MI Daily Devotion: What's New for the New Year?

MI Daily Devotion: What's New for the New Year?: "14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  15-  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, ...

What's New for the New Year?

"14- I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15- Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3:14- 15 KJV)

Wishing You All a Blessed, Happy, and Prosperous New Year. Looking forward to a New Beginning, New Blessing, and New Best Things that's about to happen. God expect you to have a New Hope in Him, a New Heart with God, and explore the New Horizon God has prepared for you.


The New Year is a blank year for you to fill it with joy, love, peace or success and...

Start it with Positive Mind Set, Right Perspective, and with Perseverance in Mind.

This could sound a broken records to you, but if you think I make sense to you; BUY MY BOOKS and I promise you my friend... You will appreciate it for this New Year. Email me for orders at esagansay@yahoo.com. God bless!

MI Daily Devotion: START THE NEW YEAR WITH PRAYER

MI Daily Devotion: START THE NEW YEAR WITH PRAYER: “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 ...

START THE NEW YEAR WITH PRAYER

“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.” (Psalm 69: 13)

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. “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.” (I Samuel 1:7; 10)

MI Daily Devotion: You are in Control of Your Light!

MI Daily Devotion: You are in Control of Your Light!: "10- Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 12-...

You are in Control of Your Light!

"10- Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 12- For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." (2 Corinthians 4:10, 11 KJV) Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105 KJV)

We are the light of this darkened world where ever we may be. The life of the Lord Jesus Christ reflects on us by our living and good testimony.

Our spirit and our life must be in tune in His Spirit. Indeed, we are God's manifestation through Christ. The world will see the life and the good example of the Son of God in us.

Jesus said; "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: Confess Your Sins to God

MI Daily Devotion: Confess Your Sins to God: “7- But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanset...

Confess Your Sins to God

“7- But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8- If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10- If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (I John 1:7- 10) 

Someone said; “To confess, it means to say it, to look at it and deal with it as it is.” You don’t confess your sins to an individual or religious leader. You confess your sins to God because we have sinned and offended Him. When you confess your sins to God; it means you admit your sinfulness and your marred spiritual condition. Charles H. Spurgeon wrote; “It may be that you are unsaved. Why? Do you think the plan of salvation laid down in our text is untrue? How can that be, when God has pledged His own word? Do you think it is too easy? Why then are not saved?” (Morning and Evening- October 05, Evening)

The Bible says; “1- In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, 2- And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:1- 2)

MI Daily Devotion: START SERVING THE LORD

MI Daily Devotion: START SERVING THE LORD: (Acts 20:19- 21) “19- Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in...

START SERVING THE LORD

(Acts 20:19- 21)

“19- Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: 20- And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, 21- Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”

I like this beautiful hymn: 

“I am happy in the service of the King. I am happy, O so happy! I have peace and joy that nothing else can bring. In the service of the King;

In the service of the King; every talent I will bring. I have peace and joy and blessing; in the service of the King.
I am happy in the service of the King. I am happy, O so happy! Through the sunshine and the shadow I can sing, in the service of the King.” (Alfred Ackley-1912)

MI Daily Devotion: Jesus in Bethlehem Ephratah

MI Daily Devotion: Jesus in Bethlehem Ephratah: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is ...

Jesus in Bethlehem Ephratah

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2)

Bethlehem- "The House of Bread". Jesus is the Bread of Life. He was born in the city of David, and Jesus is from the linage of David. A little city such as Bethlehem can be use by the Lord to bring someone who is the King of kings and the Lord of lords- the Lord Jesus Christ. Your little heart, your little home, and your small church (the house of God) can be use by God. Keep your eyes on Him, and be obedient to His Word and His will.

MI Daily Devotion: It Will Never Be A "Happy Holiday", Not Until It's...

MI Daily Devotion: It Will Never Be A "Happy Holiday", Not Until It's...: People will greet you "Happy Holiday" because they want to point you to the observance of the season and not to the Object or reas...

It Will Never Be A "Happy Holiday", Not Until It's "Merry CHRISTmas"!

People will greet you "Happy Holiday" because they want to point you to the observance of the season and not to the Object or reason of the season. They are pointing you to the calendar and not to the CHRIST of CHRISTmas.

You're afraid or hesitant to say or greet; "Merry Christmas" because you will mention the name of Christ which will lead you to the cross and not the manger.

"5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6- Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7- But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8- And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9- Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; 10- That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11- And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5- 11 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: "It's a Boy!, Please Celebrate with Us..."

MI Daily Devotion: "It's a Boy!, Please Celebrate with Us...": 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 t...

"It's a Boy!, Please Celebrate with Us..."

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. 8- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 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. 13- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15- And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16- And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

MI Daily Devotion: Few Questions About Christmas

MI Daily Devotion: Few Questions About Christmas:  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isai...

Few Questions About Christmas

 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14 KJV)

• Who Do You Celebrate?- Is it Santa Claus, Saint Nick, things, Jesus, or Others...?

• Why Do You Celebrate Christmas?

• What is the Reason and Purpose of Celebrating Christmas for You?

• How Do You Celebrate Christmas?

• When was the Last Time You Celebrate Christmas with Your Family and You were in the Spirit of Worship?

MI Daily Devotion: Spending Christmas in Heaven

MI Daily Devotion: Spending Christmas in Heaven: “ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2: 14) I got this from Christian Resources Internationa...

Spending Christmas in Heaven

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2: 14)

I got this from Christian Resources International (CRI); beautifully framed with a beautiful message about CHRISTmas.

“I see the countless Christmas trees,

Around the world below,

With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars,

Reflecting on the snow.

I know how much you miss me,

I see the pain inside your heart.

Can you just imagine Christmas

With our Savior, face to face?

I ask Him to light our spirit,

As I tell Him of your love.

So then pray for one another,

As you lift your eyes above.

So please let your heart be joyful,

And let your spirits sing.

For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven,

And I’m walking with the King.”- Unknown

I have love ones spending their Christmas in heaven. I know what it means to look at the empty seats, empty plate on the table or empty bed on special occasions. But they are better off, and happy with our Savior and friends. (John 14:1- 6)

MI Daily Devotion: He Came to Save Us!

MI Daily Devotion: He Came to Save Us!: “Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Be...

He Came to Save Us!

“Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.” (Matthew 2:16)

"When you talk about Christmas, you would think of (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6) that He would be Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father… That’s a great resume Jesus has there; but have you ever thought of (Isaiah 53) “He is…a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief…” If your Christmas is messy today, remember He is our blessed Hope. “If you’re hurting this Christmas, remember; Jesus came to save us, to help us, and to heal us.” David McCasland

MI Daily Devotion: WHEN GOD GIVES YOU THE VISION, THAT WILL COME WITH...

MI Daily Devotion: WHEN GOD GIVES YOU THE VISION, THAT WILL COME WITH...: In (Exodus 31:6) “And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that...

WHEN GOD GIVES YOU THE VISION, THAT WILL COME WITH HIS PROVISION

In (Exodus 31:6) “And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;” Even in our preaching and teaching, we are able to share His Word with power and conviction because of the working of the Holy Spirit of God. So don’t take the glory from that good preaching or teaching that you have or you will have. The glory belongs to God. Read (Numbers 11: 25; 29) Maintain that momentum for God. Continue serving the Lord even in the midst of problems. Be steady... “29- And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? Would God that all the LORD’S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!”

What would be Joseph and Mary's life when they saw and hear the vision from the Lord, and did not follow His will? They will be missing in Christmas? The Bible says; "19- Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20- But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

MI Daily Devotion: What Made the Great Leader Nelson Mandela Differen...

What Made the Great Leader Nelson Mandela Differen...: Observing the life of Mr. Mandela since he was an ordinary man until he became a great leader, I have learned a few things in his leaders...

What Made the Great Leader Nelson Mandela Different from Other Leaders…?

Observing the life of Mr. Mandela since he was an ordinary man until he became a great leader, I have learned a few things in his leadership:

·       

He Listens to His subordinates.

·       He is Open to Any Ideas.

·       He Learned to Work with His Opponents in Politics, even with His enemies (if you will call it as such...)

·       He Learned to Forgive.

·       He Don’t Dwell in the Past.

·       He Don’t Take Politics in a Personal Way.

·       He is Focus, He Lived to What He said, and He was Honest to Himself and to His People.

We have seen and been under different leaderships; be it at work, in school, at church, in any organizations and governments in the world. If you are a leader, it means you have responsibilities and rightful duties. And as a leader, the only time you lift up your finger is when you point to your followers, to your disciples, and to your constituents. It is when you're leading them to the right direction, and the way to success. You influenced them by pointing them to the path of success. Your finger is a great instrument to use to point to the failure/failures you made so they won’t take the same path or make the same mistake as you did. You will be more concern about their future than what others may say about you. You will travel an extra mile for their good, for their success, and for their future even if it takes your time, and a step to sacrifices. You walk, you fly, and you may drive to show your love, and concern to them. You avoid doing things for your personal interest. Humility is the key to unity and understanding. You will let the Lord lead you, and you will be submissive to the greater power and authority. Their success will be your success. I like the leadership of Mr. Nelson Mandela and he is a great example for politicians to follow; but no one is greater, and a perfect leader than the Lord Jesus Christ. Follow the Lord Jesus Christ's leadership in your life. It is the key to Mary and Joseph's success, blessings, and why God used them mightily. "Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:" (Matthew 1:24)

MI Daily Devotion: He Humbled Himself

MI Daily Devotion: He Humbled Himself:   “ 5- Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6- Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with G...

He Humbled Himself

 “5- Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6- Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7- But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” (Philippians 2: 5- 7)

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.” The Bible says; “21- And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22- Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23- Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24- Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25- And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.”(Matthew 1:21- 25)

Please Click or Copy and Paste to Your Search Engine.

http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Every-Day-Roque-Sagansay/dp/162419897X/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_imgnr_1

MI Daily Devotion: GIVE ME YOUR “ACRONYM” FOR “CHRISTmas”

MI Daily Devotion: GIVE ME YOUR “ACRONYM” FOR “CHRISTmas”: MI DAILY DEVOTION FRIDAY GIVE ME YOUR “ACRONYM” FOR “CHRISTmas”   “ Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgi...

MI Daily Devotion: Is it CHRISTmas Every Day for You?

MI Daily Devotion: Is it CHRISTmas Every Day for You?: “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 w...

Is it CHRISTmas Every Day for You?

“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.” (John 14: 17)

I shared this story during Christmas day few years ago. 

I was on the Internet just a few minutes before I typed in the topic for the daily devotion and I left for a few seconds and when I came back on line, guess what’s on the top of Yahoo search… “After Christmas…” And I was just thinking about this subject while I was watching TV with my youngest son EJ last night… EJ said something like this, “It would be another 365 days before CHRISTmas. And after a while EJ said, now that CHRISTmas is almost over…” EJ was already looking forward of celebrating next year’s CHRISTmas. Do you look forward on CHRISTmas day or is it CHRISTmas Every Day for you?

MI Daily Devotion: The Baby in a Manger Changed My Life!

MI Daily Devotion: The Baby in a Manger Changed My Life!: “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...

The Baby in a Manger Changed My Life!

“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.” (Isaiah 9:6)

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 an unpleasant 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) If you will just look at this little boy from the manger to Nazareth: imagine how He would 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, it’s beyond our imagination.

The little Baby in that little manger with the sheeps, and other animals is the Savior of the world. He is the Messiah, and the King of kings. He is the one who shape 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, the only reason for the season, and the center of 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. He is the only way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6) 

MI Daily Devotion: Jesus was Born with a Unique Birth

MI Daily Devotion: Jesus was Born with a Unique Birth: “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 the...

Jesus was Born with a Unique Birth

“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.” (Luke 2: 7)

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 promised 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. It has a universal purpose- "To save the whole world from sins..." (Matthew 1:21)

MI Daily Devotion: Where and How Will You Celebrate CHRISTmas?

MI Daily Devotion: Where and How Will You Celebrate CHRISTmas?: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2: 14)  “I see the countless Christmas trees, Around t...

Where and How Will You Celebrate CHRISTmas?

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2: 14) 

“I see the countless Christmas trees,

Around the world below,

With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars,

Reflecting on the snow.

I know how much you miss me,

I see the pain inside your heart.

Can you just imagine Christmas

With our Savior, face to face?

I ask Him to light our spirit,

As I tell Him of your love.

So then pray for one another,

As you lift your eyes above.

So please let your heart be joyful,

And let your spirits sing.

For I’m spending Christmas in Heaven,

And I’m walking with the King.”- Unknown

MI Daily Devotion: You May be Small and Nothing Less...

MI Daily Devotion: You May be Small and Nothing Less...: “And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (Matthew 1:16) It was beyond Joseph and Mar...

You May be Small and Nothing Less...

“And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”(Matthew 1:16)

It was beyond Joseph and Mary's imagination when they realized they were used by the Lord by entrusting to them the Son of God- the Savior of the world.

You may be small and nothing less…

But Christ has plan for you to rest,

You tried and failed and on your knees

He’ll lift you up to give you success- ERS

“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”(John 1:13) 

MI Daily Devotion: God's Forgiveness

MI Daily Devotion: God's Forgiveness: “4- For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5- Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he sai...

God's Forgiveness

“4- For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5- Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6- In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.” (Hebrews 10:4- 6)

God Himself appointed Christ to the tasks- the task of dying on the cross for our sins. We don’t need to work and work hard to go to heaven. The only reason why Christ don’t need our religion and religious ritual is because Christ is our religion. That’s the reason why we will not weight our goodness versus our badness. Christ will weight good versus evil in us by His Holiness in which we all have come short of His glory. (Romans 3:10; 23) Christ is the Supreme good and the only good. He is holy and He is the King of kings. We celebrate Christmas for this reasons- His salvation and forgiveness.

MI Daily Devotion: He's the One to Celebrate!

MI Daily Devotion: He's the One to Celebrate!: “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:” (Matthew 1:24)     Somet...

MI Daily Devotion: He's the One to Celebrate!

MI Daily Devotion: He's the One to Celebrate!: “Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:” (Matthew 1:24)     Somet...

He's the One to Celebrate!

“Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:” (Matthew 1:24)

   

Sometimes we get excited with the celebration and got out of focus on the celebrant. But on your countdown to CHRISTmas, what do you have in mind? What are your mind set, perspective, and what or to whom do you focus your attention the most? As you count the days to CHRISTmas day, count on the Savior too!

I count the gifts and friends on CHRISTmas day,

To share my time and wealth for free;

But I forgot it’s the Savior’s birth,

  And He’s the One to celebrate- ERS

MI Daily Devotion: It's the Main Reason for the Season

MI Daily Devotion: It's the Main Reason for the Season: “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desir...

It's the Main Reason for the Season

“But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10- Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11- I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.” (Galatians 4:9- 11)

We can use CHRISTmas to open the door for the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. What will you do and what do you plan to give to Jesus this CHRISTmas season? Do you put the gospel and the salvation of the lost at the center of your celebration. I hope it will be the case... It's the main reason for the season!

MI Daily Devotion: Life is Tough and the Road is Rough

MI Daily Devotion: Life is Tough and the Road is Rough: “ 10-  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 14- Glory ...

Life is Tough and the Road is Rough

“10- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 14- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:10; 14) 

I remember those who died in the Super Typhoon in the Philippines. Thousands are suffering, and was declared dead from the flash flood and typhoon. I know it’s hard to reconcile the discouraging news in your life, and the devastation in many parts of the world right now, as compared to what the angels said on that first CHRISTmas day.

"Life is tough and the road is rough,

But we can cling to the angel’s announcements;

About God’s perfect plan,

He knows the past, present and the future;

So why be discourage when God is in control"- ERS

MI Daily Devotion: "The Reality of God's Love"

MI Daily Devotion: "The Reality of God's Love":   “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (beca...

"The Reality of God's Love"

 “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)” (Luke 2:4)

"Jerusalem is the holy city and it was called the city of David, home to the temple and the place wherein Jesus came as a sacrifice for our sin. (John 1:11; Romans 5:8; 6:23). I can feel the agony while I was walking in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus sweat drops of blood. I can feel the pain and the love of God as we climbed up to mount Calvary where Jesus died on the cross. Kneeling at the mouth of the empty tomb where Jesus conquered sin, death and hell for us made our spirit and our soul at peace with Him. What an affirmation of the truths I had believed since I was a boy. It’s a blessing to be right there and experienced the thrill of the reality of God’s love." Reverend Jimmy Jones

MI Daily Devotion: "But Whom Say Ye That I Am?"

MI Daily Devotion: "But Whom Say Ye That I Am?": "15- He saith unto them,  But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God...

"But Whom Say Ye That I Am?"

"15- He saith unto them,  But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."(Matthew 16:15, 16 KJV)

People knew Jesus as the son of the great Bible characters. When Jesus asked Peter this question... Was He experiencing an identity crisis? Could it be a psychological question or did it matter who He was to the people during His times? Is there a spiritual significant to Peter or to the future generations why Jesus asked this question? Or Jesus wants Peter to confess and to know who He (Jesus) really was to him and to the people. Thus, God the Father revealed it to Peter, because Jesus is more than just the son of the greats and He is more than a man, He is the Son of God! "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." (Matthew 1:1 KJV; Luke 19:10)

MI Daily Devotion: Love is All You Need

MI Daily Devotion: Love is All You Need: “15- As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 17- Therefore doth my Father love me, becau...

Love is All You Need

“15- As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 17- Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18- No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” (John 10:15; 17- 18)

“Love is the river of life in this world.” Henry Ward Beecher
“If you have it, you don’t need to have anything else. And if you don’t have it, it doesn’t matter what else you have.” Sir James M. Barrie
“Love is all you need.” Paul McCartney and John Lennon
In (Romans 5:5-10) I want for you to notice 2 things in verse 6 – a) Man’s conditions and b) The Messiah’s Comfort.

This is a children’s song that many of us adults may not have realized the importance and the beauty of the message of the song:

“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong, I am weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves,

Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so”

What more can we ask from the God who created us and opened His heart and home in heaven for us. Apostle Paul wrote; “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;)- And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” (Ephesians 2:4- 6)

MI Daily Devotion: Worship is Universal

MI Daily Devotion: Worship is Universal: “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 manse...

Worship is Universal

“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:” (Exodus 20: 10)

In many parts of the world animals or pets are considered members of the family. The Bible is teaching us the right and good culture; respect the animals or pets. Worship in the Bible was designed not just for individual and as a corporate to exercise, but for the entire family to enjoy and experience the presence of God. The Bible mentioned the whole members of the family which includes the servants, extended families and the animals. The Bible says; "And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. 33- And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. 34- And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. 35- And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall surely be put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. 36- And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the Lord commanded Moses." (Numbers 15:32 – 36)

MI Daily Devotion: The Attitude of Gratitude is a Big Deal in the Phi...

MI Daily Devotion: The Attitude of Gratitude is a Big Deal in the Phi...: The attitude of gratitude is a big deal to a country like the Philippines. A son or a daughter who don't pay back their parents after t...

The Attitude of Gratitude is a Big Deal in the Philippines

The attitude of gratitude is a big deal to a country like the Philippines. A son or a daughter who don't pay back their parents after they finished college and get a job may be considered as ungrateful child. The children who made it in life financially, and did not pay back their struggling parents will all be called "ungrateful" children no matter what you have accomplished for the community. Your involvement in any charity will be considered “Just a Show…” If you were once helped by a friend or neighbor in some ways; somehow that neighbor or friend may expect you to pay back, and if you don't; then you will be tagged as ungrateful. Thus; gratefulness, gratitude, and being thankful is indeed a big deal to many Filipinos. "1- O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 2 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works." (Psalm 105:1- 2)

MI Daily Devotion: Is This Your Budget?

MI Daily Devotion: Is This Your Budget?: 1-  Housing.................................................................................................................$1000 2-  Car i...

Is This Your Budget?

1- Housing.................................................................................................................$1000
2- Car insurance......................................................................................................$100
3- Car loan ................................................................................................................$300
4- Dog food (accessories and veterinarian fees, medicines) and treats. ........$500
5- Gym and other health related expenses.........................................................$100
6- Gas, electricity, cable, Internet, Fuel, etc. .....................................................$300
7- Clothes and personal care.................................................................................$100
8- Misc.......................................................................................................................$100
9- Wine/liquor/beer................................................................................................$200
10- Credit cards........................................................................................................$100
11- Tobacco/cigarettes............................................................................................$100
12- Eat out, and Recreation (Movies and games.................................................$300
13- Savings................................................................................................................$500

14- Church giving. For Jesus who died for our sins, gave us this life, and gave us the wisdom and the strength to make money. Our Weekly or Monthly Budget:

$1- for offering
$10- for tithes
$5- for mission
$10- for building fund
$5- for visiting missionary (Some people are proud and can't even keep this out of their mind they gave $5 for the visiting missionary)
$1 to help the poor, the victims of the natural calamities such as the Super Typhoon.

AND...

We question why our churches are not growing?
Why there's nothing going on in our churches?
Why there are more false religions in your area than Christians?
Why worldly life and practices as well as violence and disregard for life are so rampant?
Why so many broken homes, broken families and broken relationships? Why people are ungrateful to God even on Thanksgiving Day?
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also."(Matthew 6:19-21 ASV)

And the endless "Why"!

MI Daily Devotion: "O give thanks unto the LORD..."

MI Daily Devotion: "O give thanks unto the LORD...": “1-Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. 48- Blessed be the LORD God of Israel f...

"O give thanks unto the LORD..."

“1-Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. 48- Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 106:1; 48)

He set the seventh day to make it holy which would be another God's show of love and generosity to the sinful humanity.

We longed to be appreciated, and we complain because no one seemed to care. Now you know what the Lord felt every second of every minute, and every minute of every hour.

As you get up in the morning; you open your eyes, open your lips, open your mind, open your heart and say; “Thank you, Lord”.

MI Daily Devotion: Accept Your Sinfulness

MI Daily Devotion: Accept Your Sinfulness: “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” 23- “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”  (Romans 3:10, 23)...

Accept Your Sinfulness

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” 23- “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:10, 23)

It’s not easy to humbly come to the presence of a holy God, and accept your sinfulness, your unworthiness, and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. To accept your sinfulness, it means that you also accept your hopelessness, your depravity and your need to be cleanse of your sins.  “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:7)

MI Daily Devotion: Confession to God...

MI Daily Devotion: Confession to God...: "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just t...

Confession to God...

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:8- 9)

Speaking of “confession”, it has different meaning and interpretation to different religions or religious denominations. “Confession” according to Unger’s Bible dictionary, from the “(Hebrew word yadah, literally, to use, extend the hand) is used in the Old Testament in the sense of acknowledging one’s sin (Leviticus 5:5) “And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing:” (Job 40:14) “Then will I also confess unto thee that thine own right hand can save thee.” (Psalm 32:5) “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”

MI Daily Devotion: Follow the Lord!

MI Daily Devotion: Follow the Lord!: “ And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58- A...

Follow the Lord!

“And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 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. 62- And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9: 57- 58; 62)

The late John Denver has a song that he wrote for his wife entitled “Follow Me” which says;

“It's by far the hardest thing I've ever done, To be so in love with you and so alone
Follow me where I go what I do and who I know, Make it part of you to be a part of me
Follow me up and down all the way and all around, Take my hand and say you'll follow me.”

Put God’s perspective on the top and in your priority list. God indeed wanted for us to follow Him in everything that He’s doing in our lives, and in the lives of those around us. To follow the Lord would mean giving your all to God unselfishly, and without any reservation. You follow God even if it would cost you your family, fortune and fame. Follow the Lord whatever it takes… according to His Word and His will.

MI Daily Devotion: “Thank You, Lord, for the Trials that Come My Way....

MI Daily Devotion: “Thank You, Lord, for the Trials that Come My Way....: "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessaloni ans  5 :18)  “Thank...

“Thank You, Lord, for the Trials that Come My Way."

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (I Thessalonians 5:18) 

“Thank you, Lord,
for the trials that come my way.
In that way I can grow each day
as I let you lead,
And thank you, Lord,
for the patience those trials bring.
In that process of growing,
I can learn to care.
But it goes against the way
I am to put my human nature down
and let the Spirit take control of all I do.
'Cause when those trials come,
my human nature shouts the thing to do;
and God's soft prompting
can be easily ignored.” (Internet at yahoo- Hymnlyrics.org)

MI Daily Devotion: "In Everything Give Thanks..."

MI Daily Devotion: "In Everything Give Thanks...": “ In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18) We have so much to be ...

"In Everything Give Thanks..."

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)

We have so much to be thankful with or so much to be thankful for… There’s a hymn which says, “Count your many blessings and name them one by one…” But we have countless blessings that we can’t even name them already… Whatever you have at home, in your office, at church; give God the praise and the glory for it. Sometimes we do things unconscious of the Lord’s presence and not knowing that God wants the best on whatever we do and whatever we have. It’s in Him and for Him! And it would always be for His name and for His glory. (John 15:1; 4-5) 

MI Daily Devotion: True Friend or Best Friend?

MI Daily Devotion: True Friend or Best Friend?: I know who my true friends are; they stood with me in my extremities. They walk with me in my depravity, and they lift me up when I'm in...

True Friend or Best Friend?

I know who my true friends are; they stood with me in my extremities. They walk with me in my depravity, and they lift me up when I'm in my deepest moment. They help me when I needed them and give me hope in my hopelessness. They do not expect from me when I'm on the top of my world and I don't see envy and jealousy when I'm succeeding and experience prosperity. They don't check on my pocket but help me exercise accountability. If you don't belong to any of these; may be you're not my true friend, you're just my best friend.

MI Daily Devotion: Contentment and Gratefulness

MI Daily Devotion: Contentment and Gratefulness: “4- Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5- For the LORD is...

Contentment and Gratefulness

“4- Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5- For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

(Psalm 100: 4- 5)

Contentment is the word that’s missing in many homes and workplaces. Conflicts triggered because of discontentment. Apostle Paul said; “6- But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8- And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (I Timothy 6:6- 8 KJV) For me; I am very happy,  grateful, and content to be alive and well in the midst of my personal storms, and personal roller coaster rides in this conflicting stairways to our final destination.

MI Daily Devotion: Friendship and Generosity

MI Daily Devotion: Friendship and Generosity: “1- A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2- Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget n...

Friendship and Generosity

“1- A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2- Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” (Psalms 103:1- 2)

“Recipe for Friendship

Take two heaping cups of patience,

One heart full of love,

Two hands full of generosity

A dash of laugher,

One head full of understanding,

Sprinkle generously with kindness,

Add plenty of faith and mix well;

Spread over a period of a lifetime,

And serve everybody you meet.”- Unknown

MI Daily Devotion: Paul Lived by the Faith of the Son of God

MI Daily Devotion: Paul Lived by the Faith of the Son of God: “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 ...

Paul Lived by the Faith of the Son of God

“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.” (Galatians 2:20)

I believe that Paul lived a life that truly honors the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was a man to be admired: 1- Because of his gratefulness. (I Thessalonians 5:18). 2- Because of his prayerful life. (I Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 1:9). 3- Because of his joy. (Philippians 4:4). In spite of his uncomfortable and really bad situations, Apostle Paul has joy in his heart. May we do the same as Christians!

7 POINTS FOR COOPER AND THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

This is in response to comments and attention the Filipino people are giving to American reporter Anderson Cooper of CNN. My personal outlook about the issue... 

1- Anderson Cooper is way behind in Cable News Ratings. The Philippines and the tragedy are a good stepping stone for him to get the world's attention. The almost 100 million Filipinos in the Philippines aside from those who are living overseas could help boost his ratings.http://tv.yahoo.com/news/cable-news-ratings-fox-dominates-october-cnn-ac-231412959.html 
2- In fairness to Mr. Anderson; he may have been talking about a certain areas that was affected by the typhoon.
3- Mr. Cooper did not know that some of the roads are not passable.
4- Mr. Cooper did not get to read or check on the internet of what president Pnoy have been doing before he even touched down the Philippine airport. He is in the Philippines, not in Japan, not in the USA or Europe. Different scenario, different culture, different tragedy, and he is in a third world country.
5- Why would we let Anderson Cooper divide us and keep our attention on him when he may never lift a finger to help the Filipino people anyways. He is there for his job and not to help. Now the Philippine media are helping him to be popular not only in the Philippines, but all over the world.
6- Let us stop talking about him and concentrate on our people.
7- My personal suggestion- Ban CNN and cooper's program if you're not happy of his reporting.