"If you can? said Jesus. Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23
You can read: Mark 9:17-29
We often take things into our own hands. Why not? If there is a problem, we often can come up with a solution. If there is something that needs to be fixed, we find way to get it done. So , in our reliance on our strength, we need not consider what God can do, and he is always relegated to the sidelines. Then, when a situation comes aling which we cannot handle, we turn to God in prayer but deep down inside is a question of whether God will be able to see you through that situation.
I really liked the way Jesus replied to the father whose son had an evil spirit tormenting him. In response to the dad's remark that maybe Jesus can heal his son, the Lord replied with a frank "If you can?" as if to say, are you really trying me? After which came a remark that everything is possible for him who believes.
We can be like that sometimes, bringing our problems to God, yet doubting His ability to take care of it. In His wisdom, he gently reminds us that if we believe, things can and will happen. Just believe.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Name association
"A good name is more desirable than great riches, to be esteemed is better than silver or gold" Proverbs 22:1
You can read: Proverbs 22:1-6
When you leave this world behind, what would it remember you by? Were you someone who spread goodness and cheer, or were you someone who led by cunning, deceit and wrong intentions?
A name conjures up feelings of good or bad that are associated with it. For example, you hear the name Sy, Tan, Ayala or Lopez, and you instantly associate that with the biggest families in business in the country. Or you hear Francis Kong, Andrew Liuson, and you know that these are successful businessmen who are also very vocal about their faith.
Then you read about Bernie Maddof, and then the connection switches instantly. Here now is a rich Wall Street financial broker, now infamous because of duping people into a sophisticated pyramiding scheme.
When others hear your name, what would they associate it with? Why don't we all take some time out and reflect about what our name would be associated with?
You can read: Proverbs 22:1-6
When you leave this world behind, what would it remember you by? Were you someone who spread goodness and cheer, or were you someone who led by cunning, deceit and wrong intentions?
A name conjures up feelings of good or bad that are associated with it. For example, you hear the name Sy, Tan, Ayala or Lopez, and you instantly associate that with the biggest families in business in the country. Or you hear Francis Kong, Andrew Liuson, and you know that these are successful businessmen who are also very vocal about their faith.
Then you read about Bernie Maddof, and then the connection switches instantly. Here now is a rich Wall Street financial broker, now infamous because of duping people into a sophisticated pyramiding scheme.
When others hear your name, what would they associate it with? Why don't we all take some time out and reflect about what our name would be associated with?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Once for all
"Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself." Hebrews 7:27
You can read: Hebrews 7:26-28
Some people have a hard time comprehending that Jesus died once for all. There are still those who believe that they can earn their way into God's presence through repetitive prayers or event through their own merit.
The bible is very clear that the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross is enough for us to be cleansed of all unrighteousness. He was the perfect sacrifice, therefore, there is no more need for any other sacrifices in order to gain God's favor.
As people who have faith in Christ, we can also tell this to others who may still think it needs some effort on their part before God accepts them. We can tell them of the great sacrifice Jesus paid one time upon the cross to set us free and keep us alive.
You can read: Hebrews 7:26-28
Some people have a hard time comprehending that Jesus died once for all. There are still those who believe that they can earn their way into God's presence through repetitive prayers or event through their own merit.
The bible is very clear that the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross is enough for us to be cleansed of all unrighteousness. He was the perfect sacrifice, therefore, there is no more need for any other sacrifices in order to gain God's favor.
As people who have faith in Christ, we can also tell this to others who may still think it needs some effort on their part before God accepts them. We can tell them of the great sacrifice Jesus paid one time upon the cross to set us free and keep us alive.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sawdust and planks
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3
You can read: Matthew 7:1-5
Sometimes there are verses in the Bible that make you think about theological stuff, which sometimes needs fancy high-falutin terms in order to get an explanation. Sometimes, there are verses that are so straightforward and practical that only a fool would miss its meaning.
Take a quick look at what Jesus said about judging. Simple, yet straight to the point. Why look at others when you can't see the fault with yourself? Very true. There are times when we get upset with others because we find a little bit of our fault in the things they do. Unconsciously, we correct others because of faults we cannot correct ourselves.
So instead of quickly pointing an accusing finger on others, check yourself out first, maybe it's you who needs a fixing, before you try to fix others.
You can read: Matthew 7:1-5
Sometimes there are verses in the Bible that make you think about theological stuff, which sometimes needs fancy high-falutin terms in order to get an explanation. Sometimes, there are verses that are so straightforward and practical that only a fool would miss its meaning.
Take a quick look at what Jesus said about judging. Simple, yet straight to the point. Why look at others when you can't see the fault with yourself? Very true. There are times when we get upset with others because we find a little bit of our fault in the things they do. Unconsciously, we correct others because of faults we cannot correct ourselves.
So instead of quickly pointing an accusing finger on others, check yourself out first, maybe it's you who needs a fixing, before you try to fix others.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Have Faith
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered.†Mark 11:22
You can read: Mark 11:20-25
We can sometimes look at the mountain or turn our focus on God. Troubles come, hardships can make us feel weary, we can also look at our problems instead of the opportunities they present, but God tells us to always have faith in Him.
The disciples were amazed at Jesus' declaration upon a fig tree. In the earlier parts of Mark 11, Jesus and the disciples were hungry and looked for something to eat. They came upon a fig tree, and finding it bare, Jesus declared that no one would eat from it again. The disciples remembered, and after a few moments, they came back and saw that the tree had withered, and Jesus declaration came true. When they asked how He did it, Jesus replied by saying, have faith in God.
How many times have we really declared our faith in God? Do we always see God first before the problem? Or de we always see the obstacles first before realizing God's power in our lives? God is always there to provide us with what we need. All it takes is faith in Him.
You can read: Mark 11:20-25
We can sometimes look at the mountain or turn our focus on God. Troubles come, hardships can make us feel weary, we can also look at our problems instead of the opportunities they present, but God tells us to always have faith in Him.
The disciples were amazed at Jesus' declaration upon a fig tree. In the earlier parts of Mark 11, Jesus and the disciples were hungry and looked for something to eat. They came upon a fig tree, and finding it bare, Jesus declared that no one would eat from it again. The disciples remembered, and after a few moments, they came back and saw that the tree had withered, and Jesus declaration came true. When they asked how He did it, Jesus replied by saying, have faith in God.
How many times have we really declared our faith in God? Do we always see God first before the problem? Or de we always see the obstacles first before realizing God's power in our lives? God is always there to provide us with what we need. All it takes is faith in Him.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The true object of worship
"When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, The gods have come down to us in human form!" Acts 14:11
You can read: Acts 14:8-15
There are preachers, and then there are good preachers. There are good leaders, and then there are leaders who have ordained themselves gods and ask their followers to submit to them and whatever they require.
This isn't a new thing. We have heard of people like Jim Jones, David Koresh and the likes. But even before these personalities developed their god status, Paul and Barnabas were also worshipped as gods but they constantly rebuked those who did so, saying they were only messengers of God and they were proclaiming what they have seen and witnessed.
People who bear God's message and who possess great communication and interpersonal skills are merely God's messengers. They are merely people who have extraordinary abilities to convey God's message. They are not gods to be worshipped or revered, all that is due only to God who created everything and who is sovereign over all.
You can read: Acts 14:8-15
There are preachers, and then there are good preachers. There are good leaders, and then there are leaders who have ordained themselves gods and ask their followers to submit to them and whatever they require.
This isn't a new thing. We have heard of people like Jim Jones, David Koresh and the likes. But even before these personalities developed their god status, Paul and Barnabas were also worshipped as gods but they constantly rebuked those who did so, saying they were only messengers of God and they were proclaiming what they have seen and witnessed.
People who bear God's message and who possess great communication and interpersonal skills are merely God's messengers. They are merely people who have extraordinary abilities to convey God's message. They are not gods to be worshipped or revered, all that is due only to God who created everything and who is sovereign over all.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Our strength
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”Philippians 4:13
You can read: Philippians 4:10-13
Sometimes, our circumstances get the better of us and we kind of lose hope and falter. This can happen many times, or it can happen for a prolonged period of time. It could even be a lifetime of underachieving, because you may look down on yourself, notice past failures, and give up altogether.
Still, we find that we have our strength, and also our power in Christ. That's how we can confidently say we can face whatever the world throws at us. We do not need to rely on our own frail, fragile self that is prone to mistake and failure, but rather, we can rely on God who is never-changing, always faithful no matter what we may feel, or what we may face.
If you are going through a toough time now, or you feel downhearted, don't lose hope, cast all your cares on God, lift everything up to Him and He will sustain you.
You can read: Philippians 4:10-13
Sometimes, our circumstances get the better of us and we kind of lose hope and falter. This can happen many times, or it can happen for a prolonged period of time. It could even be a lifetime of underachieving, because you may look down on yourself, notice past failures, and give up altogether.
Still, we find that we have our strength, and also our power in Christ. That's how we can confidently say we can face whatever the world throws at us. We do not need to rely on our own frail, fragile self that is prone to mistake and failure, but rather, we can rely on God who is never-changing, always faithful no matter what we may feel, or what we may face.
If you are going through a toough time now, or you feel downhearted, don't lose hope, cast all your cares on God, lift everything up to Him and He will sustain you.
Our Strength
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”Philippians 4:13
You can read: Philippians 4:10-13
You can read: Philippians 4:10-13
Sometimes, our circumstances get the better of us and we kind of lose hope and falter. This can happen many times, or it can happen for a prolonged period of time. It could even be a lifetime of underachieving, because you may look down on yourself, notice past failures, and give up altogether.
Still, we find that we have our strength, and also our power in Christ. That's how we can confidently say we can face whatever the world throws at us. We do not need to rely on our own frail, fragile self that is prone to mistake and failure, but rather, we can rely on God who is never-changing, always faithful no matter what we may feel, or what we may face.
If you are going through a toough time now, or you feel downhearted, don't lose hope, cast all your cares on God, lift everything up to Him and He will sustain you.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Eyewitness Accounts
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life" 1 John 1:1
You can read: 1 John 1:1-4
When celebrated cases play out on the "court of public opinion," it is usually media statements and press releases that form the public's perception regarding the case. Examples could be the ZTE scandal where the proponents of the case aired their sides through numoerous press conferences. The Garci scandal also played out on TV, without the merits of the case being presented in courts to determine whether things were as they seemed in TV.
When a case comes to court, there are certain rules that govern the presentation of evidence, and it si only based on the testimonial or physical evidence that rulings on cases are made. In the case of Jesus versus an unbelieving world, testimonial evidence abounds as to the veracity of the events that transpired when God walked the earth in human form.
In his letter, John once again affirms this truth. He begins his epistle by once again reminding those who are reading it the he was also a witness to the amazing things that happened and that he was also proclaiming what he saw. These accounts spur us to believe and to put our faith in God who gave His Son for us.
You can read: 1 John 1:1-4
When celebrated cases play out on the "court of public opinion," it is usually media statements and press releases that form the public's perception regarding the case. Examples could be the ZTE scandal where the proponents of the case aired their sides through numoerous press conferences. The Garci scandal also played out on TV, without the merits of the case being presented in courts to determine whether things were as they seemed in TV.
When a case comes to court, there are certain rules that govern the presentation of evidence, and it si only based on the testimonial or physical evidence that rulings on cases are made. In the case of Jesus versus an unbelieving world, testimonial evidence abounds as to the veracity of the events that transpired when God walked the earth in human form.
In his letter, John once again affirms this truth. He begins his epistle by once again reminding those who are reading it the he was also a witness to the amazing things that happened and that he was also proclaiming what he saw. These accounts spur us to believe and to put our faith in God who gave His Son for us.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Even in the midst of trying times
"When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, The Lord's will be done." Acts 21:14
You can read: Acts 21:10-14
Would you be willing to do whatever it takes for what you believe in? Would you be willing to risk your life for something you care passionately about? Maybe these values aren't so prominent nowadays since the persecution of Christians do not happen in our society.
These persecutions still go on even though we may not hear about all of them. Time and time again, I hear news reports about how churches are burned, believers are killed, in countries were Christianity is not the prevailing belief.
Early in the Paul's ministry, someone Agabus prophesied that Paul would be handed over because of his ministry (v 10). Instead of evading his ultimate destiny, Paul and the believers that had gathered surrendered themselves to God's will. This, in spite of knowing what would happen.
Even if we don't have to fear for our lives in preaching about the Good news, we are stilled called to do so. When we freely express our faith to others, remember also those who are persecuted and those who have been martyred because of the same.
You can read: Acts 21:10-14
Would you be willing to do whatever it takes for what you believe in? Would you be willing to risk your life for something you care passionately about? Maybe these values aren't so prominent nowadays since the persecution of Christians do not happen in our society.
These persecutions still go on even though we may not hear about all of them. Time and time again, I hear news reports about how churches are burned, believers are killed, in countries were Christianity is not the prevailing belief.
Early in the Paul's ministry, someone Agabus prophesied that Paul would be handed over because of his ministry (v 10). Instead of evading his ultimate destiny, Paul and the believers that had gathered surrendered themselves to God's will. This, in spite of knowing what would happen.
Even if we don't have to fear for our lives in preaching about the Good news, we are stilled called to do so. When we freely express our faith to others, remember also those who are persecuted and those who have been martyred because of the same.
Only through God's mercy
"he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" Titus 3:5
You can read: Titus 3:3-8
I suppose that we often try to work to find favor from others. This could be finding favor from our spouses, maybe even from our superiors at works, the clients we deal with and so on. It may not be a conscious effort such as bringing a client to a good restaurant, it could be as simple as making a few tweaks in a deal so that everyone comes out a winner, but still, it kind of still falls into the category of trying to find favor.
Maybe we also make efforts to try and find favor from God. Maybe we think that when we do certain things, God would see and reward us. One thing is for sure though, our salvation was not us trying to get God's favor, it was God, who reached out to us.
Many people still don't quite understand what that means; God's mercy and grace. We were the ones who were sinners, yet, God provided a way for us to be reconciled with him. I recall the lyrics of one of my favorite songs by Philips, Craig and Dean, it's called Mercy Came Running. The chorus goes like this:
Mercy came running, like a prisoner set free
Past all my failures, to the point of my needs
When the sin that I carried, was all I could see
When I could not reach mercy, mercy came running to me.
God's mercy. Your past. Their meeting? The cross of calvary.
You can read: Titus 3:3-8
I suppose that we often try to work to find favor from others. This could be finding favor from our spouses, maybe even from our superiors at works, the clients we deal with and so on. It may not be a conscious effort such as bringing a client to a good restaurant, it could be as simple as making a few tweaks in a deal so that everyone comes out a winner, but still, it kind of still falls into the category of trying to find favor.
Maybe we also make efforts to try and find favor from God. Maybe we think that when we do certain things, God would see and reward us. One thing is for sure though, our salvation was not us trying to get God's favor, it was God, who reached out to us.
Many people still don't quite understand what that means; God's mercy and grace. We were the ones who were sinners, yet, God provided a way for us to be reconciled with him. I recall the lyrics of one of my favorite songs by Philips, Craig and Dean, it's called Mercy Came Running. The chorus goes like this:
Mercy came running, like a prisoner set free
Past all my failures, to the point of my needs
When the sin that I carried, was all I could see
When I could not reach mercy, mercy came running to me.
God's mercy. Your past. Their meeting? The cross of calvary.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Helping Hands
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." Hebrews 6:10
You can read: Hebrews 6:9-12
There are times when people extend help or provide some form of assistance when something is expected in return. A rich corporation could donate thousands to a charitable institution because they could get tax exemptions is return. Sometimes, people also donate because they have excesses and they want to get rid of them.
Then again, there are those who genuinely help out. I heard over the radio that there is a charitable institution in Africa that wants to put up a nursing school so that those in the rural areas won't need to travel far just to get basic medical services. Then, there are those who woul be willing to sacrifice their effort and money just to go on missionary trips in far-flung areas of the globe just to preach the gospel.
Helping someone out should come from the heart and should be an expression of genuine concern. We are not just making someone else's life easier, we also are pleasing God.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Cries and prayers
"Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth." Psalm 54:2
You can read: Psalm 54
God is always present to hear us when we call. We can always sing to God a song of praise, or utter a desperate cry for help when things aren't going so well. The thing is: God is always there to help us and to be with us.
The sad fact is that we almost often put God as the line of defense, the last hope when we have tried everything and yet still fail. Those who have put their faith and trust in God know otherwise. When troubled times come, God is there; when good times are upon us, God is also there. When enemies surround us, God is there. We can always turn to God and plead with Him for our requests and also for the requests of others.
Like the Psalmist, we cry out to God, and He hears our prayers.
You can read: Psalm 54
God is always present to hear us when we call. We can always sing to God a song of praise, or utter a desperate cry for help when things aren't going so well. The thing is: God is always there to help us and to be with us.
The sad fact is that we almost often put God as the line of defense, the last hope when we have tried everything and yet still fail. Those who have put their faith and trust in God know otherwise. When troubled times come, God is there; when good times are upon us, God is also there. When enemies surround us, God is there. We can always turn to God and plead with Him for our requests and also for the requests of others.
Like the Psalmist, we cry out to God, and He hears our prayers.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Our Refuge
"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." 2 Samuel 22:31
You can read: 2 Samuel 22:27-32
Our God is always there for us, even if we do not understand what we are going through at this very instant. God was there to deliver David from his enemies, thus, the song of praise recorded in 2 Samuel 22. Even after this, David went on to write many songs of praise to God which we cand find in the book of Psalms. Most of these songs have themes that speak about God's protection and care for those who trust in him. Most of them always talk about God being a refuge, a shield, some sort of protection from persecution, from enemies, from bad times.
You may not be a song writer like David, who gets his works published for eternity, but you also have the ability in you to acknowledge God in your life. You can also always turn to God for refuge and seek the protection of his power. It oculd be that you are going through a rough time, or maybe even going through a period of God’s favor in your life, but the truth is, God is always a shield, a refuge for us. May that thought guide your walk today.
You can read: 2 Samuel 22:27-32
Our God is always there for us, even if we do not understand what we are going through at this very instant. God was there to deliver David from his enemies, thus, the song of praise recorded in 2 Samuel 22. Even after this, David went on to write many songs of praise to God which we cand find in the book of Psalms. Most of these songs have themes that speak about God's protection and care for those who trust in him. Most of them always talk about God being a refuge, a shield, some sort of protection from persecution, from enemies, from bad times.
You may not be a song writer like David, who gets his works published for eternity, but you also have the ability in you to acknowledge God in your life. You can also always turn to God for refuge and seek the protection of his power. It oculd be that you are going through a rough time, or maybe even going through a period of God’s favor in your life, but the truth is, God is always a shield, a refuge for us. May that thought guide your walk today.
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