Temptations. Can You Handle It?

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.

Share

Tweet

Your Most Important Decision

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)

Share

Tweet

Awesome 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.

Share

Tweet

Facing the Future

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

Share

Tweet

Conflict/Four Friends Who Care

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. ●

Share

Tweet

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.

Share

Tweet

Why Read the Bible?

 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. ●

Share

Tweet

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)●

Share

Tweet

I Have So Many Time Tomorrow

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? ●

Share

Tweet

You Are Not An Accident

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

Share

Tweet

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

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. ●

Share

Tweet

Take Me Out of the Dark by Gary Valenciano

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.

Share

Tweet

You Say...God Says

Share

Tweet

3 Anger Buster

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). 

Share

Tweet

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)

Share

Tweet

True Love Waits Hand

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?

Share

Tweet

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

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...

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

Share

Tweet

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

Share

Tweet

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

Share

Tweet

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

Share

Tweet

When to keep your mouth shut

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

Share

Tweet