THEY WOULD NOT BELIEVE ON HIM.

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

THE SPIRITUAL DANGER IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

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

THE SPIRITUAL DANGER IN CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

3- “Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4- Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures; 5- Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

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

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

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

“THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”

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

“THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”

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

“THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”

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

Through a tiny baby, The gift from God above.

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

Through the blessed Christ child, Our wandering to cease.

The Spirit of Christmas, Is that of purest heart,

Through outpouring of our love, With others to impart.

The Spirit of Christmas, Is that of sharing too,

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

Ruth H. Underhill

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

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

COMPARISON ON JESUS OF THE MANGER WITH KING SOLOMON

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

COMPARISON ON JESUS OF THE MANGER WITH KING SOLOMON

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

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

HE IS THE SERVANT OF THE LORD (II)

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

HE IS THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

12- 02- 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION

HE IS THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

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

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

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

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

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

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

12- 01 – 10 MI DAILY DEVOTION (II Timothy 3:3-5)

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

3- “Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4- Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures; 5- Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

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

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

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

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