Inspired by the Word

My Letter to God for My 23rd Year

Posted on 9:13 PM, under Letter, Meditation, Prayer

Dear Lord,

Today, I am celebrating my 23rd year of existence in this world. Herein, I can never recall a day were you left me nor forsaken me. Your grace and mercy surpassed all my sorrows and troubles I’ve had in my life.

Today, I remember how You have been good and faithful in my life. From how/where I was born, as to the color of my skin, hair, face, personality and my whole being, for the family that you have chosen for me to be with, for the kind of parents and sibling/s I have, for what friends I have around me, as to schools I’ve been and to whatever accomplishments I’ve had; Lord, it is all because of You.

Today, on my 23rd years in this world, without a doubt I can never deny Your love for me. I might feel empty sometimes, telling myself that nobody loves me; that I am always second best in people’s lives but that’s a big lie. You were and will always be there on my side and will always embrace me when no one is left to hang on.

Your protection. For 23 years in my life You have shown me that you are the greatest Defender and will never put me into danger. You are my source of strength to be brave to go home in the middle of the night or in the break of dawn. You are always my rescue when illicit, immoral creatures attempt to pester on me or take advantage of me. Surely you are my protection and one thing I know, “Vengeance will always be Yours.

You are my God. Your faithfulness is overwhelming. Why? You deal with my shortcomings. I’ve been through a lot of temptations as to wrong decision makings. Still, You welcomed me, open-handed ready to forgive all my trespasses.

Twenty-three years is just as fast as yesterday. All I see is your unfailing love. You have chosen carefully everything to be part of my life. I might not be the most beautiful but You have created me in your own image. I might not be the smartest but I was never dumbest. I was never rich but grace will always be satisfying. I may not a product of a good school but you made me pass my examinations. I might not be the greatest but You chose me to lead groups. My parents may not be the best but You gave them as to what I am supposed to be mold. I might not be working as a nurse full time but unquestionably Your purpose in my life will never be hindered. I don’t know what might happen as I start my 23rd year in this world, all I know is, You will always be faithful, forgiving, loving merciful gracious and protective God to me.

Things may not be so good and perfect in my eyes but definitely Your promises will never fail. I have tendencies to a slack in reading my Bible but then You are using guilt and other people to remind me of the duties and responsibilities as a Christian. Personality-wise, I am inconsistent but for you Lord I’ll try to change my shortcomings and downsides. I can’t change in a day or so but with the help of the Holy Spirit I’ll find myself someday faithfully serving You with boldness in my heart to share and 100% serve you without holding back.

Lord, I know You have prepared a guy for me. A guy who will be with me for the rest of my life; who will honor me as his partner and together we will serve you Lord. He might not come today but bless him. I know someday I’ll get to see him in the right time and place.

Lord, I don’t know what future might bring where I will be a year from now. I surrender to You everything. You have printed a very nice blueprint for me. Mold me Lord for Your glory and honor. Make me a better Christian, a witness for You, use me everywhere I go and always lead me to right decision makings. Thank you for all the blessing You have giving me and for all those to come.

Let this be my prayer; my letter for You.

Think Twice

Posted on 12:44 PM, under Decisions

Stop! What are you doing? Are you sure you want to do that? Why? What makes you say yes? And why no? Is that your final answer?

Decision making is such an immense thing to do. Everyday, great or small, we make decisions. These decisions make us succeed if we planned it so meticulous for success; failure for those decisions drawn from anger, jealousy, pride and selfishness. When people settle on ideas and undertakings, they might get to the point were they’re thinking without acting or acting without thinking.

As to the world view, morality is considered to be what you feel is good and what you feel is bad. There are times that what you think is right may not really right in the eyes of our Almighty Creator. Take an instance, drinking (alcohol or something fermented), some might say it is not wrong to drink because it removes stress from a long day of work or it gives us a good sleep. Or staying in front of the computer for like the rest of your life doing nothing for a day may not be offensive to the public or to the morality we have. You decide to do it thinking that you didn’t break any law or you can say morality says it’s good.

Thinking of these issues I can say sometimes I am thinking the same. Such example would be sleeping. Sleeping is part of our basic needs but oversleeping is still part of my discretion. I realized that I missed several points in decision making.

Asking questions before taking any steps and seeing the possibilities if you are making a right decision that pleases the Lord based on His Word will never harm you for sure.

The Bible says:

Is it an indulgence in earthly desires? “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15)

Would it be pleasing to God or to humankind? Everything you do should be for God’s benefit, not your own or anyone else’s. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your hearts, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23)

Could God bless it? If it’s not something you could take before in good conscience, you have your answer. “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it” (Proverbs 10:22)

Could you thank God for it? Would it be something that would be inappropriate to thank God for? “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).

Would it be a stumbling block to others? You should never do anything that would offend or harm others. “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block of the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9).

Would I want God to see me do it? You must remember that God sees all –you can’t hide anything from Him. “You know my folly. O God; my guilt is not hidden from you” (Psalms 69:5).

What would its consequences be? God forgives your sin, but you will still have to live with the results of your decisions. “Do not be deceived; God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Galatians 6:7).

Would it hinder my walk with God? “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Would it bring God glory? Bless the Lord in all you do. “So whether you eat or drink whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

How would Satan react? The last thing you want or need is Satan celebrating your decision. “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).

Would it bring me closer to God? Our daily lives should be bringing us ever closer to the heart of God. “Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’- but not everything is constructive” (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Have I sought godly counsel? Ask advice from godly people who have a proven track record of wise decision-making. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, nut many advisers make victory sure” (Proverb 11:14).

Have I asked the Lord about it? How many decisions do you make on a daily basis without first seeking God? He will never speak something that contradicts His Written Word. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5,6).

Two Sacks of Money

Posted on 2:20 AM, under Christian living, Faith, Obedience, Opportunity, Relationship, Responsibilites, Salvation, Soul Win, Sucess

Suppose there were two enormously large sacks of money on two sides of a room. One sack was filled with $1 bills. The other sack was filled with $1,000 bills. And supposing you were given a small basket, and told you had only 60 seconds to fill your basket with as much money as you could…
… which sack would you choose to take from?!

Money is a very temporary object, as it is here one day and gone the next. Jail cells are filled with people who once had great wealth. Life, also, is short. The Scriptures liken it unto a vapor, a flower, and a single day. So, friend, which would be the wiser use of our ‘day’ on earth? To gather up as much as we can from the low-dollar self-serving worldly sack, or to reach into God’s Will, and attain that which will last all eternity!?

That said, allow me to act as your CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and let’s review your assets in this matter. In short, “How successful are you at leading souls to Jesus?!” Take a piece of paper and write down how many years it has been since you first found Christ. Now, below that number, please write down the total number of people who have placed their trust and hope for Heaven in Christ because of your witnessing/testimony.
If the top number is larger than the bottom number… you need what I am about to say. If the bottom number is much larger than the top, you already know what I am about to say.

Here’s the secret to becoming a fruitful Christian:
“This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightiest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:” -- I Timothy 1:18-19

Young Timothy had a Greek, unsaved father. His mother was a Christian, and took great care to teach her child, Timothy, the scriptures. Paul reminds Timothy, (In the book aptly named 1 Timothy.) That God gives us TWO UNIQUE WEAPONS to being an effective Christian witness.

1.) Faith. Without FAITH it is impossible to please God. We like to SAY we have faith, but in truth… it takes faith the size of a mustard seed to move a mountain. Have you re-arranged any mountainous terrain lately? No? Since you lack even the most rudimentary level of terraforming, mayhaps your faith is SMALLER than even a grain of mustard seed! LOL!

Actually, your problem may very well lie in the book of James.
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew my thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith BY my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils ALSO believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” -- James 2:17-20 [emphasis added]

Sadly, many Christians believe that since they are saved, there is no need to live a separated life. Their THEOLOGY (How they view God and His Commandments/Laws) are based on their MORALITY (Their comfortable and preferred lifestyle.) Paul reminds Timothy that the scriptures taught to him in his childhood would be the ‘ammo’ for fighting a good warfare. Christian friend, if you do not spend time thinking on scriptures, and meditating upon God’s precepts, you are trying to fight a war with no ammo… and those wars tend to be short ones!

Your faith becomes as DEAD in the eyes of those you are trying to witness to if it contains no works. God DOES see the heart, but man is stuck seeing the OUTSIDE. What are the works that establish our faith in man’s eyes? Knowing and keeping God’s precepts and principles! Forgiveness. Love thy neighbor. Love thine enemies. Bless them that curse you. Go the second mile. Care for the widows and fatherless. Turn the other cheek.
… you KNOW most of them. But KNOWING and DOING are two very different things. It only takes faith to trust Christ as Savior, and be saved! But it takes faith + works to convince others.

2.) A Good Conscience. Let’s build a sling shot. (You remember those from childhood, right?) We must find a ‘Y’ shaped stick, and then we need a pebble. And what else….!? Oh! And we must not forget the thing that sends the pebble flying! What works best for that? STRING? Tape? How about a USB cable?!
No. A pebble will not go far without proper energy transfer method. (Throwing always works.) Rubber bands will work, yes, but a piece of bungee cord is the absolute BEST!

A Christian armed with a Good Conscience is like using an elastic band to launch a pebble! It is what gives the words you say ‘Oomph!’ ... POWER!

The younger you are, the easier it is to maintain a clear conscience! When you make a huge blunder, or commit a terrible sin, you are in a wonderful position to use the Grace that God gives you to ask forgiveness and keep your slate clean with both God and man.
However, the older you get, the harder this becomes. Especially if we have neglected the necessary repairs from our youth. Why is it so hard to go to those we have wronged and apologized? No excuses. No cop-outs. No placing or sharing the blame.
Guilt is probably the all time GREATEST preventer of Christianity! It nullifies our words, and causes them to be meaningless and doubtful.

Foolish people attempt to balance their guilt with blame. Why is it that our actions and attitudes are always someone else’s fault? Why is it that the words we say in anger, or our actions-in-response are always someone else’s fault? WHY? Because we have guilt, and look to balance that guilt with blame. But to do this brings on depression, anger, bitterness towards self and others, discouragement, disorientation, and devastation.

A Wise Christian understands that it is better to balance GUILT with FORGIVENESS! If you mess up… when you fall… when you hurt others… when you lose your temper… when you fail to act in accordance to God’s Wise and True Preciepts… it is BETTER to humble yourself and ask for forgiveness.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrigheousness.” – I John 1:9

Keep things level and clean between God and Man. Go to those you have wronged in your past. Make those slates CLEAN. Apologize to those you have offended. Make restitution to those you have stolen from or cheated. Correct with honesty those to whom you have lied. Make amends with those whom you have fought with. Let everyone know that you are trying your best to be a TRUE Christian with a CLEAN conscience. While some may choose NOT to forgive you, at least God will know that you have honestly and truly tried.
And keep the slate clean by granting mercy and forgiveness to those who have wronged you.

As Christians, we are responsible for every thought we dwell on. (II Corinthians 10:5); every word we say (Matthew 12:36); every deed we do (II Corinthians 5:10); every attitude we display (I Peter 3:10); and every motive which drives our actions (Jeremiah 17:10)!!!

That’s BASIC human responsibility! How can we expect to be a happy, effective Christian if we choose to neglect our basic responsibilities and live a slave to the world’s philosophies!

Chose to grab from the sack of eternal treasures… Things you will be able to present to the Father on that judgment day. Live for HIM because He, alone, is Worthy. Live by FAITH… constantly attentive to God’s Word. And live by a Clean Conscience… faithful to those God has placed around you.

I part with this advice: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works.” – Hebrews 10:24 Christ died for others... can we not live for others?

Nurses & YOU

Posted on 8:52 PM, under Bible Stories, Help, Talents, Trust

Half past eight, Sunday after church, together with my little brothers in the Lord, we were sitting outside the church building when suddenly something crashed. The youngest son of my church pastor took a look where it happened and he said 'twas vehicular accident and there was a man lying on the road followed up with the statement…JOKE! I told him to stop teasing or else I’ll pull his ear. (Of course, I was just teasing). Unhappy with his sort of investigation, he walked closer to the place where we heard the loud crash, and he told us that it is for real". There was an accident. Together with the other boys we walked closer to the scene and found out it was real.

"Lub dub lub dub" says my heart. The instinct of a nurse to help run through my veins, I pulled the youngest son of my assistant pastor and we ran to the scene just across the street of our church. There I saw a guy lying on the road, crashed windshield of the van, the smashed up motorcycle, the bystanders (which actually just watching and DID NOT DO ANYTHING, and of course BLOOD! I identified myself as a nurse and I was caught off guard. Isn’t it I am an oncology nurse?! I took a deep breath and whispered a prayer. I begin assessing the patient with my heart racing like a galloping horse. The guy was still on the motorcycle with his left extremity underneath the motorcycle. I asked him if he’s ok and if he can hear me. He nodded. I asked help to the bystanders if they can move the motorcycle so that I can assess the patient more and if he has leg fracture or what. The funny thing was, of all the people who were there no one dared to call the police or an ambulance! I left the patient and called the police to report the collision and asked for an ambulance too. We went to the hospital and after few hours he was lying okay intoxicated with his wound cleaned and dressed. Their family friend dropped me home past midnight. Adrenaline rushed I can’t sleep I begun writing this article.

When I was in the emergency room waiting for the doctor to finish suturing the patient’s nose, I begun to think of Jesus Christ who helped the wounded Samaritan.

Luke 10:25-37 (Words of Jesus in red.)

25Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" 27He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." 28And he said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live." 29But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.' 36 Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" 37He said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

It is God's command to help others who are in need, eventhough you are not in the medical field. Prayer, donation and simple words of encouragement has a huge impact to the patients. Help others just like Jesus did. Let us be Christ-like in words and in deeds.

Fear Factor Challenge

Posted on 1:43 PM, under Fear, God's Promises

Phobia, fear of something or anything, some are rational like heights or close spaces but some are irrational like fear of breathing or ugly people. We all have fears within ourselves. Even the most influential, strong and the most respective personality you are looking up to have fears either rational or not. My fears? Oh, I have lots of those but I am not going to tell of what I fear.

As a nurse I have learned that the most feared thing of all the patients especially for those who will be going in an operation (surgery) is the fear of the unknown – what will happen if I fell asleep in the operation? Shall I be able to gain consciousness again or shall I die? What do nurses fear? We have our own fears too. Fear of being infected with our patients diseases, fear of giving wrong medications – negligence and malpractice at all, and fear of percutaneous injuries (pricking, sorry for being technical) from patients with untreatable diseases such as AIDS or Hepatitis B. Our own health is at stake, even our lives.

Nowadays, we are in a world of uncertainty. The world that is full of chaos, disasters and calamities, wars and conflicts, global warming and financial crisis. You do not really know if the place where you live is safe for you and for your family or the food you are eating is still good for your body. Horrible, isn’t it?

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. “ Isaiah 41:13

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

“Be not afraid” occurs more than 365 times all throughout the Bible. There are 365 days in a year. This means we should not be afraid every single day of our lives. Ninety-two percent of what we worry about never happens and the 8% is usually manageable. Our God is great for us, His’ people, to fear. Lay down your worries and fears to Him. For our God is in control! Be bold and say MY GOD IS BIGGER THAN MY PROBLEMS. I SHALL NOT FEAR! I just want to leave you with two of my favorite verses in the Bible that I usually cling on when I am afraid.

“So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convince that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

Give Up to Go Up

Posted on 1:44 PM, under Eternal Life, Forgiveness, Friend, Salvation, Surrender

Think about the best friend you’ve ever had and what made your relationship great. Isn’t it about hanging out, talking and trusting friend enough to share your secrets with him or her?

Have you ever thought that you could have relationship with God as good as the relationship that you have with your best friend?

You don’t just get a close friendship with God because of what your parents tell you about Him or by spending an hour a week in Sunday school. Just like it took hanging out with your best friend, talking and testing his or her trust, it takes hanging out with God, talking to Him and learning to trust Him.

So where does God hang out? Wherever you are! He’s been running after you – yearning intensely and persistently for you. Perhaps you know what pining feels like. Have you ever wanted to be good friends with someone for a long time, yet he or she managed to ignore you or to not realize what a great person you are? Stop for a second and think: have you possibly ignored God lately? Have you talked to Him?

In case you’re wondering how to talk to God, you pray –constantly. Not just before that exam you didn’t even study for; you pray throughout the day. He’d like it if you prayed for everything and anything. He’d just like to hear from you. Of course, you don’t get to know someone if you’re doing all the talking. Let God take a turn talking to you. One way you can let Him do that is to read His Word, the Bible. Come on, don’t say you don’t’ like to read. If your best friend wrote you a 10-page letters, you’d read it immediately, over and over again.

The Bible is filled with letters and poems from God addressed to you, treasures just waiting for your discovery. Your Bible, which hopefully isn’t dusty, is yelling, “Open Me! Search Me!” How you hear God speaking to you is by inserting your name into the scripture you’re reading and seeing how it applies to your personal life. You’ll soon realize that it really was written with you in mind!

As you begin reading God’s Word every day (or if you already are, try spending ever more time reading it, you’ll also begin to trust Him more, and you begin to get closer like a best friend that always around in your success and failures. For the Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scriptures is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

Your trusting God will cause your relationship with Him to grow. Think of the person you’re closest to. Do you sometimes find yourself knowing what he’ll say or what she’ll do? Do you know what makes him happy or what annoys her? In the same way, soon God’s desires for you will become your own desires! And Psalm 139:4 will be the case: “For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.”

When your best friend’s birthday comes, don’t you want to give him or her something nice? When your relationship with God becomes close, you’ll also want to give Him something. After all, hasn’t God given you everything? In return, how about giving Him the best of your time, your money, your energy, and your love? Most important, how about, giving Him your heart-surrendering yourself to Him?

God is Holy and He hates sin. We are human. We were born in this world with a sinful nature. Romans 3: 10 and 23 says There is none righteous, no, not one; for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. See the difference? There is a barrier between God and us, it is SIN. And we can’t be His best friend in that case. BUT praise be to our God, He sent His son Jesus Christ to be our mediator for us (1 Timothy 2:5), our supplications and prayers to be heard. Jesus Christ died for our sins. He tore the veil between God and man.

Now you might ask me, how can I make God as my best friend? By trusting Him; accept Jesus Christ to be your only Savior and Lord, Believe that He died for your sin and He is the only way to eternal life, Confess your sins to Him and live a new life. For the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away behold, all things are become new.”

How do you learn to trust God? By getting to know Him. And do get to know Him? By spending time reading His Word, fellowshipping with other Christians and praying to Him every day.

God say in Isaiah 41:9, “I have chosen you.” Now He’s just waiting for you to choose Him-to surrender to Him in response.

Say this prayer if you want to surrender your life to Him as a response. “Dear God, I realize that I am a sinner. Thank you for sending Your son, Jesus Christ to pay for my sins and save me. Lord Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross and rose from the dead for me. I repent of my sins and receive You into my heart as my Savior and Lord. I accept your gift of eternal life. Thank you for coming into my heart and for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, congratulations! You didn’t only gain your best friend but you can also be with Him through all eternity in Heaven. :)

Summer Means Service

Posted on 4:19 PM, under Sacrifice, Service

In my country, summer cool breeze and boiling hot weather starts in the month of March to the month of May. Well that was before, before when I can’t feel the effects of human abuse to nature. I am talking about Global Warming. This year, summer started early and sad to say it ended early too. Summer is such a great season for me. It means “Service”. In fact, God is really the greatest scheduler ever. Why? Well, my contract as an ESL (English as Second Language) Tutor expires in summer. Sweet isn’t it? I didn’t renew my contract. I want a full service this summer for the Lord. I want to have a fruitful Summer ’09. Anyway summer season is not really long. What is 2 months without job anyway? It will not kill me. The truth is it will give me a break from work and have a fresh start after it. You have to try it. You can’t explain how fulfilled you are deep inside.

The day I ended teaching, we had our 7 Sayings Service and I sang a song. It was a good start for me for a great summer. The next day my church have had a Church Retreat. Of course I was there. For some people it doesn’t really sound good. Summer and I have no job. I beg to disagree though. I am under the divine providence of my Lord and Savior. He is the source of what I’ve got right now. It is just time for me to bring back what is due to Him.

For the past years I’ve been actively involved in Vacation Bible School. I started teaching children when I was 17 and I still did this year; hopefully for the years to come. Where ever God will take me. I want to serve Him – with all I am. The theme this year is “SonTreasure Island” – Discovering God’s Love based on 1 Corinthians 13. I know for other countries especially the United States of America, this theme was for the year 2006. Anyhow it doesn’t matter as long we use it for the Lord. This year I am task to be a Music Teacher. Anyway I volunteered. It is really overwhelming how children respond and how they are enthusiastically singing the songs you are teaching them. How did I know? I was the Music teacher last year too. How these little children ages 3 up moving there hands, singing loudly and giving there best for the Lord is just simply amazing. Thinking how there little souls wanted to worship the Most High. If we are all like children open and willing to be teach by God’s word; no resistance and no murmuring. It is just pure willingness to listen.

Thinking of what God has done in my life; service will not stop or just be around during summer season. It must go around the whole year, everyday. Have time for God like He has all the time listening to your problems and supplications. Anyhow, we are in this world by Him, through Him and for Him. Is your Master satisfied with your service? Think of it.

Jevohah Rapha - God Heals

Posted on 9:24 AM, under Friendship, Healing, Miracle, Personal Testimony

For the past several months, I came across different types of people that in a long run became my good friends. Some stayed, some went away. I had a friend that I’ve known for a year now, however she’s not talking to me anymore. She got cancer. As a friend, I comforted her saying all things work for good. Trust God and have faith. He is miraculous that He will heal you. Sad to say, she rejected it and chose to stop talking to me.

Jesus Christ made the lame to walk again (Luke 5:17-25), blind to see (John 9:1-7), and raise the dead (John 11). These were just few of the miracles Jesus Christ performed in this world when He was here. My point is, these people faithfully believed that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, can heal them and they were healed.

Base on my personal experience in life, my father committed suicide when I was small. He’s in the Intensive Care Unit for several weeks that we never knew anytime he will pass away. My family and friends wept and prayed for God’s miraculous healing. After 2 months my father survived from that near death experience. He survived because we prayed, we believed, there was faith. To tell you, that was the over all change in our family’s lives. We became Christians.

The Bible promised us in Hebrews 13:5 that “…I will never leave the, nor forsake thee.” God is a great God. He is a healing God. In God nothing is impossible. (Luke 1:37). Lean on His promises – promises that never fail. God is always in control.

Think about it. Why not pause for a prayer and ask God for forgiveness, accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Pray for healing. Whatever you feel, whatever sickness is in you, have faith. Exodus 15:26 says “I am Jehovah who heals you” both body and soul, In body, by preserving from diseases, and by curing then when afflicted with them and in soul, by pardoning their iniquities. Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord Who Heals).

A song of healing by Don Moen – Heal Me O Lord. Have time to listen. God bless you and heal you.

Another Year of Service

Posted on 4:10 PM, under Gift, Opportunity, Service, Talents

“What you are is God’s gift to you; what you do with yourself is your gift to God”
Danish Proverb

It’s New Year. My church annually nominates new sets of officers for each group, in my case, Young People’s group. I’ve been an officer for quite sometimes in this group. It’s not that I don’t want to serve God anymore, I told my siblings in Christ not to nominate me and give way to new potential leaders. They asked why. I told them, it’s time for a new set of faces in the office - new sets of people to be use by God. As what I’ve asked them, I am not part of the new set of the officers anymore.

Our new president, an 19 year-old guy, asked why me in a low tone of voice like his in doubt if he can manage to be the president of the group. Suddenly, a preachy me came into action saying something. God gave as talents that we can use for service –for Him. Some are in born. Some need to be discovered. I told our new president that “It’s time to shine. Let God use you this year. I know it’s quite intimidating to be a president without any experience but God doesn’t look on our resume or our degree for us to serve Him. He wants our best, the willingness to serve, despite of our shortcomings.

Discover what talents and abilities you have to be use for God’s glory. You will never know what you’re good at until you try. Let God use you this year. 2 Timothy 2:15 says “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

God is using me now and I want Him to use more of my abilities and capabilities this year and the years to come. What about you? How can you make the best use of what God has given you?

Farewell Fruitful 2008. Welcome Prosperous 2009.

Posted on 3:03 PM, under

Two thousand eight (2008) has been a fruitful year for me. My heart is full of thanksgiving as to what the Lord has done in me. In connection, my first blog for 2009 is all about the blessings I received for the past year. I will cite the eight (8) major highlights of all the blessings I received that made 2008 extraordinary for me.

The first thing I want to thank God last year was the blessing to pass the December 2007 Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination released February of 2008. The night before the result was released I prayed to God that He had supplied my needs for four years in college that I knew He would make me pass. Human as I am the fear of failing was there, though. I prayed just to pass it be it 75% for a general average I would not mind. God was so good. He let me passed and the good thing was, I passed with satisfactory grade. My comforting song during that worrying and bloodcurdling night was “He never sleeps” by Don Moen. (You can found this song in the player I have in my sidebar below.) I played the song for hours while crying and praying to pass. The lesson I learned, as the Bible says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things just be added unto you” Matthew 6:33. The verse is true and God’s promises will always be true.

Next to my list for my thanksgiving for the last year, I fell in love for the first time. I don’t want to talk about it but for the sake of the blog I will talk it over a little. I fell in love with an unbeliever. I struggled to keep the relationship; however, it ended up a failure. Until then I appreciate my pastor’s advice regarding the Bible verse about equally yoking with the unbeliever (2 Corinthians 6:14). My first was a failure; nevertheless, it’s with a purpose.

The succeeding blessing, the third I suppose; another year to serve God through Vacation Bible School (VBS), 5 days of classes pointing to God’s goodness. It was my first time to be a VBS Music Teacher. It was a big challenge for me, the fact, that I have this stage fright. What motivates me to do so was the opportunity to serve God through the message of the songs and the voices of the children singing for the Lord. I love kids – the reason why I enjoyed it. An opportunity to serve God is a blessing too.

June. It’s been a year since I’ve seen my father that time. God is really good for using somebody just for His will to push through. My aunt invited me and my mother to visit their place where my father is working for them. Tears of joy and sadness stir together when I saw my father. No matter what, that’s a blessing, a wonderful one to thank God.

August. Out of desperation of failing the interview I had with the manager of a Korean Academy in my place I resolved to volunteer my service as an oncology nurse in one of the hospitals in my place. I did not experience any difficulty applying for that position. The head nurse just scanned my papers and said I can start that date. Well, another blessing to thank. I was the last person who got the last slot.

September. Funny thing happened. Surprisingly, I passed the exam and the interview with the Korean Academy I applied last August. I jumped for joy that I made it. I was trained together with my batch mates things that I don’t know. It was another learning experience that I never expected to happen. It’s a blessing to thank God.

My second to the last thanksgiving, 5th day of November, I had in my hand the white card with my picture and of course my name and the title nurse. I am talking about my license card as a nurse of my country. It’s a double celebration because that day I was celebrating my 22nd birthday anniversary. No party was prepared but handling my license was the greatest present I had received.

To wrap up my last and the most important thing I want to thank God for the last year, is the opportunity to serve Him. The eternal life He gave me that I will always keep. I can’t have those things I’ve mentioned above without a life obviously. God has been good in my life for the past years and unquestionably will be good for the years to come.

No Blog. My Bad

Posted on 2:43 PM, under

So rude of me! I haven’t posted a single blog for 7 months. I have several reasons I can explain why this thing happened but some of my reasons are not so valid but still I will acknowledge.

First, my heart was awaken in the middle of nowhere but sad to say it’s with the wrong guy. It didn’t last long that therefore I can settle to an idea that God is protecting me from the worst part that might happen. Yes, I was brokenhearted but as what the Bible says “All things work together for GOOD to those who love God.” Romans 8:28. I am a daughter of God. I don’t deserve someone that is an enemy of God. I know it sounds so witless but in this life we can say we don’t really decide in sound mind all the time.

In addition, I lost my internet connection at home. The cost of the monthly fee was out of my budget those times so it needed to be cut off. Other reasons were, I was busy processing my Board Exam Rating and my license card as a nurse, looking for a job until I got hired and a lot more. I hope my justifications are reasonable and acceptable.

Temptations. Can You Handle It?

Posted on 8:43 PM, under Sin, Temptation

Every temptation is an opportunity to do what is right and what pleases our Lord. Temptation is a sign that Satan hates you. Everyone is tempted of all kinds. Lustful desires, covetous minds and hidden agendas only are mind knows, are just few examples. Come to think of it. Even our Lord and Savior was tempted by Satan three times but never sinned. Being tempted is not bad, but yielding to it is a sin. We think temptation lies around us, but God says it begins within us. How can we avoid yielding to it? What are the ways to be victorious against temptations? Here are the ABCs over temptation...

A void situations where temptation occurs.
B ecome more familiar with the Bible.
C ount on God's promises (1 Corinthians 10:13).
D evelop accountability partnerships.
F ocus on Jesus' example.
G o to God in prayer for strength.
F ind a friend that you can count on when you feel like tempted.

Your Most Important Decision

Posted on 8:59 PM, under Eternal Life, Friend, Salvation

Have you ever felt that you were all alone, with no one who really understood you?

Would you like to have a good friend who would never leave you, who could help you whenever you needed it?

You can meet a friend like this right now. His name is Jesus. He has written you a “letter” to let you know about Him, about who He is and what He did to try to become your friend. The most personal part of that is the book you have in you hands.

Jesus wants to be with you all the time, but there is a problem. He cannot stay where there is sin. Every time we lie, cheat, disobey or do other wrong things, we move further from Jesus. We must remember He cannot stay where there is sin.

But Jesus loved everyone in the world just as they are and he keeps loving us the same way today, even though we have sinned.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:36)

In His letter Jesus tells us the best way a person can show the love is to be willing to even die for his friend.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

That’s just what Jesus did for us. But why did He have to die? In order to show us just how He wanted to be our friend, Jesus decided to take our punishments for us. That way we could be forgiven without having to pay for our own sins. God could treat us just as if we had never sinned, and Jesus His Son could be our friend forever.

So do we have to die too? Not for our sins, because Jesus died for them so we wouldn’t have to. And not forever, because Jesus died and resurrected so we could live forever with Him. In the letter He says:

“In my Father’s house are many rooms….I am going there to prepare a place for you….I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.”(John 14:2,3)

That is what “eternal life” means in His letter.

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” (John 3:36)

What do we have to do to get rid of our sin so Jesus can be our friend? It’s really easy. First we have to believe that what He wrote us in His letter is true. And then all we have to do is ask Him to do what He said He would do. In the letter it is called “praying”. Some of Jesus’ closest friends one asked Him to teach them how to pray. They had seen Him doing it all the time, so they wanted Him to show them how to pray. He taught them to pray to their heavenly Father and ask him to forgive their sins. So He taught them to pray:

"Our Father in heaven….forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sin against us.” (Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:4)

So why not do it right now? Just say:

Sinner’s Prayer
“HEAVENLY FATHER, THANK YOU FOR SENDING YOUR SON JESUS TO DIE FOR MY SINS. PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR ALL THE BAD THINGS I’VE DONE. I WANT JESUS TO BE MY SAVIOUR AND FRIEND, NOW AND FOREVER.” AMEN.

With Jesus in your heart, you have eternal life

“God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life.” (1 John 5:11, 12)

“He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me….has passed from death into life.” (John 5:24)

When your body dies, you are present with the Lord.

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

If you have prayed the sinner’s prayer, CONGRATULATIONS! & “WELCOME TO GOD”S FAMILY.”

How to keep following Jesus?

ü Go to Bible-believing churches. I recommend churches that only believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life and no other than like good works or graven images.

ü Read verses from the Bible (the Word of God) every day and hide them in your heart by memorizing special verses which help you.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine (what you believe), for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”2 Timothy 3:16)

ü Talk to Jesus in prayer anytime.
§ Thank Jesus for all the good things in life.
§ Praise Him for things He has done for you and for saving your soul. Pray for any need you have. Pray in Jesus’ name.

“If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
“Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” (John 16:23)
“….pray for one another….” (James 5:16)
“Pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

ü Jesus wants you to witness to others (at home, at school, at church, anywhere)

“Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” (Mark 5:19)

Awesome Authority

Posted on 8:16 AM, under Authority

Bible Background

Psalms 119:137-144; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17

Psalms 199, the longest psalms in the Bible, is an acrostic poem of 22 sections, one for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verses 137-144 contain the lines that begin with the letter tsadhe. In this section and throughout the psalm, the writer uses several terms to describe God’s Word: “laws,” “statutes,” “words,” “promises,” “precepts,” “commands.” The writer expresses his joy in learning God’s Word, meditating on it, and guiding his life by it.

In the New Testament, Paul urges his disciples Timothy to handle God’s Word responsibly. Where the King International Version captures the meaning better: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved.” Paul wants Timothy to understand, teach, and preach God’s message in a way that I will never have cause of which to be ashamed. When Paul calls Scripture the “word of truth,” he describes its quality of God’s true message for His people.

Later in this second letter to Timothy, Paul refers directly to Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). All of it is “God-breathed,” he says, as though God exhaled the very words into the minds of the individuals who wrote them down. More than that, Scripture proves itself useful in equipping God’s people to do good. It corrects our errors, highlights our sins, and teaches the Old Testament (all Scripture available at the time), what he says applies equally to the New Testament/

We call the Bible “God’s Word,” and so it is. But the biblical concept of the Word of God reaches beyond the printed page to include everything God communicates to His people. Our task is to respect God’s Word, put it into our minds and hearts, and let it guide our lives.

Devotional Thought

Authority…absolute…truth…the bottom line. No matter how you say it, God is in control. God’s Word is the final authority, think about your own life. Does God have control? Do you work in His kingdom without being ashamed of what or how much you do? Do you allow Scripture to correct and train you in righteousness? Pray, asking God to shape you into a person most useful for Him.

Facing the Future

Posted on 8:13 AM, under Future, Guidance, Worry

Who will I marry? What career should I choose? Where will I live? What happens after I die?

“I’ll get around to it tomorrow.” “I’ll worry about that later.” “The future’s out of my hands.” “The future’s out of my hands.” “I’m going to get out of life what I can today, because I may not be able to tomorrow.”

This is the way most people think today. Scientists warn of the dangers facing our world. Yet we still pollute and endanger our ecosystem. Physicians warn of the results of smoking to our bodies, and people still smoke. Why is this? Because people want instant gratification and do not often think of the consequences of their actions for the Future.

Of course, there are many things that will take place in our future that we cannot control. Circumstances play a major role. However, if we focus on the things we can control, such as our attitude, the friends we choose, studying and working to the best, we can help guide course of future.

Perhaps the one thing that mankind has not been to control about the future is his or her time of death। Nevertheless, by trusting in God, one can be assured of His care and control over his or her future. If we follow Christ and His teachings, there is a promise that He made to His early followers that is still true for us. “I am with you always, to the very ends of the age.

Other Bible verses pointing to GUIDANCE:

“Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.
Psalm 48:14

In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

The Lord delights in the way of the man whose steps he has made him.
Psalms 37:23

His God instructs him and teaches the right way. Isaiah 28:26

The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their wickedness. Proverbs 11:5

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6

I will instruct you and teach you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalms 32:8

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Psalms 73:23, 24

Conflict/Four Friends Who Care

Posted on 8:01 PM, under Conflict, Friend

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE
Mark 2:3-7 ³Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by the four of them. ⁴Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man lying on. ⁵When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”

⁶Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ⁷“Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?

LIFE QUESTION
What can I expect to experience when I respond positively to Jesus call to discipleship?

LESSON BIBLE TRUTH

The discipleship to which Jesus calles people is an exacting way of life that can be lived on His presence and strength.

--------------------

Nothing draws a crowd like a celebrity. Jesus had already become something of a celebrity. When He entered a home in Capernaum, a crowd followed Him. They packed in so tightly to see and hear Him that the doorway was blocked.

Into this throng came a group carrying a paralytic, or paralyzed man. The Bible doesn’t say why he was paralyzed or how many people came with him, and four of them carried him. This wording seems more than four men came with him. Though suffered physically, this man was blessed in other ways because he had a group of friends who cared enough to carry him to Jesus. They were even creative enough to figure out way to reach Jesus –through the roof.

Roofs in homes of first century Palestine were made of hard mud and reeds on top of a system of supports. They probably reached the roof through outside stairway –also in those homes. The Bible doesn’t record the reaction of the homeowner to the destruction, but it does record Jesus’ response to their actions. Seeing their faith, He forgave the man his sins and got healed.

Friendship. Faith. Forgiveness. The crowd witnessed the results of Jesus’ ministry. He had called out the best in the human heart and met the deepest human need. Yet in the face of this miracle the teachers of the law inwardly criticized and complained. Instead of rejoicing in a sinner’s forgiveness and marveling at such friendship and faith, they heckled Jesus.

Jesus was aware of what was going on around Him and who was watching Him। Mark 2:1-3:6 points out the growing conflict between Jesus and His opponents. But Jesus refused to compromise His ministry because of who was watching or criticizing. Today his disciples are called to the same hard, exciting path. ●

Sin

Posted on 7:32 PM, under Sin

SIN offers smile but brings tears;
SIN offers peace peace but brings fears;
SIN offers health but sickness brings;
SIN offers songs but never sings;
SIN offers doves but ravens come;
SIN offers heaven but hell is its home;
SIN offers sun but always brings clouds;
SIN offers light but brings darkness;
SIN offers freedom as a friend but slavery is its bitter end.

Why Read the Bible?

Posted on 9:38 PM, under Bible, God's Word

The Bible is unlike any other book -it contains loving instructions from God. (1 Thessalonians 2:13) If you apply what the Bible teaches, you will benefit greatly. You will increase your love for God and will draw close to him, the Giver of "every good and every perfect gift." (James 1:17) You will come to know how to approach him in prayer. During times of trouble, you can experience God's help. If you harmonize your life with the standards set out in the Bible, God will give you everlasting life. –Romans 6:23.

The Bible contains truths that give enlightenment. Those who gain Bible knowledge are liberated from the misconceptions that dominate the lives of millions. For example, knowing the truth about what happens when we die frees us from fear that the dead can harm us or that dead relatives and friends are suffering. (Ezekiel 18:4) The Bible’s teaching of the resurrection gives comfort to those who have lost loved ones in death. (John 11:25) Knowing the truth about wicked angels alerts us to the dangers of spiritism and helps us to understand why there is much trouble earth.

The godly principles in the Bible show us how to live in a way that brings physical benefits. For example, being “moderate in habits” contributes to good health. (1 Timothy 3:2) By ‘cleansing ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit,’ we avoid damaging our health. (2 Corinthians 7:1) Applying God’s counsel found in the Bible also promotes happiness in marriage and self-respect. -1 Corinthians 6:18.

If you apply God’s word, you will be a happier person. Bible knowledge helps us to find inner peace and contentment and gives us hope. It helps us to cultivate such appealing qualities as compassion, love, joy, peace, kindness, and faith. (Galatians 5:22, 23; Ephesians 4:24, 32) Such qualities help to make us a better husband and wife, father or mother, son or daughter. ●

Wisdom

Posted on 9:12 PM, under Wisdom

"Sometimes I wonder how I could be so stupid."

If you could magically ask for one thing in life, what would it be? To be rich? To be famous? It's certainly not wrong to be rich or famous. But there is something that is much more valuable than these things. And that is wisdom.

How does someone become wise? It certainly isn't something we can buy or inherit. Jesus gives us the best teaching we can find on how to become wise. The Bible tells us that as a child He grew in wisdom, and stature, and favour with God and human. He knew the importance of honouring his parents, of putting God first in his life, and of understanding the principles in God’s Word, the Bible.

Jesus taught that wisdom comes by building one’s house on a firm foundation. A wise person builds his life on rock, rather than on sand. When troubles come, and undoubtedly, we will stand if it is built on the foundation of God and a relationship with Jesus Christ.

As we grow in wisdom, we will learn to make right choices that will have lifelong results. A person does not have to be old to be wise, and being older does not necessarily mean that one is wise. But a young person is wise if he or she asks for and respects the advice of older people who have more experience.

Wisdom is not just knowing with our minds, but understanding with our hearts. Many of the teachings of Jesus were hard for the religious leaders of his day to understand, because they tried to figure out with their minds. He taught that if our hearts are hardened, we will never understand even the most basic spiritual truth. If you commit yourself to studying God’s word, the Bible, and keep your heart open to the message it contains, you will become wise.

''But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (I Corinthians 1:30)●

I Have So Many Time Tomorrow

Posted on 8:09 AM, under Obedience, Procrastination

Overcome Procrastination Now.

"DELAYED AND PARTIAL OBEDIENCE IS DISOBEDIENCE."

People have procrastinated since biblical times. Jonah, God commanded him to tell the people of Nineveh that the place will be destroyed if they will not repent from there sins in 40 days time [Book of Jonah]. Moses used the excuse of being a slow talker and procrastinated when God called him to action [Exodus 3 & 4]. The prodigal son delayed going home and ended up eating pigs’ slop [Luke 15].

MANIANA is a Spanish word meaning TOMORROW and for Filipinos it is LATER or MAMAYA NA. Something in common? The fact that both words means to delay an act.

Ever wonder why people push things aside to do later?

They’re afraid they’ll fail. It’s a real drain to their self-esteem to think that they might try something and not be good at it. So instead of immediately tackling project that feels overwhelming, they put it off on the chance that they may not succeed, and they don’t start at all.

They’re afraid they’ll succeed. Other times people think that if they do something –and do it well- that others will raise their expectations and want something even better the next time. If they put off trying, they don’t have to worry about improving success.

They don’t want to feel deprived. If a goal feels more like a punishment than a reward, a procrastinator will put off going forward. Take dieting for instance. If starting a new diet means giving up the things they love to eat, there’s not much incentive to watch what goes in their mouth.

They care too much about what others think. Caring too much about what friends will say or do can make it procrastinator put off crucial decisions. If they think their buds will disapprove, they’re likely to delay moving forward.

They’re afraid to try something new. Most people don’t like to change. They’d rather in their rut than set out in a new direction. Instead of admitting that the old way may not be the best way, they put off trying something different.

It’s not too late to break your procrastination habit. Here’s how you can do it.

Face you feelings. If fear has you tied up in knots, admit it’s a problem. If you rely too much of opinions, decide it make a change. If the thought of doing without something has you stalled, it’s time to look that problem in the eye. Acknowledge that your emotions are causing to put off going forward in life. Deal with the root of your procrastination problem.

Be honest with others. Ask family and friends to help you stop procrastinating. It’s lonely to tackle a project or make a lifestyle change by yourself. Ask people you trust to hole you accountable and cheer you on. Tell them that you want to accomplish, by what date, and ask them to check on you progress.

Try five. Anyone can do something for five minutes. Tell yourself that you’ll devote five minutes to whatever needs to be accomplished, and at least you will have started. Remember, well begun is halfway done.

Break it down. Big projects can be overwhelming. Sometimes it’s hard to even know where to start. If you’ve got a difficult task ahead, try coming up with a step-by-step plan to complete it. Looking at the baby steps involved –instead of the big picture of what needs to be accomplished- can make tackling the job less fearful.

Give yourself an incentive. It’s easier to make a good habit stick if there’s a reward attached. Tell yourself you can watch your favorite TV show after you finish your homework, or that you can IM your friends after you’ve finished the last page of your report.

Count the cost. Ever figure out how much time you waste when you put off something? It’s easy for that 15-minutes assignment to take hours to complete when you stop for a snack or go to the Web for research and end up surfing. Wasting time just prolongs the agony. Get on with it!

Take time to pray. Taking a minute to go to the Lord and ask for His help with your problem is always a good use of your time. Ask God to give you the strength you need to deal with any emotions that may be holding you back from solving this problems, and for the determination to solve it.

We all need to realize that procrastinating is just a waste of time, and time is much too precious to waste. Now never means later or tomorrow. Start a new life without procrastination. The clock is ticking. If you have something that you’re putting off, why not deal with it now? ●

You Are Not An Accident

Posted on 8:16 PM, under Christian Poems

You are who you are for a reason.
You're part of an intricate plan.
You're a precious and perfect unique design,
Called God's special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You're just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones he chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God's plan in mind,
And they bear the Master's seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into his likeness you'd grow.

You are who you are for a reason,
You've been formed by the Master's rod.
You are who you are, beloved,
Because there is a God.

Poem by Russell Kelfer

Life-and-Death Decision ... Would You Tell A Dying Person About GOD?

Posted on 9:34 PM, under Christian Articles, Confess, Dying, Nurse, Salvation, Share, Soul Win

I stood outside his hospital room and watched the middle-aged man frantically motion to the nurse for his suction tube. He had no jaw, and across his shoulders were open, oozing sores.

The nurse, noticing his erratic hand movements, quickly suctioned the trachea opening in his throat. Relieved of the clogging mucus, the man eased back on his bed. Fifteen seconds later he repeated the same frantic motions. The nurse left, and his wife took over the suctioning.

His wife placed her hand on his arm and spoke quietly, trying to help and comfort him. Impatient, he grabbed the tube from her hand and suctioned his own trachea. I could see the fear in his eyes, and I felt his desperation to live. As I watched, fear also gripped my heart, Lord, please don't let him be one of my patients today, I prayed.

During the report time with the nursing staff I learned that Mr. Anderson had had radical cancer surgery the year before to remove part of his mouth and all of his lower jaw. In spite of the doctor's best efforts, the cancer had continued to spread with a vengeance. Now death is imminent--and the charge nurse had assigned Mr. Anderson to me. The thought of caring for him terrified me --a 20 year-old nurse's aide. My heart cried out, Lord, help me!

I felt impressed that God wanted me to speak to Mr. Anderson about him, the One who could give him hope and eternal life. Yet my first thought was How can I get out of this? I felt afraid and inadequate for the task.

For the first few hours of my shift, I prayed and made excuses. Lord, I don't have time. Mr. Anderson is a lot older than I am, I'm sure he's not going to listen to me, and he's already heard the gospel.

Then I argued with God, His wife is always there. I can't just barge into his room and start preaching.

Finally I told God. It's too hard, and I just can't do it I'm afraid I'll fail, and I'm afraid to be in his room.

I had no peace in my heart until I gave in to the Spirit's urging and asked God to please make a way for me to talk to Mr. Anderson. I began to pray, Lord, please don't let him die until I have a chance to tell him of Your plan of salvation and eternal life.

Two years earlier I'd asked Jesus to be my Savior. As a young Christian I'd tried to witness to a young man at a youth event. I'd pleaded with him to receive Jesus as Savior. He'd refused, and I'd felt defeated.

Later a youth worker at the event had explained to me, "God is the one saves. Your job is to tell others the good news and to live a godly life. The Holy Spirit will bring them salvation." The youth worker was right; I just didn't want the same thing to happen when I talked to Mr. Anderson, because I knew he might not live through the night.

My opportunity came late that evening.

After all of the other patients were bedded down for the night, I walked in. I noticed that his wife had left, and no one was around to disturb us.

I straightened his bed and fluffed his pillows as he suctioned his trachea. Then I walked to the foot of his bed and looked into his eyes full of fears and despair. My own fears caused my legs to feel weak and shaky. I clasped the end of the bed with my sweaty hands.

"I'm a Christian, Mr. Anderson. May I tell you of God's good news?"

He nodded yes.

I took a breath before I started. "God send His son, Jesus Christ, into the world to die for our sins. The Bible says that we've all sinned, and our sins have separated us from God [Romans 3:23]."

Mr. Anderson looked interested, so I continued. "None of us can live a perfect life, which God requires. The Bible says the wages of sin is death, and death is what separates us forever from God [Romans 6:23]. But Jesus Christ came to this earth to live a perfect sinless life. And He died on a cross, shedding His blood for our sins [Colossians
1: 19, 20]."

Mr. Anderson sat upright in his bed and leaned forward. He sat very still with his eyes fixed on me.

"The Bible says all our sins were laid on Him ---He took our punishment [Isaiah 53:6] so we could live [John 10:10]. He not only died, but also conquered eternal death [Revelation 1:18]. The Bible says He came back to life three days after His death, proving that He'd overcome sin and death. It also showed that His claims to be God's Son were true [Matthew 28].

Mr. Anderson didn't move at all.

"Now, Mr. Anderson, the good news is that you don't have to pay for your sins. The Lord Jesus Christ did that. The Bible says that 'if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved' [Romans 10:9]."

I ended by quoting John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Then I asked, "Would you like to ask Jesus t be your Lord and Savior, Mr. Anderson?"

Again he nodded yes.

"Would you like me to pray with you?"

Mr. Anderson bent forward, grabbed my hands, and held them tightly. I prayed with him, giving him time to pray too. Though I couldn't hear his words, I knew that God could. After the prayer I opened my eyes and saw tears streaming down his face.

He shook my hands in thanks. Peace filled me.

I tried to assure him, "Mr. Anderson, you are now God's child. He'll never leave or forsake you [Hebrews 13:5]. You will live with Him forever in heaven [John 14:1-3]."

His eyes seem to brighten. I smiled, and I'm sure he did, too. He let go of my hands and eased himself back on his pillow. I walked to the side of his bed and tried to make Him comfortable.

Before leaving his room, I looked over at Mr. Anderson and said through a smile, "Welcome to God's family."

As I went to the nurses' station to complete my charting, joy and happiness filled me. I felt encouraged. I had obeyed the Lord, Mr. Anderson believed, and he would go to heaven at the resurrection.

When I made a final rounds for the night, Mr. Anderson's condition had deteriorated. I probably won't see him again, I realized.

Gone
When I came to work next afternoon, I went directly to Mr. Anderson's room. I stood outside the door and looked in. Clean sheets covered the empty bed. The suction machine along with the tubes were gone.

As I stood there I wondered if Mr. Anderson had truly believed in God yesterday. I knew that the Bible said in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

When a nurse came by I asked her, "When did Mr. Anderson pass away?"

She answered, "At lunchtime."

I said softly, "Last night he asked Jesus to be his Savior."

"Would you like to know how he died? she asked.

I smiled. "Yes, I would really like to know."

She placed her hand on my arm and smiled as she spoke, "During the morning he was peaceful. At noon he wrote a note to his wife that he wanted to take a nap. When he went to sleep, she decided to go to the cafeteria and eat lunch. When she returned he had
passed away peacefully in his sleep."

My eyes watered. "That's wonderful. God is so good."

Yes, He is good. Mr. Anderson died in peace. He's no longer in pain."

The nurse looked at her watch. "It's time for us to go. We're needed in the report room."

As we walked down the hall, I prayed, Thank You, God. Thank you that I'll see Mr. Anderson again. And thank You for giving me a chance to offer a dying man Your gift of life. ●

Take Me Out of the Dark by Gary Valenciano

Posted on 8:32 PM, under God's Love, Love, Video

I found this video when I was searching for the song "Take Me Out of the Dark" by Gary Valenciano. I knew the song but what touched by heart was the graphic illustration presented as the backdrop of this song. It is true that sometimes we want an easy life, far from God, "happy go lucky", and a life full of worldly enjoyment. Looks that we only need God when we are in trouble, shortage and during examinations.

The graphic illustration tells that God is the God of Love. He loves us so much that He gave His only son for us to be free from our sins and the eternal damnation - Hell (John 3:16) . No matter how many times we commit mistakes, God never fails to pick us up. God's love is everlasting not like of a man that fades. We may fail as a student, as a son/daughter, a grandson/granddaughter, and as a brother/sister, all because of our own faults. We sticked to our own understanding and want an easier way but God is there willing to forgive you. All you have to do is to ask forgiveness and live a new life with Him. A life satisfied and eternally secured.

You Say...God Says

Posted on 2:09 PM, under Faith, God Says, Promises

3 Anger Buster

Posted on 10:38 PM, under Anger

Have you ever felt like being in the peak of anger? If you have, then know that you're not alone. Many people struggle to control their feelings of anger and rage. We live in a crazy world with hot-tempered people, and its getting crazier by the day.

So what do you do when you feel line punching wall-worse, someone? Try this:

1. Stop and pray. I know. Who wants to pray when they are upset, right? Well, can you think of a better time? That's the time to ask God for help, to tell Him how upset you are. Moses asked this rhetorical questions, and I ask it of you: "What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way our God is near us when we pray him?" (Deuteronomy 4:7). You and I have the privilege of bringing Gd near to us when we are most upset. Pray to HIM!

2. Chill. Remember, every situation will change if you give it enough time. One great writer noted that no person are constantly changing, so is everything else in our lives. Ask God to help you to be patient. "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly" (Proverbs 14:29).

3. Get your burn on. Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! Did you know that exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress and anger? When you feel like going ballistic, it's a sure sign that tension has been building up in you. So, get it out of you! Run, walk, or go workout to gym. You'll feel 10 times better!

Finally, consider these words from the book of James:

"My dear brothers, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and
slow to become angry,
for man's anger does not bring about the righteous
life that God desires" (James 1:19-20).

Hope

Posted on 11:20 AM, under Hope

Failing is very hard to accept. The efforts, money and especially time we invest so much that we really need to succeed. Pride is always the source of lossing hope afraid of scrutiny, descrimination and humiliation from others. The Bibles tells us that we don't lose HOPE and these are the passages:

What are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God. (Psalms 42:11)

Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.(1 Peter 1:21)

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when
Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:13)

Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.
(1 John 3:3)

When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even death the righteous have refuge. (Proverbs 14:32)

The faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth,
the gospel. (Colossians 1:5)

...which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
(Psalms 31:24)

For you have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.
(Psalms 71:5)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Peter 1:3)

Inspired by the Word Q & A

Posted on 9:47 PM, under Question and Answer

Do you have a burning desire to know God?

I am inviting you to submit your questions regarding Dating, Courtship, Love and whatever topics that your soul desires to ask. Me and my Pastor will answer your questions based on the Word of God. Just send your questions through this email address nutrixx@gmail.com. Every week we will feature a question that most young people asked. For those questions who will not be featured, we will email to you the answers for your questions. Please include your name (can be a nickname), address, age, and your question/s. I'll be waiting for your questions! Thanks and God bless you!

"Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

True Love Waits Hand

Posted on 2:05 AM, under Love

What does the Bible tells about TRUE LOVE? Let me illustrate this through our hand. Each finger means something.

So let's start it with your:

THUMB: GOD loves you and He wants the best for you. He says wait.

POINTING FINGER: YOU are a special person and you deserve True Love.

MIDDLE FINGER: OTHER people - your family and friends - need True Love from you. You affect them by the choices you make about love.

RING FINGER: FUTURE MATE. You don't know him or her yet, but your future wife or husband whom God is preparing for you deserves True Love, not just second-rate love.

SMALL FINGER: FUTURE KIDS. Chances are someday you'll become a dad or mom. You can start loving you little ones beginning today. These are the people who need you True Love. Will you plegde to stay sexually pure for them?

How does God love me? Let me count the ways...

Posted on 10:06 PM, under God's Love, Love

That's what the sticker on the jeepney says. That's what our pastors or Sunday School teachers tell you. But have you ever wondered how real those words are? Does God really love us or is it just a fancy thing to say? If God loves us, how does HE show it? We don't get hugs and kisses from Him the way we do from family and friends. But the truth of God's love is nevertheless undeniable.

February 14 is said to be the "Heart's day". But what is its main theme? Maybe love for the opposite sex or even the word "sex". Do we really get the meaning for this celebration? Some man and woman feels frustrated not having a partner for this day. They feel rejected - all alone. But there's one thing I assure you, "God loves you," could very well be the three-word summary of the entire Bible. All through the Bible, God expresses His love for man. God is depicted as the lover who constantly pursues His loved.

Are you asking how God loves you? Let me count the ways...

God's love for you is NON-STOP. It knows no end, a kind of love that constantly draws you to HIM. God loves you FOREVER!

God Speaks: I love you people with a love that will last forever. That is why i have continued showing you kindness. Jeremiah 31:3
God's love for you REMEMBERS. Your own mother may sometimes accidentally forget your name (or get you mixed up with your other simblings), but God always has your name in mind. He even has some kind of "tattoo" of you!
God Speaks: Can a woman forget the baby she nurses? Can she feel no kindness for the child to which she gave birth? Even if she could forget her children, I will not forget her children, I will not forget her children, I will not forget you! See, I have written your name on my hand... Isaiah 49:15-16
God's love finds DELIGHT in you. God even sings for you as a lover would for His beloved.
God Speaks: The Lord your God is with you, the mighty One will save you, You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you. Zephaniah 3:17
God's love SUSTAINS you. In the face of the many problems and worries you encounter daily, it is God's love for you that upholds and sustains you.
God speaks: The Lord's love never ends; his mercies never stop. They are new every morning; Lord, your loyalty is great. Lamentations 3:22
God's love for you is SACRIFICIAL. God's expression of love did not stop with word; He puts His love for you in action by giving Son to die in your place.
God Speaks: God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believers in him may ot be lost, but have eternal life. John 3:16
The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends. John 15:13

*taken from True Love Waits Workbook, Church Strengthening Ministry of the Foreign Mission Board, SBC, Inc.,P.O. Box 2656 MCPO 1266 Makati City, Philippines

Trust

Posted on 12:55 AM, under Trust

Do you worry much? Do you always think what's ahead of you? Trust God. He has the best plan for you. If in doubt, here what's the Bible says...

God is my refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give away and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. Psalms 46:1-2

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blesses is the man who trusts in you. Psalms 84:11-12

Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy dafe pasture.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this. Psalms 37:3-5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

So do not worry, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?"

For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. Matthew 6: 31-32

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust. 1 Peter 5:7

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. Psalms 125:1

Anger

Posted on 10:11 PM, under Anger, God's Anger

See what the Bible passages speak about God's ANGER.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Psalms 145:8

...a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love..... Nehemiah 9:17

For His anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalms 30:5

Success

Posted on 1:43 PM, under Success

Christian Success differs from those of the unbelievers. We don't drink after a successful and fruitful activity. We praise and thank God instead. All the glory and honour our God deserves must be unto HIM - only HIM. Here are some of the verses of God's Holy Word pointing to a SUCCESSFUL CHRISTIAN LIFE.

The success of the righteous contains great treasures, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble. Proverbs 15:6

Humility and the fear of the Lord brings wealth and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

Then the Lord your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your land. The Lord will again delight in you and make you prosperous, just as he delighted in your fathers. Deuteronomy 30:9

He will also send you rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the food that comes from the land will be rich and plentiful. In that day your cattle will graze in broad meadows. Isaiah 30:23

That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:13

The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your hand in season and to bless many nations of your hands. You will lend to many nations but I will borrow from none.
The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. Deuteronomy 28:11-13

Moreoever, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work - this is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19

What you decide on will be done, and light will shine on your ways. Job 22:28

With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity.
My fruit is better that fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver. Proverbs 8:18-19

Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Psalms 112:3

And assign your nuggets to the dust, your gold of Ophir to the rocks in the ravines, then the Almighty will be you gold, the choicest silver for you. Job 22: 24-25

I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle and you will eat and be satisfied. Deuteronomy 11:15

When to keep your mouth shut

Posted on 12:51 PM, under Christian Articles, Shut up, Silence

Don’t open your mouth:

In the heat of anger – Proverbs 14:17
When you don’t have all the facts – Proverbs 18:13
When you are tempted to joke about sin – Proverbs 14:9
If you would be ashamed of your words later – Proverbs 8:8
If your words would convey a wrong impression – Proverbs 17:27
If you are tempted to tell an outright lie – Proverbs 4:24
If the issue is none of your business – Proverbs 14:10
If words will damage someone’s reputation – Proverbs 16:27
If your word will destroy a friendship – Proverbs 16:28
When it is time to listen – Proverbs 13:1
If you may eat your words later – Proverbs 18:21
If you’ve already said it more than one time (then it becomes nagging) – Proverbs 24:24
When you are tempted to flatter a wicked person – Proverbs 14:17
When you are supposed to be working instead – Proverbs 14:23
When you are tempted to make light of holy things
If your words will be a poor reflection of the Lord or your friends and family
When you haven’t verified the story
If your words will offend a weaker brother
When you are feeling critical
If you can’t speak without yelling