4/2/12
"I meditate on your precepts... I will not neglect your word." - Psalm 119:15a, 16b -
How many people do you know take even five minutes a day to meditate on spiritual matters?
Rich benefits are in store for us when we as God's children meditate long enough to remember what He has done. We realize that we belong to our Heavenly Father, and that He is ours. We understand that the problems of life aren't nearly as great as our Heavenly Father; we begin to have peace of mind and hope.
There are three times in a given 24-hour period when it is best to focus on our Heavenly Father: the last thing at night before sleeping; the first thing upon waking; and during the hours of the night when sleep doesn't come easily.
To help you develop the practice of meditating on the things of the Lord, here are some suggestions:
One: Focus on God's Word, the Bible. The best way to do this is to memorize Scripture and quote it to yourself. The next best way is to open the Bible and read a short passage. Then think about it, pondering the meaning and the application of what you have read.
Two: Take a few moments and think of the nature and character of God--His majesty and nature, His great love for you. Focusing on His greatness and majesty will dwarf your problems, and help you bring your life into perspective.
Three: Meditate on what God has done for you personally. You will be amazed at how your attitude changes when you lift your heart in praise to God. This is what "speaking to yourselves in songs and hymns and spiritual songs" (Colossians 3:16) means. It is when we meditate upon Him that we hear His voice and know He is God.
God Bless.
Today can be the BEST DAY of Your Life, Harold J. Sala
2/10/12
Much of our Christian walk seems to involve searching for God's will. We search for His perfect will for our job, home, school, church, and relationships; and we're often frustrated because God seems silent regarding the details of our life. But God is not silent! His Word reveals much of His will, and a large portion of His will for our life today is the same as for every past generation.
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
We often gloss over such passages, thinking we already understand and ought to search for "deeper" truths. But in God's plan for us to be "conformed to the likeness of His Son" (Romans 8:29), there is no greater challenge to our faith. Do we really believe God is in control and can be trusted? Does the attitude of our heart reflect such a belief?
Our Heavenly Father desires us to live each moment with a thankful heart, full of joy - regardless of our circumstances. Why? Because this reveals our trust in a loving God. He wants us to continually commune with Him in prayer and refuse to leave His presence to pursue concerns or pleasures of the world. This portion of God's will has been clearly revealed!
But some are facing situations which make following God's will very difficult. They see absolutely no reason for rejoicing and can't understand how God can be directing their path. How is it possible to remain by His side when being pressed down from all directions and when the pulls of the world seem relentless?
We must begin by viewing our life from an eternal perspective rather than the temporary nature of the world;
"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
(1 John 2:17)
All our trials will soon be gone (do we really believe this?). God is in control and, in the end, ALL will glorify His name;
"In all things God works for the good of those who love Him."
(Romans 8:28)
As we trust and love Him with all our heart, He works ALL things for the good - no matter how bad our situation may appear or how difficult it may be to understand His plan. He IS in control! This level of trust is what Paul referred to as "the secret of being content" (Philippians 4:12).
There are certainly times when God will give us very specific direction, and this direction may very well call us to get out and change the world; but perhaps He's waiting until we follow His general will for our life - perhaps He's waiting for us to rejoice and trust. Let's come before Him today with a thankful and loving heart. Let's enter His presence and refuse to be taken away by circumstances which will soon fade. Let's trust Him without compromise and joyfully walk each step by faith according to God's perfect will.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries
5/10/11
It was written by an 8 year old, Danny Dutton of Chula Vista , CA
“One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth.
He doesn't make grown-ups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way He doesn't have to take up His valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.
God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because He hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in His ears, unless He has thought of a way to turn it off.
God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting His time by going over your Mom and Dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have.
Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren't any who come to our church.
Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of Him preaching to them and they crucified Him. But He was good and kind, like His Father and He told His Father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.
His Dad (God) appreciated everything that He had done and all His hard work on earth so He told Him He didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So He did. And now He helps His Dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones He can take care of Himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.
You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they've got it worked out so that one of them is on duty all the time.
You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God. Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.
If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.
But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and He can take me back anytime He pleases.
And...that's why I believe in God.”
I find it really adorable and inspiring knowing that this comes from an 8-year-old kid. Although he is a bit off in some parts but it's understandable because he’s just a kid! He has a long way to go and even then he thinks so profoundly.
2/8/11
It's been a long while since I haven't updated this blog I wonder if there's still someone who visits this. XD I've been absent for a long time and I can think of so many alibis and excuses on why this is so. But anyway I'm in the mood to post and hopefully this mood will retain so I can actually maintain this rusty blog. And since it's February and Valentine's is near (which is somewhat a traditional holiday here in the country and most countries), I guess I can start anew with something that involves LOVE. So here goes...
That you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:20 (NIV)
Love is a choice and a commitment. You choose to love or you choose not to love.
Today we’ve bought into this myth that love is uncontrollable, that it’s something that just happens to us; it’s not something we control. In fact, even the language we use implies the uncontrollability of love. We say, “I fell in love,” as if love is some kind of a ditch. It’s like I’m walking along one day and bam! – I fell in love. I couldn’t help myself.
There’s no doubt about it, attraction is uncontrollable and arousal is uncontrollable. But attraction and arousal are not love. They can lead to love, but they are not love. Love is a choice.
You must choose to love God; he won’t force you to love him (Deuteronomy 30:20). You can thumb your nose at God and go a totally different way. You can destroy your life if you choose to do that. God still won’t force you to love him. Because he knows love can’t be forced.
And this same principle is true about your relationships: you can choose to love others, but God won’t force you to love anyone.
8/6/10
It's crowded in worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way
A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances
Are better out on the road
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the Body of Christ
If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
Jesus is the way
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way
A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tells him that his chances
Are better out on the road
But if we are the Body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the Body of Christ
If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching
Why aren't His hands healing
Why aren't His words teaching
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
Jesus is the way
It's a song from a Christian band called Casting Crowns. It's a really beautiful song and somehow, it's the first time that I was able to fully grasp the meaning behind the song. The meaning is very true especially for Christians nowadays. Sometimes, we choose who we should share the Good News if he or she is fitting to be included in the Church or for any other reason. But this should not be the case. The Good News is for everyone and no one should be exempted to embrace it.
As a Body of Christ, Christians should reach, heal, and teach others that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Churches are getting crowded every Sunday. But some are just fading into the background, not realizing that it's not enough to just go to the Church and worship Him. We all have a part to make the Word of God known to people. We should shine the light of Jesus. Since we are the Body, we should be spreading the word of Jesus Christ. We should show everyone that we are Christians not just inside the Church but it must reflect all throughout our lives. It will be hard especially now that the world is rearing to the opposite of what the Bible is teaching, but through prayer and through the Grace of God, this is very possible. You just have to believe and have faith. We will fall down but we will stand up nevertheless and hope will never be lost as long as we're alive. :)
4/19/10
"This beautiful song by David Huff deals with the fact that peace is forthcoming from a relationship with Christ and how hard it is for us to get along without Him. We like to be as near to Christ as we can get, by this I mean in a constant living everyday relationship with Him.
The video deals with the topic of what can happen when we lose hope in this life and the video actually focuses upon two individuals, Gene and Jim who ended their lives by jumping from the Golden Gate bridge.
The aftermath of such a thing is evident by the very short snippets of testimonies from those who knew them, yet they are typical of what most people experience when losing someone in this way.
The video is not designed to entertain. The video is designed to make us think and empathize with those left behind. The video brings a certain uncomfortable sense of reality to the whole topic, especially for those who have never been touched by it.
The only true hope in this world, I believe, can only be found in Christ. Without the hope of Christ in our lives, living in this world can be a very sad experience for some people. Sometimes it is so sad that they feel as though they cannot go on. I pray that hope will be found by those seeking hope whether it be through this song, this video or simply through being led to the right person at the right time.
(Special thanks to brothas Dave and Chris)
Peace be with you all."
-taken from youtube (TageKaliandrino)
3/27/10
* Give God what's right, not what's left!
* A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
* We're too blessed to be depressed!
* Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
* Prayer -- Don't give God instructions - simply report for duty!
* God doesn't want shares of your life, He wants controlling interest!
* Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church.
* We don't change the message, the MESSAGE CHANGES US!
* When God ordains, He SUSTAINS!
* WARNING: Exposure to the SON will prevent burning!
* Most people want to serve God -- but only in an advisory capacity.
* Exercise daily -- walk with the Lord!
* Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
* Wisdom has two parts: 1) Having a lot to say. 2) Not saying it.
* Never give the devil a ride! He always want to drive!
* Watch your step carefully! Everyone else does!
* A clean conscience makes a soft pillow.
* Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
* He who angers you controls you!
* God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called!
* Worry is the darkroom in which "negatives" are developed!
* Forbidden fruit creates many jams.
* Be ye fishers of men, you catch them -- He will clean them.
* Deciding not to choose is still making a choice.
* If God is your co-pilot, it's time to swap seats!
2/5/10
This is what I badly need right now... ^_^
and I hope you too! :)
Got this from an e-mail forwarded to me by my big sis! Thanx! :D
"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many kernels--a plentiful harvest of new lives."
-John 12:24
It's good to be passionate about your dreams, but did you know a dream can become an idol? If that's all you think about and you're not going to be happy unless it happens your way, that's out of balance. The fact is, sometimes you have to put that dream on the altar.
Are you frustrated because you're trying to force things to happen on your timetable? Sometimes we hold on to things so tightly, but actually, when we let them go, that's when God can bring them to pass. If you'll release that frustration and not let it become the center of your attention, but instead use that same time and energy to thank God that He's directing your steps, you open the door for God to give you the desires of your heart.
We have to remember, God already knows what we want and what we are in need of. He's the One who put those desires in us. We shouldn't be consumed by trying to make things happen. Instead, a greater act of faith is to be happy right where you are; to stay open and trust God because He has good plans in store for your future!
Here is a small prayer which you can say in accordance to this:
'Father God, today I release my dreams, my desires, my "wants" like a seed falling to the ground. I know that You have a good plan for my future, and I trust You to bring it to pass in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.'
INSIGHT: Just like everyone else, I have my frustrations. And sometimes, they consume all of me and I end up depress. I've been trying so hard to reach them, but then again, I know I have to let them go and give them to the One who has power over everything. I've been clinging to them for so long that I failed to realize only God can make everything right. All I have to do is to trust Him my dreams, my goals, my desires. Then I can be truly happy. :)
NOTE: I will be writing and dealing more about my faith and about God because this is one aspect of my life that is very very important to me. And just to let you know, I'm no saint and yes I have lots of flaws and frailties and mistakes and contradictions. But at least I'm trying. So uh...no offense to non-Christians who may come across this blog and who may get offended in one way or another. Peace y'all! ^_^v
Here is a small prayer which you can say in accordance to this:
'Father God, today I release my dreams, my desires, my "wants" like a seed falling to the ground. I know that You have a good plan for my future, and I trust You to bring it to pass in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.'
INSIGHT: Just like everyone else, I have my frustrations. And sometimes, they consume all of me and I end up depress. I've been trying so hard to reach them, but then again, I know I have to let them go and give them to the One who has power over everything. I've been clinging to them for so long that I failed to realize only God can make everything right. All I have to do is to trust Him my dreams, my goals, my desires. Then I can be truly happy. :)
NOTE: I will be writing and dealing more about my faith and about God because this is one aspect of my life that is very very important to me. And just to let you know, I'm no saint and yes I have lots of flaws and frailties and mistakes and contradictions. But at least I'm trying. So uh...no offense to non-Christians who may come across this blog and who may get offended in one way or another. Peace y'all! ^_^v
8/30/09
"From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I." - Psalm 61:1, 2
3. Refuse to accept the thought that your depressing circumstances are permanent. Some of the most upbeat, vibrant individuals are people who had every right to feel down and discouraged. They turned their handicap into a stepping-stone which led to victory.
4. As tough as it may be, understand that people will help, but they can't do it for you. You and God have to form a partnership in this whole process of turning your life around. Depending on others instead of depending on God is like letting someone carry you instead of learning to walk. But at the end of our resources, there is God, and you will find that He is enough. As David wrote, "From the end of the earth I will cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psalm 61:2)
Most of the time, our problems in life result from our inability to see a way out of bad situations which have gradually taken us captive.
Thinking that nothing can be done results in doing nothing, and this becomes a choice which you make. Want to reverse a bad situation which is depressing you? Then take note of the following guidelines:
1. Realize that depression is a choice which you have made. It's a bad choice which can be reversed. Almost always it is not the result of a situation which only God can change, but the result of your accepting those situations as being unchangeable and permanent.
2. Understand that what happens to you is of concern to God. Depression has a spiritual dimension, and so does your life. There is forgiveness for your failure and hope for your despair. There is a God Who cares about you.3. Refuse to accept the thought that your depressing circumstances are permanent. Some of the most upbeat, vibrant individuals are people who had every right to feel down and discouraged. They turned their handicap into a stepping-stone which led to victory.
4. As tough as it may be, understand that people will help, but they can't do it for you. You and God have to form a partnership in this whole process of turning your life around. Depending on others instead of depending on God is like letting someone carry you instead of learning to walk. But at the end of our resources, there is God, and you will find that He is enough. As David wrote, "From the end of the earth I will cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I" (Psalm 61:2)
8/19/09
Prescribed by the Great Physician
The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
Mary Magdalene was...
The Samaritan woman who was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer. AND
Lazarus was dead!
Now! No more excuses!
God can use you to your full potential.
Besides you aren't the message, you are just the
messenger.
*thanks to vindicated
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