Tuesday, November 30, 2010

THE SPIRITUAL DANGER IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY “For men shall be lovers of their own selves… more than lovers of God …”

11- 30- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (II Timothy 3:3-5)
THE SPIRITUAL DANGER IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY “For men shall be lovers of their own selves… more than lovers of God …”
3- “Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4- Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures; 5- Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
“False accusers”- It’s the title of some individuals that no one wants to be identified with or to be friend and work with. In (Revelation 12:9- 10) 9- “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10- And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” Satan was called “accuser of the brethren” and indeed he is the accuser of the brethren. Satan is the one who causes divisions in the church, at home and even in Christian organizations. Others, they felt accomplished by destroying the dignity and integrity of their friends, comrades or people’s lives. Gossip and being judgmental could lead to false accusations in a deeper level. According to Matthew HenryThe times are perilous when men are false accusers one of another, diaboloidevils one to another, having no regard to the good name of others, or to the religious obligations of an oath, but thinking themselves at liberty to say and do what they please, Ps. 12:4. 8. When men have no government of themselves and their own appetites:” (-The Bible Collection)
Once you put more importance to yourself or you become self-centered; sin such as gossip, judgmental, false accusations and love for self… becomes more visible to your life. Matthew Henry said, “…having no regard to the good name of others” Those who are self-centered will be hooked and becomes a servant of not just a single sin, but more sins; until those sins will destroy their life, their home, their relationships and future. (Romans 13:12- 14) - “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 13- Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14- But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Monday, November 29, 2010

THE SPIRITUAL DANGER IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY “For men shall be lovers of their own selves… more than lovers of God …”

11- 29- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (II Timothy 3:1-5)
THE SPIRITUAL DANGER IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY “For men shall be lovers of their own selves… more than lovers of God …”
1- “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2- For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3- Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4- Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures; 5- Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Paul was talking about the danger in the Christian community as well as in the secular world. Paul talked of “…men shall be lovers of their own selves” The love for self which leads to other sins that destroys ones testimonies. That’s 1 of the sin that destroys many lives, homes and churches. Paul said in verse 3- “Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good…” One of the dangers we have as the Lord’s disciples is if we begin losing our love for the Lord. (Revelation 2:3- 4) “And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.  4- Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” The wicked do not have the natural affection, but for us Christians, its part of being a believer of the Lord Jesus Christ. No wonder they kill and do crimes, they commit immorality and blaspheme the Holy name of God without hesitation. They are trucebreakers which means they’re not for peace and they’re actually law breakers. They’re not for peace and order and it’s so sad that many religious groups were like that too. They declare war against the Government and even against religious groups that are not the same as theirs. I praise the Lord for Christianity as the religion that focused on the Lord Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection. And He is coming again for His saints. It is a religion of love, peace and compassion. These are 3 of the things that I believe the Lord Jesus Christ wants for us to have. We need love, peace and compassion. Love was the reason why He lay down His life for us. (Romans 5:1; 8) 1- “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 8- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Jude 1:22) “And of some have compassion, making a difference:”

Sunday, November 28, 2010

THE SPIRITUAL DANGER IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

11- 28- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (II Timothy 3:1-5)
THE SPIRITUAL DANGER IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
1- “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2- For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3- Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4- Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5- Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
We are all living in the last days or dangerous times. Paul used the word “perilous times” in (II Timothy 3:1 and 2) which covers from the time of his writing until the second coming of Christ in the air and when He comes to rule in the millennium. We are faced with dangers in every corner of our lives. Here in verse 1, Paul was talking about the danger of being selfish and self- loving people instead of God-loving people. Some of the people that we know are self centered.  When you become self-centered, the next thing you’ll do is to covet and boast. You will just love to talk about yourself and be proud of yourself and your accomplishment. We can see it from every corner and how people blaspheme the name of our God. You see it on TV, in your wide screen, in theaters or movies and even in some secular books and the Internet. Others are using the Holy Name of God and the Lord Jesus Christ in vain. Rebellion and ungratefulness is very common in many homes, churches and even in a Christian homes and Christian organizations. There’s no question about how people are so sinful before God and unholy. The sad things about the things that I’ve mentioned is, many of the so called church people and even Christians and religious leaders were practicing and living in some of those sins without even knowing it. Others knew that they are hooked into some of those sinful things that displeased our Lord, but 1) they don’t have the guts to take a U- turn or repent of their sins. 2) Some, just want to stay where they are in terms of living in sins. 3) Others wanted to turn their back from their sins, but they’re afraid or something or someone is holding them back. 4- While others don’t know the way out. All you have to do is to surrender everything to God and let the Lord set you free. (John 8:36) “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Saturday, November 27, 2010

BLACK SATURDAY...? WHAT ABOUT IT...?

11- 27- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Galatians 4:9- 10)
BLACK SATURDAY...? WHAT ABOUT IT...? 
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10- Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Definitions of Black Saturday on the Web: In professional wrestling, Black Saturday refers to Saturday, July 14, 1984. On that date, Vince McMahon and his World Wrestling Federation (WWF) took over the Saturday night time slot on Superstation WTBS that had been home to Georgia Championship Wrestling (GCW) and its flagship weekly program, World Championship Wrestling, for twelve years.
Black Saturday was a series of massacres and armed clashes in Beirut, that occurred in the first stages of the Lebanese Civil War. On Saturday December 6, 1975, the bodies of four members of the rightist Kataeb Party (Phalange), an organization grouping primarily Maronite Christians, were found in an abandoned car outside the state-owned power plant in Christian-dominated East Beirut.
Black Saturday refers, in France, to the busiest day of the year when many people go on holiday. This Saturday is usually at the end of July, though in 2007 both the last Saturday of July and the first Saturday of August are designated as Black Saturdays.
Black Saturday (24 September 1983) is the name given to the crisis when the Hong Kong dollar exchange rate was at an all-time low. On that day, the USD $1 = HKD $9.6. For a period, Hong Kong stores began quoting products in US dollar prices, because of the uncertain fluctuation in domestic currency.
Black Saturday is a term used in Scotland to describe a particularly dark, stormy Saturday that occurred on 4 August 1621. Many regarded the foul weather as a judgment of Heaven against Acts then passed in the Scots Parliament tending to establish Episcopacy.[1] Many suicides were recorded on this day, as some saw the foul weather as a preparatory for Armageddon.
The Cuban Missile Crisis (known as The October Crisis in Cuba or Russian: Карибский кризис Caribbean Crisis in Russia) was a confrontation between the Soviet Union, Cuba and the United States in October 1962, during the Cold War. (Source- Internet: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
For me, Black Saturday will only be black; if you don’t have Jesus in your heart and if a person is near death without hope. The world around you may fall apart, but if you have Jesus and the hope of eternal life; your days will not be black. Jesus is the light of the world. (John 1:4- 5) 4- “In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5- And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Friday, November 26, 2010

A LATE THANKSGIVING DAY MESSAGE FOR YOU…

11- 26- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Psalm 105:1- 2)
A LATE THANKSGIVING DAY MESSAGE FOR YOU…
1- “O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 2- Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.
When I feel sad, sorry, sorrowful and stressed out, I ponder upon His Word, I pray and I prosper. (Psalm 105:1- 2) are the Lord’s GPS to us Christians. Your questions could be; “How can this be the Lord’s GPS? And what do we mean of GPS in those verses? In verse 1, we were told to Give thanks unto the Lord…” And indeed we need to give thanks to God who gave us this life and the blessings of it. Of course we don’t want to overlook the gift of eternal life in Heaven in Jesus name. Again, in verse 1 it says, “call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.” It means, Pray unto the Lord…” Does it sound familiar to you? If you know what I meant, then were on the same track, you are absolutely right… It was the same things Paul was talking in the New Testament in the Book of (Philippians 4:6) “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” And the last would be “Sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.” Again, does it sound familiar to you? Yes, it was Paul who said that in the Book of (Ephesians 5:18- 20) 18- “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19- Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20- Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” I believe, this is worship and that’s what God expects of us in our worship. We give thanks, we pray, sing and along with that, we tell others of His marvelous works. We testify to the people of the goodness of the Lord and everything that the Lord has done in our lives. (Psalm 106:1- 2; 30:4- 8; 11- 12) 1- “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2- Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can show forth all his praise? 4- Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 5- For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. 6- And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. 7- LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. 8- I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. 11- Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; 12- To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”
















Wednesday, November 24, 2010

BIBLE VERSES AND SONGS FOR YOU, FOR A GREAT THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION

11- 24- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION
BIBLE VERSES AND SONGS FOR YOU, FOR A GREAT THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
(Psalm 105:1- 2; 106:1- 2; 30:4- 8; 11) 1- “O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 2- Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. 1- Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2- Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can show forth all his praise? 4- Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 5- For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. 6- And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. 7- LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. 8- I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. 11- Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; 12- To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by

When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
MY TRIBUTE

How can I say thanks, For the things You have done for me, Things so undeserved,
Yet You gave to prove Your love for me. The voices of a million angels, Could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.

To God be the glory, To God be the glory, To God be the glory, For the things He has done. With His blood He has saved me, With His power He has raised me, To God be the glory,
For the things He has done.

Just let me live my life, Let it be pleasing, Lord, to Thee, And if I gain any praise,
Let it go to Calvary. With His blood He has saved me, With His power He has raised me,
To God be the glory, For the things He has done.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY
To God be the glory, great things He has done; So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory, great things He has done.
O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes, That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done, And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; But purer, and higher, and greater will be Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.
GIVE THANKS
GIVE THANKS, WITH A GRATEFUL HEART
GIVE THANKS, TO THE HOLY ONE
GIVE THANKS, FOR HE'S GIVEN
JESUS CHRIST, HIS SON (X2)

AND NOW LET THE WEAK SAY, I AM STRONG
LET THE POOR SAY, I AM RICH BECAUSE OF WHAT,

THE LORD HAS DONE FOR US (X2)
GIVE THANKS...

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

START SERVING THE LORD

11- 23- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Acts 20:19- 21)
START SERVING THE LORD
19- “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20- And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, 21- Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I am happy in the service of the King. I am happy, O so happy! I have peace and joy that nothing else can bring. In the service of the King;
In the service of the King; every talent I will bring. I have peace and joy and blessing; in the service of the King.
I am happy in the service of the King. I am happy, O so happy! Through the sunshine and the shadow I can sing, in the service of the King.

I am happy in the service of the King. I am happy, O so happy! To His guiding hand forever I will cling, in the service of the King. I am happy in the service of the King. I am happy, O so happy! All that I possess to Him I gladly bring, in the service of the King.” (Alfred Ackley-1912) www.hymnlyrics.org/lyricsall/i.html
Here are some of the benefits in serving the Lord (Exodus 23:25) “And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.” (Deuteronomy 10:12) “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,”
Serving God is not an option for Christians, it is a requirement with God expecting us to do our best. We can have blessings from the Lord as we serve Him faithfully. The Bible said that…”we should walk after the LORD our God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and we shall serve him, and cleave unto him.” (I Samuel 12:20) “…yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;” (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.”
 

Monday, November 22, 2010

TRUST…

11- 22- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Psalm 56:3- 4)
TRUST…
3- “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4- In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”
“I just keep trusting my Lord as I walk a long, I just keep trusting my Lord and He gives a song. Though the storm clouds darken the sky o'er the heav'nly trail,
I just keep trusting my Lord, He will never fail. He's a faithful friend, such a faithful friend; I can count on Him to the very end. Though the storm clouds darken the sky o'er the heav'nly trail, I just keep trusting my Lord, He will never fail.” (unknown)
(Psalm 9:10) “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”
Trust the Lord for your salvation. You don’t only accept Him as your Lord and Savior, but you will have to trust Him and believe in Jesus from your heart. The Bible said in, (Acts 16:30- 31) 30- “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31- And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Psalm 37:40) “And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.” (Psalm 49:6- 8) 6- “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; 7- None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: 8- For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)”
Trust the Lord in the service of the King. (Psalm 4:5) “Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.” Even in our service and worship to God, we still have to trust in Him. We will put our trust in God for strength and wisdom. And we need to trust Him as we offer to Him our sacrifices and offerings.
Trust the Lord for your supplication. (Proverbs 28:25) “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.” It means that, if we only put our trust in God for our daily needs; God will bless us and will supply all our needs. The Lord in His grace and mercy provided all our needs according to His riches in Glory. Apostle Paul testifies of this in (Philippians 4:19) “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Sunday, November 21, 2010

CONFESS…

11- 21- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (I John 1:7- 10)
CONFESS…
7- “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8- If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10- If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
Confess your sins to God. Speaking of “confession”, it has different meaning and interpretation to different religions or religious denominations. Confession according to Unger’s Bible dictionary, from the “(Hebrew word yadah, literally, to use, extend the hand) is used in the Old Testament in the sense of acknowledging one’s sin (Leviticus 5:5; Job 40:14; Psalm 32:5). In the prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the temple he uses the expression “confess thy name” (I Kings 8:33, 35; II Chronicles 6:24, 26).
The Greek word rendered “confession” is “homologeo”, literally, to say the same thing, i. e., not to deny, and so to admit or declare one’s self guilty of what he is accused. It is also used in the sense of a profession, implying the yielding or change of one’s conviction (John 12:42; Acts 23:8; Romans 10:9-10; I Timothy 6:13).” (Unger’s Bible Dictionary by, Merrill F. Unger, Moody Press Chicago)
Confess your need for God. Whether we like it or not; we are a needy people and everybody who are living and is in a right mind knows that he is in need of God and of something that only God can fill them. Blaise Pascal 1623 – 1662, a French Mathematician, Physicist and inventor once said, “…In the heart of man there is a God shaped vacuum that only God can fill it.”
Confess the Lord Jesus Christ not only as your Savior and Lord and confess to others that He is your King and you are His disciple. If you’re a married individual, you would not be ashamed of telling others about your spouse. You are married to the Lord Jesus Christ so don’t be shy to confess Him to others. (Romans 10:9- 10) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10- For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Saturday, November 20, 2010

ACCEPT…

11- 21- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Romans 10:9- 13)
ACCEPT…
9- “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10- For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11- For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12- For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13- For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
1- Accept that you are a sinner before God. (Romans 3:10, 23) 10- “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” 23- “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” I know it’s not easy to humbly come before the presence of God and accept before Him your sinfulness and unworthiness and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. As you accept before God your sinfulness, it means that you also accept your hopelessness, your depravity and your need for the Blood of Christ to wash you and cleanse you of your sins. (Ephesians 1:7) “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
2- Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. (John 1:12) “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” When you accept Christ as your Lord and Savior, it means you also accept His Lordship, His shed Blood, His finished work at the Cross of Calvary and you also accept Him as the only Savior and the second person of the Holy trinity. You heard of people say that Christians made it so easy to go to Heaven. Actually, it was not the Christians who made it easy, it was the work of the Holy Trinity through the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. Because of what He has done at the Cross; all we have to do is to accept it by faith.
3- Accept the free gift of salvation. The gift was offered, but the question is; would you be willing to accept that gift by humbly coming to God and accepting it by faith. (Romans 6:23; John 3:16) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

THINGS TO BE THANKFUL TO GOD FOR…

11- 20- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Psalm 100:1- 5)
THINGS TO BE THANKFUL TO GOD FOR…
1- “A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2- Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3- Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4- Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5- For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”
(II Corinthians 9:15) “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (Psalms 30:12) “To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.” THINGS TO BE THANKFUL TO GOD FOR: Give thanks to God for your unspeakable gift. Let’s be thankful to God for the salvation that God gave us though our Lord Jesus Christ. We can also rejoice and be grateful for the spiritual blessings that He blessed us with. And we can also look forward to the heavenly places which God prepared for those who came to Him in humility of spirit for their salvation. Paul said that we have His grace and the Lord made us accepted in the beloved. One of the things that we may take for granted is “redemption through his blood”. It was not of money, blood of the animals or of man’s way, man’s will, manmade salvation, but through His blood. We can also look up to God with gratefulness for the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus Christ. The guilt, the dirty conscience and burdens is gone, because we were forgiven. Thank God for the brethren and pray for them. Keep them in your prayers and be thankful to God for the wisdom and knowledge from above. I’m so thankful to God for being a part of your life by sharing to you the Lord’s unspeakable gift and spiritual blessings through His Words of wisdom. Today, don’t hesitate to say, “Thank you…”
Ephesians 2:3-10 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:  6- To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7- In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 16- Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17- That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:”

Thursday, November 18, 2010

“Z”- ZEALOUSLY SERVE THE LORD (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)

11- 18- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Joshua 24:14- 16)
“Z”- ZEALOUSLY SERVE THE LORD (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)
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. 15- And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 16- And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;
Some Christians, they have a misconception and different mindset when it comes to serving God. Some religious organizations or People would sometimes think that serving God would mean Pastorate or mission work at home or overseas. Some religious groups, their leadership will asked them to do things that are beyond our imaginations as their proof of their love and service to God. Some were trained to be a warrior while other religious organizations are training their converts and send them to foreign Countries to be missionaries in their own expense even if they’re not called to be one. When I was growing up in my home church where my parents used to go, I thought that the Pastors, missionaries, church leaders and deacons were the only group of people who were called to serve God. And I was thinking about my Dad who was one of those who served, but at night he would come home drunk. Back then, my Dad was not a Christian, but he was a good church member. So was he really serving the Lord? I don’t think so. In the process of time, the more I come to church, even on weekdays, the more I began to think that my presence at church was my deepest expression of my service to God. I was wrong because it should start from loving the Lord our God. Seven ways to serve the Lord: 1- Serve God from where you are 2- Serve Him for Who God is and what you have. 3- Serve God in whatever situation you are in right now. 4- Serve the Lord with what you have in your hands. 5- Serve the Lord by being a good parent, son or daughter… 6- You can serve God with your talents, time treasures. 7- Serve God faithfully and with sincerity. (Joshua 24:21- 22) 21- “And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the LORD. 22- And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, We are witnesses.”

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

“Y”- YIELD TO THE WORD OF GOD AND TO HIS WILL (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)

11- 17- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (II Chronicles 30:8)
“Y”- YIELD TO THE WORD OF GOD AND TO HIS WILL (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)
8- “Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.”
One single word could change the course of your life and future. Just a single word could even leads to death, life, freedom, blessings and we can go on and on… The word “yield” is a very powerful word. If you yield to God for your salvation; your life will be changed, your destiny will be determined and your future will make a difference. One of the rules in a fight in Ultimate Fighting Championship is “submission”- a fighter taps on the mat or his opponent three times (or more) or verbally submits.” (Wikipedia) “Submission” is the synonym of “yield”. Indeed, unless we submit or yield ourselves to God, His Word and His will, we will never win. It’s opposite to the rules of whatever sports, especially in boxing or martial arts. In Christianity, the more we surrender, submit or yield the more we win. The more sin you surrender, the more you win over sin, Satan and self. Here in the United States of America and some parts of the world, we have a traffic rules in which whether you’re in a freeway or residential area; once you see the sign “yield”, it means you really have to yield and give way to the oncoming vehicles or the vehicles behind you as you’re driving in into the freeway.  You can get into a deadly accident if you will not yield. It’s just a single word, but it has made a lot of difference in traffic and in the lives of many. I had an accident with my wife few years ago, because a woman who was coming out from the subdivision did not yield to the vehicles with the right of way. It’s a good picture of what will happen to people who will not yield to God’s Word and will in their lives. (Romans 6:13, 16, 19) “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 16- Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 19- I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.”

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

“X”- X RATED MOVIES AND MAGAZINES MUST BE AVOIDED (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)

11- 16- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Psalm 101:2- 4)
“X”- X RATED MOVIES AND MAGAZINES MUST BE AVOIDED (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)
2- “I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3- I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4- A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.”
I skipped some of them because some of them are not very family friendly, but these are some of the 25 most searched on the Internet. Number 2 is “Porn”, number 9 is “sex”, number 12 is “girls”, number 13 is “free porn” and number 14 is lesbian. It’s just so sad that many of our Christian friends, love ones and religious leaders including those who are in politics are the victims. Everything about sin is available in the Internet which is just 1 click away from our fingers that of our children. Paul said, (Ephesians 6:11- 12) 11- “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12- For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
We have all kinds of entertainments on the Internet, hard copies, live shows, movies and television. The negative part of it is we don’t have any control of what they would put on our screen.
We need to put on the whole armour of God and pray. May we will pray the prayer of Jabez, “…and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.” It’s only by the grace of God and by the strength of the Lord that we will be able to sustain, overcome and be on the top of any temptation. And may we would not be judgmental and we will not look down on those who were hooked by such sinful act, but we will be helpful and we will extend our open arms. They are the kind of people who really needs help, love, care and our full attention as we lift them up to Jesus.
On the Lord’s pattern or example and manner of prayer from the Book of (Matthew 6:13) “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

Monday, November 15, 2010

“W”- WALK WISELY, WORK WISELY AND WORK HARD FOR GOD (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)

11- 15- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (I Samuel 18:5)
“W”- WALK WISELY, WORK WISELY AND WORK HARD FOR GOD (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)
5- “And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul's servants.”
David here became King Saul’s employee in his kingdom. In (I Samuel 18:14- 15; 30) And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely…” The reason why David behaved himself wisely was because of Saul’s sin of envy and jealousy. Saul was trying to kill David. Matthew Henry said, “…showing himself as dutiful as he was bold and courageous. Those that hope to rule must first learn to obey. He had approved himself a dutiful son to Jesse his father, and now a dutiful servant to Saul his master; those that are good in one relation it is to be hoped will be so in another.” (The Bible Collection) In (Proverbs 28:26) “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” What does it mean to walk wisely? It means we have to live and make decisions according to the wisdom of God. We don’t just walk and we don’t walk and make decisions according to the flesh, but in the Spirit.  Jesus said in (Matthew 10:16) “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
We also need to work hard and work wisely for our family, for ourselves and for God. In (II Chronicles 4:12) it says, “And the men did the work faithfully…” There is no room for laziness in our home. We have people who are very dependent to their love ones, to the Government or agencies, because they don’t want to work and don’t want to work hard. I remember when I was working for a company where I was in a stressful environment. It was until I decided to really think and plan on how I could do my job in an excellent way, while at the same time, I could work and do my job wisely and less stress on my part. You may asked the same question like the people during the Lord’s time when they asked Him; “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” In (John 6:28- 29) 28- “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29- Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”

Sunday, November 14, 2010

“U”- UNITY AMONG BRETHREN IS IMPORTANT (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s); “V”- VALUE GOD’S BLESSINGS (ON CHRISTIANS ABC’s)

11- 13- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Proverbs 30:25; 27)
“U”- UNITY AMONG BRETHREN IS IMPORTANT (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)
25- “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; 27- The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;”
“Ants have often been used in fables and children's stories to represent industriousness and cooperative effort. They are also mentioned in religious texts, In the Book of Proverbs in the Bible, ants are held up as a good example for humans for their hard work and cooperation.” (Wikipedia, “In Culture”)
Unite and unconditionally love others. It’s so easy to stand united, if love is present. After 9/11, a car sticker become so popular in the United States which says, “United we stand, divided we fall”. No wonder Jesus said in (John 13:35) “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Negotiate and never complain on anything at anytime. There are people who are negative and very hard to get along with; they complain even on good things and sometimes they’re not into fair and peaceful negotiations. Negotiate with them.
Initiate and inspire others to do the same. Initiate reconciliation and initiate something for doors of unity among brethren, opportunity for God and love for each other. We should be the key for the open doors so others could follow.
Team work and to team up with others is very important. “Bayanihan is a Filipino term taken from the word bayan, referring to a nation, town or community. The whole term bayanihan refers to a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective... The origin of the term bayanihan can be traced from a common tradition in Philippine towns where community members volunteer to help a family move to a new place. The process involves literally carrying the house to its new location. This is done by putting bamboo poles forming a strong frame to lift the stilts from the ground and carrying the whole house with the men positioned at the ends of each pole. (. (Wikipedia; Bayanihan, Etymology)
Encourage others and evaluate yourself and not your fellow Christians or fellowmen. (Psalm 133:1) “A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
11- 14- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (I Chronicles 4:9- 10)
“V”- VALUE GOD’S BLESSINGS (ON CHRISTIANS ABC’s)
9- “And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. 10- And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.”
The Lord’s Blessings come in different forms. I asked my group 2 different questions one day: 1- if they have prayed for God’s blessings that day and everybody raised their hands. 2- “How many of you asked the Lord for a specific blessing?” Nobody raised their hand. We asked God for general blessings and even forget to thank Him for one small thing. We expect God to do some miracles for us and we overlooked to thank Him for the little things that we enjoyed. Jabez prayed, “…Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed” We have general blessings and we also have individual and special blessings; but the problem is, we sometimes don’t take pleasures and value with what God has given us. Value God’s blessings of having your family and love ones with you and the freedom to serve the Lord and being used by God for His kingdom. Do you know what it means to be away from home for a long time and what it means to lost a love ones or watching a love ones leaves for some reasons? Others don’t have any idea how it would feel to be financially distress. Some they don’t know the feelings of going to bed with empty stomach. Others are suffering with health issues in spite of their love for God and their family; while some are abusing their bodies with alcohol, cigarettes and drugs… and were unthankful to God. Sometimes people are only thankful on special holidays. Here’s one of my favorite hymns: When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. So, amid the conflict whether great or small, Do not be disheartened, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.” (Johnson Oatman Jr., by Ed­win Ex­cell (Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: 1897). Paul said in (I Thessalonians 5:18) “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Friday, November 12, 2010

“T”- THANK GOD FOR EVERYTHING (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)

11- 12- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION
“T”- THANK GOD FOR EVERYTHING (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)
11- “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 12- I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God.
People all over the world are complaining and murmurings just like the Israelites of old, they always complain or they always have something to complain about.
Gratefulness or being thankful is very important in our daily walk with God. Being thankful, being appreciative or grateful is very important as God’s light in this darkened world.
People have complains on almost everything. No wonder at the Mall, in tourist areas, in buildings and businesses, we can see a customer service or a complain desks. We read of the Israelites complained to Moses and to God in spite of God’s provision. We complain of the terrible traffic while some people on the other parts of the world; they walk miles or just ride a bike to be able to go from point “A” to point “B”. Some of us Christians here in the USA are complaining of the grapes with seeds, while in some parts of the world they only have grapes on special occasions like Christmas. Are we stepping on the Israelites’ of old footsteps or pattern of life or are we walking in the path of righteousness? We are in the Lord Jesus Christ’s pathway. “Count your blessings name them one by one… and see what the Lord has done” as the song says.
THANK YOU! “We say it so often when a waitress gives us good service, when a customer buys our product, when someone gives us helping hand. Sometimes we show as well as say our thanks, when we leave a small tip, when we send a little gift to a friend or hostess, when we give that warm, sincere hand-shake. I’d like to show my appreciation to you by telling you something that is of far greater value. It is simply that the greatest gift in the world can be yours for the asking.
That gift is the friendship of my best friend-Jesus Christ. He took away my sin and guilt and gives me joy and peace. I serve him with loving obedience and find in Him my life, my hope, my everything! He invites you, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He saves; He keeps; He satisfies! Introducing Him to you is the best way that I can say Thank you! (Faith, Prayer & Tract League, Grand Rapids, MI 49504)
So be thankful to God in all things, (I Thessalonians 5: 18) “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Thursday, November 11, 2010

"S"- START RIGHT ON EVERYTHING YOU DO (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)

11- 11- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (I Corinthians 9:25- 27)
"S"- START RIGHT ON EVERYTHING YOU DO (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)
25- “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 26- I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27- But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
The best way to start something right is to first, pray earnestly, seek God’s will and consult God’s Word. We need to plan ahead and we need to have the right preparations, right purpose and we need the right person/s or people. It is essential to also have a relevant presentation, rightful profit and to give the Praise and the honor to God when you succeed. This kind of principle is true especially in business, in church planting and even in building a home. Jesus said in (Luke 14:28-32) 28- “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29- Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30- Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31- Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32- Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.”
To start right, it would mean discipline, determination and consistent practice and training to many, especially the athletes. Those who are involved in the track and field knew the importance of starting right with your eyes focused onward or on to the finish line. It will really make the difference, when you have the right gears and the right way of doing things. “At the professional level, sprinters begin the race by assuming a crouching position in the starting blocks before leaning forward and gradually moving into an upright position as the race progresses and momentum is gained. Athletes remain in the same lane on the running track throughout all sprinting events, with the sole exception of the 400 m indoors.” (Wikipedia, Events- Running). Apostle Paul said in, (II Timothy 4:7) “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:”

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

“R”- REMEMBER OTHERS AS CHRIST REMEMBER THEM AT THE CROSS (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)

11- 10 -10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Luke 23:32- 34)
“R”- REMEMBER OTHERS AS CHRIST REMEMBER THEM AT THE CROSS (ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s)
32- “And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33- And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 34- Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon the prince of preachers once said; “It is not my remembering God, it is God’s remembering me that is the ground for my safety.” He continued; “Even the remembrance of the covenant is not left to our memories. We might forget, but our Lord cannot forget the saints whom He has inscribed on the palms of His hands.” (Isaiah 49:16) “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” In (Genesis 8:1) “And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;” But in (Genesis 7:23- 24) here in these verses; it tells us of God’s righteous judgement and how God extinguished the whole race of mankind. But the Bible said, “And God remembered Noah, and every living thing…” Remember others in your prayer, blessings and even in small things. I heard an audio of the preaching of the late Dr. Jack Hyles on the topic; “OTHERS”. He said about Jesus remembering us on the Cross in spite of His pain and suffering. The first 3 sayings of the Lord on the cross were for others. When He was talking to God in behalf of the sinful world; He said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” The second one was when He was talking to the malefactor as He turned His head and said, “…Today, thou shalt be with me in paradise”. And the third was when He was talking to Mary His mother in the flesh and to His disciple. He said, “Woman, behold thy son!” “Behold thy mother! “ Let’s not be selfish but self-less. One of my favorite song of which I really love to sing when I was travelling was “When He Was on the Cross, I was on His mind” (Philippians 2:3- 4) 3- “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4- Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

“Q”- QUOTE BIBLE VERSES ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s

11- 09- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Deuteronomy 6:1- 3)
“Q”- QUOTE BIBLE VERSES ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s
1- “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: 2- That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. 3- Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.
Patrick Henry’s Regret- Patrick Henry, near death, said: “Here is a Book, the Bible, worth more that all others that were ever printed; yet it is my misfortune never to have found time to read it.” (Knight’s Master Book of New Illustrations, WM. B. Eerdsmans Publishing Company)
We can quote the Word of God when we have trials and in the midst of temptation. We can also quote Bible verses when we’re trying to resist the enemy. God requires of us to be in His Word daily. (Psalm 119:1) “…who walk in the law of the LORD.” God wants every Christians to “walk” according to His Word. (Psalm 119:2) “…keep his testimonies,” The Psalmist said that we’ll be blessed, which is true. We experienced His blessings and we know we’re blessed when we keep God’s Word in our hearts. (Psalm 119:101) “I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.” “The Word of God keeps us away from sin and sin keeps us away from the Word of God.” (Psalm 119:3) “They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.” We ought to keep His Word diligently; it will lead us in God’s ways and will. If you want to absorb God’s wisdom and have the spirit of understanding, then be in His Word. If you want to learn every false way, then be in His Word. If you need a light and a lamp then, be in His Word. (Psalm 119:100-105) We will not only quote Bible verses like what Jesus did in Matthew 4:1- 11) during His temptation, but we will live with it; His Word is our life. May this will be your vow and prayers to God like what the Psalmist did in (Psalm 119:106- 107) 106- “I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. 107- I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

Monday, November 8, 2010

PERSEVERE UNTIL YOU REACH YOUR GOAL/S ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s

11- 08- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Hebrews 12:1- 3)
"P"- PERSEVERE UNTIL YOU REACH YOUR GOAL ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s
1- “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2- Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3- For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
According to the dictionary; “Persevere” means – “to persist in anything undertaken”; “maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement”; “continue steadfastly.”
Pray earnestly and Plan wisely as you set your goal. We have daily goals, weekly goals, monthly goals and yearly goals, but we must have long ranged goals too.
Entrust your goal/s to God knowing that we can’t do anything without Him. (John 15:5) “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Re-Set your goal/s if you failed, but don’t quit; you have just started to walk through the aisle of the learning process. You’re not a loser as long as you keep on keeping on! Burn that bridge named “quit and looking back”; those were the failures of the Israelites when they went out of Egypt. “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” (Thomas Edison 1847-1931)
Start working hard to get to your goal. Don’t take things lightly and don’t let laziness gets in the way.
Exercise caution and exert more efforts as you work hard. Jesus said, “…be wise as serpent and harmless as dove.”
Visualize your way to success; when you reach your goal/s and celebrate success.
Entertain good advice and counsels. (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22)
Review your failure/s or success and examine yourself. (Psalm 26:2; II Corinthians 13:5)
Evaluate where you are in all areas of life. Your success in reaching your goal/s in spiritual, financial and physical standing in life will depend on your attitude.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

“O” OPPOSE SIN AND EVIL ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s

11- 07- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (I Peter 5:8- 9)
“O” OPPOSE SIN AND EVIL ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s
8- “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9-Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
RESIST-the work of the ungodly. Resist the advice and the offer of the evil men. Resist your fleshly desires and the lust of the flesh. This sinful world will offer us temporary pleasures and satisfaction. Be careful of the deceitful works of Satan. Resist Satan’s destructive and deceitful offer. God has a better plan for you.
Evil will always be evil. The devil will make evil looks good and will make good evil; but no matter how you would cover it up, it will not make any difference at all, because evil is evil. It may look different from the outside, because it’s covered with deceit; but it would be the same in the inside.
Sin is sin even if you will cover it up with good things and religious rituals or religious ceremonies and practices. (Romans 8:9- 10) 9- “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10- And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”
“I”, yes the big “I” is in the middle of sIn and prIde. Oppose sin, evil, pride and arrogance. The Big “I” was the reason for Satan’s downfall, (Isaiah 14:12- 24).
Satan is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:44) ”Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” The world and its courses have not changed, so is the Word of God and the devices and deception of Satan.  
Temptation will always be there waiting for you, pursuing you if that’s the right word or haunting you but God’s promised is in (I Corinthians 15:58).

Saturday, November 6, 2010

“N”- NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYTHING AT ANYTIME ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s

11- 06- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Philippians 4:11- 13)
“N”- NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYTHING AT ANYTIME ON CHRISTIAN’s ABC’s
11- Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12- I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
One day, I was walking down to my room at Ramada Hotel few hours before our Ramada Worship Night. Behind me was the group of sport team kids who visited Taylor, Michigan for a game. I was not nosey on their conversations, but I just overheard one of the remarks of 1 of the kids. He said, “I hate this hotel, I hate this place and I don’t want to stay in this place.” If you are in a carpeted hotel, with swimming pools, gym, spa and game room, Television with cable and Internet; how can you hate such place? I would not be surprised on the attitudes of some of the children who don’t know what it means to be poor, who don’t know anything about poverty, who’ve never seen people living in shanties or living with nothing but pillows and roof. In 2007, we went to the Philippines for a vacation. You know how expensive it would be for the whole family to go together, but it helps turned my children’s heart with a better perspective and they begin to appreciate what we have here in the States. They were very little when they came to the USA, especially EJ who was born here in the States, he never have any clue what life is, in that beautiful Country. Now, at least they have the feel and they know what it means to be poor. Some of the kids; to be poor means you don’t have the leisure and pleasures of the rich. One day EJ said; “We’re very poor, because we don’t have a nice and expensive car and our house is not as big as my friend’s house.” People will complain of what they don’t have and will also complain of what they have but they want more or better. Contentment, satisfaction, gratefulness and just be happy of what you have is I believe the key to this kind of attitude. Remember that “Only Jesus Can Satisfy Your Soul”. Apostle Paul said in (I Thessalonians 5:18) “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” “NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT ANYTHING AT ANYTIME”