lord and Saviour!”

Then He asked, “If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?”

I was perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and wondered how many things I wouldn’t; be able to do, the things that I took for granted.

And I answered, “It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You.”

Then the Lord said, “If you were blind, would you still love my creation?” How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation.

So I answered, “Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you.”

The Lord then asked me, “If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?” How could I listen to anything being deaf?

Then I understood. Listening to God’s Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts.

I answered, “It would be tough, but I would still listen to Your word.”

The Lord then asked, “If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?”

How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of thanks.

So I answered, “Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name.”

And the Lord asked, “Do you really love Me?”

With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, “Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!”

I thought I had answered well, but God asked, “THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?”

I answered, “Because I am only human. I am not perfect.”

“THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?”

No answers. Only tears.

The Lord continued: “Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?”

The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.

“Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?”

I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

“You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all.”

DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?”

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse. What could I say to this? My heart had cried out and the tears had flowed, I said, Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child.”

The Lord answered, ” That is My Grace, My child.”

I asked, ” Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?”

The Lord answered, “Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you till the end of days, and I will love you forever.”

Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done?

I asked God, “How much do You love me?”

The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed.

Author Unknown.

God's way to Heaven

2011-09-27T15:30:00.000+08:00

I. GOD LOVES YOU and desires that you:

1. Have eternal life with Him.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16
2. Have an abundant and meaningful life.
Jesus said, ‘… I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.’
John 10:10

But most people aren’t experiencing a meaningful life and aren’t sure that they have eternal life because…

II. Man has a SIN problem that SEPARATES him from GOD.

1. Everyone has sinned.
… For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….
Romans 3:23 (also ESV, NIV)
2. The penalty for sin is DEATH.
For the wages of sin is death….
Romans 6:23 (also ESV, NIV)

The Bible talks about two kinds of death. The first death is physical. The second death is spiritual or eternal separation from God.
But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the Second Death.
Revelation 21:8

Because sin separates man from God, what is the solution to his problem?

III. JESUS CHRIST is God’s ONLY way to heaven.

1. He is the ONLY way.
Jesus said… ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.’
John 14:6
2. He COMPLETELY PAID the penalty of your sins.
For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God….
1 Peter 3:18
3. His resurrection proves that He is the Son of God, the Messiah, the only Savior.
… Concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord….
Romans 1:3-4
4. He promises Eternal Life.
Jesus said … ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die….’
John 11:25-26

However, merely knowing what Jesus Christ has done for us is not enough.

IV. We must place our FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST to save us.

1. You are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the GIFT OF GOD – not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

To be saved by faith means to TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST ALONE to save you. Good works are not the means to salvation; rather, they are the byproducts or evidence of your salvation.

2. Show your faith in Jesus Christ by accepting His gift of eternal life.
[Jesus says,] ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.’
Revelation 3:20

Jesus says that He will come into your heart if you invite Him in. That is His promise to you, and He will always keep His promise!

3. Prove the sincerity of your faith by turning away from a life of sin.
I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. A person who genuinely asks for forgiveness will seek to change his ways.
Acts 26:20 (NIV)

God knows we are not perfect, but the sincerity of our faith will move us to live lives that show our gratitude to God for His free gift of heaven.

You can pray this simple prayer to express your faith in Jesus Christ and to receive Him into your heart as your Lord and Savior. You only have to pray this prayer once, but with sincerity, because when He enters your life, he will never leave you.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I need You. I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that you died on the cross to pay for all my sins. With your help, I will turn away from all my sins. Please come into my life and be my Lord and Savior. I accept your free gift of eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Thank you for coming into my life and giving me eternal life. Amen.

Please tell us something about yourself and the decision you have made.

You can also attend one of our bible studies or join a Small Group to learn more about life in Christ.

We’re glad that you took the time to learn about eternity today. God bless you!

Life's gifts are in diguise

2011-09-27T15:09:00.000+08:00

A young man was getting ready to graduate college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said, “With all your money you give me a Bible?” and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son.

He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father’s house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father’s important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages.

As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer’s name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words…PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss Life’s gifts because they are not packaged as we expected?

Tetelestai. Greek word for 'paid in full' or 'It is finished' The very word Jesus uttered before His last breath on the cross. ( As seen in the movie, 'Passion of Christ'.)

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now beenjustified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:8)

“Excuse me, are you Jesus?

2011-09-22T23:52:00.000+08:00

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding ALL BUT ONE!!!

He paused, took a deep breath , got in touch with his feelings, and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned. He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the Terminal floor.

He was glad he did. The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight. The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.

When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?" She nodded through her tears.. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly." As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?" He stopped in mid-stride, and he wondered.

Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?" Do people mistake you for Jesus? That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace. If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is more than simply quoting Scripture and going to church. It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.

You are the apple of His eye even though we, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit.

The Greatest Advice

2010-08-22T23:54:00.002+08:00

by Rick Warren

Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don't philander because you think you are irresistible.

Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat. Don't lie. Don't pretend.
Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.

Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough & know better.
Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don't stagnate!

Don't regress.
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back.
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr. Right.
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong because your
biological clock is ticking.

Learn a new skill.
Find a new friend.
Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.

To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.
Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.

To make yourself happy, pursue your passions & be the best of what you can be.
Simplify your life. Take away the clutter.
Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and
dangerous liaisons.
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.

Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family.
Be true to yourself.
Don't commit when you are not ready.
Don't keep others waiting needlessly.

Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.
Say those words. Don't let the moment pass.
Do what you have to, even at society's scorn.

Write poetry.
Love Deeply.
Walk barefoot.
Dance with wild abandon.
Cry at the movies.

Take care of yourself. Don't wait for someone to take care of you.
You light up your life.
You drive yourself to your destination.
No one completes you - except YOU.

It isn't true that life does not get easier with age.
It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love.
Pursue your passions.

Live your dreams.
Don't lose faith in God.
Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!

When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back.
Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give to
someone is your time.
Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is
T-I-M-E because the essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves.

God is good all the time!

No Greater Love

2010-08-13T23:11:00.002+08:00

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

There was a man named Charles Finney. He was one of the main people involved in something that was called “The Second great Awakening” In one sense, Charles Finney was the Jonah of his time in the sense that he brought a message and thousands and thousands of people responded all the way across America and then to England.

After one of Charles Finney’s meetings, there was a certain man that came up. He said, “Mr. Finney, I heard what you said today. I want to talk to you more about it. Here is my address. Meet me tonight at this address and the man went away.

Several people ran over to Mr. Finney and asked him, “What did that man say to you?” He said, “Well, he wants me to meet me tonight at his house…”

They said, “Don’t go! Don’t go. This is a bad man. He will murder you. He is a murderer. He’s a gangster. He will kill you.”

Finney said, “No, I think God wants me to speak to him.”

So that night, Finney went into this man’s house. He knocked on the door as soon as he opened the door, the man grabbed Finney and pulled out a gun and he stuck it up to Finney.

He said, “I heard what you said tonight. You said that the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse a man from all sin.”

Finney said, “That is right, He can.”

“You don’t even know me! You don’t even know what I’ve done. You see this gun? I’ve killed two men with it myself. As a matter of fact, I’ve sent several other men killed for me. Are you telling me that there is hope for a man like me?”

Finney said, “All I can tell you is the Bible says that the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse a man from all sin.”

The man said, “You see this place? You see this bar? I own this bar. I have a gambling joint and prostitution joint. I have men coming in here I get them drunk and I take every penny that they have. Many times their wives come in here, they beg me, ‘Please, don’t take the last of out money, we need it for milk for our kids.’ You know what I would do? I kicked the women out with their kids. And when I get the last of penny from that guy, I kicked him out too. Are you telling me, that God can forgive a man like me?”

Finney said, “All I can tell you is the Bible says, the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse a man from all sins.”

Finally the man pointed out across the road, he said, “You see that house? You see the woman in the window over there? That’s my wife. I lied to her many years ago. I told her I was a stock broker so she would marry me. When she found out what I really was it broke her heart. Not once did I tell that woman I love her. I slapped her all the time. As a matter of fact, the other night, I slap my wife and I accidentally hit my little girl and she fell into the oven and burned her arm. Are you telling me, that God can forgive a man like me?”

Finney grabbed him by the shirt, and he shook him and said, “You are a wretch, a filthy wretch, but yes, the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse a men from all sin.”

The man dropped his gun and he said, “Mr. Finney, will you pray for me.”

Finney said, “Yes, I will.”

The man went home that night. He went up into the upper room. He didn’t sleep the whole night.

The next morning the wife got up and she was cooking her breakfast. She told her little girl, “Go tell daddy breakfast is ready.”

The little girl was afraid because the dad was always mean. She went upstairs. She said, “Daddy, breakfast is ready.”

He said, “Honey, tell mommy, daddy is not hungry.”

The little girl ran down stairs. She said, “Mommy, mommy, daddy called me ‘honey’.”

She said, “No, no, you must be mistaken. Go back and tell him breakfast is ready.”

So she went back upstairs but this time the man said, “Come in here honey, sit on daddy’s lap.”

As she sat there, she said, “Daddy, why are you different? Why are you crying?”

He said, “Because daddy found out, that the blood of Jesus Christ can cleanse a man from all sin.”

You see, there is nothing impossible with God. God relentlessly pursues after you, to bring you to the point of repentance. He loves you. And He will never, ever give up on you. God has a good plan for your life.

“You loved me, when I was so unlovely,
You sought me when I was lost;
You showed me how much You really loved me,
When You bought me at the highest cost.

You chose me, when I was so unworthy,
You cleansed me with Your own blood;
You clothed me with righteousness and mercy,
And You crowned me with Your steadfast love.”

-J. Chisum

falling inlove all over again

2010-07-25T20:09:00.003+08:00

I sat in silence over the misty morning at dusk. I have anticipated this moment, praying for a beautiful quiet time spent with my Lord. Thinking about only Him, in the stillness of day, in the cool, fresh breeze at Tagaytay, eyes closed in awe for His ever-loving, heartwarming, comforting embrace. There is nothing like it- not even close to my favorite baskin-robbin choco-peanut butter ice cream, or even the natural high of my passion for adventure and traveling to see places. It is indeed half past the year and it concerns me if I have done something life-changing for twenty-ten. My bucket is at eight out of twenty-five. Good enough I believe. And gladly, I can say I matured a bit to be called a christian, because most of it is about Him this time. I had ceased to be self-centered I suppose, my memories are less of the 'me' stuff back in twenty o-eight and nine ( yes, he had spoiled me enough to give me what my heart desired-to travel furiously everywhere). The thing is, I had piled up my activities for ministry and training, one after another that I barely have time to catch up with myself. I was eager to bear much fruit for my love for God. The more I try, the more I become frustrated. In the outward appearance, I am almost past heaven because I spend all my social time at God's house. I was tired, exhausted, overwhelmed, burn out.Then I get the point. With busyness and hurriedness of life, haggling between work, house chores and ministry, I missed the entire one most significant point of it all-- the reason behind the love work, no other than Jesus Himself. The very essence of Christian faith is a deep, intimate relationship with Him. He desires this above all. Then it was revealed to me that, in any given day, the leftover and crumbs or worse none of my time was left for Him. Now I know where all the restlessness comes from. I have set aside quality time with my Father, who eagerly awaits to shower me with love and blessings every time I meet Him. Thank you Lord for your leading. There is no better way to start a day then to linger and sit at Your lap. The peace in my heart, love, kindness forgiveness, Your grace and mercy, overflows.

Thank you Lord for Your presence in my life. The best days in my life were the day I fell in love with You.. and then again and again. :)

To God the glory,

Daily Conversations

2010-05-23T00:14:00.002+08:00

Do you remember the last time you prayed?
What did you pray for?
How do you pray?

Few years ago, I remember when I did not have a personal relationship with God, prayer was synonymous to asking God for something. He was usually remembered in times of great crisis. When I get so desperate, my last option was to pray. And when I did pray, I do always have a disclaimer following it-- apologizing to God for the superficiality of my cases. I always felt my problems were nothing and unworthy to be heard of, compared to the real problems of the world, the likes of death, accidents and crimes. Of which, it makes me feel selfish and self-centered to pray for my own issues in life.
Thank God, a friend loved me enough to grab my hand to introduce me to the loving God that He was and He is. There I learned that my previous notion of God and praying was totally misconstrued.
Praying is a daily moment with God. Daily conversations, as I define it. If we truly put God above anything in our lives, then as simple as conversing with Him at the onset of our days is important to Him.

Do you believe that prayers work?
As I have mentioned, prayers does not end in ASKING something from God. It includes thanking, praising and acknowledging, confessing sins, conversing innermost feelings, asking for blessings from Him. Prayers nurture our relationship with Him, just as communication is vital to making human relationships work.

Do you believe that prayers are heard?
Yes.
BUT, not in ways we expect it to be. God answers it in three different ways.
It can be a YES,
It can be a NO,
It can be a WAIT.

Happy praying,

Close to heaven

2010-05-19T21:23:00.001+08:00

As I was crossing the street today hurriedly toward my office at the Fort, there went the speeding black car. For a split second, I missed it. There in my mind flashed heaven. Heaven and eternity. I stood motionless and surprised and suddenly thought, "Oh Lord, I felt Your hand hold me back against being hit. Di ko pa ba panahon? I am quite sure madami pa akong homework sa buhay ko. wehehe." Pero in fact, Lord, for a moment, I imagined being with You at the very instant. Exciting siguro. Heaven--the paradise of paradises. Naalala ko tuloy yung message mo..

However, as it is written:
   "No eye has seen,
      no ear has heard,
   no mind has conceived
   what God has prepared for those who love him"—1 Cor 2:9

Thank you Lord for the gift of life. Thank you Lord for today. ;)

What God created cockroaches for

2010-05-16T22:31:00.001+08:00

The thought of crawling cockroaches makes me shiver in ~~disgust~~. I am most afraid of this creature. If we consider them pests, what ~~good~~ do they exist for?

Answer:
Cockroaches as a group are part of the worldwide food web. They are omnivore scavengers which clean up our environment and help recycle the organic litter that would accumulate if it were not decomposed by organisms which include cockroaches. Furthermore they serve as food for small mammals, birds, amphibians and lizards. There are over 3000 species of cockroaches and only 10 species are on the World Health Organization list of human pests. The other 3000 species are welcome members of the biodiversity on this planet. (http://www.bio.umass.edu)

So there, now I can thank God for the cockroaches on Earth. ;)

For more interesting, goosebumps-inducing and uncanny facts about this specie, click here.

Of Pregnant women and The Mrt

2010-05-13T20:59:00.005+08:00

It is no accident that every time I board the mrt going home, wasted and tired and all that, a pregnant woman comes in and stands always "exactly" in front of me (seating). With all certainty, I know that it was no coincidence for every instance. God knows, once and for all, that I will always have the heart to give up my seat and bear the slight uneasiness of my consumed pair of feet, on top of two-inch heels. Yes, Lord, anything for You.

But today, this once, of all days, is Thursday. Thursdays are my weekly Purpose-driven life sessions, in which, I lead at my workplace. And today's message was 'how to develop an intimate relationship with God'. Few of which are honesty, obedience, acts of kindness among other things. Just today, the same thing happened again. A pregnant woman, walks in, stands " exactly in front of me. Irony of ironies, this once, I failed giving up my seat. I was busy debating with my colleague co-lead if the woman is indeed pregnant or not. Until such time, I was too embarrassed to give up my seat. I was convicted right away. I didn't harm the woman, who I knew cared less than God who was in front of me.. indirectly asking for my seat. My heartfelt apologies Lord. Next time, no more excuses.

Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind. A saying which goes like this;"Your life may be the only Bible some people read." ( Author Unknown). So there. All actions must be done accordingly. If one loves God, one acts it out instantaneously.

Voting Guides

2010-05-09T14:53:00.004+08:00

Who shall I vote for, who will get my nod?
I ask for guidance, "Hear me 0 my God
We need leaders who will help restore and heal our land.
Build it on firm foundation, not on shifting sand.

Leaders with a heart for the people, those who truly care.
Who will give of themselves, their leadership gifts fully share.
We hear their rhetoric, their promises and boast
But what should we look for in a leader. What matters most?"

Look for character, integrity, honesty, who and what they are.
Not only on the political stage but when with the struggles of life they spar.
How do they relate to others, are they consistent, caring and true?
Or do they blow with the winds of favor as a tumbleweed would do?

Their family life, is it marked with faithfulness and trust?
Is their speech unpolluted or hidden in a cloud of dust?
Their faith life - Are they reliant on, committed to the Lord?
Or do they waver with the crowd, a chameleon for the hoard.

Republican Elephant flapping ears Making a Political Decision Democratic Donkey

Competency is a chord worthy to pursue.
What they promise us, are they truly able to do?
Not are they great debaters, or fervent shaker of hands.
But will they function effectively in the face of all the demands.

It's not a matter of intelligence, or bloopers here and there.
But for their duties day by day, will they well prepare.
Have they a source of strength beyond themselves upon whom they call?
Will they inspire the people to follow, both great and small?

Observe the causes they promote, will they build up our land?
Do they portray the vital values upon which we stand?
Will they benefit the people, youth and seniors as well?
Quality education and health care, reality or political sell.

Equal rights or special rights favoring the select few.
Protecting the rights of our convictions, what we think and do.
Is the cause just or just a cause to win over the voters?
Promises to be kept or empty rhetoric to please paying supporters.

Challenges of great magnitude will surely come to pass.
Will they face the crises head on or conveniently by-pass?
Do they have inner strength, vitality and verve
To encourage, enable and lead the people they would serve?

Will they surround themselves with advisors truly wise and just,
Whose judgment birthed in integrity and experience are worthy of trust? Note their commitment level, their passion for the cause.
Have they a heart to truly serve or merely bask in applause?

What is their commitment vision, what do they desire our future to be?
Will they simply focus on our pleasure, bathe in our prosperity?
Or do they see a world in need, many struggling just to survive
Whom we can help with our resources, their hopes to revive.

A commitment to build a better nation & world working for genuine peace
Through strength of arms and arms of service, bring conflicts to cease.

Voting guide written by Rev. Alan E. Ericksen.

God of this City

2010-05-05T20:31:00.001+08:00

Greater things have yet to come,

Greater things are still to be done in this city!

10 May 2010

2010-05-04T21:19:00.010+08:00

The upcoming election on May 10, 2010 is crucial to the future of the Philippines. I pray for an honest, orderly, peaceful election.

2 Chronicles 7:14

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

my say:

Our beloved country is indeed in a crisis for years now, specifically spiritual crisis. We call our nation, the only Christian nation in Asia but we are among the top in graft and corruption among other causes of our country's sorry state. The bible says that if we only humble ourselves and pray, seek God and stop our wicked ways, then God will surely bless the Philippines.

Exodus 18:21

But select capable men from all the people--men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain--and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.

My say:

God gave us the freedom to vote for our leaders. It is therefore left in our hands on whom to appoint. But, he gave us an instruction to choose capable men, who fear God. Needless to say, what have we got to gain in choosing leaders, who fear God. Simple. Fear of God, makes a huge impact in all decision-making that one has to do. Leaders who fear God, would fear evil as well.

Romans 13:7

Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

My Say:

Whoever God appoints after the 10 May 2010 elections, is no accident. God will never allow leaders to sit if He does not will them to be. God is far more powerful than all human forces. So whoever our designated leaders will be, let's respect and honor those who are in authority. And continue to pray for them--the leaders.

The Filipino people should pray more. My heart sores when I see how a beautiful country as the Philippines is in great disarray and turmoil when it should be the pearl of the Orient Seas. We can do this. Let's all do our part.

Giving

2010-04-27T17:52:00.003+08:00

Food for thought:

Faith is not acting on what I already know is possible. It is not doing what I know can't be done- It is only faith when it involves something that could not be accomplished unless God was the one doing it.

Haggai 9:1-11

"You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands."

2 Cor 9:8

"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

Matthew 6: 33-34

"Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (food, clothing, drink) will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Hillsong with Darlene Zschech in Pinas!

2010-04-22T10:13:00.001+08:00

21 April 2010. A night of worship and praise. Father God. Jesus. Holy Spirit's embrace. A United heart singing. For the glory of God. Thank You indeed. :)

Forgetting yesterday, Looking forward to tomorrow

2010-04-18T09:44:00.005+08:00

Philippians 3:13-14

¹³Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

************

Reflection:

The painful past and the sins we had committed, we lift up to Him and move on. He uses everything--good and bad, as our testimonies to others. As this verse assures, we must forget what is behind and look forward to tomorrow-- walking hand-in-hand with Jesus, we await the heaven and eternity as promised by our Father God.

On my Knees

2010-04-17T21:43:00.002+08:00

There are days
when I feel
The best of me
is ready to begin (the end)
Then there's (the) days
when I feel
I'm letting go
and soaring on the wind
'Cause I've learned in laughter or in pain
How to survive!

I get on my knees!

I get on my knees!
There I am before the Love
That changes me
See I don't know how
But there's power
When I'm on my knees

I can be
in a crowd
Or by myself
and almost anywhere
When I feel
there's a need
To talk with God
He is Emmanuel
When I close my eyes,
no darkness there
There's only light!

I get on my knees

I get on my knees!
There I am before the Love that changes me
See I don't know how, but there's power
In the blue skies, in the midnight
When I'm on my knees

I get on my knees

I get on my knees!
There I am before the Love
That changes me
See I don't know how, but there's power
When I'm on my, oh, when I'm on my
When I'm on my knees

The Divine Revelation of Hell

2010-04-14T22:48:00.004+08:00

I got hold of this book, The Divine Revelation of Hell, from a Christian friend. It is a true story of a woman, chosen by Jesus Christ to go on a 30-night trip to Hell and 10-night to Heaven. I had quite an impression of heaviness of the topic, since it tackles about Hell.

True enough, on my fifth chapter, I lay slightly paralyzed as I read her vivid description of how hell looks like, the very odor of it, the resounding eeriness of its tunnels, the lost souls trapped there for eternity, the sad, hopeless story behind every case and the ever-burning embers, the worms, the demons, the devils, Satan and their evil works.

There was a sudden urgency on my part, to have it read by my family, kinfolks, friends and loved ones. I felt that I stood mediocre enough on my part of sharing the good news.

Hell is real. Lost souls are tormented for eternity. The very same emotions or senses we have on Earth is made more sensitive in Hell. Therefore, the burning sensation is felt forever. And when in Hell, there is no turning back. No more chance to repent. Judgement is set. It is too late.

On the other hand,

Heaven is real. When you think paradise, paradise beyond human imagination. Paradise for those who are 'FAITHful', the place God has prepared for the people who loves Him sincerely and has chosen to serve Him. Paradise where peace, joy, love reign forever and ever.

We have time right now. To repent. To save souls. To end up in heaven.

Of Angels

2010-04-11T21:07:00.006+08:00

I believe that if an angel were to wing his way from earth up to Heaven,

and were to say that there was one poor, ragged boy, without father or mother, with no one to care for him and teach him the way of life;

and if God were to ask who among them were willing to come down to this earth and live here for fifty years and lead that one to Jesus Christ,

every angel in Heaven would volunteer to go.

Even Gabriel, who stands in the presence of the Almighty, would say,

"Let me leave my high and lofty position, and let me have the luxury of leading one soul to Jesus Christ."

There is no greater honour than to be the instrument in God's hands of leading one person out of the kingdom of Satan into the glorious light of Heaven.

Dwight L. Moody

I Believe

2010-04-11T10:45:00.001+08:00

I believe for every drop of rain that falls,
A flower grows,
I believe that somewhere in the darkest night,
A candle glows.
I believe for everyone who goes astray,
Someone will come to show the way.
I believe,
I believe.

I believe above the storm the smallest prayer,
Will still be heard.
I believe that someone in the great somewhere,
Hears every word.
Every time I hear a new born baby cry,
Or touch a leaf or see the sky.
Then I know why,
I believe.

Every time I hear a new born baby cry,
Or touch a leaf or see the sky.
Then I know why,
I believe.

His Directions

2010-04-11T00:14:00.002+08:00

Ephesians 2:8-9

8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.

This verse, reveals simply our ticket to heaven.
Faith.
Faith on Jesus Christ.
Good works, is just a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit resides at one's soul as a residue of faith. In short, it is never enough to claim that-- as long as one does kindness for others or claim to never hurt other people, if it is not done for God's glory..then it is null and void. It simply implies that you desire to be recognized for the good work itself.. your credit, not God's... so it defeats the very purpose.

Faith does the saving.
Not good works.

************

One of my goals for this year is to have a ministry at church. My first choice was to join the backstreet kids, where I volunteer to teach street kids alongside with other brothers in faith. Surprisingly, one fine Monday, I dropped by CCF for some unknown reasons and saw this large banner.
" Be equipped to help a hurting person."
Without a moment's hesitation, I tagged my friend, Mae to join me in this training, having in mind that, at any time of any day of any place, this could be beneficial to advising hurting people of all walks of life.

Glorious Hope: Recovery is for everyone. Says the banner.

And so we were there.

Ironically, God led me to this program, for no one but myself. I was in need of recovery. The tag line served its purpose. It is indeed for everyone. My own share of struggles, hurts, hang-ups, habits needs to go. How? Through Jesus Christ Himself. In my Christian walk, I would often stumble into sin, because the imprisonment of past sins, still exist. It becomes recurrent. And in turn, I sin, repent, sin, repent, sin, repent every now and then. I get really tired of it. It actually hinders my smooth relationship with God. Because it builds up guilt and shame to my Lord and Savior. And I can back that up with my recurrent depression and low moments. In my own effort to divorce from it, I carried my burden on my own and tried to get rid of it, myself...it was never enough as what I did not realize is that, I need to do it through Christ.

Truly His directions, are without a doubt, amazing. After all, how can I repair other's struggles, if I myself is in need of repair. I humbly admit that yes Lord, thank you for your directions. To become a better Tsina for You, myself and others.

I will leave you with a verse to ponder about...

Romans 3:23-26
23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

Albert Einstein

2010-03-28T14:07:00.002+08:00

An Atheist Professor of Philosophy was speaking to his Class on the Problem Science has with GOD, the ALMIGHTY. He asked one of his New Christian Students to stand and . . .

Professor : You are a Christian, aren't you, son ?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, you Believe in GOD ?
Student : Absolutely, sir.
Professor : Is GOD Good ?
Student : Sure.
Professor : Is GOD ALL - POWERFUL ?
Student : Yes..
Professor : My Brother died of Cancer even though he Prayed to GOD to Heal him.
Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill.
But GOD didn't. How is this GOD good then? Hmm?

(Student was silent )

Professor : You can't answer, can you ? Let's start again, Young Fella.
Is GOD Good?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Is Satan good ?
Student : No.
Professor : Where does Satan come from ?
Student : From . . . GOD . . ..
Professor : That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this World?
Student : Yes.
Professor : Evil is everywhere, isn't it ? And GOD did make everything. Correct?
Student : Yes.
Professor : So who created evil ?

(Student did not answer)

Professor : Is there Sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness?
All these terrible things exist in the World, don't they?
Student : Yes, sir.
Professor : So, who Created them ?

(Student had no answer)

Professor : Science says you have 5 Senses you use to Identify and Observe the World around you.
Tell me, son . . .. Have you ever Seen GOD?
Student : No, sir.
Professor : Tell us if you have ever Heard your GOD?
Student : No , sir.
Professor : Have you ever Felt your GOD, Tasted your GOD, Smelt your GOD?
Have you ever had any Sensory Perception of GOD for that matter?
Student : No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't.
Professor : Yet you still Believe in HIM?
Student : Yes.
Professor : According to Empirical, Testable, Demonstrable Protocol,
Science says your GOD doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?
Student : Nothing. I only have my Faith.
Professor : Yes,Faith. And that is the Problem Science has.

Student : Professor, is there such a thing as Heat?
Professor : Yes.
Student : And is there such a thing as Cold?
Professor : Yes.
Student : No, sir. There isn't.

(The Lecture Theatre became very quiet with this turn of events )

Student : Sir, you can have Lots of Heat, even More Heat, Superheat, Mega Heat, White Heat,
a Little Heat or No Heat.
But we don't have anything called Cold.
We can hit 458 Degrees below Zero which is No Heat, but we can't go any further after that.
There is no such thing as Cold.
Cold is only a Word we use to describe the Absence of Heat.
We cannot Measure Cold.
Heat is Energy.
Cold is Not the Opposite of Heat, sir, just the Absence of it.

(There was Pin-Drop Silence in the Lecture Theatre )

Student : What about Darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as Darkness?
Professor : Yes. What is Night if there isn't Darkness?
Student : You're wrong again, sir.
Darkness is the Absence of Something
You can have Low Light, Normal Light, Bright Light, Flashing Light . . .
But if you have No Light constantly, you have nothing and its called Darkness, isn't it?
In reality, Darkness isn't.
If it is, were you would be able to make Darkness Darker, wouldn't you?
Professor : So what is the point you are making, Young Man ?
Student : Sir, my point is your Philosophical Premise is flawed.
Professor : Flawed ? Can you explain how?
Student : Sir, you are working on the Premise of Duality.
You argue there is Life and then there is Death, a Good GOD and a Bad GOD.
You are viewing the Concept of GOD as something finite, something we can measure.
Sir, Science can't even explain a Thought..
It uses Electricity and Magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one.
To view Death as the Opposite of Life is to be ignorant of the fact that
Death cannot exist as a Substantive Thing.
Death is Not the Opposite of Life: just the Absence of it.
Now tell me, Professor, do you teach your Students that they evolved from a Monkey?
Professor : If you are referring to the Natural Evolutionary Process, yes, of course, I do.
Student : Have you ever observed Evolution with your own eyes, sir?

(The Professor shook his head with a Smile, beginning to realize where the Argument was going )

Student : Since no one has ever observed the Process of Evolution at work and
Cannot even prove that this Process is an On-Going Endeavour,
Are you not teaching your Opinion, sir?
Are you not a Scientist but a Preacher?

(The Class was in Uproar )

Student : Is there anyone in the Class who has ever seen the Professor's Brain?

(The Class broke out into Laughter )

Student : Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's Brain, Felt it, touched or Smelt it? . . .
No one appears to have done so.
So, according to the Established Rules of Empirical, Stable, Demonstrable Protocol,
Science says that You have No Brain, sir.
With all due respect, sir, how do we then Trust your Lectures, sir?

(The Room was Silent. The Professor stared at the Student, his face unfathomable)

Professor : I guess you'll have to take them on Faith, son.
Student : That is it sir . . . Exactly !
The Link between Man & GOD is FAITH.
That is all that Keeps Things Alive and Moving.

That student was Albert Einstein.

the Prayer of Jabez

2010-03-27T17:36:00.006+08:00

This is the four-liner morning prayer that does my life wonders.

Every single day, I ask God to 'bless me, bless me, bless me indeed'. It is tantamount to asking Him for my surprise gift. As it does not ask for a specific something from Him. If we simply trust His will and plan for us, He will abundantly, limitlessly, greatly bless us with the perfect 'blessing' for the day. We do not restrict it to something we think is good enough for us, because God himself always gives us the best, way better than what we think is good enough. And just when you trust His will, your are blessed with bits and pieces of life's goodness.

"enlarge my territory!--" This part never ceases to amaze me. It is committing oneself to be 'used by God, used for God'. It is equivalent to asking the Lord for the person of the day. Everyone of us is continuously fighting a battle in life. As I am a 'chosen one', my wonder woman role is to serve as an instrument of God, whatever He delegated me to say and to advise to the person in need. Every single day, He sends a person. Everyday, I am inspired. Everyday, I am amazed. Goosebumps or what I call God's touch, is what I feel every time the 'person of the day' walks to me, out of the blue, from a friend to a stranger, comes to me and in my mind, I silently whisper to God, 'so this is it!'

"let Your hand be with me--" This line simply declares your humility to ask God for the gift of Holy Spirit. It is a way of asking God to stretch His mighty hands toward us and to walk with Him all the way. The Holy Spirit speaks through us, take for example, when we do minister to people about God. The Holy Spirit leads us and guides us on what to do, what not to do, what to say, what not to say.

"and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." Everyday, we are surrounded by worldly things and worldly people. We tend to be swayed and to go with the flow. This is the part when we ask the Lord to deliver us from evil or any temptation that will cause us to slip our grasp with God's hands. This is the part when we Ask God to keep us away from harm, trusting in His perfect will that no matter how we don't understand and don't see the big picture, we know that, God has reasons and that He definitely keeps us away from things, people, places that will lead us to pain and suffering.

Three Years

2010-03-27T16:53:00.003+08:00

I was eyed at.

I was chosen.

I was taken by the hand.

I was destined to be.

For the glory of God.

For Heaven.

For Eternity.

Learn th ABC

2007-10-11T04:24:00.000+08:00

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of "Camp Complaining"
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To "thank" is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We'll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad,
Zion waits in glory ... where none are ever sad!

The Awesomeness of God!!

2007-06-17T16:38:00.000+08:00

IN CHEMISTRY... HE
TURNED WATER TO WINE

IN BIOLOGY...
HE WAS
BORN WITHOUT THE NORMAL CONCEPTION.

IN PHYSICS...
HE DISPPROVED THE LAW OF GRAVITY WHEN HE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN

IN ECONOMICS...
HE DISPPROVED THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURN BY FEEDING 5000 MEN
(not...INCLUDING the WOMEN and CHILDREN)
WITH TWO FISHES & 5 LOAVES OF BREAD;

IN MEDICINE...
HE CURED THE SICK AND THE BLIND WITHOUT ADMINISTERING A SINGLE DOSE OF DRUGS,

IN HISTORY...
HE IS THE BEGINNING AND THE END;

IN GOVERNMENT...
HE SAID THAT HE SHALL BE CALLED WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, PRINCE OF PEACE;

IN RELIGION...
HE SAID NO ONE COMES TO THE FATHER EXCEPT THROUGH HIM;

SO.

WHO IS HE?

HE IS JESUS!

JOIN ME AND LET'S CELEBRATE HIM;
HE IS WORTHY.

THE EYES BEHOLDING THIS MESSAGE SHALL NOT BEHOLD EVIL, THE HAND THAT WILL SEND THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYBODY SHALL NOT LABOR IN VAIN, AND THE MOUTH SAYING AMEN TO THIS PRAYER SHALL SMILE FOREVER. REMAIN IN GOD AND SEEK HIS FACE ALWAYS.

AMEN

IN GOD I'VE FOUND EVERYTHING!

The Greatest Man in History

Jesus had no servants, yet they called Him Master.

Had no degree, yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him Healer.

He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet

He conquered the world.

He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him.

He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today.

I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!

The Battle Is Not Yours- Yalanda Adams

2007-06-09T23:52:00.000+08:00

There is no pain jesus can't feel
No hurt he can not heal
All things work according to his perfect will
No matter what you're going through
Remember god is using you
For the battle is not yours
It's the lord's

There's no sadness jesus can't feel
And there is no sorrow
That he can not heal
For all things work
According to the master's holy will
No matter what you're going through
Remember that god is only using you
For the battle is not yours
It's the lord's

It's the lord's
Yes it's the lord's
Hold your head up high
Don't you fright
It's the lord's
It's the lord's
Yes it's the lord's

No matter what
You're going through
Remember that god
Only wants to use you
For the battle is not yours
It's the lord's

No matter what
You happen to go through right now
Remember that in the midst of it all
God only wants to use you
No matter what you're going through
For the battle is not yours
It's the lord's

No matter what it is
That you're going through
Hold your head up, stick your chest out
And remember he's using you
No matter what you're going through
God is only using you

For this battle is not yours alone
This battle is not yours, no
You can not handle it all by yourself
No, no, no, no, no, no
It's not yours
This battle is not yours
It's the lord's, not yours

This battle is not yours
The lord is the only one who can fight it
He wants to use you as his vessel
So be open to him
It's not yours
No it's not yours
It's the lord's, not yours

The battle is not your's
It's the lord's

Don't Worry

2007-06-04T12:14:00.000+08:00

Psalm 46:10

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD!

Release the Past

2007-06-03T16:07:00.000+08:00

....But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus
Philippians 3:13-14

One of the main keys to overcoming disappointments in life is learning to let go of the past. You let go of the past by choosing to forgive those who have hurt or wronged you by believing that God will restore to you anything that was taken. When you receive Christ's forgiveness in your own life, you are released from the pressure to make up for the past mistakes or failures. You begin to experience the bright future God has in store for you.

Don't let the regrets of yesterday destroy the hopes of tomorrow. No matter what has happened in the past, God is a God of restoration, and He will restore what the enemy has stolen from you.

I will restore the years that the locust has eaten and I will bring you out with plenty and you shall be satisfied (Joel 2:25-26)

God wants you to live a satisfied life! He has promised to restore all the things that the enemy has stolen. However, just because God gives this great promise, doesn't mean it will automatically come to pass in your life. You have to do your part to develop a restoration mentality. Expect things to change in your favor. Be strong-willed and determined, and do everything you can to recover what the enemy has stolen.

Remember, obstacles are simply opportunities for advancement. If you'll do your part to have a restoration mentality, God will take every obstacle that comes into your life and turn it into a stepping-stone that will take you to a place of higher honor and greater blessing!

GOD BLESS.......

celebrate, Jesus,celebrate

2007-06-03T15:37:00.001+08:00

Jasmine

2007-05-30T15:40:00.000+08:00

As I stepped into the lift, there was a chinese lady in there.

The day was full of friction, with me as a sponge for all the mishaps of one client I am handling. I am very tired, legs sore, sweating due to the pre-heating weather of Dubai, my face sun-kissed (to a funny extent) and whatever client yells I got from again the mishaps that day.

From a simple hello, the lift encounter, to offering her a ride and to exchanging numbers, it was not a coincident I met this friend.

She was unknowingly comforting me with my problems for the day and coincidentally our conversation reached Religion. To my surprise, Jasmine (her English name, coz her chinese ver is so hard to take note) had none. And I was so heartbroken when she, herself ask to join me to know God and to have some friends. Two years at Dubai and she does not have friends.. how was she able to survive?? That I don't know.

My heart was moved cause I can say the Lord is using me as an instrument to others.
I thanked the Lord for giving me that trust to talk about Him. As I said I am a baby christian but He allows me a lot of potential..it was tear-jerking moment for me( yeah, im a cry-baby).

Amidst all my self-concerns for the day, I realized that there are worse problems in this world than mine. There's more to life.

Spiritual Warfare Prayers

2007-05-30T13:33:00.000+08:00

Any Ungodly thoughts or thoughts you dont want, pray this immediately....

In Jesus' name, I circumcise these thoughts..

You may have to pray this several times before the bad thoughts leave. This really works too!

Psalms

2007-05-30T04:17:00.000+08:00

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD; I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED
HE LETS ME REST IN FIELDS OF GREEN GRASS
AND LEADS ME TO QUIET POOLS OF FRESH WATER
HE GIVES ME NEW STRENGTH
HE GUIDES ME IN THE RIGHT PATHS AS HE PROMISED
EVEN IF I GO THROUGH THE DEEPEST DARKENESS
I WILL NOT BE AFRAID LORD
FOR YOU ARE WITH ME YOUR SHEPHERDS ROD AND STAFF PROTECT ME
YOU PREPARE A BANQUET FOR ME WHERE ALL MY ENEMIES CAN SEE ME
YOU WELCOME ME AS AN HONORED GUESS AND FILL MY CUP TO THE BRIM
I KNOW THAT YOUR GOODNESS AND LOW WILL BE WITH ME ALL MY LIFE
AND YOUR HOUSE WILL BE MY HOME AS LONG AS I LIVE

PSALM 23

I LOOK TO THE LORD FOR HELP AT ALL TIMES AND HE RESCUES ME FROM DANGER
TURN TO ME, LORD AND BE MERCIFUL TO ME BECAUSE I AM LONELY AND WEAK
RELIEVE ME OF MY WORRIES AND SAVE ME FROM ALL MY TROUBLES CONSIDER MY DISTRESS
AND SUFFERING AND FORGIVE ALL MY SINS
SEE HOW MANY ENEMIES I HAVE SEE HOW MUCH THEY HATE ME
PROTECT ME AND SAVE ME KEEP ME FROM DEFEAT
I COME TO YOU FOR SAFETY MY GOODNESS AND HONESTY PRSERVE ME
BECAUSE I TRUST YOU.

PSALM 25:-15-21

GOD IS LOVE AND WHOEVER LIVES IN LOVE LIVES IN UNION WITH GOD AND GOD LIVES IN US IN ORDER THAT WE MAY HAVE COURAGE ON THE JUDGMENT DAY, AND WE WILL HAVE IT BECAUSE OUR LIFE IN THIS WORLD IS THE SAME AS CHRISTS THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE PERFECT LOVE DRIVES OUT ALL FEARS SO THEN LOVE HAS NOT BEEN MADE PERFECT IN ANYONE WHO IS AFRAID BECAUSE FEAR HAS TO DO WITH PUNISHMENT.
I JOHN 4: 16B-18

Share thy Blessings

2007-05-29T17:08:00.000+08:00

HONOR THE LORD WITH YOUR POSSESSION, AND WITH THE FIRST FRUITS OF ALL YOUR INCREASE; SO YOUR BARNS WILL BE FILLED WITH PLENTY, AND YOUR VATS WILL OVERFLOW WITH NEW WINE. PROVERBS 3-9-10

God will make a way

2007-05-28T17:35:00.000+08:00

God will make a way (lyrics)
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness
He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His word will still remain
He will do something new today.

Heartwarming feeling

2007-05-28T16:43:00.000+08:00

I had a very close friend who called me one late Tuesday afternoon. We had a long talk over the phone and it was such a touching moment.

My friend was one of those people who I prayed for a lot coz she is quite burdened through family responsibilities and other life issues. I have been dragging her over to church for some time now but she often refuses saying she is not ready to face the Lord. My response to this was.. " See, this is one of the perfect times to draw close to Jesus. You know, it is such an easy act to let go of all your fears and burdens and pass em on to Him. Afterwhich have faith that He has taken care of it for you."

One time, finally it worked so she came, she cried and she realized everything... This, my friends, is what I can call an achievement. It was such a joy on my part that I have shared the Truth to her.
She was indeed in tears thanking me for the effort. I did not own up to the realization coz I am just one Christian who was made a channel of blessing to others.
I was walking with a huge smile and a heartwarming feeling.. gazing up in the amber sky that late afternoon.. murmuring to the Lord, "this is just the beginning...it is all feeling good now."

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Remember:

2007-05-28T03:02:00.000+08:00

Thu Night

2007-05-27T20:39:00.000+08:00

I, together with some pals were driving home from my cousin's place. It was late night around 11:30 pm and so traffic was less.. All of a sudden there was a jam at the roundabout that caused me to hit my breaks hard and pushed the hazard button for the car tailing me. It was too late though coz he hit my back and therefore created a big dent on the back bumper and the trunk. It was such a terrible night coz I have to call the cops for police report had to stay put for a while and had to spray cologne all over me. I forgot to mention the teeny, weeny bit.. I had a glass of wine prior to that.And God knows what kind of trouble I could be in for that. Well, praise the Lord, everyone is safe. and praise the Lord, it was just a dent not a huge damage at that. Thank God I was not at fault at hitting another car or it is big trouble for me and praise the Lord, for saving us.. Gee, sorry Lord!

Pay it Forward

2007-05-25T16:53:00.000+08:00

for God be the glory!

GOD’S UNFAILING LOVE

2007-05-24T04:20:00.000+08:00

THE THOUGHT OF MY PAIN MY HOMELESSNESS, IS BITTER POISON

I THINK OF IT CONSTANTLY, AND MY SPIRIT IS DEPRESSED

YET HOPE RETURNS WHEN I REMEMBER THIS ONE THING

THE LORD’S UNFAILING LOVE AND MERCY STILL CONTINUE FRESH AS THE MORNING

AS SURE AS THE SUNRISE. THE LORD IS ALL I HAVE AND SO IN HIM I PUT MY HOPE.

LAMENTATIONS 3:19-24

O GOD YOU ARE MY GOD AND I LONG FOR YOU

MY WHOLE BEING DESIRES YOU LIKE A DRY, WORN OUT AND WATERLESS LAND
c
MY SOUL IS THIRSTY FOR YOU. LET ME SEE YOU IN THE SANCTUARY GLORIOUS YOU ARE YOUR CONSTANT LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE ITSELF AND SO I WILL PRAISE YOU. IW ILL GIVE YOU THANKS AS LONG I LIVE

U WILL RAISE MY HAND TO YOU IN PRAYER, MY SOUL WILL FEAST AND SATISFIED AND I WILL SING GLAD SONGS PRAISE TO YOU.

PSALM 63:1-5

LORD YOUR COMMENT LOVE REACHES THE HEAVENS YOUR FAITHFULNESS EXTENDS TO THE SKIES

YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS TOWERING LIKE THE MOUNTAINS YOUR JUSTICE IS LIKE THE DEPTH OF THE SEA. MEN AND ANIMALS ARE IN YOUR CARE.

HOW PRECIOUS O GOD IS YOUR CONSTANT LOVE!! WE FIND PROTECTION UNDER THE SHADOW OF YOUR WINGS WE FEAST ON THE ABUNDAANT FOOD YOU PROVIDE YOU LET US DRINK FROM THE RIVER OF YOUR GOODNESS. YOU ARE THE SOURCE OF ALL LIFE AND BECAUSE OF YOUR LIGHT WE SEE THE LIGHT.

PSLAM 36:5-9

Heartbroken

2007-05-24T04:06:00.000+08:00

Lord, I ask for forgiveness for all the moaning I have done in my life. Thank you indeed for a beautiful life.
This is..just heartbreaking.I never imagined there's a part of the world as desperate as this child.Please guide and mold me into a person who is not confined in my own world so that I can do my responsibility for others. I want to do things for Your glory.Amen.

Bucketful

2007-05-23T13:36:00.000+08:00

for a minute, raise up your hands up in the air and say...

BLESSINGS
COME FORTH
IN JESUS' NAME!
AMEN.

Could you be Messiah?

2007-05-20T23:10:00.000+08:00

No Permissive Will

2007-05-18T20:00:00.000+08:00

Lord,

Bless my mind, body and soul.
I have been lost and yet You are the only one there for me.
You gave so many answers for me.
In Jesus name, I rebuke all evil.
Lord, I humbly ask for your consideration.
This time if ever I ask for it,
I am ready for the slight consequences.
my career path is sacrificed.
but now I realized,
there is no such thing to worry in this life.
In heaven, you do not ask what I did in the world or what my position is or how much I earn or what material things I have.
what matters in Your eyes is what I did for my fellows and more importantly, how did it glorify You and Our Father.
Lord, peace of mind is the start of my service to you.
I have been in chaos and as human as I am, I cannot focus if within self I am not at peace.
Pull me away from the evil around me.
I cannot handle it LORD.
I'm just your child helpless and hopeless child.
I cannot thrive in this kind of environment.
Please pull me away from such dirty games and temptations.
I would like to give something to my parents and brothers and friends and fellow brethrens at church and eventually people who needs to know about you.
Consider me one of your followers Lord.
I am your child,
once lost
but now found
Thank you.
Thank you for taking me back
unconditionally.
I have a long way to go since I am a baby christian.
But I have not regret a single bit of the path I have chosen.

In Jesus name, I ask your mighty power for magic and miracle,
touch the eyes and hearts of the people around me.
In Jesus name, rebuke the devil in stopping my quest.
In Jesus name, I ask humbly and fervently for this peace of mind.
Lord, I want to thank you in advance.
Please dont give me any doubts.
this is my time.
this is my special sauce.
this is my rainbow after the rain.
this is the right after all the wrong.
Lord Jesus, I am claiming my miracle.
You are the director of my miracle.
Everything is Your will.
Everything by You.
and You alone!

Your child,

faithful

2007-05-16T13:11:00.000+08:00

The very challenging part of a relationship with the Lord is a question of faith..

The Lord has so many ways of testing us.

He keeps us in situations where He wants to see how far we cling unto Him or how easy we give up.

when you say faith..it means 100% trust in His will and power.

It is so easy to say but in the most trying times, can you honestly say you have no tinge of doubt at all?

Yes we are human, and we cannot help but do so at times but..

seriously, I am a living witness of the power of prayer

or say power of faith,

or say power of trust,

or on a higher note, a belief that a Mighty force somewhere is shining down on us.

A miracle is in the making. if only you have that strong faith.

jumpstarting

2007-05-13T00:54:00.000+08:00

It all started one gloomy day in May a year ago.

And it was the best thing that happened in my entire 24 years existence.
Living in a foreign land is a test enough for me.
My innocence and naivety often brings me into trouble,
and most often hurtful realities.
And I have no family to run to but friends.
Yes friends were jewels and they definitely aided in the hard process of expat living.
In a place were there were no boundaries but
mere grip of moral values and ethical upbringing..
comes indeed a trial of faith.

There is a very thin line between good and bad.
..right and wrong
..just and unfair

Again, it started one gloomy day in May a year ago.
There was a strong force from somewhere.
Tears were flowing from my eyes.
I felt comfort.
I felt warmth.
I felt loved.

The Lord took my hands and held it in His.
I never wanted to let go.
at this very moment..
until eternity..