Everyone wants victory in evey endeavor. Success is the objective of everything we do. Sarisfaction is brought by the success that we achieve. Every contestant wishes to get the first place of victory. Well, that is just fine but it is not fine to keep maneuvering on our own without asking the blessing and direction from the One who holds the result of the contest.
Remembering the victory of David when he fought with Goliath and his succeeding fights including the one with King Saul. David actually used to ask God first before making his first move and any other moves. The Philistines were attacking. David wanted to know how to respond. He confidently inquired God on how he would get victory in fighting against the Philistines. David followed God’s instruction and gained victory. He acknowledged that God knows best and everything that would make him win the battle. In every attack made by the enemies, David would inquire God about what he would do next.
So he just kept on asking and in this way, he was bringing Gos’ presence in his battle. “So David inquired of God again, and God answered him, ‘Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees’ ” (1 Chron. 14:14)
David was a well-trained warrior and an excellent strategist. Yet, we find that David’s dependence on God to direct his efforts was very great. This is the most important lesson we can learn from this story. God told David to attack, but only after he heard the marching in the balsam trees as God told him to.
How many times have you operated in the workplace based only on your skill and ability, without seeking to know the details of God’s will in the matter? David could have simply assumed that since he had won the last battle, surely God would give him victory the same way. However, David had learned that communicating with the living God is the only sure way of victory. The truth is our skill is not enough. We always need to have God’s blessing in every matter. How many times have you worked in your work life the same way each time only because it was the way we did it last time? What if God has a better way? What if God has a different plan than ours? “So David inquired of God…” These are the important words that we are to learn from. We must be constantly inquiring of His mind on every decision we make and action we take. When we do this, we can expect the same results that David achieved-success in our endeavor and recognition by God.
The sure way to victory is constant communication with God and obeying His instruction. Practically, victory is the reward of obedience to God. He wants to make victorious those servants who are willing to obey Him at all costs.
One of my favorite books in the Bible is the Book of Proverbs. It gives me wisdom that I can practically apply in my every day life. The knowledge to distinguish the right and wrong, the good and evil, the reward of obedience and the purpose of tests and the reward to receive after passing the tests.
Take for example the word from Proverbs 17:3 which goes this way,
“The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart. “- a proverb that describes one of God’s strangest mysteries. It tells about God’s formula refining one’s heart which is purposedly done in order to bring out its finest qualities. This significant truth leads me to think that I have to experience the so-called crucible and fire to bring out the best of me for God’s glory. The dross in my heart needs to be removed and it can only be removed through a process.
Only God understands the human heart. He knows when do will the seasons of fire must come our way. We simply need to really pass through the fire in order to become all that He hopes for us. Let us take into account the life of Joseph who went through a number of tests. Succeeding in the test qualified him for greater responsibility. His responsibilities which had been tested through a lot of fire had made him very significant character in the Kingdom of God. The greater the use for God’s purpose the greater the crucible we need to have in order to prepare the right foundation. In my life, I have observed that many of God’s greatest crucibles are actually found in my workplace where I live every day: a harsh co-employee, an annoying client, and a bossy boss. I had been in the corporate world for eleven years and I really had a lot of crucibles which had developed my character and personality. Every season of fire had given me lessons that are worth-counting for. Every crucible had contributed to my emotional, intellectual, attitudinal and spiritual growth.
I have learned that each is a test from God to find out how I will respond. Everything still has something to do for the fulfillment of His purpose in my life.
How about you? What tests are being brought your way today? Take courage for His grace has been provided that we might pass the tests. Should we fail, we need not fear. we can ask for His sufficient grace as well. Just keep asking God for grace in order to walk with Him in whatever tests you may face today. Keep in your mind that He is more than able to accomplish what He wants for you.
There are times that I I felt that the more obedient I am to following God, the more adversity there is around my life. A lot of questions entered into my mind and at times, I saw myself losing faith. Things seemed to flow not the way I wanted to see them flow. I wanted to do all my tasks just as perfectly as I am expected to. But my body is not that strong enough to do so. I wanted to help but unable to. Those things and other more that I really would be doing if only I could but only God can. There are prayers that are unanswered until now. I am also taking part in the ministry of God. I do tithe and give gifts. There are many things I am doing and being which I know are in line in the will of God. However, my life still seemed to be not that successful in every aspect. Spiritual life is not that well nourished. Marital relationship is not really that sweetly unique, career is just in average, parenting is not really that ideal. That is just to name some vital parts of my life where I need to work on and out.
God spoke to me on matters of obedience to His will. My thought is so far from His. I may be thinking that I am already obeying Him but I am not, at His sight. I might be following Him in some area but in other things, I do fail to obey. I recall the story of Moses and the Israelites.
Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and You have not rescued Your people at all. - Exodus 5:23
Moses had been instructed to go to Pharaoh and tell him to release the people of Israel. God said that He would deliver the people through Moses. However, God did not tell Moses at what point they actually would be freed. Then Moses complained to God and the Lord told Moses that He had to harden Pharaoh’s heart in order to perform greater miracles. Yes, God was actually behind hardening Pharaoh’s heart. The king’s heart is in God’s hand. Now I had learned that God had a specific reason for each plague and each delay in the answer of my prayers. God has a reason for everything He does in my life.. in all aspects. Everything was designed to bring greater glory to God and intended to be a lasting legacy of God’s miracle-working power for generations to come, not only for the present one.
Moving on with the story of Moses where the people were freed but God again hardened Pharaoh’s heart to go after them. This action of God to harden Pharaoh’s heart was to set the stage for an even greater miracle — the parting of the Red Sea. The people were angry with Moses for bringing them to the desert “to die.” But God said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on” (Ex. 14:15b). There was only one place to go by this time — the Red Sea. God parted the Red Sea, and another greater miracle took place. Awesome God!
Just like Moses, I have learned a number of lessons. When obeying God seems foolish and too hard, then I will just remember that His promises are true, but His timing is not the same as ours. God always wants greater glory than what we might be willing to give Him. God puts obstacles and adversity into our lives in order to build perseverance and faith. I should not worry when God put a mountain in my life. If it is to demonstrate His power through me, then I let God to just move. I let go of anything that brings trouble in my mind and heart in order to show His glory. I will simply obey even when obedience to God seems too hard.
A couple of months before December, everyone was already excited looking forward for christmas vacation, gifts and parties. Almost everyone around was preoccupied with christmas ideas such as to whom would they spend the holidays, what gift items should they picked for their loved ones and hmmmm… where should they get away for christmas vacation.
I had missed writing about christmas ideas before reaching the month of December. Does it mean that I was not that occupied about anything on christmas. Yuletide season is very precious to me ever since I had learned that the best thing in Christmas is that we have Jesus Christ, the main reason of the season. I used to have my list of people whom I wanted to give gifts in advance so that I would not get into rush and hush. I used to have an early plan where and how should I spend it.
The 2011 Christmas season was a very different occasion to me. I had a very unique trip last christmas. I had wearied myself and I did not have enough sleep. I had a day-off from work but not from my household chore and babysitting. Yes, I had a terribly unique way of spending my christmas last 2011. Sleep on the Christmas Eve..Whisper a prayer to the One who had brought the world this kind of season. Reminisce my christmas parties on the previous years.
What matters most is that I still had remembered my God and the very Reason of Christmas. I still had spent it with Him as I had some moment of reflection on His goodness and faithfulness. Lastly, my faith is still alive. That still makes sense.
How about you? How did you spend your Christmas? Did you really enjoy everything you did on the said holidays? There are still more christmas seasons to come. The time can still make it up with me on the next christmas. I mean, I do not want to exactly experience same thing next time. Of course, I want a better, happier, sweeter, healthier and more gracious christmas next time.
How to protect your self-esteem? A question that needs to be answered in a profound manner where we should use an inner evaluation of ourselves. First, we have to know what does self-esteem mean. Self-esteem is how we view ourselves, how we consider ourselves. We all know that people view themselves either in a positive or negative way.
Self-esteem has to be protected so that we can do things with boldness or confidence and excellence. It must be leveled in a measure enough that we do things and we can stand before people not with shame, negative fear and inferiority but with courage and excellence. Protecting your self-esteem starts in your family. Make it sure that you do not obtain any word that degrades your self-value. Then, believe that God loves you so much and that He has a great and priestly plan for you that you do not have to fear to do things that He is letting you do because He is with you always and His image is in you. That means having His image in yourself will uplift your self-esteem. Protect your self-esteem first by viewing yourself the way Jesus sees you. You have an eternal and fullest significance in Him. He called you to be great and always remember that you are a treasure in the eyes of God.
The Gospel, a message of salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a message that will surely lead a person to a life-transforming faith in Jesus Christ.
Everyone in the christian faith shares a common call to share the gospel to others, the very thing that they have so freely received from our Lord ( Matthew 10:8, ….freely ye have received freely give). Taking for instance the life of Apostle Paul who, after having had encountered Jesus, had immediately spread the good news about the Lord Jesus and the salvation that only Jesus can give. He had preached the gospel right away and he also proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God. People were surprised to see him this way because he was actually the great enemy of Jesus before he had such an encounter with Him.
Thus, if your salvation and conversion is genuine, you will immediately and continually share God’s Word to everyone around you.
The Gospel, At the book of Romans 1:16, you will find the truth: I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…
There are three points that I want to give an emphasis here. First, you are not to be ashamed of sharing the gospel if you are really a child of God and you have been saved by the grace of God. But of course, we are supposed to be ashamed of committing sin but not of sharing the gospel. If you have been truly converted, you must boldly testify what God had done in your life. Secondly, the gospel of Jesus is the power of God. This is the very reason why we should be bold enough to testify of the Lord. Something great is happening every time the gospel is being preached. Sick people get healed, devils flee, brokenhearted are being made whole and more. People will know that their sins are being forgiven and guilt is being removed and condemnation vanishes. Likewise, people will experience release from emotional hurts and set free from spiritual bondages. The gospel is the power of God. Thirdly, it is for the salvation of everyone who believes. Without preaching the gospel, there is no way to hear it. Without hearing it, there is now way to believe it. Salvation means saving the life of the lost from the hands of Satan to the Hands of the Lord Jesus. People actually need to be saved whether they know this fact or not. Such need for salvation was the very reason why Jesus came to the earth. It is also the main reason why He had died a terrible death on the cross.
The Gospel of Jesus. The Lord is still in the work of saving people through you. Our job is to bring the gospel to our friends and loved ones. We speak, God will touch hearts. We do challenge people to accept the Lord Jesus Christ by faith and be saved, God will be the One to transform their lives into more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
So, let us go out and share the gospel of Jesus to others. That is what Jesus has been expecting us the redeemed ones to do.
A very important verb that will shake both the heart and mind of a person: Forgive. The act of forgiving is not easy. It does not come automatically. A certain emotion precedes this action. Something that connotes a negative happening or bad feeling. It is usually called an anger or hatred. Sometimes, grudges can be considered as an element that comes before forgiving is done. People who have these kinds of emotions within feel hurt. The hurt feeling puts them into a condition where they have to think many times whether to forgive or not. Such emotions are actually being experienced by everyone in different time. There are various reasons why people are having such feelings or emotions. Loved ones might have failed them with their vows or promises, parents might have been verbally abusing their children, favoritism in the family or in an organization, infidelity in relationships and a lot more.
The one who has been hurt has to do the major action of forgiving notwithstanding whether the person who caused the hurt will ask for forgiveness or not. Well, it is but normal to get hurt for people really do fail most of the time. In this sense, bearing with one another as God had commanded has to get in the picture. It is also normal to forgive. If you have been hurt, you should decide to forgive because doing so will definitely benefit you.
It is just great to recollect some memories that had made me realized the benefits of forgiving. It is also a good chance to share the benefits that I had obtained from forgiving. First, it had set me free and really make me live with full liberty. It is wonderful to live with freedom like a dove that wherever I go, I have no heavy baggage with me. Second, it makes me maintain good friendship even with the hardest person I had ever met. This case had made me obey God’s command to love my enemy. Thirdly, I am already always ready when negative emotion comes my way again. It gave me the knowledge to recognize whether a situation is going to cause me a feeling or experience where I will be needing to forgive after. Another benefit will be pointed to a health issue. Yes, forgiving makes me more sound in thought and healthier in body. Lastly, forgiving has been an instrument for me to be sure that God is always willing to give me the grace to be able to forgive.
Living by faith does not come automatically to anyone whether a person is religious or not. Humanity dictates us that we must have to see something that will really make us feel secure to be able to be at peace for the future. Living by faith means you definitely entrust everything unto God. That is trusting God to take care of everything completely and all will turn out fine. We do not have to be religious in order to be able to live by faith. no matter what is happening outside, you are feeling perfectly secure inside.
Living by faith actually means focusing your eyes to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. That is living with a Christ-centered life. Our security does not depend on the size of our bank account neither on the value of our assets. Rather, it does depend on our faith in our God who provides everything we need and who knows the best for us. Whoever abides in Him and does His will, his prayers will be answered. Enjoy living by faith and get more intimate with our Lord. Only a live lived by faith in Jesus is a secure life.
Many times that I cannot understand doing things that I do not like to do but because I believe that God is the letting me do it, then I would do it. Yes, I used to do what I know God has been asking me to do. At first, I feel like it was hard to do such thing but when I am already doing it, God tries to fill in me the joy that I need to keep going with the thing I am doing. He also know when to strengthen me and empower me to just go on moving even when at first I do not feel like moving.
Many times that I had proven God’s goodness and faithfulness with His word. As long as I obeyed God blessed me. Blessings come in many ways and kinds. The best that I treasure among the blessings that I get from my obedience to God is Peace of mind. I used to be in tough times and even tougher times but still I survived and always learned how to be still and just watch God doing His part. I used to tell God ” Oooppss.. I had obeyed You Lord so i believe You are going to provide me a way out of this trouble. Even when I run out of money, I have the privilege to remind God of His promise as I obey.
Yes, obedience to God brings blessings to our lives. It is His promise that if we abide in His Word and in Him, ask and it will be given to you. He is our God who can supply everything we need and who can strengthen us when we are weak. There are a lot of promises God had made for us who obey Him. And all His promises are yes and amen. Thus, we are asked to just keep obeying the Lord and His favor will follow us.
Prayer is the top great way to keep on growing up in our spiritual
walk. Knowing that we, christians, usually battle with satan’s
forces, we need the Power of Christ to keep winning. We can surely
and superly obtain such power when we fervently pray.
Reading the Word of God or the Bible. the Word is a weapon, a very
powerful practical weapon of every follower of Jesus Christ. Practical wisdom with the leading of the Holy Spirit makes our daily undertakings be done pleasingly to the Lord.
Taking stand to the Word. Yes, we need enough grace and power for us to stand what we get from the Word. Otherwise, we simply hear but not being able to do the Word. Have a determination and commitment to really obey the Word of God.
I cannot discount the importance of having a fellowship with fellow believers of Jesus Christ at least once a week. We need to see people in the same faith so that we can edify with each other. And I believe God is also happy to see His family being together in praising and worshipping Him in spirit and in truth.
The truth is there are basic facts that we need to know about God and ourselves before we can have an encounter with our Creator, our God Almighty.
Firstly, we have to know that God Loves Us. God actually created a good world of peace and wholesome life for everyone of us. God really loves us and He wants us to have a life of peace, joy and hope.(John 3:16 “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”)
Secondly, it is true that humanity has a problem. Every human being is separated from God because of sin. We choose to disobey God and go our own way. This attitude set us apart from God and created a gap between the Creator and us. The separation is actually called Sin. Thus, we are not able of getting to God by ourselves. We must be informed that our efforts of good thoughts and good deeds fail to bridge the said gap. ( Romans 3:23 ” For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”).
But do not be dismayed because God had made a remedy and He has been offering this remedy to you and me. Next fact is that God had offered a way for us to get back to God. As He sees our distress, He sent His only begotten Son to be the bridge that can cross the gap of separation. That is no other than our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ took our sins on Himself, shed His blood, and died in our place. This bridge of life is rooted on both side of the gap, Jesus Christ is both God and man. Thus, He actually provides the way of access between God and man. (John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.”).
Now, you can invite Jesus Christ into your life. This invitation will surelyi lead you to have encounter with Him. You must receive Christ into your heart and life by faith to cross the bridge to God’s Family and to a new life when you prayerfully ask Christ to come in to your life. (John 1:12 “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”)
An encounter with Jesus is really a very wonderful opportunity that I could not afford to miss. I thought that I had already encountered my Lord Jesus Christ the moment I received Him as my Lord and Savior. I guessed I had changed when I had realized that Jesus was all that I needed. My life started to take the right direction when I had my rebirth many years ago. Yes, I had changed when I was born again. Many things in me and in my life really had altered. My paradigm, lifestyle, attitude toward other person, treatment to nature, interests and everything became better. However, it was not that really easy to keep and maintain the improvement of me. Along the way, I had face various tests and challenges which tried to discourage me to be good and better. So, I hardly reach the best point of this improvement.
An encounter with Jesus was a very wonderful experience that had made me really whole. This happened to me only recently and I am so glad that I had given the chance to encounter my Lord Jesus in the most intimate, profound and personal manner. I had felt His feeling when He was crucified at the Cross wherein I had whispered “Oh, my Lord, why had you create me only to crucify you there?” What He did is really a noteworthy evidence of His great Love for me. His lavish love had brought me into realization that my life is not actually about me but it is all about Him.
An encounter with Jesus had surprisingly affected my way of thinking. This time it changed me greatly within. Before I had such an encounter with my Savior, I was complaining to my partner because I fondly wanted to have a getaway to a far place. My interest was different from his interests. After the encounter, both interests had been made mutual. Thus, our relationship became smoother and sweeter. My heart and mind became more peaceful and still.
There are a lot of things that had happened to me at my encounter with Jesus. I feel so blessed to have known Him this way and I am getting more in love with my Savior and Creator.
Climate change is a serious business of everyone from anywhere around the world. It is actually a global concern to talk about this phenomenon. Climate change is actually referred to major changes in temperature, rainfall or wind patterns lasting for decades or it may even take longer. It may be caused by natural factors and processes or by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests and building developments in major areas of every nation.
Do we know that our planet has been getting warmer? Global warming has been a serious problem that we cannot avoid to associate with climate change. Sea levels are rising worldwide and typhoon-prone areas are likely to experience more rainfalls which may increase the risk of getting flooded. Floods and drought can increase the rick of extinction of some plants and animals. Our ecosystem has been getting very much affected. US Environmental Protection Agency never stops working on everything that will help save the mother nature. In fact, it has been trying to disseminate basic and necessary information about taking the initiative to save our mother earth - our very own land. Our land is a very special gift of our Creator and it is major part of His creation. Let us cooperate to save our dwelling place.
Here are some simple things the agency recommend to everyone.
* Change your lights to lights that are energy-efficient and go for light fixtures with the energy star logo.
* Clean air filters regularly and have your cooling equipments tuned every year by a licensed technician. This will help us save power and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
* Of course, we will never ignore to employ the three R’s in preserving our nature. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We should bring containers, papers and other goods to the recycling shops. Let us also opt for products with recyclable packaging and materials.
* Composting our food and yard waste can reduce the amount of garbage that we send to landfills and it can reduce greenhouse effect. Thus, let us go for the green in everything.
* Drive wisely. Let us avoid hard accelerations and do not take it so hard on the brakes of your ride.
* Consume water with a highest level of efficiency and let us just walk towards our destination when we can.
* Maybe the last but not the least thing that you can do is disseminate these tips to your loved ones and friends. Climate Change: A Serious Business Of Everyone
* Remember that we can thank God for the things He gives us in a way we do take good care of His creation.
Free Yourself From Negative Emotions: Depression And Despair. Many of us have been used to some negative emotions such as depression and despair. Such feelings are caused by the real events in our lives. That is actually the reality of life. Life is not always a moment of joy and triumph. It is called life when we experience both joy and sorrow, triumph and failure.
What does it mean to be depressed? It is state of being down emotionally and weak spiritually. Depression is defined as a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth and disturbed sleep. It is hard to lose sleep over many things. Depression is a culprit to lose good health and good looks.
What does it mean to be in despair? It means being hopeless and giving up all expectations. Can you imagine living without hope? Existing without life is nonsense and aimless. It is just like living in a grave. Despair usually puts our health into danger.
Both depression and despair are major emotions that can destroy us if we cannot respond to it in a wise and proper way. It is then an excellent action not to sink into these negative feelings. I believe that all of us have already been in the state of being depressed and despair. No matter how long or short that we had imprisoned to such destructive emotions, that has already been past and it is highly recommended that we need to let the past sleep and let it sleep in the sweet embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ and let us go on into the invincible future with our God. We have seen ourselves taking so hard to be lifted up from these emotions but it is good news that we have a new blessed hope.
Let us keep watching the Lord to do greater things in our lives. Let us confidently rise above these depression and despair and obey the Lord and do the next thing. It is a wise decision not to let the sense of past failure defeat our next step. Get rid of these negative emotions and fly freely with a heart filled with love, joy and peace.
If you are looking for a lover who can be perfect for a Valentine’s date then you have landed to the right web place. I am recommending a Lover who is really the best among the best that you have ever known. A Lover who has been loving you even before you know Him and he will always love you no matter what comes your way. He will not simply love you with a simple love but a lavish love. With His unfailing love and promises, you will find peace with Him. Every time you are with Him, you will definitely feel so secure lacking nothing but having everything.
You do not need to be taking it so hard to be beautiful when you date with Him because He sees what is within you more than what you have outside. In His love, you will surely be assured of forgiveness of any wrong you do to Him and He will never bring it out against you in the future. This Lover covers all of your sins and is always ready to start a day afresh with you in any way.
If you have been looking for a Lover perfect for Valentine’s date, I want you to meet the Man of greatest love, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Lover you need more than any one else. I found a love, a perfect love in Jesus Christ and His love is being offered with perfect peace. Have Him in your heart and make Him your Date not only this Valentine’s Day but every Day.
