KILLERS OF OUR VISION AND MISSION FOR GOD

MI DAILY DEVOTION

FRIDAY

KILLERS OF OUR VISION AND MISSION FOR GOD

(Job 23:11- 14) … For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

In his book “Thinking for a Change”; Dr. John C. Maxwell shared about “Remove Creativity Killers”. He wrote: “Take a look at the following phrases. They are almost guaranteed to kill creative thinking any time you hear (or think) them:

·       I’m Not a Creative Person

·       Follow the Rules

·       Don’t Ask Questions

·       Don’t Be Different

·       Stay Within The Lines

·       There Is Only One Way

·       Don’t Be Foolish

·       Be Practical

·       Be Serious

·       Think of Your Image

·       That’s Not Logical

·       It’s Not Practical

·       It’s Never Been Done

·       It Can’t Be Done

·       It Didn’t Work For Them

·       We Tried That Before

·       It’s Too Much Work

·       We Can’t Afford to Make a Mistake

·       It Will Be Too Hard to Administer

·       We Don’t Have the Time

·       We Don’t Have the Money

·       Yes, But…

·       Play Is Frivolous

·       Failure Is Final  

This can also apply to anyone who may have a dream, vision and goals in life. Some of the phrases may have been a killer to some churches or organizations already. An individual, some homes, sincere leaders or an ordinary citizen or student could have been a victim of some of those negative phrases already. David said; God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. 12- Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6- In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Psalm 62:11; Proverbs 3:5- 6)

FAITH- IS IT COMPLICATED?

MI DAILY DEVOTION

FRIDAY
FAITH- IS IT COMPLICATED?

(Ephesians 2:8- 10) 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.

The negative side of faith for the unbelieving world is, it’s hard to believe in and it’s impossible to ride on in the same ship with God. The Christian’s conversion and eternal salvation is by a simple faith in our Savior and Lord. Faith is not the mere by product of man’s natural instinct, natural abilities and it’s not by our own merit or good deeds. Faith is a gift from God and it’s not of any man’s best effort, religious activities or personal belief. Not of works, lest any man should boast… The boasting of man for its belief and religious accomplishment and ceremonial practices will not add any good to God and to man’s personal faith in the Savior. If you want to boast and stand tall, you must boast and stand tall for God and on the top of His grace and mercy, because He is the source of everything and of our faith. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. 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. (Hebrews 12:2) We can’t have faith unless we recognize that He (Jesus) is the author of that faith. We can’t come to God without the recognition of both as I may put it that way. We can cover up everything under one big umbrella called The Love of God. Christ’s death was God’s manifestation of His love for mankind.  It was the love of God that made us trust Him and His death on the cross. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5- Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:4- 5)

FAITH- IS IT COMPLICATED?

MI DAILY DEVOTION

FRIDAY
FAITH- IS IT COMPLICATED?

(Ephesians 2:8- 10) 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.

The negative side of faith for the unbelieving world is, it’s hard to believe in and it’s impossible to ride on in the same ship with God. The Christian’s conversion and eternal salvation is by a simple faith in our Savior and Lord. Faith is not the mere by product of man’s natural instinct, natural abilities and it’s not by our own merit or good deeds. Faith is a gift from God and it’s not of any man’s best effort, religious activities or personal belief. Not of works, lest any man should boast… The boasting of man for its belief and religious accomplishment and ceremonial practices will not add any good to God and to man’s personal faith in the Savior. If you want to boast and stand tall, you must boast and stand tall for God and on the top of His grace and mercy, because He is the source of everything and of our faith. He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. 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. (Hebrews 12:2) We can’t have faith unless we recognize that He (Jesus) is the author of that faith. We can’t come to God without the recognition of both as I may put it that way. We can cover up everything under one big umbrella called The Love of God. Christ’s death was God’s manifestation of His love for mankind.  It was the love of God that made us trust Him and His death on the cross. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5- Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:4- 5)

MY ROLE AS A MEMBER OF MI CHURCH:

MI DAILY DEVOTION

WEDNESDAY

(I Corinthians 1:1- 3)

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2- Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3- Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

MY ROLE AS A MEMBER OF MI CHURCH:

1- TO LOVE THE BODY OF CHRIST WHICH IS THE CHURCH, TO PRAY EARNESTLY, ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT THE PASTOR AND THE BODY. (Colossians 3:16- 25)

2- TO BE AT MY BEST AS A TEAM PLAYER AND A CHURCH MEMBER. Colossians 3:17; 23)

3- TO DREAM AND HAVE A VISION WITH MY PASTOR FOR THE BEST AND GROWTH OF THE CHURCH AND THE LORD’S KINGDOM AND GLORY. (Proverbs 29:18)

4- TO WORSHIP, BE A WITNESS AND A TESTIMONY OF GOD’S LOVE AND GRACE. (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:16-20)

5- TO GIVE MY TALENTS, MY ABILITY AND AVAILABILITY AND MY ALL TO GOD AND FOR THE EDIFICATION OF THE BODY (THE CHURCH). (I Corinthians 15:10; 58)

Verse 47 of Acts chapter 2-… Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.  (Acts 2:41- 47)

GOD SHALL WIPE AWAY…

MI DAILY DEVOTION

TUESDAY

GOD SHALL WIPE AWAY…

(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.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes… This was the most beautiful phrase that was said of the angel of God to John while he was in Patmos. Matthew Henry wrote; “All the effects of former trouble shall be done away. They have been often before in tears, by reason of sin, of affliction, of the calamities of the church; but now all tears shall be wiped away; no signs, no remembrance of former sorrows shall remain, any further than to make their present felicity the greater. God himself, as their tender Father, with his own kind hand, shall wipe away the tears of his children; and they would not have been without those tears when God shall come and wipe them away.” (The Bible Collection) If God can do it to us up there in heaven; I believe He can do the same to us while we’re here on earth below. Do you believe that God can wipe away not just our tears up there in heaven but also here on earth below? God can wipe away all our tears of joy, tears of pain and problems, tears of sorrow and suffering and tears that are beyond our control. God can wipe away our debts, our drive for sins and our discouragement. God can wipe away our discouragement, distress, depression and give us deliverance. King David said; I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. (Psalm 69:3) Have you ever felt that way or have you ever been to that same situation like what King David went through? And then after we felt the hands of God touching our face because of the tears in our eyes, then we can joyfully say; “You are indeed a God of mercy and grace. You are a God of the impossible. God is in control and He took the dark night away from me.” The Psalmists said; For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

EXERCISE YOUR FAITH IN GOD AT HOME

MI DAILY DEVOTION

TUESDAY

EXERCISE YOUR FAITH IN GOD AT HOME

 (Romans 5:1- 2) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2- By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Sometimes I get tempted to conclude that the reason why we have weak homes, because we have parents who are weak in their faith. Your financial stability and your stable business or job will not make your faith in God stronger and your home a better place to live in.

You can live in abundance of this world, but empty without God, without love and without faith in the Lord. Someone said, “Faith is making real what cannot be seen or sensed with our human faculties.” The word “Faith” must not only be heard at home but it must be a daily exercise of every members of the family. Every family member must have faith in the true, living, faithful and loving God the Father. Faith must not be a byword at home, but faith must be a sacred word. Some Christians are almost immune of the word ‘faith’ already. Some of them could not even appreciate and practice faith in their daily walk with the Lord. Faith is not what you think or feel, but it is the Holy Spirit of God working in you and through you. The parents should be the influencer in every religious practices and sincere faith in God. Dr. Jerry Falwell said; “In spite of all our mistakes, shortcomings, weaknesses and vices, if we can learn how to live by faith, we will overcome everything else. We will achieve our goals in victorious living.” Faith means holding on to God right to the last moment, knowing He will never let you down. Apostle Peter said; Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9- Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 10- Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: (I Peter 1:8- 10)

MOSES SUFFERED AFFLICTION WITH THE PEOPLE OF GOD

MI DAILY DEVOTION

THURSDAY

MOSES SUFFERED AFFLICTION WITH THE PEOPLE OF GOD

(Hebrews 11:25) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Moses lived by faith but it does not keep him out of suffering. Godly suffering is a choice. Saul had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ when he was on his way to Damascus to kill and persecute the Christians. When Saul of Tarsus was called by the Lord for salvation and service; God actually called Saul to suffer for His sake too and he had the choice to refuse or accept the offer of the Lord. Then God appointed Ananias to meet and pray for Saul. Ananias argued with God regarding Saul’s evil intention and ungodly deeds. But notice what the Lord said to him; But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16- For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Acts 9:15- 16) I recently notice the significant of the word “must” in verse 16. Suffering for Saul was not only a matter of choice; but it was also God’s choice for 2 reasons: 1- for he is a chosen vessel unto me 2- to bear my name- a) “before the Gentiles”- to the whole population. b) “…and kings”- to the politicians. c) “…and the children of Israel”- to the people of God. Moses has a different story and scenario. Those who have different perspective or outlook in life may conclude that Moses was crazy because he refused the provisions, pleasures and what palace and the kingdom of Pharaoh can offer. Moses did not only suffer with the people of God, but he suffered with God on his side. Peter said; But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14- If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (I Peter 4:13- 14)

WHICH SIDE WOULD YOU TAKE?

MI DAILY DEVOTION

WEDNESDAY
WHICH SIDE WOULD YOU TAKE?

(Hebrews 11: 25) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

When you get up in the morning as you open your eyes for the new day, what come along with it would be the decisions to make. God has set for you a day and a time to make something great out of it. And before you go to bed at night; you will still have to choose on the last thing in your “To do list”. Be sure to have the Lord in your decisions and He must be on your side. Let us check on how Moses and the children of Israel with God on their side as versus the Egyptians with Pharaoh on their side would apply in our modern day society. Moses was called the son of God and the Israelites were called the people of God. Verse 25 begins with the word “Choosing” which tells us that making a decision or a choice is a part of life but we must be careful. Making a choice between good and evil and between God and man or the devil must be carefully and cautiously considered. Joshua was in the same situations when he said; 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. (Joshua 24:15) One of the hardest decision to make and a step to take is to follow and choose the Lord as against sin, Satan, the pleasures of this world or friends. But choosing God is the best, the right and the will of God for all of us. Life is too short to mess around with the will of God and with what God has for us. Christians should make the same choice like what the Israelites did during the time of Joshua. 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. (Joshua 24:21- 22)

THE LORD’S SUFFERING AND DEATH FOR OUR SINS

MI DAILY DEVOTION

TUESDAY

THE LORD’S SUFFERING AND DEATH FOR OUR SINS

(I Peter 3:18) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

Peter knew that the Lord Jesus Christ is God. Peter weaknesses and sins kept him away from the will of God, but it was not the hindrance for Peter to keep himself away from the grace and mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ. God’s grace and mercy was given to us because of our sinfulness. You may talk about Peter’s denial of our Lord and how he lived in carnality and worldliness, but one thing for sure! Jesus suffered for our sins and He died and rose again for our forgiveness. People may look at your fault, mistakes, sins, your downfall and negative things in you; but Jesus cleanse us and washed us with His precious blood. It means He covered all the sins that we have committed because we’re forgiven. In laymen’s words, it means- He overlooked the bad things in you. Imagine yourself like you’re standing before a judge and when he read the verdict, he said; “Today, Mr. Sinner, you’re acquitted for the crime that you’ve committed, Case dismissed!” That’s exactly what will happen if you come to God by faith and repentance. It means you ask the Lord for forgiveness. The Lord did not condemn Peter when he sinned and failed, He forgave him. Peter failed the Lord, But God restored him. God can do the same to you today. I have a story of a little boy who confessed to his grandpa about breaking his grandpa’s eyeglasses. His grandpa forgave him instantly. The boy asked; “Why? You’re not mad at me grandpa?” The old man said; “You’re more precious to me than my eyeglasses.” We are God precious creations and He wants you to spend eternity with Him in heaven. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31)

ONE WEEK WITHOUT “U” AT CHURCH MAKES ONE WEAK

MI DAILY DEVOTION

MONDAY

ONE WEEK WITHOUT “U” AT CHURCH MAKES ONE WEAK

(Exodus 20:8- 9) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9- Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

“Pastor, does worship has to be on Sundays, at church and traditional?” That was the question that was asked by my former church member in Subic, Zambales. Of course it does not have to be on Sundays, It could be done in a home and doesn’t have to be a traditional worship. I was surprise in a Bible study that I attended when one of the attendees asked the Bible study leader if those who worship with contemporary music really worship the Lord. She asked if they are giving honor to God because they’re using strings, drums and they’re not using hymn. You come to church not to be critical, negative and judgmental, but we must have a humble and worshipful heart. It’s sad because sometimes church becomes a nests for gossip, critical spirit, and negativity; instead of love, care, day of rest, comfort and worship. The word “Sabbath” and “Seventh” does not come from the same original word. The Hebrew for “Sabbath” is “Shabbath” meaning “Intermission” or “Cease… from work.” You may not know how much encouragement you gave us pastors when you showed up on Sundays for worship. In a way, worship is a string of breathing holes the Lord provides his people. Battered and bruised in a world frozen over with greed, selfishness, and hatred, we rise for air in church, a place to breathe again, to be loved and encouraged, until that day when the Lord forever shatters the ice cap. (Craig Brian Larson, Arlington  Heights, Illinois. Leadership, Vol. 11, no 2)

The writer of the Book of Hebrews made his point for us to consider and exercise or put into practice: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)

YE STUDY TO BE QUIET…

MI DAILY DEVOTION

THURSDAY

YE STUDY TO BE QUIET…

(I Thessalonians 4:11- 12)- And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12- That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

I agree with what Dr. Chuck Swindoll wrote: “Two ears. Two eyes. Only one mouth. May that should tell us something.” (Growing Strong in the Season of Life) Meditate on the Word of God and pray and have a quiet time with the Lord. The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD hath made both of them. (Proverbs 20:12) Be a good listener as God speaks to you in your personal devotion, through the preaching of His Word and through the voice of the Holy Spirit. It means you focus on Jesus and what His Word would mean for you today. I love going to the Philippines for a mission trip or vacation, but one of my struggles when I’m in Manila is the noise. It was so hard for me to have a quiet time with God. We are busy with our own business, with our work or job, busy in dealing with people and we lost our times for God. We need to really be deep in our relationship with God by our prayers and quiet time with Him. One day a Christian dad came home from an overseas assignment with boxes of toys, chocolates and new clothes for his children. As he excitedly opened the boxes, his little children were watching him with an awkward facial expression. The dad stopped opening the boxes and asked his children; “Are you not excited on your new toys, chocolates and new clothes?” His children said; “No, we’re excited to have you and we want you!” Christians have the tendency to be excited with the gifts than the giver and with what God will do through us than what He will do in us, in our hearts. Notice what James said; Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:8)

WE HAVE A DUTY

MI DAILY DEVOTION

WEDNESDAY

WE HAVE A DUTY

(Romans 12:1-2) 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. (Romans 12:1- 2)

We have a duty as God’s children to be godly, to obey the Word of God and to be a man and woman God wants us to be. We need to lay a good foundation in our heart, in our homes and in the house of God which is the church. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. (2 Corinthians 8:5) Even during the time of King Solomon, he reminded the youth about their duty as God’s children. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Paul said; that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice… Jesus is our High priest who sits on the throne of grace in the Holy of holies. We come to Him with our hearts of worship and praise as an offering, service and sacrifice. Matthew Henry said; “We are temple, priest, and sacrifice, as Christ was in his peculiar sacrificing. There were sacrifices of atonement and sacrifices of acknowledgment… There were sacrifices of atonement and sacrifices of acknowledgment. Christ, who was once offered to bear the sins of many, is the only sacrifice of atonement; but our persons and performances, tendered to God through Christ our priest, are as sacrifices of acknowledgment to the honour of God.” (The Bible Collection) Paul has a prayer for us as we exercise our duty; And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 5:23)

NAILED WITH CHRIST

MI DAILY DEVOTION

TUESDAY

NAILED WITH CHRIST

(Galatians 2:20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

When Saddam Hussien was in power, I heard some preachers from other denominations who shared their intention to go to Iraq and talk to the government of Saddam Hussien about the Bible. They were willing to risk their lives and show the whole world of their dedication and expect God to do some miracles for them. Christ wants for us to love Him and live for Him and not to risk our lives in danger and die. A soldier may go to war, but he’s not going to war to die for His country; but to protect, to obey, be truthful and faithful in his duty. As a soldier of Christ, we are here to do more than that. We need to live in His name and be faithful for His sake. I am crucified with Christ… It’s an amazing picture of the believer’s mysterious life and standing before God and man. A believer is crucified, yet he live, and he live, yet not him but Christ… Surrender and dedication in the service of the Lord does not start in dying for Him, but living a selfless life for the Lord’s honor and glory. So we live for Christ and not die for Him, because we are NAILED WITH CHRIST. Serving God does not mean you ought to be willing to die for Him but you must be willing love Him, to take a step of faith and obey Him without any question and live a holy life for Him. A servant who honors his master will bring a sacrificial offering of love and service in spite of difficulties and inconvenience. He will not seek comfort and abundance but honor and glory to the One he served. Paul said; 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.” (Romans 12:1-2)

THE LORD WHO HEALS MAN’S BLINDNESS

MI DAILY DEVOTION

MONDAY

THE LORD WHO HEALS MAN’S BLINDNESS

(Isaiah 53:4- 5) Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5- But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

The Bible demonstrates the healing power of God through the Lord Jesus Christ by His death on the cross. God used His prophets and servants in healing His children by faith. The Lord Jesus Christ performed miracles by healing the sick in some occasions during His time here on earth. He is still working miracles to millions around the globe. God is able to heal us of our physical sickness as well as with our spiritual sickness. We have read over and over in the Bible how the Lord has healed people who were sick physically. God healed people like blind Bartemaeus who came to Jesus for healing. (Mark 10:46- 52) The Lord Jesus Christ is more interested in healing the spiritual blindness of men than its physical blindness. It’s not that the healing of physical blindness is less important; it’s because the healing of spiritual blindness will determine our eternal destiny. The cure for that kind of sickness is the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. It cost God the Father His beloved Son to die on the cross for the cure of our blindness. The sickness that the best doctors, advance medicines and the advance medical technologies could not do and help; it’s the spiritual blindness of man. “It is not enough to come to Christ for spiritual healing, but, when we are healed, we must continue to follow him; that we may do honour to him, and receive instruction from him. Those that have spiritual eye-sight, see that beauty in Christ, that will effectually draw them to run after him.” (Matthew Henry- The Bible Collection Suite) The Bible says; And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. (John 6:2)

TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE

MI DAILY DEVOTION

SATURDAY

TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE

(I John 3:17- 18) But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 18- My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

“To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever.” “On the last analysis, then, love is life. Love never faileth and life never faileth so long as there is love.” Henry Drummond

“Love is the only gold.” Alfred Lord Tennyson

“Love is all we have.” Euripides

(TBS-Wynn Davis)

In this world; we have the needy, the greedy, and those who pity. But we need people, politicians, Christians, and philanthropists who would really put wings on their love for mankind. You will not just say “I love you, sweetheart or honey” but you show it by your deeds- good deeds. People sometimes use those words and don’t even mean it.  Sometimes it becomes a byword. I remember the old song… “Love is a many splendored things…” But to others, it’s “Love is a many splinter thing.” Sounds funny, but it’s true to many people. They thought they made a mistake of loving their spouse because of their differences or because they don’t get what they want. If you love someone, you are willing to sacrifice and make sacrifices for that someone whom you love. God made a sacrifice through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ when Christ sacrificed Himself because of His love for us. Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and truth. You will set aside your problem with money, personal differences, pride, insecurity, and fear in the name of LOVE.

Paul wrote: For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7

WORSHIP IN A MODERN WORLD

MI DAILY DEVOTION

FRIDAY

WORSHIP IN A MODERN WORLD

(Exodus 20: 10 – 11) But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; 11- For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore, the LORD blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE WORSHIP IN YOUR INDUSTRY?

Worship- “Is to quicken the conscious God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to open up the heart to the love of God, to devote that will to the purpose of God.” (William Temple) The word “Sabbath” and “Seventh” does not come from the same original word. The Hebrew for “Sabbath” is “Shabbath” meaning “Intermission” or “Cease”… from work. “Shabbath” It means to “Repose”, or to “Desist” from exertion or to “Rest” and such rest does not have to be on the seventh day.

WHERE DO YOU PLACE WORSHIP IN THIS MODERN WORLD?

Will it be a sin against the Lord if we worship on some other days? The LORD blessed the Sabbath day. As believers we therefore must join Him so we can be blessed, and experience His blessings and be a channel of blessing. You will go where God’s blessing is and join God’s people on His Sabbath. (Hebrews 10:25)

IS WORSHIP A NECESSITY OR AN EXPRESSION OF OUR LOVE TO GOD (Exodus 20: 10)

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

GOD MADE IT EASY FOR US…

MI DAILY DEVOTION

THURSDAY

GOD MADE IT EASY FOR US…

(Romans 10:9- 13) 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.

Few years ago I witnessed to an elderly man and he listened to me very carefully. But at the end of our conversation, I asked him if he would like to accept Christ by faith as Lord and Savior of his life. He smile at me and said, “Pastor, I can’t!” I said, “Why? Is there any problem or something that you don’t understand?” he said, “No, I understand and I don’t see any problem, but you just made it so easy…” I asked, what he meant of “I made it so easy…” And his response was I made it easy for him to go to heaven by just accepting the Lord. We did not make it easy; it was God’s love by the suffering and the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary that made it easy. It was because He paid for our sins on the Cross that make it so easy for anyone who desire and accept the free gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. He finished the work of God for mankind, so man won’t need to work for his salvation. What a grace that we have in Christ. We need to come unto the throne of grace. The Bible says; And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6- For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7- For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8- But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:5- 8)

PRAYER IS NOT MONOLOGUE, BUT DIALOGUE

MI DAILY DEVOTION

WEDNESDAY

PRAYER IS NOT MONOLOGUE, BUT DIALOGUE

(Psalm 69:13) But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

Andrew Murray said: “Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. God’s voice in response to mine is its most essential part.” Andrew Murray 1828-1917. This is one of the mistakes and failures of many unbelievers and Christians alike- to pray. Mistake because many people and countries in the world pray but in a wrong god. People pray in the name of the saints or in a wrong person. Remember the story of Daniel during the time of Nebuchadnezzar in (Daniel 3), Nebuchadnezzar made a declaration or a law where people were commanded to worship the golden image that he made. And Daniel and the three young Hebrews refused to worship the god of Nebuchadnezzar. God will spare a nation, a home or an individual if we learn to pray. Remember during the time of Abraham, God talked to Abraham about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their pride and immorality. (Genesis 18:20-33) In my speaking engagement, I was asked by a pastor about my physical position when I pray, I said; “I pray face down in my bed” He said; “Are we not supposed to be kneeling down while we pray?” Prayer is not about your physical position; it’s about your serious and loving communication with a holy God. Jesus said; My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27) In (Romans 4:20- 21) Paul wrote about what God has promised us, He is able to perform. He is faithful in His Words and His promised to His children in the Holy Bible! Our duties and responsibilities are to trust, obey and claim it in Jesus’ name. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8- For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7- 8)

THE TWO COVENANTS AND THE SECOND BLESSING

MI DAILY DEVOTION

TUESDAY

THE TWO COVENANTS AND THE SECOND BLESSING

(DEUTERONOMY 7:9) Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments.

“When God created man in His image and likeness, it was that he might have a life as like His own as it was possible for a creature to live. This was to be by God Himself living and working all in man. For this man was to yield himself in loving dependence to the wonderful glory of being the recipient, the bearer, the manifestation of a Divine life. The one secret of man's happiness was to be a trustful surrender of his whole being to the willing and the working of God. When sin entered, this relation to God was destroyed; when man had disobeyed, he feared God and fled from Him. He no longer knew, or loved, or trusted God. Man could not save himself from the power of sin. If his redemption was to be effected, God must do it all. And if God was to do it in harmony with the law of man's nature, man must be brought to desire it, to yield his willing consent, and entrust himself to God. All that God wanted man to do was, to believe in Him. What a man believes, moves and rules his whole being, enters into him, and becomes part of his very life. Salvation could only be by faith: God restoring the life man had lost; man in faith yielding himself to God's work and will. The first great work of God with man was to get him to believe. This work cost God more care and time and patience than we can easily conceive. All the dealings with individual men, and with the people of Israel, had just this one object, to teach men to trust Him. Where He found faith He could do anything. Nothing dishonored and grieved Him so much as unbelief. Unbelief was the root of disobedience and every sin; it made it impossible for God to do His work. The one thing God sought to waken in men by promise and threatening, by mercy and judgment, was faith.” (Andrew Murray) THE TWO COVENANTS AND THE SECOND BLESSING

BE A MAN OF INSPIRATION

MI DAILY DEVOTION

MONDAY

BE A MAN OF INSPIRATION

(Psalm 71:17- 18) O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 18- Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to everyone that is to come.

David was an old man when he wrote this part of Psalm. He learned to look back from the time God taught him His Statutes and through His works until he became grey headed. David’s desire was to be an inspiration to the coming generation. It should be every believer’s desire and passion. Karate Kid is a good movie about determination, inspiration, partnership and encouragement. WWJD- What Would Jesus Do is a good Christian movie that will really inspire you with how they stood together to save their church from the local government’s plan of turning it into a casino, because the church were not able to pay their mortgage for a few months. They were inspired and convicted by the stranger’s words of encouragement and short sermon to them which leads them to stand together for the Lord and for their church. They even stood with their pastor in his depression due to the death of his wife and son in a car accident. Your unpleasant circumstances and people’s negative attitudes towards you should not be the cause to pull you down to the lowest level of your life. But that should inspire you to do more, to learn and have a formal education, to excel to the top and prosper. King Solomon is great example and a good picture of wisdom and knowledge. He should serve as an inspiration to every children and youth in terms of education and learning. I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. (Ecclesiastes 1:16)

OVERCOMING DEPRESSION

MI DAILY DEVOTION

SUNDAY

OVERCOMING DEPRESSION

(Joshua 1:9) Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

The meaning of depression according to Britannica Concise Encyclopedia on Yahoo: Neurotic or psychotic disorder marked by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies. Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/clinical%20depression#ixzz1oFDHBDZP

My personal definition of depression is- The (De) Press (Pressure) is On (Active). The pressure is active in your physical condition, financial situation and in your mental, emotional and spiritual life. It’s so unfortunate to know how millions of people all over the world are going through the same cycle over and over in their life, in which many of them became drugs dependent already due to depression. We know there is hope in Christ, we know Jesus is the answer, we know we have victory in Christ but how can we get over it. My personal remedy for those who are going through the cycle; first you have to know from your heart that you are depress. Second, you have to accept in your heart and mind that you have depression. Third, surrender it to God and let Him take care of your worries, anxieties and depressive spirit. (Matthew 6:25- 33) Fourth, recognize that you are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:37) Then believe in God and trust Him for everything and in everything. (Proverb 3:5- 6) I’ve tried it, it works. Notice the encouraging words of Apostle Paul: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32- He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:31- 32)

JESUS WILL COME AGAIN BUT…

MI DAILY DEVOTION

SATURDAY

JESUS WILL COME AGAIN BUT…

And the gospel must first be published among all nations. (Mark 13:10)

A preacher from India with a briefcase and on its briefcase is a sticker with the message: Be ready, Jesus Is Coming Soon. The guy I met in Bacolod City when I was a little boy during the 60’s. I met him the second time in front of the night club where I used to work in Manila in early 80’s. Anyways, I was about between 20- 22 years old when I met him again with the same message: Be ready, Jesus Is Coming Soon. It was the same message which caused my mind and conscience to seek God and to fear Him. It was the same message which caused me to be afraid of what would happen to me after the rapture. Will I make it to heaven and be with Jesus? The Bible said: But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. Jesus indeed is coming soon. Watch, therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. (Matthew 24:42) Notice the song I wrote about the Lord’s coming: Jesus is coming soon, you must be ready, I don’t know when, May be today, In John 14:1 to 3, Jesus has promised me He has prepared a place for me. The Lord Jehovah, Our Blessed Savior, Who reigns in Glory, We must be ready. When Jesus comes we have no time to count from 1 to 3. When Jesus comes, we have no time to read from A to Z. The Christians will fly up, up in the sky, Hallelujah in the twinkling of an eye. Jesus is coming soon, I’m always ready, I don’t know when, May be today, First John chapter 3 verse two, Jesus has promised me, When He comes again, I will be like Him. May the lyrics of the song will make us ready and expectant on the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and most of all; let us spread the good news of salvation to every corners and every place and tongues. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11- Who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:10-11)  

YOU ARE SEATED IN HEAVENLY PLACES

MI DAILY DEVOTION

FRIDAY

YOU ARE SEATED IN HEAVENLY PLACES

(Ephesians 2:5- 6) Even when we were dead in sins, hath made us alive together with Christ (by grace ye are saved). And hath raised us up together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus;

We claim heaven by faith in Christ and to what He has done on the cross and what the Word of God says in the Scriptures. Although we’re not there yet; but by faith in our spiritual standing with God, we are with Him already. God’s children have a reserved mansion in heaven. We have a paid, reserved seat that can’t be taken away from us. Do you have a reserved seat in heaven? Would you ask Christ to make a reservation for you in heaven? We don’t belong here in this world. As the song says: This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through, my treasure are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue, The angels beckoned me from heavens open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore. Our Citizenship is in heaven and that cannot be revoked by man or human law. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21- Who shall change our lowly body, that it may be fashioned like his glorious body, according to the working by which he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:20-21) It means we have the assurance of our salvation. You cannot lose your salvation, if you do, then you’ve lost Christ as your Lord and Savior which would be impossible. No matter what happens, we are bound for heaven. The free gift of salvation is not bound by time, place, circumstance, human law and by sin. Because we are bound for the promise land…Our spiritual position in Christ will remain the same. It means that you are seated in heaven with Christ and God the Father. We are joint heirs with Christ. The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God; 17- And if children, then heirs-heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ-if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:16- 17)