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.

MI Daily Devotion: Give 'Till it Hurts

MI Daily Devotion: Give 'Till it Hurts: “43- And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all the...

Give 'Till it Hurts

“43- And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44- For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” (Mark 12:43- 44)

Start being a winner for God with the little amount that you can share or give in your church, for the ministry and for God’s glory, especially for the victims of the super typhoon Yolanda. The Lord was there observing how much they gave, verse 43. D.L. Moody wrote; “Do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as you can.” Jesus was there watching on how much they gave, not because He was interested with money or with their money; but because He was interested on how much they express their love for Him through their giving. “GIVE ‘TILL IT HURTS.” Rabbi Harold Kushner- 

Updates of My Trip to the Philippines

After my allotted times in my speaking engagement in Manila, Philippines; a gentleman approached me on my way out to the restroom. He said; “Hello Mr. Ely Roque Sagansay” I shook his hand and said; “I’m good, and yourself?” He answered; “I’m fine, thank you sir.” And then he continued; “Sir, you’re the author of the books Mi Daily Devotion, Christmas Every Day and Thanksgiving Every Day?” I said; “Yes sir…” He interrupted me and said; “Sir, I’m so honored to meet you in person, and I’m so blessed today to hear you speak. I heard about your books and your name several times.” I said; “On Facebook or Twitter?” And I jokingly said; “Was it good or bad news…?  He answered; “No sir, at the Call Center; I received some phone calls from all over the world asking, buying and inquiring about your books. Most of them were Americans from the United States of America.” I inquired; “How did you know…?” His answer; “Sir, I used to work for a company which could be under Kindle and we process orders and inquiries…” It’s an encouragement and a big boost for me. I was humbled to hear from this gentleman, and I thank the Lord he let me know about it. I posted our pictures for everyone to see.

I flew in to the Philippines for my youngest brother funeral in Subic, Zambales. Pastor Gideon R. Sagansay passed away in Dubai due to advanced Colon Cancer. The funeral services were blessed by the Lord with souls being saved every night. I also visited churches. I was invited to speak in my former church in Makati, Manila under Reverend Eladio  "Lad" Datuin. God is still at work in the heart of His people.

I thank the Lord for Reverend and Mrs. Benny Bernal who hosted me. I had the privileged to preach in his 23rd church anniversary where everyone in attendance came forward during the invitation. Pastor Bernal is doing a great job in his church and school.

Also in Taguig Reverend Arnel Magracia shared to me his pulpit of which during the morning service; people came forward for salvation and dedication. Pastors Arnel and Benny are two generous pastors who work in unity for the salvation of the lost souls in Taguig, Metro Manila. Big thanks for their generosity. I almost forget about Lew and Vangie Alayon who connected me to a church in Laguna of which there was profession of faith in my Bible study in their church retreat. I've seen people raised their hands for dedication. Thank you for your generosity and your time.

I was blessed by the Lord to be a part of Dr. Edward Isidoro's church anniversary celebration. The Lord blessed the preaching of His Word during their morning service. It was a pleasure to be in their anniversary rally with several outreaches participating in music and different talent shows. To God be the Glory!

My time with Reverend Arturo "JR" Raymundo's church was such a blessing when you see people coming forward for different reasons. But one thing for sure; they came to the throne of grace asking for God's blessings and special touch. I also had the opportunity to attend the Mission Conferences of Rev. Greg Pedida and Rev. Danilo Agpoon. It was a great blessing to be with the people and servants of God. Pastor Agpoon and his church members are followers of Mi Daily Devotion on Facebook.

I went to Bacolod city with Reverend JR Raymundo and we were blessed to see the churches and the ministry in the mountainous area of Negros Occidental. We were able to see the churches we helped build. We meet with local pastors for future events and ministry. Pastor Sammy Sagansay and Casim Canada were the leaders and church planters who work hand in hand with the local ministers. Right now, we are in need of building materials and financial help for the pastors.

The Lord opened the door for us to be a part of the tree planting with former Philippine president Fidel V. Ramos (FVR). I also became a part with him of the inauguration of the ZIP line. We meet the Mayor of the Municipality of Salvador Benedicto- Attorney Jose Max "Jomax" S. Ortiz. We get to meet the Mount Everest climbers at the said event. I was honored to be with the professional photographers and Phottix/Canon promotional head Alex Ruelo and Ricky in Bacolod city. We had photo shoots with their models.

Promoting my books especially "Thanksgiving Every Day" was on the side but it was very fruitful. If you are thinking of giving some gifts to your pastor, friends or love ones- Buy my books and you get to help the Mission works in the Philippines. We saw the needs of pastors and churches. The pastors who works in the provinces needs financial support, Lap top or Desk top (computer), books, Bibles, bikes or motor bike, and other church materials.

We are planning of coming back on February 2014. We need your prayers and if you could come, please let us know. Please pray for the financial needs and safety. We trust God will open doors for us and shower us with special blessings. God bless!

Ely Roque Sagansay
www.ely-roque-Sagansay.com

MI Daily Devotion: Don't Say; "Thank You...!"

MI Daily Devotion: Don't Say; "Thank You...!": Don't say: "Thank you to me if you don't mean it!" Those are the words of a man to his ungrateful son. The same statement ...

MI Daily Devotion: MI Daily Devotion: Few Verses For Thanksgiving Day...

MI Daily Devotion: MI Daily Devotion: Few Verses For Thanksgiving Day...: MI Daily Devotion: Few Verses For Thanksgiving Day : “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all s...

Don't Say; "Thank You...!"

Don't say: "Thank you to me if you don't mean it!" Those are the words of a man to his ungrateful son. The same statement we may say to those who says; "I'm so sorry..." and don't even mean it. We say serious, sacred and important words casually without putting it to heart. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, may we learn to say; "Thank you" to God, to our love ones and to everyone with indeed a grateful hearts. “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4)
 

MI Daily Devotion: Few Verses For Thanksgiving Day

MI Daily Devotion: Few Verses For Thanksgiving Day: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (E...

Few Verses For Thanksgiving Day

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” (Ephesians 2: 3) “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” (Psalm 100:4) In (II Corinthians 9:15) “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (Psalms 30:12) “To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever.”

MI Daily Devotion: Thanksgiving Day in the USA

MI Daily Devotion: Thanksgiving Day in the USA: It was during the times of the most revered, and respected president of the United States of America- president Abraham Lincoln when "...

Thanksgiving Day in the USA

It was during the times of the most revered, and respected president of the United States of America- president Abraham Lincoln when "Thanksgiving Day" was declared as an annual tradition and celebration in 1863. In spite of the civil war, and the conflicts between the north and the south, the racial discrimination, and the war against poverty as well as the power struggle; Mr. Lincoln declared and proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to Our Beneficent Father Who Dwelleth in the Heavens".

MI Daily Devotion: A Worshipful Believer

MI Daily Devotion: A Worshipful Believer: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much more, as ye see the...

A Worshipful Believer

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25).

We express our love for God when we worship Him. We love God, we desire His presence, and we give reverence to His holy name. Worship is expressed in many forms, in different ways. It is an expression from our heart, in our body, and in our mind. If you love God, you will not be ashamed of Him. You express your love to God in as many ways as possible. It could be in giving or good stewardship, in songs of praises and in our sacrifices. The Bible says; “Love the Lord your God with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30) “This is love for God: to obey his commands, And his commands are not burdensome,” (I John 5:3)

SAINTS

SAINTS: “ Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.” (I Corinthians 16: 1) ...

SAINTS

“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.” (I Corinthians 16: 1)

The saints are the sanctified and the sanctified are the saints. All believers are the saints of God and not of an organization or religious group. We were made holy by the blood of the Lamb that was slain for the salvation of men. Salvation comes when you accept the finished work of God at the cross of Calvary and recognize the Lordship of Christ. The Bible says; “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11)  “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 14:4)