MI Daily Devotion: A Sacrifice to Live for… Not to Die for…

MI Daily Devotion: A Sacrifice to Live for… Not to Die for…: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which...

A Sacrifice to Live for… Not to Die for…

“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 KJV)

One day a pig was bragging to the cow about how she has been good to her boss. She said; “You see, as a pig, I can give our master bacon, pork chops, roasted pig, fried pig, adobo (Philippine National Specialty), hot dog, piglets, etc.” The cow responded; “Good for you, but you gave our master your best only when you’re dead already, except for the piglets!” The cow continued in humility; “Mrs. Piggy, I gave our master cheese, milk, cheese cream, buttermilk, beef chew, roast beef, I gave birth too, and I can give our master a huge amount of meat at death, etc.” This is a good picture of some Christians or religions, especially the Muslim religion. They thought that they can please God, or go to heaven in giving themselves by death.

Matthew Henry wrote; “A Christian makes his body a sacrifice to God, though he does not give it to be burned. A body sincerely devoted to God is a living sacrifice. A living sacrifice, by way of allusion-that which was dead of itself might not be eaten, much less sacrificed, Deu. 14:21; and by ways of opposition—"The sacrifice was to be slain, but you may be sacrificed, and yet live on’’—an unbloody sacrifice. The barbarous heathen sacrificed their children to their idol-gods, not living, but slain sacrifices: but God will have mercy, and not such sacrifice, though life is forfeited to him. A living sacrifice, that is, inspired with the spiritual life of the soul. It is Christ living in the soul by faith that makes the body a living sacrifice.” (Galatians 2:20)

MI Daily Devotion: One Week Without Church Makes One Weak

MI Daily Devotion: One Week Without Church Makes One Weak: “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 bless...

One Week Without Church Makes One Weak

“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.” (Exodus 20:10 – 11 KJV)

“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. You may not know how much encouragement you gave to pastors when you showed up on Sundays for worship.

Few years ago, the world watched as three gray whales, icebound off Point Barrow, Alaska, floated battered and bloody, gasping for breath at a hole in the ice. Their only hope: somehow to be transported five miles past the ice pack open sea. Rescuers began cutting a string of breathing holes about twenty yards apart in the six-inch-thick ice. For eight days they coaxed the whales from one hole to the next, mile after mile. Along the way, one of the trio vanished and was presumed dead. But finally, with the help of Russian icebreakers, 2 of the whales swam to freedom. (Copied) 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)

“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 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: The Danger of “Familiarity Complex” with the Thing...

MI Daily Devotion: The Danger of “Familiarity Complex” with the Thing...: “ Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have bur...

The Danger of “Familiarity Complex” with the Things of God

“Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.” (Acts 5:9 KJV)

Once you visited a beautiful place over and over, you will have the tendency to get used to it. In a process of time, you will not appreciate it anymore. This is the kind of danger that many Christians usually practice in the church or at home. We are so much familiar with the routine of worship and working for God’s glory. The praise and worship, the prayer (both in private and public), the preaching of the Word of God are a common practice which leads to over familiarity. If I can use the words as “familiarity complex”; we have that in our churches and Christian organizations. There is no excitement, because we lost it already. We lost the joy of singing, serving, and as we worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

The book of Revelation was talking about the lukewarm love of the believers. (Revelation 3:16) It’s happening in many churches today, and the sad thing is, they don’t even know it. The tragedy is when the Christians and churches are used to it. The feeling of being so close to the Lord cannot be found in some Christian worship. One of the dangers would be the feeling of familiarity complex in terms of answered prayers and God’s blessings upon us. For Ananias and Sapphira, it was just another offering and another contribution to the Apostles feet. The Bible says; “And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it, at the apostles' feet.” (Acts 5:2 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: Follow the Lord’s Instructions in the Bible!

MI Daily Devotion: Follow the Lord’s Instructions in the Bible!: “ Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. ” (Proverbs 12 KJV) When you buy something that ne...

Follow the Lord’s Instructions in the Bible!

“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” (Proverbs 12 KJV)

When you buy something that needs to be upgraded, installed or set up to be useful, you need to read the instructions so you could start using them. That’s the most painful part, the reading and following of the instructions that comes with it. Reading the manual of the new car is a painful part of having a new vehicle. But then, you would not put your life and the life of your passengers, and other people on the road in jeopardy if you know how your new car works. Obtaining God’s wisdom through His Word is a painful but blessed process. We need to read the instructions or manual of God- the Holy Bible. If you want to know God in a deeper way, you have to delight yourself in His Word. We must read it, live it, and practice it.

I appreciate you reading devotional books and the Mi Daily Devotion, but this should not be the replacement to your daily Bible reading. The devotional is just a supplement to your spiritual life, but your daily Bible reading is the true source of your spiritual diet for spiritual growth.

In (proverbs 12: 1) it says; “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge:” The following phrase is very straight forward, it says; “…but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” In my own words it would be; “He who hates rebukes is like a fool or someone who lacks understanding…” Apostle Paul wrote; “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Timothy 3:16- 17 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: Be a Miracle for God

MI Daily Devotion: Be a Miracle for God: (Mark 4:36- 42) Sitting on the ship, and watching the winds and the waves slowing down is great. It’s very encouraging and really chall...

Be a Miracle for God

(Mark 4:36- 42)

Sitting on the ship, and watching the winds and the waves slowing down is great. It’s very encouraging and really challenging and a blessing to watch God’s miracle in a process, but it’s different to be in that miracle. It’s a good thing to watch Christ performing miracles and hear Him talking to the nature as He made them stopped and still; but it’s another thing if you are in the miracle. Or at least we have done something or have prayed for one.

It’s great to watch Christ walking on the sea, but it’s different when you’re with Him walking on the sea. You may have observed that Sunday after Sunday we’re watching Christ doing some miracles, and doing something great in the lives of our pastor, Sunday school teachers or fellow Christians, but how about in us? Do you just want to be a spectator or be a demonstrator? We must be willing to initiate. I like what Mrs. Carson said when Dr. Ben Carson was really down due to the death of his baby, and he was worried of the surgery that he has to do to the Siamese twin in Germany. Mrs. Carson said, “Even if you fail at least you did something…”

Peter was compulsive and he failed to trust Christ and failed to stay focus because of fear, but when he tried to walk to Jesus, the other disciples were just watching him and our Lord. May the Lord will give us the grace to stand and be a miracle. “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,” (Ephesians 1:19 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: Confess Your Need for God

MI Daily Devotion: Confess Your Need for God: “16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlastin...

Confess Your Need for God

“16- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)

Whether we like it or not; we are a needy people, and everybody needs God. There is a vacuum in our life, and in our heart of something that only God can fill them. Blaise Pascal a French Mathematician, Physicist and inventor once said, “…In the heart of man there is a God shaped vacuum that only God can fill it.” (Blaise Pascal 1623 – 1662). It’s so sad to know that most people are self- sufficient. They have emptiness and hopelessness, but they are so frightful and prideful to accept it.

Those who are in the tribe, they also have the inner desire of worship in a supreme being or a higher power. They express their need for God by worshipping the natures or by worshipping the power of darkness. It’s exactly the same feeling the highly intellectual and average persons feel. They felt the need for God but many went and go to a different person and direction. “18- For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (I Corinthians 1:18 KJV)

They received the wrong teaching and doctrine. We have heard, and even shared to people who are so called educated, and they refused to believe in a Supreme Being. They refused to believe in God. We call them atheist but the Bible called them “fool” The Bible says; “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” (Psalm 14:1 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: “You Have All the World in Here…”

MI Daily Devotion: “You Have All the World in Here…”: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whats...

“You Have All the World in Here…”

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9- Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8- 9 KJV)

Doctor Ben Carson is a brain surgeon who made an impact in the lives of many all over the world. His obstacles:

·       His mother was uneducated.

·       He was raised in a broken home and in poverty.

·       He was in an environment of prejudice, anger, and violence.

·       He was hot tempered.

·       He went to a school without his dad’s guidance most of the time.

In the movie “Gifted Hands” his mother encouraged and motivated Ben and she believed in him. But the great thing is that Mr. Ben Carson has a dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. In one occasion, Ben was telling his mother that he was dumb and don’t have an imagination. But she tried to get them motivated when she said; “You have all the world in here…” (Pointing to Ben’s head) “You just got to see beyond what you can see…” During the job interview, Ben said; “I believe we’re all blessed with astonishing gifts and skills. This is the channel (pointing to his brain) the source of inspiration for unbelievable accomplishments.”

You will not make it whatever you would want to accomplish and do if you will not use your brain, get inspired, set your plans and goals, and be the best you can be! My advice to those who wanted to make their goals in life happen- Take the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ with you when He said; “For where your treasure is, there where your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: Jesus, Walking on the Sea

MI Daily Devotion: Jesus, Walking on the Sea: “27- But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28- And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if...

Jesus, Walking on the Sea

“27- But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28- And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29- And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.” (Matthew 14:27- 29 KJV)

When Peter stepped out of the boat in spite of fear, he did it by faith. It must be something a fearful Christian should ask from day to day. “Am I safe in the boat without Jesus with me?” “Is it God’s will for me to remain in the ship with my fear or to be out of the boat with Jesus?” Imagine the ship with you in the midst of the sea, and it’s tossed with waves and a great wind which makes the sail more complicated and dangerous. No one in his or her right mind would think of getting off the boat just to be with their boss, master, teacher, friends or love ones. I don’t know what was in the mind of Peter, but he did the right thing, because he was going to where the Master of the sea standing and waiting for them to come. Peter took the risks of getting out of his boat.

And after Peter experienced the storm and the waves; he did something very significant, and he tried something that no man had ever done or asked from God from the time of Adam and Eve up to this present time. It was when he decided to get off his boat and do something different. Peter’s focus was beyond what he can see… He did not wait for Christ to come to the ship; he stepped out of his ship and asked Christ if he could come to him. Sometimes, we need to step out of our ship and do something significant for God, for our family or our church. We need to get out of our comfort zone. After they heard the comfort and the assurance and the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ, Peter did not remain in the ship; he asked Jesus if he could come to him. Verse 29 “…And Jesus said, “Come…”

Strong Faith Will Stand Against Fear

“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)

Here are some of the bad fruits of fear if it is a fruit bearing tree…

·       Fear can make you worry of everything.

·       Fear can stress you out.

·       Fear may give you sorrow and pain.

·       Fear can cause anxiety and discouragement.

·       Fear is one of the reasons for failures in your Christian life, in your personal life, family or in your ministry…

·       Fear will paralyze you from pursuing your goals, your desires, your dreams, your visions.

·       Fear can cause you to be in bondage to sin (the sin of living in fear) and in something that doesn’t even exists.

·       Fear can make you sick.

·       Fear can cause you to be stagnant in your faith and walk with God.

·       Fear will cause you to doubt God, the Bible and other people’s love, care and good motive for you.

·       Fear is one of the reasons why you are double minded.

·       Fear will make you mentally disturbed.

·       Fear can drive you crazy.

·       Fear can keep you out of focus.

·       Fear can take you to hell.

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8 KJV)

God’s Gift of Forgiveness

“6-To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7- In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” (Ephesians 1:6- 7 KJV)

The Lord by His grace opened the door of forgiveness to everyone including the chief among sinners like the Apostle Paul. God forgave Moses when he killed an Egyptian. God forgave King David when he committed adultery on Bathsheba and killed Uriah to cover up his sins. (II Samuel 11:1- 27) He forgave Peter after he denied Jesus three times, and God will forgive you too if you will ask for His forgiveness. Be it a weakness, a moral issue or bad habits, God’s blood can cleanse you of any sin or sins. The Bible says; “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29 KJV)

We must also be considerate by forgiving others. We can forgive others when they cut us off on the road, at the store or during our conversation with others, etc. I don’t have the answer for this, but I believe this is true. It’s easier to asked for forgiveness to God than saying “I’m sorry” to a friend or love ones. But the most important thing is we exercise on what we stand for when we learn to be forgiving. Forgiving others is a show or fruit of humility within you. (Philippians 2:3- 9) Apostle Paul admonished us and he lovingly urged us to be forgiving. He wrote; “32- And be ye kind one to another,  tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: Hell is a Place of “No More”

MI Daily Devotion: Hell is a Place of “No More”: “ 28- And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and ...

Hell is a Place of “No More”

“28- And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 KJV)

Hell is a sensitive topic to many people and churches. Some may get offended on the subject. During the 80’s and the 90’s, the preaching on the subject of hell was on fire. And people sometimes will think that way when you preach about hell. They thought you’re scaring them like they’re under fire so they will accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. Hell in the Bible is not a symbol, or a picture of something in relation to earthly pain or suffering. And it’s not just an experience or feeling. Hell is a real place with real people, and a real punishment for those who reject the love of God and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. (John 3:16; 36; Luke 16:19- 31) Jesus himself preached about hell. In (Mark 9:45- 47) Jesus gave us a good picture of hell in those verses. The term hell in its common usage in the Scriptures designates to future punishment to the wicked, to those who will reject God and eternal life.

In hell; there will be no more love, no more forgiveness, no more peace, no more rest, and no more joy. No family to enjoy, no more worship and singing. Your chance and second chance will end at death. Hell is a place of no more in a negative sense. It’s the opposite of heaven. In heaven; there will be no more hate, no more war, no more sorrow and pain, no more bills to pay. And there will be no more tears, hunger and thirst. God loves us that He gave us His one and only Son so He can save us from the punishment of our sins. The Bible says; “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36 KJV)

Free Gifts and a Great Deal

“8- For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9- Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8- 9 KJV)

The best thing in life is free. It’s true especially when it comes to spiritual matters. When a business or a company offers you a free cruise, a free air fare or a free computer or lap top; you may already know that you have to pay for it in some ways or there’s always a catch, right? But not with God and what the Bible promises to those who comes to God for free! The free gift of salvation- it’s the eternal life in heaven. We will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus. Apostle Paul wrote; “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6: 23 KJV)

Jesus prepared for us a place that is beyond our imagination. Notice what He said to His disciples before His crucifixion; “1- Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2- In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3- And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1- 3 KJV)

For Apostle Paul; it was not just about his passion of preaching God’s Word, but also his desire to see people coming to God for salvation. It was his vision to see the lost find the love of God. He said; “4- But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5- Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” (Titus 3:4- 5 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: Hope and Look Up to God!

MI Daily Devotion: Hope and Look Up to God!: “13- Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14- Who gave himself for us, ...

Hope and Look Up to God!

“13- Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14- Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:13- 14 KJV)

Hope is what we are longing and looking for, especially in this tough days and bad economy. The world seems to be hopeless due to financial problems and the world conflicts. Hope according to Webster’s Dictionary is “a desire of some good, accompanied with a belief that it is attainable.” And “Looking” according to Webster’s Dictionary- “To direct the eye so as to see; To gaze; To expect; To appear; To see; To express by a look.” I don’t know what your definition of hope and looking. But you cannot deny the feelings, the urge, and the desire of our heart to look forward and to hope for...

Do you express your duty to God and your love for Him in obedience and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? We owe God our belief and our acknowledgment of His holiness, His nature and the faith and hope that we have in Him. The Lord looks down on us, and He is preparing for his coming; we ought to look up to Him with expectation of our blessed hope. We need to express our love, and our fear to God knowing that He is our only hope. I know what it meant to be hopeless, but God don’t want us to remain hopeless. Before He died and went up to heaven; He left His disciples the words of encouragement when Jesus said; “1- Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2- In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1- 2 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: Romans Road to Heaven with a Help from John

MI Daily Devotion: Romans Road to Heaven with a Help from John: "10- As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 23-  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Ro...

Romans Road to Heaven with a Help from John

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

"9- That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10- For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11- For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12- For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. 13- For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:9- 13 KJV)

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:12 KJV)

mi daily devotion

MI Daily Devotion: "I Had to Shake Off My Complacency and Change."

MI Daily Devotion: "I Had to Shake Off My Complacency and Change.": “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5...

"I Had to Shake Off My Complacency and Change."

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17 KJV)

Mr. Lee Iacocca wrote; “Now I don’t know about you, but every time in my life I got secure and complacent, God threw me a curve. Looking back, I now see that it wasn’t a curve, it was a challenge. A challenge I needed. I had to shake off my complacency and change. Whenever you hear anyone saying, “Let’s keep doing things exactly the way we’ve been doing them for twenty years,” watch out, A shake-up is coming.” (Where Have All The Leaders Gone? page 112-113) God wants for us to change and to be born again. God wants for us to hear Him, keep His ways, and be wise. May you will not reject His Word, His Son, and the eternal life that God has offered for those who would come to Him in repentance and faith. You must humbly come to God and ask Him to come into your heart. “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. 36- But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:35- 36 KJV) It’s your call, it’s your choice. It is a choice between heaven or hell, life or death, Jesus, someone or something. The cross and the right path is the right choice.

If you choose Christ, it means you are choosing change. It will change your position in Christ and your spiritual standing from death to life, from being the son of the devil, to be the son of God. Jesus said; “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44 KJV) People are comfortable of their worldly pleasures and worldly life. They resist change, because they don’t want to be in new spiritual standing or condition. Jesus said; “3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: We Were Crucified with Christ

MI Daily Devotion: We Were Crucified with Christ: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which...

We Were Crucified with Christ

“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 KJV)

Are you willing to pray this prayer; “Lord, here’s my life, take it because I’m willing to live and die for you.” Or “whatever God wants me to do, I’m willing to follow, and risks my life even to the danger zones of this life… because I’m willing to die for Christ’s sake.” But Christ wants for us to love Him and to live for Him. A soldier will go to war to protect and to die for his country. It is to obey, be truthful, and be faithful in his duty. As a soldier of Christ, we are here to do more than that. We have to live in His name, and be faithful for His sake. Apostle Paul said; “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 KJV)

We were crucified with Christ. A believer is crucified, yet he live, and he live, yet not him but Christ. “Serving God does not mean you ought to be willing to die for Him but to live for Him.” ERS. The Bible says; “19- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20-  For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” (I Corinthians 6:19- 20 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: “Look Unto Me, and Be Saved…”

MI Daily Devotion: “Look Unto Me, and Be Saved…”: “ Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22 KJV) Few years ago, I h...

“Look Unto Me, and Be Saved…”

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:22 KJV)

Few years ago, I had the privileged to visit London, England. One of our itineraries was to visit the church of Charles Haddon Spurgeon. He was the prince of preachers during his time. The chapel was so beautiful and I noticed that the caption up in the stage was still the same as what I have heard. They never changed the caption since the time of Charles H. Spurgeon. It says: “Look unto me, and be ye saved…” The Lord has the same message to every generation. And it has not changed… “Look unto Him (God) by faith and be saved.” In (Isaiah 42:18) “Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.” “Hear, ye deaf” No way!!! “… and look, ye blind,” Impossible! That could be the conclusions of the unbelieving world. Those are the words and the remarks that you will hear from the sarcastic! We can’t press things like that in their ears. But the message has not changed for every man and woman in the world. You may not be deaf and blind physically, but you are deaf and blind spiritually.

If you don’t have the Lord Jesus Christ in your heart; no doubt, you are deaf and blind in the sight of God. That’s what the Bible says! How can it be? How can those things be possible? Sounds like the same questions Mary asked when she was confronted by an angel about Jesus being born through her. (Luke 1:30- 35) It’s not impossible with God to save a man or a woman like you. Just look up to God by faith!

MI Daily Devotion: Why Too Many Religions?

MI Daily Devotion: Why Too Many Religions?: Someone asked me; " Why is it that there’s a lot of religion in the world? Do you need a religion to go to heaven or the religion just...

Why Too Many Religions?

Someone asked me; "Why is it that there’s a lot of religion in the world? Do you need a religion to go to heaven or the religion just needs you?" Let us cross examine the true meaning of religion. If religion could give us real peace, joy, satisfaction, happiness and salvation, why is it then that the world is still longing for such. If religion is the answer to the spiritual need of men, why is it then that there are millions and millions of people who have religion, but still living an empty life and with spiritual emptiness?

What is the Meaning of Religion or True Religion?

What is the meaning of religion? What is the root word of religion? What is the difference between religion, and the teaching of the Holy Bible? How would you relate religion to belief and the church? The word Religion comes from the 2 Latin words which are “Re” - “Again” and “Legeo” - “To Tie” from which we get the word “Religion” meaning “To tie again”. What are we going to “tie again” or to which are we going to be “tied again”? To whom are we going to be “tied again” or tied back? The Bible said; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV)

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6 KJV) Our broken relationship with God by sin in the Garden of Eden, when man was tempted by Satan can only be restored or tied back by the death and by blood of the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. John said; “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: Our Journey with Jesus

MI Daily Devotion: Our Journey with Jesus: “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (James 1:6) K...

Our Journey with Jesus

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” (James 1:6) KJV

“Hitting an "air pocket" means that the lift under the wings is reduced, causing the plane to drop. This would only occur for about one or two seconds max, after which the pilot should be able to regain control. Keep in mind you are flying at 6 miles up and the drop would only be a few hundred feet, so it is very unlikely that this would cause a crash. It is actually pretty shocking when it happens - It feels like when you are on the downward slope of a roller coaster, but it is a very rare occurrance.” Yahoo Answers

We have air pockets in our flight… Life is like a roller coaster ride, it’s full of ups and down. We must be firm and determined because the roads are not always smooth, sometimes they’re rough. The sailings are not always great; there will be waves, big waves that will disturb our life, our family, our dreams and vision. But we must be firm, strong, and persevere. God knows what’s before us, and He will never leave us or forsake us. We must keep our eyes of faith focus on Him!

“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 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: We Are Precious in the Sight of God

MI Daily Devotion: We Are Precious in the Sight of God: “And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. ” (Genesis 2:7 KJV ) We have 10 reason...

We Are Precious in the Sight of God

“And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.” (Genesis 2:7 KJV)

We have 10 reasons why we are special and precious in God:

·       God made us out of the dust of the earth.

·       Our immortal soul was from God’s nostrils.

·       We came from God and we were made by His own hand.

·       We will all return in His hand after death.

·       He created us with a purpose.

·       God’s desire is to have an intimate relationship with us.

·       God wants us to be responsible and be blessed.

·       God placed us where He wanted us to be.

·       God has a special designed for each individual.

·       God created us in His image and He knows our physical structures, every vein, every flow of blood, and every functions of every parts of the body.

The Lord knows our basic needs and our emotions too. He knows that we can’t be happy with just plants, trees and animals in our side. He knows we need someone who will understand our needs and our desires. He knows we need someone that we can talk to, and express our emotions in many different ways. God knows that we need someone who will listen to us to make us happy and fulfilled. The Bible says you’re special, notice what it says; “13- For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. 14- I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (Psalm 139:13- 14 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: The Devil is the Taskmasters for Oppression and De...

MI Daily Devotion: The Devil is the Taskmasters for Oppression and De...: “ And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmas...

The Devil is the Taskmasters for Oppression and Destruction

“And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;” (Exodus 3:7 KJV)

The devil is our taskmasters indeed. He will send sorrows and unnecessary burdens to us. “And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.” (Exodus 3:7; 2:23) The devil has all the power to oppress us, and if given the opportunity he will totally destroy us. The life of the Hebrews during the times of Moses is a picture of the life of Christians who are being oppressed by the enemy. The Scripture says; “Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them.” (Exodus 3:9 KJV)

What does it mean to be oppressed? It would meant, that you will experience a spiritual battle against the devil. The believers are the devil’s target for obsession, and then oppression. But we can’t be possessed by the devil. And not even be re- possessed by the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-18) We can have victory in the Lord Jesus Christ. His precious blood and the rebuke in the name of Jesus and by the blood of the Lamb will cause the devil to depart from you. 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 KJV)

MI Daily Devotion: The Center of "My" PrIde is "I"

MI Daily Devotion: The Center of "My" PrIde is "I": “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 h...

The Center of "My" PrIde is "I"

“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.” (Genesis 3:15 KJV)

Satan was already defeated even before the world came into motion. God throw him off from heaven, and was humiliated after pride was found in his heart. (Isaiah 14:12-19) There are people from different walks of life who were humbled by God because of pride. Some of the proud kings, presidents, the politicians, and the common people were humbled by the Lord in different ways. The center of pride- “I”. My money, my life, I’m number 1, me first… It should be God first, my family second, my church or ministry, and others...

The devil has not changed from the fall of man in the Garden of Eden up to the present. He catered to man through the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. It’s very clear in the Scriptures; “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (I John 2:16 KJV) God knows your struggles and the temptation that you’re going through every day. May be it’s a temptation that had been going on for years, for months or just for days or for a moment; but one thing for sure, it’s from the same source and it serve the same purpose- to destroy you. But the good news is that we have the same Christ who went through the same temptation, and we will have the same resolution to the problem- the power of God, His Holy Spirit, and the power of the blood of the Lamb.

In Genesis 2: 15-17 it says; “15- And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.16- And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17- But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

God is on the Top of Everything!

"There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." (Joshua 1:5 KJV)

The conflict in the Middle East and the oppression the nation Israel are experiencing right now are part of the fulfillment of what God said in the Bible. In this verse (Joshua 1:5), the Lord knows that the nation Israel will surely be persecuted and oppress.

At the end of the day, God will always be there on the top of the circumstances. He is on the top of your career, on the top of your life, on the top of your success and will always be on the top of everything . He is even on the top of your circumstances and your enemy- the devil. I love the encouraging words of God to Joshua after the death of Moses.- "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." (Joshua 1: 9 KJV) 

Family Oriented...

Family Oriented...

"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 KJV)

The Failure of Many Pastors

They have succeeded in their field of ministry, but failed their family by not being there when they needed him. Some pastors are shepherding a huge congregation, but failed to shepherd their own flocks at home. "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." (1 Timothy 5:8 KJV)

The Failure in the Society

One of the reasons why we have dysfunctional society because of  dysfunctional homes. 

The Failure in Many Churches

Many churches have all kinds of programs, but failed to organized or start a program on how to have a strong family ties. How to have a Christ centered home. How to build a home where love is in the center and the passion of every family members. (John 15:4- 5)

The Failure at Work

Some employees will come to work with truckload of baggage from home, no wonder many of our workplaces have relational and attitude issues.

We need to come home and refresh. "And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward." (1 Kings 13:7 KJV)

Do You Strictly Use Proper Diet or You Just Eat to Die?

"Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentiles, and millet, and fitches, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof, according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side, three hundred and ninety days shalt thou eat thereof." (Ezekiel 4:9 KJV)

Diet and food supplements are a million  dollars business in the United States of America. People eat everything that they think would make them look good. I believe everything must be balance. God gave us this life and we must take care of it. We must love ourselves unselfishly by taking care of our bodies for His honor and glory. It's a grief, a problem, a weight that they carried in their minds; but to some, it's something they don't worry at anytime. Job said; "Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!" (Job 6:2 KJV)

It would be nice if people with problems in diet will consider what Job said; "A false balance is abomination to the Lord : but a just weight is his delight." (Proverbs 11:1 KJV)