OUR PRAYER IS IMPORTANT AT THE START OF THE NEW YEAR

12- 31- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Psalm 69: 13)

OUR PRAYER IS IMPORTANT AT THE START OF THE NEW YEAR

“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.”

How often, how long, how sincere, how earnest, how do you pray? Those are some of the questions people asked. Others are so conscious of their physical position when they pray or as they pray. God is more interested in our inside attitude than with our outside expressions in prayer.

Hannah went up to the house of the Lord… and she wept. It was when Hannah was praying for a son. (I Samuel 1:7; 10) 7- “And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. 10- And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.”

Apostle Paul has a different way of praying, he has different desires and requests to God (Romans 1: 9- 10) 9 - “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10- Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.”

 King David has a different story when it comes to prayer. David prayed for his enemies and he prayed constantly as well. (Psalms 55:16-17) 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.”

As for King Solomon, he has a different story. His desire and prayer requests were so different from other kings, prophets and servants of God including the rulers and soldiers of God. (II Chronicles 1: 7- 12) 7- “In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. 8- And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. 9- Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. 10- Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? 11- And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: 12- Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.”

FREE GIFTS- GOOD DEAL/GREAT DEAL

12- 30- 20 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Ephesians 2:8- 10)

FREE GIFTS- GOOD DEAL/GREAT DEAL

8- “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9- Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

A good friend of mine one day said to me: “Ely, the best thing in life is free.” It’s true especially when it comes to spiritual matters. We got something from the mail which offers us a free Cruise to the Bahamas for 4 to 7 days. Sometimes a free air fare for 2 to Orlando, Florida or Hawaii. And many other offers like free computer or lap top. But, we already know that you have to pay for it in some ways or there’s always a catch. But not with God and what the Holy Word promises to those who comes to God for FREE…

The free gift of salvation from God. We received eternal life as a free gift. (Romans 6: 23) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We will spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus. (John 14: 1-3) 1- 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. 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.” (Titus 3: 4- 5) 4- “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5- Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

We have God’s gift of forgiveness for our sins and trespasses. (Ephesians 1: 6- 7) 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;” (Ephesians 4: 31-32) 30- “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31-  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32- And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” The Lord by His grace opened the door of forgiveness to everyone including the chief among sinners like the Apostle Paul. God forgave Moses who killed an Egyptian. God forgave King David when he committed adultery on Bathsheba and killed Uriah to cover up his sins. (II Samuel 11: 1- 27) If God forgave them, He can forgive you too. Be it a weakness, a moral issue/s or too big of a sin, God’s Blood can cleanse you of any sin or sins. (John 1:29) “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

WE ARE FOOL FOR CHRIST SAKE BECAUSE WE TRUST GOD FOR EVERYTHING.

12- 28- 20 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Proverbs 3:5-6)
WE ARE FOOL FOR CHRIST SAKE BECAUSE WE TRUST GOD FOR EVERYTHING.
You trust God for what you don’t see and touch for your needs, problems and future. We trust God in every aspects of life, it means in everything.
Gideon as he faced the enemy.  Gideon was a man who has no self worth and self esteem. He was used by the Lord because in spite of his personal issues, he trusted the Lord as he obeyed God.
Moses when leads the Exodus of the Israelites.
Joshua when he took the responsibilities after the death of Moses.
Paul when he was in Prison.
Peter when everything was hopeless in prison.
Zacchaeus when gave everything back to God and follow Jesus on the Way.
Abraham when he offered Isaac his son as he Worship God in the Mountain.
Noah when he builds the Ark and no one responded to his altar call after he preaches to the people of his generation. And we can go on and on…
They were ridiculed, laugh at and called fools, but God’s hand and blessings was upon them. (Hebrews 11:1-11). 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. 4- By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 5- By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 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. 7- By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 8- By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9- By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10- For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11- Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.”

WE ARE FOOL FOR CHRIST’S SAKE, BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT WE WERE SEPARATED FROM THE WORLD UNTO GOD.

12- 28- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Romans 12:1-2)

WE ARE FOOL FOR CHRIST’S SAKE, BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT WE WERE SEPARATED FROM THE WORLD UNTO GOD.

1- “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2- And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

We are separated from the world’s system, style and its sinfulness.

(I Corinthians 3:18; Romans 1:22) 18- “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.” 22- “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,”

People will call you a fool or fanatic and other names and modern terminologies because you identify yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ.

People will call you a fool because you put God first in your life and refuse to work on Sundays and double pay, because you have to be in church for Worship and other activities. (Matthew 6:33). “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

People will call you fool because you stand for what is right and the truth. And people will call you FOOL because you say NO to Sin, Satan and the Self gratification. (II Corinthians 6:14-15). 14- “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15- And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?”

When the Bible said, “Be ye separate, it doesn’t mean we should be “Separatists” but, to live a Godly, Holy and Christ’s centered life.

FOOLS FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

03-07-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (I Corinthians 3:18)
FOOLS FOR CHRIST’S SAKE
18- “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.”
According to Webster Dictionary –“Fool” means “One destitute of knowledge; A simpleton; A silly person; A buffoon; To play the look; To triple; To make a fool of; To deceive.”
A phrase from Our Daily Bread which says: “Ti’s good to smile, to laugh and play, for joy-filled hearts drive clouds away, but foolish ways and thoughtless fun can lead to sin and hide the son.”
Sometimes foolishness can lead to sin and pain to others. We can be fools for nothing or be fools for the Lord Jesus Christ. Or we can be fools for Satan or be a fool for God. Be a fool for the Word of God or be a fool for the sin of the world and its pleasures. We can be a fool in the sight of God or be a fool in the sight of man.
If you please the world people will say something negative or will criticize you anyways, as well as when you please your Lord and Master.
WE ARE FOOL FOR CHRIST’S SAKE, BECAUSE WE BELIEVE ON THE GOSPEL FOR OUR SALVATION. (I Corinthians 15:1-5; 1:21; Ephesians 2:8-9)
1- “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2- By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3- For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4- And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5- And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:”
8- “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9- Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

“YE SHALL FIND THE BABE… IN A MANGER”

12-24-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Luke 2: 11- 12)
“YE SHALL FIND THE BABE… IN A MANGER”
11- “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
The Baby in a manger more than 2,000 years ago changed my life, He changed my heart, He changed my perspective, He changed my way of thinking, He changed my direction and I can go on and on…
That little Baby did not remain in a manger; He grew up in a “not a very pleasant place” called Nazareth. He was born in a very small city of Bethlehem which means the house of bread. He grew up as a very wise boy, a little boy who is full of wisdom and knowledge that even the Doctors and Lawyers asked questions on Him. (Luke 2:39- 40) “And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40- And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” If you will just look at this little boy from the manger to Nazareth and then think of how He would get up to become a good teacher, a healer, a writer and the greatest philanthropist in the world since the time of Adam and Eve up to the present... is beyond our imagination. The little Baby in that little manger with the sheep and other animals is the Savior of the world; He is the Messiah and the King of kings. He is the one who shaped up my life and He can do the same to you. He is the one who showed me the way from darkness to Glory. He is the one who gave us joy, peace and satisfaction that this old world could never do. He is the CHRIST of CHRISTmas and the only reason for the Celebration. He is the reason why we have the steadfast love of the Lord. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. He is the Eternal God, the second person of the Holy Trinity and He is the only way, the Truth and the Life. (Isaiah 9:6) “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (John 14:6) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (Revelation 1:8) “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

CHRISTMAS AND SALVATION FOR MANKIND

12- 23- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (John 1: 10- 12)
CHRISTMAS AND SALVATION FOR MANKIND
10- “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11- He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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:”
There are sad events and sad verses in the Bible but one of the saddest verses or Words in the Bible is in John 1: 10- 11. A good illustration for this to picture out what the verses is talking about is like: You will build a house for your family and love ones. You buy everything that’s needed in the house. You invited them inn, and then one day you came home from work and you see them all standing by the door and tell you… “We don’t need you here!!!” and slam the door in your face.
It’s sad and tragic; but that’s what we did to God and that’s what the world is doing. God made the world and created men in His own image, He provided everything that we needed in this world before we were born… and one day; when God started speaking and knocking in our hearts… we rejected Him and slammed the door of our hearts to Jesus and the working of the Holy Spirit. (Rev. 3: 20) “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Jesus came down from heaven to die for our sins. (Matthew 1: 21) “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Remember that His (Christ) Birthday (Christmas) is empty, without Calvary (His death on the Cross). This Christmas please do the ABC. A- Accept Him (The Lord Jesus 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:”
B- Believe in Him (The Lord Jesus Christ) that He alone can save you. (Romans 10: 10) “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
C- Confess Him (The Lord Jesus Christ) and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. “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.” And then you will have the true meaning of Christmas.

“AFTER THE BIG CHRISTmas CELEBRATION… WHAT?”

12- 22- 10 MI- DAILY DEVOTION (John 14: 17)
“AFTER THE BIG CHRISTmas CELEBRATION… WHAT?”
“Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. “
Last year’s experienced that I would like to share to our readers; it was just about after I typed in the topic for that day and went back on line, guess what’s on the top of Yahoo search… “After Christmas…” While watching TV with my youngest son EJ last night… EJ said something like this, “It would be another 365 days before CHRISTmas, now that CHRISTmas is almost over…” EJ was already looking forward of Celebrating next year’s CHRISTmas.
We have After CHRISTmas sale, After CHRISTmas best deals; After CHRISTmas sales tips and may be the After CHRISTmas clean ups. After CHRISTmas Check and Balance of Credit cards debt and Bank accounts. Checking on how much you’ve gain or lose because of so much food or stress. But remember to keep the Spirit of CHRISTmas in our hearts. The CHRISTmas Celebration is on December 25, but the Spirit of CHRISTmas must be 24/7, 365 or 366 days a year. Don’t leave the Spirit of CHRISTmas on the table, in your unwrapped gifts or in your CHRISTmas tree. Keep it in your hearts as you keep the Lord’s Commandment. John 13: 34- 35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 14: 15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” We can keep the Spirit of CHRISTmas with God’s Love and our Devotion to Him and Him alone. Let His Spirit, God’s Spirit dwell in YOU.

JESUS IS UNIQUE…

12-21-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Luke 2:6- 7)

JESUS IS UNIQUE…

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Jesus is unique because He was a King but was born in a manger. He created the world but he did not own a home when he was here on earth. (Luke 9: 58) “And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”

He was rich but He became poor. He owns the cattle of the thousand hills, but he was buried in a borrowed tomb.

(Psalms 50: 10) “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” He is the King of kings and Lord of lords but He was the Servant of men. (Philippians 2: 5- 7) “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”

He came down and humbled Himself to Love, but he was hated even of His own. But one thing for sure… and this will never change… “His name is JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1: 21) “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (II Corinthians 5:21) “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

He can be yours today, just ask Him (Jesus) to come into your heart. And make this CHRISTmas a meaningful and memorable one. (John 1:10- 12) 10- “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11- He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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:”

WHY JESUS CHRIST WAS UNIQUE…

12- 20- 09   MI- DAILY DEVOTION- (Luke 2: 7)

WHY JESUS CHRIST WAS UNIQUE…

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Jesus was born with a unique Birth. His Birth was first mentioned by the Lord Himself in (Genesis 3: 15.) “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” It was the first prophecy in the Bible from the mouth of God. It was the first promise of a Redeemer, a Savior. The place of His birth was also prophesied in Micah 5: 2. His birth was prophesied by both Major and Minor Prophets hundreds of years before he was born. His birth was unique.

Jesus was a man with a unique life. (John 8: 46). He was completely man but, He was sinless. His works and Ministry was unique. He heals and raised Lazarus from the dead. “He taketh away the sins of the world…” And He loves us in spite of our sinfulness. He cares for us and did miracles and still performing miracles.

Jesus was a man with the unique words. He spoke in parables, He rebuke people with love and compassion. He spoke with power. He caused the blind to see… He raised the dead… and took control of the nature with His words. (Luke 21: 33). The devil trembles at His word. We sing His words and we write songs, hymns, poems and quote His words. We get encouragement and convicted of our sins by His words.

Jesus was a man with a unique death. He died not for Himself but for us, for our sins. He died for the salvation of mankind. He died to give us hope. He died so we can live. He died, was buried and rose again the

third day and He’s coming back. (I Corinthians 15:1- 4)

CHANGE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

12- 08- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (John 3:3)
CHANGE FROM THE INSIDE OUT
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
“Christ and sin are rivals for the soul of man, and here we are told how they both make their court to it, to have the innermost and uppermost place in it. The design of this representation is to set before us life and death, good and evil; and there needs no more than a fair stating of the case to determine us which of those to choose, and surrender our hearts to.
They are both brought in making entertainment for the soul, and inviting it to accept of the entertainment; concerning both we are told what the issue will be; and, the matter being thus laid before us, let us consider, take advice, and speak our minds. And we are therefore concerned to put a value upon our own souls, because we see there is such striving for them.”
(From the software- The Bible Collection, Proverbs chapter 9)
If you choose Christ, it means you are really choosing CHANGE. You change your position/spiritual standing from death to life, from being the son of the Devil, to be the Son of God. (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.”
We need to remember that people resists CHANGE. People are comfortable of their worldly pleasures and worldly life. They resist CHANGE, because they don’t want to be in a new Spiritual standing or condition. 
Mr. Lee Iacocca once said, “Now I don’t know about you, but every time in my life I got secure and complacent, God threw me a curve. Looking back, I now see that it wasn’t a curve, it was a challenge. A challenge I needed. I had to shake off my complacency and change. Whenever you hear anyone saying, “Let’s keep doing things exactly the way we’ve been doing them for twenty years,” watch out, A shake-up is coming.”
The seasons change. Summer follows spring, and night follows day. Life is full of ups and downs. Business cycles go round and round. Events happen that rock your world: People in the family die. You get a divorce. You get fired. Your business goes under. I’ve been through all of these changes, and each time I’ve had to wake up and try something different.
Before you can deal with change, however, you have to see it. Then you have to accept it. Sometimes that’s the hardest part-acknowledging and then accepting that the way you’ve always done business or lived your life just won’t work anymore.” (Where Have All The Leaders Gone?) Lee Iacocca (page 112-113)
It make sense to me, I hope you would be open to CHANGE. Watch out for CURVE, your Path, Your way to CHANGE. (II Corinthians 5:17) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

THEY WOULD NOT BELIEVE ON HIM.

12- 07-10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Genesis 37:5)
THEY WOULD NOT BELIEVE ON HIM.
5 “And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.”
The right attitude should be, “I don’t care who gets the credit as long as the Lord gets the Glory. His brethren would not believe him for his dream, because they thought that Joseph would be their leader or their boss someday and the power of Joseph will be greater than them. (John 7:5)”For neither did his brethren believe in him.” If the world would not believe in you as you share to them the Word of God, it’s not you that they’re rejecting, but the Lord. (John 1:10-12) 10-”He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11- He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 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.”
(Genesis 37:8)”And his brethren said, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? Or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his works.” Now compare (Luke 19:14) ”But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, we will not have this man to reign over us.”
Remember, even during the birthday of the Lord Jesus Christ. King Herod was afraid of losing his kingdom, because of the Lord’s birth. He thought that when Jesus was born as it was known to many, he may have thought that Jesus will proclaim himself king or the King of the Jews. BUT, He was not only the King of the Jews, but He is the King of kings. Christians may not have the kingdom to lost or the political influence and the political power to lost, but as the Lord’s disciple, we can easily lost our testimony, or as being the salt of the earth, we can lost the power and our testimony, (God forbid). Just a few days before the Lord’s crucifixion and actually one of the reasons why there was unrests among the people, it was because of this issue. It was the issue of who would be the leader? Who will reign over us? Who would be the king? Or Is He (Jesus) the king of the Jews? The crowd did not recognized Jesus as King. (Matthew 27:11-12)”And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.” 12- And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.”

THE SPIRITUAL DANGER IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

12- 06- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (II Timothy 3:3-5)

THE SPIRITUAL DANGER IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

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.”

According to Dictionary.com “fierce”- adjective, fierc·er, fierc·est. - menacingly wild, savage, or hostile: fierce animals; a fierce look 2- violent in force, intensity, etc.: fierce winds. 3- furiously eager or intense: fierce competition. 4- Informal . extremely bad or severe: a fierce cold.

The world around us is not getting any better. Because of hopelessness, many people from different parts of the world are becoming furious, violent or wild. It’s so sad that many of our children and our children’s children will reap the worst that is to come. We are facing a world and a future where so many people don’t have any regard for life at all. We are living in a hostile world and in a hostile generation. We are living in a generation that is opposed to that which is right. A generation where wrong is made right and right is made wrong. Righteousness and justice is not a common word to many homes, work place and even Countries.

“…despisers of those that are good,” If you will just imagine those words… The question is; how could a person in his/her right mind despised those that are good? But the truth is, it’s happening and some of the people all over the world were like that. No wonder people hate religion, the Word of God, the truth and God Himself. People knows that they are rejecting, hating, turned their back and look down on that which is good including the works of the Lord and the church of the living God. As the Lord’s disciples, we should be burdened, convicted and cry from the inside- out. The people’s heart and attitudes during the time of Habakkuk were all the same compared to our generation. Actually it’s the even from the time of Adam and Eve. (Habakkuk 1:1- 5) 1- “The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. 2- O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! 3- Why dost thou show me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. 4- Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth. 5- Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.”

“THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”

12- 05- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (MATHEW 1: 18)

“THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”

18- “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.”

“THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”

“The Spirit of Christmas, Is that of joy and love,

Through a tiny baby, The gift from God above.

The Spirit of Christmas, Is that of trust and peace,

Through the blessed Christ child, Our wandering to cease.

The Spirit of Christmas, Is that of purest heart,

Through outpouring of our love, With others to impart.

The Spirit of Christmas, Is that of sharing too,

Through gentleness and kindness, In daily deeds we do.”

Ruth H. Underhill

We have here the 4 main Characters of Christmas: 1- The Lord Jesus Christ, 2- Joseph, 3- Mary and 4- The Holy Spirit of God. The Lord gave us the Blessings of Christmas as mentioned by Ruth H. Underhill and also by the Revelation of the Word of God.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the center of Christmas. If you don’t believe in Christmas, it means you don’t believe in the Birth of the Savior-The Lord Jesus Christ. It also means that you don’t believe in the miracle that God has done through Mary by the virgin Birth. In Verse 18- “she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” (Luke 1:30- 31) 30- “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31- And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”

COMPARISON ON JESUS OF THE MANGER WITH KING SOLOMON

12- 04- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Proverbs 8:13- 16)

COMPARISON ON JESUS OF THE MANGER WITH KING SOLOMON

13- “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. 14- Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. 15- By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16- By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.

We have here the book of Proverbs as we believe that was penned by Solomon. His name signifies peaceable which says and can be seen and it shows in his character both of his spirit and of his life. David’s life was full of troubles while Solomon lived quietly and peaceably with his fellow men. Life is like a see- saw, but we must maintain a peaceful and quiet life. Solomon was called the son of David; it was his honour to be identified with King David and be in the line of the promised Messiah. He had been blessed with a good life, good education, was born in a good family circle, being a son of a prayerful father and was born in a kingdom and being one of the son of a king. Christ is often called the Son of David and Solomon was a type of Christ. Solomon was the king of Israel —The Lord Jesus Christ is the King of kings. Solomon was a good teacher and it shows in the Book of Proverbs; he said in many occasion, “hear my instructions” “listen to my instruction…” King Solomon was a man of wisdom and knowledge, but Jesus is the source of all wisdom and knowledge, including Solomon’s wisdom and knowledge; God gave it to him. Solomon feed the children of Israel, but Jesus feed the whole world from generations after generations… (I Kings 4:30; 10:24) 30- “And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31- For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.”  Solomon was known and great among his people, but Jesus is the greatest to all people of every color, of every race, in every tongue and Nations and in every generations. Solomon can be compared to a man from age to age, but we cannot compare Jesus for He is God- the second person of the Holy Trinity. This Christmas, let us remember Jesus who was born in Bethlehem, but He died at the Cross of Calvary, because of His love for you and for me. (Proverbs 8:17) “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.”

HE IS THE SERVANT OF THE LORD (II)

12- 03- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (Proverbs 27:2)
HE IS THE SERVANT OF THE LORD (II)
“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.”
I never heard him preached about “himself” except for some funny things about his life and other funny stories. He sometimes would share his life changing testimony, his life’s personal experiences that he used for illustrations which are in a sense acceptable in the Christian community. He was a Bible centered, Christ centered and God glorifying preacher who never missed to extend an invitation, especially to the lost world. A preacher who was theologically sound, family loving and focused, as well as a man with a servant’s heart whose desire was to be faithful to God and the ministry that the Lord had entrusted to him. To love him, to be faithful to him, pray for him and to follow his leadership is just fair enough and a great reward for him here on earth, especially to someone like him who loves the Lord you love. The way I looked at it, I did just pray for any differences I have with him and just slept over it ‘til I got up the next day and start all over again…, at least feeling refreshed the next day with the vision of working with him again.
He did not hear me say all these, but I believe that he will be able to read this and I know that he knows, that as one of his students, I stood with him, I supported his ministries and we know that Heaven is a place of fulfillment whereas, if the Lord will permit; God can let him read this portion of MI DAILY DEVOTION dedicated only for him in the Name of Jesus and for His Glory. Yes, I know he can’t hear all the good things that I was talking about him, but he knows that I was with him and for him during those days… I stood beside him and touched his soft skin and tapped him softly on his back while talking to him when I was in the Philippines and my family sang for him by his bed side when we were in the Philippines last 2007. I remember my children sang “Ten Thousand Years” and I can see in his face, in his eyes and eyebrows that he was responding as I was told and informed by Pastor James Lee Tica his youngest son.
We can’t change the “yesterdays” and the “failures of yesterdays”, but we can always do something for today and the future. If we really appreciate him, if we are really grateful to him for what he has done for us, for the Lord and for the ministry, will it not be fair to say; “sorry” to him even in our prayer…? Will it not be fair to help his ministry in some ways, pray for the ministry and the legacy he left us and if we are able to support financially, even just once a year, twice a year or if you can afford, you can do more.
Here was a man who gave up the leisure and the pleasures, the wealth, the opportunities in America and everything this great Nation can offer, but for the sake of the call, for God’s kingdom, for the Nationals and the Filipino people. A Pastor, who has a PHD, a Psychologist and was married to a nurse here in the United States of America, could live a life like a millionaire. And he could drive a sports car, have a 6 bedrooms house with 3 car garage and acquire all the good things this world can offer, a big lawn, but he trade all those good and worldly stuff for Jesus and the ministry in the Philippines. He gave up everything for Jesus and for His Glory.
(Hebrews 11:23-  ) 23- “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. 24- By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25-  Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26- Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. 27- By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”
 

HE IS THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

12- 02- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION

HE IS THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

(Philippians 1:21- 21) “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21- For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

The first time I met him was in a church anniversary, it was my first time to hear a very dynamic, funny and powerful message and preacher. The next time I met him was in his office when we were talking about me enrolling in a Bible College. I discussed to him about my financial situation and my academic problems when I was in high school in which I never get to finished. He talked to me about what kind of life I would have if I’d be enrolled. He talked to me about the ministry and the Pastorate that day. When we talked in his office, I can see in his eyes the strong personality in him and I can see love in his eyes every time I talked to him about my personal problems and needs, as well as the needs of others. He helped me be enrolled in a Bible College without any financial expectations. One day, I came to him about the problems of my families and friends with the government and the business sectors regarding our dwellings. People who wanted to demolished our homes for their own interests. He took time right away, writing a letter for the Government and a certain individual to stop their plan of demolishing the whole area. He used Alliance for Democracy And Morality (ADAM) to help me with my problems.

One day he approached me about going to Subic which was for me was not really a good idea, but I went anyways. After a few years of my stay in Subic, I did not regret I obeyed him. He was right and I know it was God’s leading through him. After my 7 years of stay in Subic; late of 1992, I talked to him again in his office about going to the States and telling him that the Lord was leading me to a Mission field in the United States of America. He paused and looked at me in my eyes and said, “Ely, that’s the joke of the Century. Do you know what some of our Pastors and churches are going through in the States right now?” I did not say anything, but just looked at him in his eyes in spite of the fact that I felt like I was going to melt with that strong personality and power in his face and eyes. In my heart, I know he do not have any idea what God is putting in my heart. With his discernment, he changed the conversation and said, “I’ll send you to the States to represent our Mission Board to raise money for the ship ministry. And he made it happen.

I watched this man work like a construction workers when he was working the dirty and hard labor jobs. I’ve watched him when we were working at the Antipolo Camp site. He worked as hard as he can when he was in a farm and he worked like a farmer. I’ve watched him mixed the cement, painted the church and work like there’s no more tomorrow to come. I saw him talked to the less fortunate and the needy as he extends his hand and heart to them. He cried when someone’s hurt and he visited the sick in the hospital and in their homes. He stood with me and with the Pastors who were going through tough times at church, in their marriages and family problems and he remembers the street children on Christmas times like this. He was not ashamed to ask for help in behalf of the needy and for the Pastors’ support especially those who are from the Provinces who do not have enough. He was the first one who would be there if there was a natural calamity. He loves the Lord, his wife and children. He loves his Pastors and his staff, as well as his students in his Bible College; International Baptist Theological College in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. He is a leader who did not use his subordinates for his own interest and benefits, but he used all his resources to be of help to others. He was not thinking of himself or become selfish but self-less. He was hurt by many and was criticized, but he kept on serving the Lord faithfully until he got sick. He is the Pastor of Pastors of IBMF Philippines. He is the author of the best seller book in the Philippines- “Ngayon Ikaw ay Kristiano Na…” – “Now That You Are a Christian…” He was the founder of International Baptist Church of Mandaluyong. He was the founder of Gideon 300 Radio and Television Ministry. And so much more… time and space will restrict us to do so... I’m so proud to know this man and I’m so proud he knows me and my whole family. He is my friend, my mentor, my leader, my co laborer, fellow soldier; His name is Dr. Gavino S. Tica who went to be with our Lord in heaven today (last night in the Philippines). “Doc” as many called you, we love you and we appreciate what had done for us, for the churches and the work of the Lord and to the whole Country- the Philippines. Enjoy your time with Jesus, Ate Grace and those who went before you…

(Revelation 21:4) “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

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

12- 01 – 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.”

According to Dictionary.com; “Incontinent”- means: “unable to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces. unable to contain or retain (usually fol. by of ): incontinent of temper. lacking in moderation or self-control, esp. of sexual desire. unceasing or unrestrained: an incontinent flow of talk.”

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “Incontinent” means, “lacking self-restraint, not being under control”

Matthew Henry wrote, “When men have no government of themselves and their own appetites: not of their own appetites, for they are incontinent; not of their own passions, for they are fierce; when they have no rule over their own spirits, and therefore are like a city that is broken down, and has no walls; they are soon fired, upon the least provocation.” (The Bible Collection)

We need self control, be it at sex, wine, drugs, gambling and even with our own temper. The Lord will always have the grace for any sins, temptations, weaknesses and our vices. We need the Holy Spirit to work in us, within us and through us. The Holy Spirit is the main key to your success in overcoming your sin problem. And self- control, moderation and your willingness to be free and get out of it. It is an uncontrolled addiction that needs to be broken by the Lord and the power of His shed Blood on the Cross. God is the answer and He is the only answer to our sin problems. I remember back in those days before I came to know the Lord, when I was struggling overcoming my own addiction with drugs, and other sins until the day, I humbly came to Christ and accept Him as my Savior and Lord. You have to let go and let God work it out for you in the Name of Jesus and by the power of the Cross. (Ephesians 4:22- 24) 22- “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23- And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24- And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”