H- “HAVE A QUIET TIME WITH GOD” IN CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s

10- 31- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Psalm 46:8- 11)

H- “HAVE A QUIET TIME WITH GOD” IN CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s

8- “Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth. 9- He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. 10- Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 11- The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

What do we mean of "having a quiet time with God"? People won’t understand it when you talk about “having a quiet time with the Lord”. People know Yoga, Meditation and other transcendental meditations, but not with Quiet time. Quiet time is a common word in the Christian circle, but it’s sad to say that it’s not really a common practice. Bible reading, prayer and daily devotion is more common, but not a common practice either. Why is quiet time with God is needful, important and a must to a daily Christian living? First, when Joseph was in the process of God’s molding and preparations; God put him in the pit so Joseph could be alone with God. God was preparing Joseph for a greater responsibilities and blessings. It was from being a delivery boy for his brethren to a greater deliverance of a fallen Nation. (Genesis 37: 23-24). Secondly, when Elijah was being prepared by the Lord to a greater ministry and miracles; God took him to a secluded place to be alone with God. (I Kings 17: 1- 9). Thirdly, when God took Jeremiah to a Potter’s house so he could be alone with God while he was being prepared of the Lord like a clay and caused him to go through the breaking for a great revival and repentance of the Nation (Jeremiah 18). The Lord Jesus Christ when He went into a desert place to be alone with the Father and when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane as the Father ushered Him to Calvary to be Crucified. (Mark 6:31- 32; Matthew 26:36) “31- And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 32- And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.” 36- “Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.”

“THAT ONE THING IS THE RIGHT THING…”

10- 30- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Luke 10: 38- 42)

“THAT ONE THING IS THE RIGHT THING…”

38- “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39- And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40- But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41- And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42- But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Christianity is full of choices and decisions. There are choices and decisions that we have to take that will either make us or break us. To sit at the feet of the King of kings and the Lord of lords is absolutely necessary and an opportunity. We ought to live a balanced Christian life. It is good to be like Martha at some days and in some point, but don’t forget to be a Mary on another point or at all times. Why is it that this one thing is the right thing? First- It sets our priority right. Our Salvation, Security in Jesus and Service.  (John 10:9- 10) 9- “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10- The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Secondly- You will sit with Jesus and learn from Him. (Matthew 11: 29) “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Our third point which could be the next thing that we can accomplish, as we do that one thing which is the right thing is; you will have the opportunity to serve Him through our church, family, work place or ministry. The Lord will also give us success in our Dreams and Desires for Him and for His glory. Let us learn from the Psalmists in (Psalm 37:4) “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. And notice the encouragement of the prophet Joel to us from the Book of (Joel 2: 28) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:”

“BUT ONE THING IS NEEDFUL…”

10- 29-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION “BUT ONE THING IS NEEDFUL…”

(Luke 10: 38- 42)38- “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39- And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40- But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41- And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42- But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” The issue of differences is very obvious in our text. There are 2 different personalities, 2 different priorities and 2 different plans of 2 different people as recorded here. Although Martha and Mary were sisters, its shows by the way they treated Jesus that as 2 different people, they have different attitudes and characters. Their values, their visions in life and their views of things and people were different. We have 4 children and we treat them differently and we deal with them in a different level. And the reasons for their differences were the same reasons as that of Mary and Martha… Martha was very caring while Mary was very attentive. Martha was so anxious of the physical things while Mary was more interested in spiritual things. Martha was active while Mary was more relaxed. Mary was more courteous while Martha was very commanding and straight forward. Mary and Martha actually represent the kinds of people that we witnessed from age to age. They are the picture of this present age Christians. We can see them in our homes and churches today. You can see yourself, your parents and siblings by their actions and by the way they conduct themselves in the presence of our Lord. Check out what Jesus said about the kind of person you could be just by looking at your fruits: (Matthew 7:15- 20) 15- “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16- Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17- Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18- A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19- Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20- Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

THE FATHER OF FAITH WAS SO FEARFUL TOO!!!

10- 22- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Genesis 15:1)

THE FATHER OF FAITH WAS SO FEARFUL TOO!!!

15: 1- “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”

In (Genesis chapter 14) we can read here that Abraham faced a lot of conflicts when he dealt with the enemies including his brother’s son Lot, when he was captured by his enemies. Abram came home with all the blessings, confrontations with different people, but in spite of all that, he showed kindness and generosity to the king of Salem. Then notice what the Bible said in chapter 15: 1- “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Notice the phrase “After these things…” In this verse, it also says that “the Lord appeared to Abraham in a vision…” only to tell him not to be afraid. And the Lord went on to say, in which God promised Abram 2 things, that He is his (Abram) shield and great reward. Abram asked God a question which I believe leads to this great conversation and promised of God to Abram and to his seed. Of course, we know that it was already God’s plan, but here in verses 1 to 11 of Genesis chapter 15 is really clear that God has a promised. Because of fear of famine, Abraham doubted God who promised him of shield and reward. I love this verse, (Deuteronomy 1: 21) 21- “Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.” It means no matter who you are, what you have in life and what you have accomplished in life: fear will come your way and disturb your minds, fear will invade your heart and fear will come and shake your home. Fear will come from different sources and in a different way and from different circumstances. Your fear from years back, your fear yesterday could be different from your fear today or at this very moment. Jesus is the author of faith and Abraham is the father of faith, but Abraham had fear when there was famine in the land. Abraham had fear when they were in Egypt as they explore the land. Let’s be encouraged through the encouragement of Joshua to his people after they captured their enemies and their kings in (Joshua 10: 25) “And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the LORD do to all your enemies against whom ye fight.”

A RECAPITULATION OF THE CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s

10- 21- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Revelation 2: 19)

A RECAPITULATION OF THE CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s

19- “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.”

Recapitulation means a concise summary

A- ACTIVATE YOUR FAITH (Hebrews 11: 1- 3; 6) 1- “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2- For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3- Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 6- But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” You already have that faith when you accept Jesus in your heart. Our faith in God must be active and a working faith not a dead faith.

B- BE SINCERE WITH WHAT YOU DO FOR THE LORD. (Philippians 1: 10) “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;” Sincerity for Paul is not a 1 time thing or temporary attitude towards God. For Apostle Paul; sincerity is for life. It is until the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Joshua 24: 14) “Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.”

C- COMMIT EVERYTHING TO GOD. When you commit everything to God, it would mean that we don’t have any hand on anything that you have laid on the feet of Jesus. When you offer your life, your talents, your burdens, your giving to God and whatever you may lay down in the feet of Jesus; they’re not yours, they’re in the hands of God already… everything belongs to God. (I Peter 5: 7) “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

D- DEVELOP YOUR GIFTS. It’s not about what you know and how much you know and how talented and gifted you are… it’s about your willingness to give up and be used of God. It’s about how willing you are to God as you let Him use you and how willing you are to give your talents and gifts to God and for His glory. (I Corinthians 12: 31; 14: 12) 31- “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.”  12- Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”

E- ENCOURAGE SOMEONE. It’s easier to get encouragement from someone than to encourage someone who is going through tough times. Sometimes you don’t have any word to say or you don’t know where to start. Using the right words to say and the issue of choice of words is 1 of the difficult things to do. Timing is another issue as you encourage a friend, church members or a counselee. To encourage someone in your circle or group means you’re playing a team work. (Isaiah 41: 7) “So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the soldering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved.”

GODLY CHRISTIAN LIFE IS NECESSARY ON “G” FOR CHRISTIAN’S ABC’s

10- 20- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Titus 2: 12)

GODLY CHRISTIAN LIFE IS NECESSARY ON “G” FOR CHRISTIAN’S ABC’s

12- “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
You may ask a question, why godliness or godly Christian life is necessary? The answer would be in (I Timothy 4: 8) 8- “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” It’s very clear that godliness as according to Paul is profitable unto all things. Even David himself recognized that living a godly life is of a truth acceptable and well pleasing to God. The Lord will hear our prayers when we live a godly life. (Psalm 4: 1, 3-4) 1- “To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. 3- But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. 4- Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.” The Apostle Paul showed us and reminded us of why godly life is so important and necessary in the Christian arena and to the world around us. (II Corinthians 1: 12) “For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.”
Indeed, you cannot separate rejoicing, testimony, good conscience, simplicity, sincerity, integrity, wisdom and righteousness from godliness. We can name more of some of the positive results in our Christian life as we live godly for the Lord. People will see, hear and know Jesus in us and through us. If you will live a godly life, your unbelieving love ones, friends and co-workers may not like it and not be happy with you and your lifestyle. Living a godly life will not give you the assurance that everybody will give you a tap on your back. You may even get persecuted for living a godly life. (II Timothy 3: 10- 13) 10- “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11- Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13- But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”
Here are some of the benefits of living a godly life as promised to us in the Word of God, (II Peter 2: 9) “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:”
(I Timothy 6: 6) “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

“F” IS FOR FOLLOW THE LORD IN “CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s”

10- 19- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Mark 2: 13- 15)

“F” IS FOR FOLLOW THE LORD IN “CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s”

13- “And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14- And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. 15- And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.”
If you picture the scenario when Jesus called Levi or Matthew, it was with a Simple command from Jesus- “follow me”, with a very Short message- (just 2 words) and for a Specific person- (to Levi). To follow the Lord would means sacrifices and could also be the willingness to suffer for His sakes. Matthew was busy working in a government office with a good paying position or job- “…Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom…” Matthew had great possessions, “…Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples:” Matthew has a house and a good paying job, well, not counting the kickbacks as a tax collector. Notice the phrase- “…Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom…” When I was a teenager, I used to work in a night club in Manila on the 70 and 80’s. We had a group of regular customers who comes to our club that works at the custom in the airport. The word “Custom” back in those days is a bad word for me. It made me sick to my stomach and made me nauseous and threw up really hard every time I heard that word. These people (not all of them) who worked for the government could make 1,000 pesos not counting the jewelries and electronics that they got from their modus operandi. And to them, it was slow during those times, because according to the 1 of the customs that I talked with, they can make more than that. But Levi’s job was even way better, it’s where the money is; but when Jesus called him he did not question Jesus, he just followed Him. The Bible said, “…And he arose and followed him.” In the Book of Matthew, we have here the 3 different individuals as based in their perceptions; they really wanted to follow Jesus. But the question would be, were they really willing to sacrifice and suffer for His sakes? We were told to follow Him in whatever situation we are in and whatever hardship we’re going through and what the future may look like to you. Following Jesus in His way, in His work and by His word will not be according to our own timing, title or would not be based on how much treasures we have. God wanted for us to follow His footsteps and His will no matter what’s going on in your life right now.
(Matthew 8: 19- 23) 19- “And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 20- And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 21- And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22- But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. 23- And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.”

THE CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s LETTER “E” IS… - ENCOURAGE SOMEONE

10- 18- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (I Thessalonians 5: 14)

THE CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s LETTER “E” IS… - ENCOURAGE SOMEONE

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
The words, “comfort the feebleminded” here means, “encourage the fainthearted”. Are you someone who is an encourager, a motivator and someone who tried to lift up the spirit of others who are down hearted? Or you are the one who is on the opposite side. There are 2 ways that you can influence the people around you, it’s either you will influence them for good or for bad. It’s either you will destroy them by discouraging them, or build them up by just giving them words of encouragement and comfort. (Deuteronomy 1: 28- 30; 38) 28- “Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. 29- Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. 30- The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; 38- But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.
 I wonder how many millions of people are so discouraged today; just because of something really bad and big happens in their life. People who lost their job, homes, business, love ones, car and even small stuff but with sentimental value. People can get discouraged because of someone or something. We can give them an encouragement to keep on keeping on and to go on and not to quit. And we can also encourage those who can’t even take a step forward, because of discouragement, depression, problems, trials and sufferings. Please enjoy these beautiful words of encouragement:
"When things go wrong as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow,
Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."
~ Unknown
The Word of God will give us an encouragement, we need to read and meditate on His Holy Word. We can also be encouraged in the work or service of the Lord.
(II Chronicles 31: 4; 35: 2) 4- “Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.” 2- And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the LORD,”

LETTER “D” IS FOR DEVELOPING YOUR GIFTS

10- 17- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (I Timothy 4: 14; II Timothy 1: 6)

LETTER “D” IS FOR DEVELOPING YOUR GIFTS

14- “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”

6- “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”

Music Prescription is a very young music business with just about more than 2 years old in its existence. The Philippine International Christian Church is also new with just about 3 years and 4 months. But my church is working in partnership with the Music Prescription in developing new music artists who has the potential of stepping up into the next level. The purpose of the church and music prescription is not to develop their talents to be on the national level or for the artists to be popular so they could make more money, (unless the Lord opens the door for them). But to develop them so they could perform at their best and use their talents in an excellent way for the glory of God. The Lord deserves our best. We have Worship Night at the RAMADA hotel where we feature some of the new artist for a solo concert; so they could develop their confidence in their solo performance. This could be 1 way of developing their talents and not neglecting their gift/s and talent/s. One of the reasons why young people are so scared and afraid to take a step or take the risks so they could step up to the next level is because of fear. Fear is 1 of the hindrance why so many gifted people just watch those who are being used of the Lord on the frontline. (II Timothy 1: 7) “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

I hope and pray that as believers and servants of the Lord of lords King of kings, we would desire to give our best for our Lord. Don’t let fear gets in the way in giving your best and your talents for the Lord and His glory.

If you remember the parable of the talents in (Matthew 25: 14- 30) where the Lord gave talent to 3 of His servants. The 1^st one has 5 talents and he used it as the way His Lord expected him to do. The 2^nd one has 2 talents in which he did well too and the 3^rd has 1, but he hid his talent. His reason was unacceptable- he was afraid. (Matthew 25: 24- 27) 24- Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strowed: 25- And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26- His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strowed: 27- Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.”

LETTER “C” STANDS FOR COMMIT IN “CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s”

10- 16- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Proverbs 16:3; Psalm 37:5)

LETTER “C” STANDS FOR COMMIT  IN “CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s”

3- “Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

5- “Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”

We will learn from these 6 things that I believe, we as believers of the Lord should commit or entrust to God for own benefit and for His glory. Let us commit or entrust to God our:

Family- Commit their salvation to God. Commit their service to God. Commit their Life and decisions to God, knowing that He alone is our source of wisdom, knowledge and strength. Trust God for whatever God has for you.

Failures- We all have failures. Failures are just a stepping stone to a better future. Failures are real and painful, but we cannot make it in life without it. There will be no challenges in life, at work, in business or in sports without failures. Some good singers and musicians went through a lot of failures before they became big in the music business. The stairway to success sometimes starts with a step to failure. (Psalm 37: 23; 24) “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”

Frustrations- Have you ever had a frustration in life where you were already in the brink of giving up. The sources of frustrations could be from work, people or family members. It means that it could come from circumstances, event/s in life that is beyond your control or could be from people’s attitude, people’s action/s and re-action/s. You got frustrated or get frustrated because of your personal circumstances and failures. It may even be from your own doing or it could come from your heart. We just have to take it with wisdom and commit it to God. Here’s a beautiful verse just to assure us of God’s promised for His people. (Psalm 37: 28) “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”

Fears- We all have fears and worries. Whatever things that made you so afraid of… commit it to God and let Him work in you and through you. (Psalm 34: 4) “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

Finances- It is very obvious that people around the world are experiencing some kind of financial difficulties. Whether you are in the United States, United Kingdom, Philippines or Japan; you will have problems with your finances. Living in a progressive Country will not spare a man on any financial difficulties. You could live in the United States and not have the financial freedom. (Psalm 37:39- 40) 39- “But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. 40- And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.”

Future- We all know that God is the 1 who holds our future. We don’t know what lies ahead of us. (Proverbs 27: 1) “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”

As God’s children, we ought to commit everything to God because He is the 1 who is in control. So let’s remember this 3^rd letter from the Christian’s ABC’s: C- “… COMMIT ALL THINGS UNTO GOD.”  It means that we must entrust everything to God.

(Psalm 34: 8) “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”

B- BE SINCERE WITH WHAT YOU DO FOR THE LORD

10- 15-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Ecclesiastes 9: 10)

B- BE SINCERE WITH WHAT YOU DO FOR THE LORD

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.”

Everything in this world has its own limits. We know that everyone has to work and really work hard. The Bible said, he that does not work will not eat. There are those who worked, but they have worked halfheartedly. “Sincerity” covers a very wide scope of subject especially in the religious circle. Sometimes “sincerity” is mistakenly taken into personal claims of other people as true faith or dedication. I was talking to a very religious individual many years ago about his religion and his religious practices and tradition. Unfortunately, he claims his sincerity in his religion as faith in the Lord. Let us not be blinded by the teachings of some religions regarding our true faith in the Lord.

Now, if you notice that the letter “B” in our series of studies regarding the Christian’s ABC’s is “BE SINCERE WITH WHAT YOU DO FOR THE LORD.” The topic is very obvious that it is directly pointing to the Christians. Take note of what King Solomon would say to those who offer their sacrifices to God if they’re not God’s children. (Proverbs 15: 8) “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.” So, even if they’re sincere, it’s unacceptable.” King Solomon said, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;” Solomon has a good assumption already that at least we have something to do in this life. We all know that we have so much to do and no one should say, “I’m bored… there’s nothing to do…”, because there’s just so much to do and to learn to do with something that we may not have done before. When I lost my job last year, one of my fears was, I would be idle and there would be nothing to do at home. Then, I said to myself and came to the conclusion of how I could overcome my fear; “It’s either I will read all day or write all day…” And because I wanted to live a balanced life, so I devoted half of my time to reading and writing. It was so funny and full of emotion (Let’s call it mixed emotion) when I came home from work and my wife has the idea already that I got laid off from work. The first thing she said to me was; “Now you can clean up this and that and do this and that and fix this and that…” I was just quiet and did not say anything. When she came home from her home care, I showed her my schedule of what I would be doing the whole day every day. I told my wife Vem that I wanted to spend my time thinking and working full time as a Pastor. I also told my wife that I wanted to spend more time reading and may be writing a book which in my mind would be next to impossible. My wife is very supportive to me, although I can tell by looking in her face and eyes during that time that she was not very convinced with the idea of me writing a book. But by the grace of God, I get to compile the MI DAILY DEVOTION from the day I started writing and posting them on Facebook. The book MI DAILY DEVOTION will soon be out here in the States and in the Philippines God willing early next year. So, what’s up for this brief testimony? The message for all of us… whatsoever you do and whatever is in your heart: ““BE SINCERE WITH WHAT YOU DO FOR THE LORD.” And God will bless it and bless you! Meditate on what Paul said in to the Christians in Colosse and to you!

(Colossians 3: 17, 23- 25) 17- “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. 23- And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24- Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25- But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

A CHRISTIAN’S ABC’s

10- 14- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Galatians 3: 5- 9)

5-He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6- Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7-Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8-  And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9- So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”

There are things that we do and we’re basically either doing them for a purpose or we’re just doing them because we are just going through the flow. Whether you’re in business, in the ministry or in sports; everything has its basics. In Christianity, we have what we called the Major and Minor doctrines and the Practical and proper theology. The Christian’s ABC’s is the basic and day to day part of our Christian life. When we talk about the ABC’s of Christian living; we are not talking about the 3 letters of the alphabet, but the process and steps to be take on our way to maturity, stronger faith and a closer relationship with our Lord. Since we are talking about our faith, let me start with: A- ACTIVATE YOUR FAITH. We all started in believing the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. (Romans 10: 13- 14, 17) 13- “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14- How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 17- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

It means that, we all as believers of the Lord Jesus Christ exercised our faith in Him for our salvation, when we first heard the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Galatians 2: 16) “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” But what happened to our faith? Something went wrong to that faith, right? Well the truth is, some of us don’t exercise it anymore, in which really means that as a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are just happy to be saved, satisfied and sitting and not serving and showing the whole world what God can do to us and through us by faith . It is like having the most upgraded, high technology cell phone in your hand, but if it’s not activated, it won’t make any difference with the old ones. (Galatians 3: 11) But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” The problem is that our faith is not active and we are not working out our own salvation says Paul. People around you may have known that you’re a Christian, but they do not see the fruit and power of it. The reason for that is that your faith is not active. You are just living your life as a saved individual. Here’s a good reminder from (Philippians 2: 12). “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”

JEHOVAH-RAPHA- (The Lord that heals)

10- 13-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Exodus 15:26)

JEHOVAH-RAPHA- (The Lord that heals)

“And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”

One of the names of God is JEHOVAH-RAPHA- the Lord that heals. He is the LORD who heals: 1- Our Physical Sickness. We have read over and over in the Bible how the Lord has healed people who were sick physically. God healed people like me who don’t deserve His healing power. I was watching the classic movie “Brian’s Song” just a while ago. The professional football player got cancer that leads to his death.  And you have known people who got sick and die. Although God is our JEHOVAH- RAPHA- (the Lord who heals), and He can heal all kinds of sickness, but we must remember that we also have to submit to his will and His will must be done in our lives and in our sickness. (Isaiah 53:5) “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” He is the Lord who heals: 2- Our Spiritual Sickness. Matthew the tax collector was healed from his spiritual sickness after he met the Lord Jesus Christ. Also Zacchaeus when Christ changed him right in his own home from being the crooked tax collector into a new man. The Lord healed Nicodemus the Pharisee and a very religious person as according to (John 3: 1-7). And if the Lord has changed Paul who was a persecutor, God can change and heal anyone in this world who would humbly come before Him. God can heal you not only physically, but also spiritually. God wants to heal us as He wills. God healed the blind man Bartimaeus. Here in the following verses, not only did Bartimaeus came to the Lord Jesus Christ as a blind man (physically), but as a blind man (spiritually). Bartimaeus came to Christ with an intention to be healed physically, but Christ’s desire was also to heal him spiritually. (Luke 19:10) “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” We can actually identify with some people and friends that we know who were sick and God healed them and along with God’s healing, the Heaven’s door was opened for their salvation. So, Bartimaeus has actually 4 problems- he was blind physically and spiritually and he was also a beggar in the sight of man and of God. (Mark 10: 46- 52) 46- “And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47- And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.  48- And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou son of David, have mercy on me. 49- And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. 50- And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. 51- And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52- And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.”

YOU PRAY, YOU PLEAD AND GOD PROVIDES

10- 12- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Psalm 69: 3, 13; 16)

YOU PRAY, YOU PLEAD AND GOD PROVIDES

3- “I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. 13- “But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. 16- Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.”

Luther once said: “I am so busy now that I find if I did not spend two or three hours each day in prayer, I could not get through the day. If I should neglect prayer but a single day, I should lose a great deal of the fire of faith.”

All Traced to Kneeling Figures!

D.L.Moody declared, Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure!” Therefore, “Ye that make mention of the Lord, KEEP NOT SILENCE” (Isaiah 62:6)

God will hear from heaven as you plead. You plead to God for yourself, you plead to God for your home and you plead God for your Country. God will hear from heaven as you ask Him for your provision. God will hear from heaven as you please Him with songs and your service. God will hear from heaven. It’s not that God is limited in hearing our prayers, what it means is that He will take notice and respond according to His will and for our best.

Please enjoy this illustration from W.B.K. “Give Him, What He Asks!”- It is related of Alexander the Great, that, on one occasion a courtier asked him for financial aid. That great leader told him to go to his treasurer and ask for whatever amount he wanted. A little later, the treasurer appeared and told Alexander the man had asked for an enormous sum, and that he hesitated to pay out so much. Give him what he asks for,” replied the great conqueror; “he has treated me like KING in his asking, and I shall be like a king in my giving!”

Greatly grieved must be our God because of the smallness of our requests of Him!

“Thou art coming to a King, LARGE petitions with thee bring; For His grace and power are such, None can ever ask too much!”

(Psalms 55:1- 2; 16- 17; 22) 1- “To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. 2- Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; 16- As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. 17- Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. 22- Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

12 REASONS WHY SHE DESERVED HER HUSBAND’S PRAISE: (The last “P’s”- PRAISE)

10-11-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Proverbs 31: 28- 31)

12 REASONS WHY SHE DESERVED HER HUSBAND’S PRAISE: (The last “P’s”- PRAISE)

28- “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29- Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30- Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31- Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”

“Blessed” and “Praised” are the 2 words that you want to say to God and for God. Those are the 2 words that you also want to say to God about your mother or your wife. God will have the highest praise. The Praise that we give to God is different from the praise we extend to our employees, siblings and wife or parents. It’s more of appreciation than worship. When we praise God it means we give Him our worship. When we praise men it means we give them our appreciation or recognition. Here are some of the reasons why your wife or your mother is worthy of ‘Praise’: 1) Verse 10- “…for her price is far above rubies.”  2) Verse 11- “…her husband doth safely trust in her,” 3) Verse 13- “…She seeketh and worketh willingly with her hands.” 4) Verse 14- “…she bringeth her food from afar.” 5) Verse 15- “She riseth and giveth meat…” 6) Verse 16- She is on business and agriculture.  7) Verse 17- “She is strong.“ 8) Verses 18 and 19- She is hard worker. 9) Verses 19 to 24- She helped others and her heart is on her household. 10) Verses 25 to 29 - She lives with strength, honor, with wisdom from the Lord, integrity and kindness. 11) Verses 30 and 31- She fears the Lord. “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. 31- Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” 12) Verse 31- She is fruitful, “Give her of the fruit of her hands…”

Here are some of the good reminders of Peter for all of us. (I Peter 3:1- 2; 7) 1- “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2- While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 7- Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

MOMS AND WIVES: ARE YOU THE WINNER OF 4 “P’s”?

10- 10-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (I Peter 3:1- 2)

MOMS AND WIVES: ARE YOU THE WINNER OF 4 “P’s”?

1- “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2- While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.”

If you’re a husband, you will love see your wife having these 4 “P’s” which I know would be the desire of every husband. And your desire is for your relationship as husband and wife to be happier and stronger even as the days go by.

PURE- (I Peter 3: 4- 5) 4- “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5- For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:” Do we have that hidden man of the heart? Whatever we have in our hearts will manifest in our outside appearance. People only see the outside part of your body but God sees the heart. If you are single or even married, stay pure in the sight of God and man.

PERFECT- What do I mean of perfect? Does it mean that you have to be perfect as a mother or a wife like you never sin or make any mistake? In theology, we call it “sinless perfection” like the Lord Jesus Christ or the angels in heaven. (I Peter 5: 10) “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” It means you grow mature and it’s true to all of us Christians as how God has worked in us and through us and made us grow or mature after we went through suffering.

PRODUCTIVE- How would you know if a woman, a mother or your wife is really productive? Is there a certain kind of level or spirituality? How would you know if you’re productive as a wife and a mother? Or if you’re a single person, can you gauge yourself if you’re productive or not? Is there any area in our lives as a married man or woman that could tell that we’re really effective and productive? It would be a great treasure for a husband and children to see their mother as a productive Sunday school teacher, house wife, secretary or just an ordinary mother who loves the Lord. It will even be better if you’re productive at home, at work and in the ministry. Now, I suggest that you read (Proverbs 31: 10- 31) really slow and you will see the real picture of a productive wife and a mother.

POSITIVE- Sometimes it’s the Dad that is really so negative, but there are wives that are so negative too. They even question their husband’s pay check like their husband has the control on how much their company or their boss’ should write down on their pay check as their pay for a week or two. It’s so annoying working and being with negative people like even having all the blessings and answered prayers in their hands, they still question such blessing and answered prayers. Here’s a good example of what I was saying, (Acts 12: 11- 16) 11- “And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12- And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13- And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14- And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15- And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16- But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.”

THE 3 GOOD “P’s” FOR YOUR SPOUSE

10- 09-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Proverbs 31: 29)

THE 3 GOOD “P’s” FOR YOUR SPOUSE

29- “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.”

It’s very unfortunate to see and hear of marriages breaking up and relationships that had been shaken for some reasons. In my own observation; I believe that 1 of the reasons of break ups in many marriages is the absence of at least 1 of the “P’s” in either of the spouse. I want for you to open your heart and just make it open for the next 3 “P’s” that I will be sharing to you in a while. Remember that having these 3 "P's" in your marriage will play a big role for you as a mother/father and a wife or husband. But let us focus on the wives since we are really dicussing about the wives

PRUDENT- The definition of PRUDENT as according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “characterized by arising from, or showing prudence: as a) marked by wisdom or judiciousness, <prudent advice> b) shrewd in the management of practical affairs <prudent investors> c) marked by circumspection: DISCREET d) PROVIDENT, FRUGAL.”

We have misunderstandings at home and between husbands and wives; and it’s just sometimes because of this short phrase- lack of prudence. It’s sometimes the use of practical reasons or common sense on simple affairs in the decision making at home, business or at work. In the Christian community, we use the word discernment which every Christian really needs to have. I believe that if you will desire to have this kind of gift, God will give it to you. Millions and millions of homes were destroyed, wrecked and are breaking down and their relationship are in a messed because of bad judgment on either part.  (Proverbs 31: 26) “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Solomon said, “wisdom is the principal thing…”

PATIENT- (Proverbs 31: 27) “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” To the mothers out there, I know it’s not easy to look after your children especially if they are just a baby. And it’s not easy either to look after your children while they are growing up. The real struggle would be when they’re teenagers already and they have their own disposition, principles and philosophies in life. Some women out there may not have any problems exercising their patience on their children, but they have problem exercising their patience to their spouse. I like the last phrase of (Proverbs 31: 27) “…and eateth not the bread of idleness.” You really need love to exercise your patient for your children, husband or friends. (I Corinthians 13: 4) “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”

PLEASANT, let us check the dictionary again regarding this word; Definition of PLEASANT

1: having qualities that tend to give pleasure : agreeable <a pleasant day>

2: having or characterized by pleasing manners, behavior, or appearance

We can see the real picture of a pleasant wife or mother here in the following verses. Sometimes pleasantness is being identified by many as just an outward beauty or appearance, but for me it would be just like what the Bible said here in the Book of Proverbs. Also Paul has a good picture of a pleasant woman. (I Timothy 2:9- 10) 9- “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10- But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”

In (Proverbs 31:25- 26; 28- 30) “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26- She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 28- Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29- Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30- Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”

“EVERY WISE WOMAN BUILDETH HER HOUSE…”

10- 08- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Proverbs 14:1)

“EVERY WISE WOMAN BUILDETH HER HOUSE…”

 “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.”

It’s a beautiful verse designed not just for the wise women but for every husband. “Every wise woman buildeth her house…” It means a good and responsible wife. Wives should be a channel of blessing to their husband and children. The wise wives are those who are building their home in the Fear of the Lord. They work hard for the success of their children. She is Loving, Considerate and takes care of the affairs of the family. Here’s I believe is a good personal profile of the “Wise Women”. They have the 10 “P’s”, but we may just have to start with the 1^st 3 “P’s” which would be:

1) PIOUS- The good example is Mary the mother of Jesus in the flesh. (Luke 1: 41-42) 41- “And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42- And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”

2) PROSPEROUS- Prosperity is not about the accumulation of money and things, it’s about keeping your marriage, your home, bringing up your children in the fear of the Lord. The most important thing is your relationship with the Lord and with your spouse and children. (Proverbs 31: 11; 28; 30) “The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 28- Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 30- Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” You are living together in happiness and peace and in the Fear of the Lord. You honor His Word in your life. (Joshua 1:8- 9) 8- “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9- Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

3) PROVIDER- In some parts of the world as part of the culture, it is the wives who provides for the needs of the family and it is the wives who takes care of the homes. Here in the States, sometimes both parents are working to support the family. In the Philippines, mostly it’s the man who would be the provider. In (I Timothy 5: 8) “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” The picture of a good wife and mother is recorded in the book of Proverbs chapter thirty one. Notice what it says in (Proverbs 31: 13- 14) 13- “She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14- She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.”

7 THINGS TO HELP YOU STEP UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL

10-07-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Philippians 3: 13- 16)

7 THINGS TO HELP YOU STEP UP TO THE NEXT LEVEL

13- “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  15- Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16- Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”

1- LEARN FROM THE PAST… “He who does not learn from history will repeat the same…” Verses 13 and 14- “13- “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” 

2- FORGET ABOUT YOUR PAST… failures, heartache, hurt, hopelessness. Don’t live on your past, look forward, stay focus and maintain your momentum. Verse 14- “14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

3- KNOW YOUR PRESENT STANDING OR CONDITION. Know your financial, spiritual, physical, emotional and to others could be mental. Don’t live in denial and excuses. Verses 15 and 16- “15- Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16- Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”

4- KNOW YOUR GOAL. What do you really want to accomplish this year and in the future. Do you have a short term or/and long term goals. (Verses 12- 14) 12- “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13- Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

5- BE DETERMINED TO ACCOMPLISH OR REACH THAT GOAL/S. It may not be easy but just like the sayings, “NO PAIN, NO GAIN”. One day a little boy asked his Filipina mother… Mom what is “No Pain, No Gain”? And his mother can’t explain it in English and she explained it to him in Filipino (inTagalog) she said, “Son, it means pag walang tiyaga walang nilaga…” It’s true indeed, if you don’t have any patience in anything you do, you will never gain, not a step higher to the next level. (Philippians 3: 12-14) 12- “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13- Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

6- LET GOD LEADS YOU. (Psalms 23: 1- 2) 1- “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2- He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

7- DON’T FORGET GOD AS YOU PROSPER OR SUCCEED. (Joshua 1: 8; 13) 8- “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 13- Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD

SOLOMON’S WISDOM AND COUNSELS

10- 06- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Proverbs 5:1- 2)
SOLOMON’S WISDOM AND COUNSELS
1- “My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding: 2- That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.”
As you grow; be it in spiritual or physical, in business or in sports, you learn from reading, getting some advice or from your personal experience. Whether you are in Business, in Sports, in the Ministry, a Pastor or just an ordinary individual, we will for certain get an advice from a friend or love ones. You will get good counsel or advice, bad advice and sometimes unsolicited advice. In (Proverbs 6: 6) “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:” There must be something in the ants that human being should learn. When we were in Belize, we were told by a tourists guide in the jungle about ants and how they work hard and in unity. And he actually showed us the big Ants and their pattern.
In (proverbs 5:1-2) Solomon was addressing himself to his son in verse 1, he said “My son…” But we must also remember that, as sons; many of us are young at hearts or physically young, spiritually young and some are young in experience in life as general. Solomon said, “…attend unto my wisdom” “bow thine ear to my understanding.” Notice the 4 important words: “attend” “wisdom” “bow” and “understanding”. You do not separate wisdom and understanding. As you learn from the Lord, you learn from this world too. (Revelation 2:29) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. Open your ears and your heart to Christ who died on the Cross for your sins. Be ready to hear what the Spirit is saying to you and put them into practice. Exercise and apply Solomon’s wisdom and understanding in your daily life. Read the Book of Proverbs everyday at least a Chapter a day.
Another advice from the wisest man that ever lived is in (Proverbs 5:2) “That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.” 3) “That thou mayest regard discretion …” Someone made a comment about this verse, he said: “So you may act wisely and not blindly.” Even king Solomon who is a king with a kingdom, needs the wisdom of the King of kings.

WICKEDNESS OVERTHROWETH THE SINNER

10- 05- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Proverbs 13:6, 9, 13)
WICKEDNESS OVERTHROWETH THE SINNER
6- “Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner. 9- The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 13- Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.”
The verses are a comparison between evil and good. It was Solomon’s personal experienced on what the evil and the good, sin and righteousness will do to us. Solomon experienced them as God’s servant. The pain and the consequences of sin and the joy of righteousness and its God given reward for those who practiced them.
King Solomon the man who is full of wisdom warned us: 1) Proverbs 4: 14 “Enter not into the path of the wicked…). It’s a warning for us not to enter into the gates of sin and practicing sinners. ENTER NOT- The ticket to enter in into their path is free, but you have to pay for the consequences.
In (Proverbs 4: 15) it says, “Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” Again King Solomon the man who is full of wisdom warned us: 2) “Avoid it…” The writer knows that going to the place of sinners is dangerous. And the reason for that is to avoid the temptation of entering into it. Not even to pass by it. In (Proverbs 4: 17) it says, “For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.” It is obvious that wickedness is their life. They eat and drink in wickedness and in darkness. In (Proverbs 4: 19) “The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”
Praise God (Proverbs 4: 18) “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” As Christians, we are the light of the world and the Bible says that our “…path is as the shining light.”

THE DOWNFALL OF PETER

 10- 04-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Luke 22: 31- 62)
THE DOWNFALL OF PETER
Peter’s life as a Christian was full of failures and blunders. Peter’s downfall was not sudden but gradual. Peter’s life is very much like ours. (I Corinthians 10: 12) “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” (Proverbs 14: 14) “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.”
PETER’S SELF CONFIDENCE (Luke 22:33) “And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both in prison, and to death.” He trusted himself and his ability as well as his own strength instead of God. Although the Lord warned Peter of the coming temptation, yet Peter just took it for granted or he might have just took the Lord’s Word so lightly. Peter trusted in himself and in the flesh. Peter might have thought he would remain faithful to God. (Luke 22: 31-32).
PETER GAVE UP HIS PRAYER LIFE (Luke 22: 45- 46) 45 “And when he arose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46- And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.”
(Matthew 26: 40- 41) 40- “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41- Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
This was Peter’s second downward step to his downfall. He did not learn to call to God for help which was really the primary cause of his backsliding. It was really prayerlessness. How many times have we felt like praying, but your body and mind seem so tired to pray. Your spirit is willing to pray but your flesh is not. Your spirit said talk to God but your flesh, your body is saying the different thing, it’s saying the opposite. Your body is saying sleep. The Spirit said, “go to church”, but the flesh says “NO”. The Spirit said, “read your Bible” but your flesh says, “NO”.
PETER BECAME CARNAL AND WORLDLY (Luke 22:49-50) 49- “When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50- “And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.” Peter was acting in the flesh. He cut off the ear of Malchus. Peter Walked…, was standing up…, Sits… with those who do not know, with those who do not love the Lord and with those who do not honour the Lord. “Worldliness is anything, and everything in which the Lord is left out.” Peter was brave and loyal to our Lord, but he was not acting as spiritual and as a mature Christian.
(Psalms 1: 1) “BLESSED is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”

“CHASTISEMENT”- NOT A PLEASANT WORD

10- 03- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Hebrews 12: 5- 11)

“CHASTISEMENT”- NOT A PLEASANT WORD

Who would want to be chastised anyways? The word many Christians wanted to avoid and keep their ears closed. Chastisement is essential in our Christian life, because it involves our relationship with God. Chastisement indeed is not a pleasant word, but a word to which it opens the doors of opportunity and blessings to Christians. It’s a word which many Christians may not get the whole pictures of what lies ahead; but it’s a word and a way in which God used to instruct, to test, to give importance, to show, to indicate and give us the assurance that God loves us so much that He gave us the chastisement to get our attention for Him. Chastisement is a blessing from the Lord, because it gives us a good identification of the legitimacy of our relationship with God the Father. It means we are God’s children if we have chastisement. In verses 7 and 8, “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8- But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” In my own understanding and belief, chastisement is one of God’s signature in our Birth certificate as a Born again Christian. The Lord has given us also a Good sign that we are legitimate. God has given us also the Great support that no one could give- the loving correction of God. I’m talking about spiritual dealings. (Hebrews 12: 9) “Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?”

Let us try to live up to that name- the name “Christian”; we are His name bearer and we were called by that name. We bear His holy name to this sinful world. As I mentioned, we are His children and because we are His children, then it is in His power and prerogative to discipline us if we are not living accordingly. He has to rebuke us, remind us, and cause us to remember.

Take note of what the writer said in verse 5- “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:”

"LET THEM KNOW THAT “JESUS IS COMING SOON”

10- 02- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Luke 10: 1- 3; 8: 1)
LET THEM KNOW THAT “JESUS IS COMING SOON”
1- “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2- Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest. 3- Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. 1- And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,”
We have to get busy and get the job done. Do the work of an evangelist. Paul did not say that you must be an evangelist, but to do the work of an evangelist. What’s the work of an evangelist? It is to tell others about Jesus and the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. They go from place to place, from town to town, from city to city and so on… It means, they go everywhere and anywhere. And they keep themselves busy for the work of the Lord. Whether people will accept Him or not or whether Christians will obey His commands to go or not… “Jesus is coming soon… and He will come again. PRAISE GOD!!! This kind of message makes me like… if I would just think about it, I felt like I wanted to shout ‘Hallelujah’ even in public. Christ is coming for us again. He fulfilled everything that was said regarding His coming without failure. The Apostles looked forward to His coming during their time here on earth. And we are rest assured of Christ’s coming. These and many more are the assurance that Jesus is coming and we are to watch and pray and admonished one another. We must receive, believe, and obey God’s Word.
James T. Dyet said: “Someone has observed that old age is God’s way of telling us that warranty is running out.” I know some of us can’t just wait for Christ’s coming. The whole wide world don’t get any better, it’s just getting worst and worst. Our inspiration in watching should be the Word of God, The Holy Spirit, and the truth that the Lord is coming soon. One day my wife said to me: “I can’t believe that time and days just come and go so fast...” and I replied, “Praise God, It means Jesus is coming soon…”
(John 14: 1- 3) 1- “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2- In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3- And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”