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Jul 25, 2009

Faith (Part 2)

''For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer''. Where is salvation for us? Where will we find saving faith? The answer is: From God.

The psalm continues, ''I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, 'I will confess my sin, my transgressins to the Lord'; and You forgave the guilt of my sin.''

God's forgiveness cannot be earned. It can never be deserved. Sins from the past cannot be made up for by doing ''good'' works. Salvation, God's gracious offer of forgiveness for all our sins, is a gift from Him. That's what the Bible says in Colossians 2:13 and 14.

''When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven all transgresions, having cancelled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us: and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.



''What love, what grace that bore my sin and nailed it to the tree! No words can say nor tears express this joy He's given me.''

One of the Pastors I heard preaching said that, by the end of his junior year in high school his list of sin was so long. It was piled so high; the stink was so incredibly putrid. He did not think he stood a chance before the holy God. But of course he did not apart from Christ. But by God's grace He took those lists that all of us have and He nailed them onto the cross. Jesus bore them and took them upon Himself so that we might be forgiven. That is where saving faith starts: not by trying to make up or remove sin in our lives. When people wo do not work - come to God by faith - are declared righteous because of their faith. You trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ and you receive eternal life as a free gift. The just shall live by faith.''

At low point in this pastor's life, he remembers wanting to be like his Christian friend Mark who seemed to have it all together. He began to wonder what it meant to be Christian. One day, he found a New Testament lying on the street. He decided to keep it as good as 'lucky charm'. By God's grace, after some time he began to read it. He began to learn about Jesus.

His friend Mark then invited him to play volleyball at a center with a Christian youth group. There, another pastor shared the Gospel - the first time this pastor heard it. ''Jesus died for you, he paid for your sins on the cross.''

Then he prayed, ''Lord, will you forgive me? Will you save me? Will you accept me? Will you open your arms and let me draw near?'' And God did those by His grace.

From then on, he was never the same again. ''I got home and that night I went to sleep having a peace and a joy I never had before. I woke up and the peace was still there.'' I'll praise Him 'til I breathe my last on this my present home. And then I'll wake beside His throne and find He hasn't gone.

Faith (part 1)

I wake up every morning and find He hasn't gone. I realize His awesome love and worship Him in song.

The just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4). Many times this passage is quoted in the new testament. Here is what it means: to ''live'' is to be justified by God. We, sinners, can only be justified by God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Apart from Christ, we cannot be declared ''not guilty.'' Apart from Christ, there is only death: seperation from God.

Faith alone is what saves a persorn from death. It is what connects us with the Lord in a way that enables us to experience eternal life and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

The just shall live by faith.



But what is faith? Have you asked yourself: ''Do I have the right kind of faith? If not, how do I find it? What does it mean to exercise your faith?'' Faith is coming to Christ just as you are for forgiveness and grace. Eternal life He's given me, peace of mind and heart. He's part of me and will always be, never to depart.

Faith begins with a need. All of us have a ''spiritual itch,'' an emptiness. When we become aware of this itch, we try to scratch it with any one or a combination of these: careerism, pursuit of money, immorality, drugs, alcohol. The list goes on. Sometimes we scratch it even with things that the world esteems as good pursuits: like sports or community service. Yet we remain empty. The itch persists. Why?

Because we ''have sinned an fall short of the glory of Go'' (Romans 3:23). This passage is square one for everyone of us. This is also where faith begins.

Faith begins with an awareness of our deep spiritual need. It is the acknowledgement that sin is present in our lives. Saving faith means coming to Christ just as you are: spiritually itchy, spiritually needy, spiritually empty.

I'll never be the same again since I first believed. What a precious day that was, salvation I received!

''All have sinned'', the bible laments. Sin, that enticing, candy-coated poison that has an all-too-human appeal to our senses. It tastes good for a while, but it certainly leads to death (Revelation 21:8). So many times we throw our lives and our future away for a momentary pleasure. That is the destructive nature of sin.

Let's read Ephesians 2: 1-3. ''you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of God's wrath, even as the rest''.


Jul 1, 2009

Now that I am a Christian

Now that I am a Christian, I am now a new one. All things that I have done have vanished.

''Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is now anew creation; THE OLD HAS GONE, THE NEW HAS COME.'' 2.COR.5.7



Now that I am a Christian, that I am now in Christ and He is in me. I have now the right, freedom and power to leave all the wrong doings behind and face tomorrow with a brand new life.


I am now a child of God.
''you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.'' Galatians 3.26

Whatever I do, I will do it for the glory of God.
'' so whatever you eat, drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.'' 1 Corinthians 10:31

Only truth will come out of my mouth.
''therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.'' Ephesians 4:25

No unwholesome talk will come from my mouth but only those things that will benefit others.
'' do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.'' Ephesians 4:29


I will get rid of all the bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander along with every kind of malice. I will be kind and compassionate to others. Forgiving each other just as Christ forgave me. Ephesians 4:31-32

I will obey, love and honor my parents everyday for the rest of our lives.
'' children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise. That it may go well with you and that you may enjoy it on earth.'' Ephesians 6:1-3

now that I am a Christian, I will seek nothing but the will of God. And when I find it, I will focus on this will of God and will enjoy it.

When I am weary, tired or depressed, I will just take a look on God's word for I know that out of it, I will find strength, rest and joy.

Now that I am a Christian, praying will be my priority in communicating with God.

I will never forget what Jesus did for me on the cross. His love, his sufferings, all the pain that he willingly took just to save me and give me life with him in eternal paradise.

Now that I am a Christian, I will leave no room for hatred. Only with love in everything I do and say.

And no matter what happens, in every circumstance I won't let this love and faith in Christ vanish.


Jun 17, 2009

Tell the world...



Tell the world that there was a Jesus who died for them.

Tell the world that we're not from monkeys but from the word of God and created out of His image.

...that God sent his son to the world because of His great love so we may have eternal life with him. (john.3.16)

...that Jesus was not just a god to be worshiped and surrendered our life to, but also a friend, a brother, a mentor, a father and most of all, a savior.


...that God is looking for them. That is why he sent Himself to the world to find the lost and offered life with him in paradise.

...that God doesn't hate the sinners but it's the sin itself that He hates so much.

...that it is not God who brings sinners to hell but it is the sin that sends them to Hell.

...that God made a way to wash away this sin from us and made us as white as snow before him.

...that blessings and good things are not only for good people and God's children but also for those who are not good ones. So that love, grace and glory of God be established and to let us know that God cares about each of His creation.

...that there's no sin God cannot forgive as long as we repent and come to Him just as we are.

...that everything and everyone originated from God and not from what they call a big bang.

...that there are something, best (heaven) and worse (hell) after life here on earth and not nothingness.

...that all of us should prepare because no matter who we are and what we do here on earth, we will surely come to a point of seeing God face-to-face and looking at Him eye-to-eye. And we will be held accountable for our deeds.

...that Jesus has been longing for us to be our father, brother, friend, teacher, and lord.

...that God is not like a very big cop behind clouds that whenever and wherever we make sin o mistake he would arrest and punish us. But He is a loving heavenly that watches us as we walk to and from him.

...that there's no other time to surrender everything to God. And there's no other day to do it but now.

Tell the world that we are supposed to be in the everlasting loving arms of God not in the shadow of this sick and dark world.

...that God has wonderful plans for us. (jer.29.11)put link.
...that one of God's deepest desires is when we call o say His name not just because we are in trouble and in need but also in blessing and in good days of our life.

...that God is more than willing to take away the shadow, burden, sin, illness, sorrow, loneliness, pain, fear and tears from us and restore it with light, rest, forgiveness, healing, hope, happiness, relieve and smile as long as we are also willing.

...that we are not product of mutation for we are not mutants, but we are product of God's love and grace.

...that it was not supernova or super massive explosion and gravitational forces that made stars and planets float and stay in their places in outer space but it was God who made and put them in there.

And to our fellow believers in Christ. Remember Ephesians 6.12, ''for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.''

Keep on running for God's cause, keep on fighting for the glory of God, for the recovery of the lost, for the salvation of those in danger. Keep on standing tall before trials and enemies.

Whom shall we fear?

Who shall defeat us?

Who shall crush us?

God is with us!
No retreat, no surrender!

We will stand and fight and die, with God's love in our hearts!!!

This is for you

I pray that God will give you the strength to do the tasks He has ordained for you to do.

Let the Sovereign Lord be your strength.

May you lean on Him when your body feels tired & your spirit feels worn,for He will make your feet quick & your mind focused.

I pray that you realize GOD will always be at your side & wil not leave nor forsake you.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Jun 6, 2009

Aral Sa Buhay

Isang 91 taong gulang na babae ang namatay. Nang makilala niya ang Diyos tinanong niya ito ng isang bagay na matagal nang bumabagabag sa kanya. Kung ang mga tao ay nilikha sa Kanyang wangis, at kung ang lahat ay nilikha ng patay-pantay, bakit my mga tao na sobrang sama kung tratuhin ang bawat isa?

Sumagot ang Diyos na ang bawat taong dumarating sa ating buhay ay may kanya-kanyang natatanging aral na dala para ituro sa atin. At sa pamamagitan lamang ng mga aral na ito natin matututunan ang mga bagay-bagay sa buhay, mga tao, mga relasyon at Diyos. dahil sa mga ito lalung nalito ang babae, kaya nagsimula na ang Diyos na magpaliwanag.

Kapag ang isang tao ay nagsinungaling sayo, ito'y natuturo sa'yo na hindi lahat ng nakikita mo ay totoo. Ang katotohanan ay mas madalas na higit pa sa panlabas na anyo. Tignan mo ang mga tao nang higit pa sa kanilang mga takip sa mukha para malaman mo ang laman ng kanilang mga puso.

Kung may nagnakaw sa iyo, ito ay nagtuturo sa iyo na walang anuman ang panghabangbuhay. Laging pahalagahan kung ano ang mayroon ka, sapagkat hindi mo alam kung hanggang kailan ito sa iyong pag-aari. At 'wag na 'wag mong babaliwalain ang iyong mga kaibigan at pamilya dahil ito lamang ang panahon o araw na siguradong kasama mo sila.

Kung may nagpapahirap sa iyo, ito ay nagtuturo sa iyo na ang pagiging tao ay sadyang marupok. Bantayan at alagaan ang iyong katawan sa abot ng iyong makakaya, ito lang siguradong mayroon ka habangbuhay.

Kapag may nanlait sa'yo ito ay nagtuturo na walang dalawang tao ang magkapareho, kung makakasalamuha ka ng mga taong iba sa iyo, huwag mo silang husgahan sa pamamagitan ng kanilang anyo o kung paano sila kumilos, bagkus ay sa pamamagitan ng iyong opinyun ayun sa laman ng kanilang mga puso.

Kapag may dumurog ng iyong puso, ito ay nagtuturo sa iyo na hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon na magmamahal ka ay mamahalin ka rin ng taong iyong mahal. Ngunit 'wag mong talikuran ang pag-ibig dahil kapag nahanap mo na ang tamang tao, ang mga paghihirap at sakit na naranasan mo dati ay mapapalitan ng walang kasing tulad na ligaya at saya, nang sampung ulit.

Kapag may taong may sama ng loob sa'yo, ito ay nagtuturo na ang bawat tao ay nagkakamali. Kapag sila ay nagasala sa iyo, ang panikawalang-bahid at pinakadakila na magagawa mo ay patawarin sila ng walang pagpapanggap.

Ang patawarin ang mga taong nagkamali o nagkasala sa atin ay ang pinakamahirap at pinakamatapang na kayang gawin ng isang tao.

Kapag ang isang minamahal ay hindi naging tapat sa iyo, ito ay nagtuturo na ang labanan ang tukso ay ang pinakamatinding pagsubok sa buhay ng isang tao. Maging mapagmasid sa paglaban sa lahat ng klase ng tukso. Sa pagpapanatili nito ikaw ay gagantimpalaan ng pangmatagalang tunay na kasiyahan at kaligayan na mas higit pa sa maibibigay sayo ng tukso.

Kapag my nanlamang sa iyo, ito ay nagtuturo sa iyo na ang pagiging sakim ang nagiging ugat ng lahat ng kasamaan. Hangarin mo na matupad lahat ng iyong mga pangarap, gaano man ito katayog. Huwag isiping may pagkakamali ka sa iyong tagumpay, at siguraduhin mong hindi ka matatangay ng iyong sariling pagnanais na magtagumpay na humantong sa panlalamang sa kapwa at hindi makatarungang gawain.

Kapag pinagtawanan ka, ito ay nagtuturo sa iyo na walang sinuman ang walang-kapintasan. Matutong tanggapin ang katangian ng mga tao at kanilang mga kalikuan o kapintasan. Huwag na 'wag tatanggihan o iiwasan ang sinuman nang dahil lamang ka kanyang pagkakamali o kapintasan na kung saan siya ay walang anumang kakayahang kontrolin ito.

Sa pagkakarinig sa karunungan ng Diyos, napagtantu ng matandang babae na wala palang matututunang aral sa mga magagandang gawain ng tao.

Sumagot ang Diyos na ang kakayahan ng taong magmahal ay ang pinakadakilang handog na mayroon siya. Sa dulo ng bawat kagandahang asal ay pagmamahal, at ang bawat kilos ng may pagmamahal ay nagtuturo sa atin ng isang aral.

Lalong lumalim ang pagtataka ng babae, at muli na naman nagpaliwanag ang Diyos.

Kapag may nagmahal sa'yo, ito ay nagtuturo sa iyo na ang pagmamahal, kagandahang-loob, kawanggawa, katapatan, kababaang-loob, kapatawaran at pagtanggap ay kayang hadlangan ang lahat ng kasamaan sa buong mundo. Sa bawat mabuting gawa ay may isang masamang gawa ang nawawala. Ang tao mismo ang may kakayahang timbangin ang mabuti sa masama, dahil nga lang sa ang aral ng pagmamahal ay hindi gaanong naituturo, ang kapangyarihan ay madalas nasasamantala.

Kapag pumasok ka sa buhay ng isang tao, ito man ay pinlano o nagkataon lamang, laging isaalang-alang ang iyong mga magiging aral. Ituturo mo ba ang pagmamahal o ang masakit na katotohanan ng reyalidad? Kapag namatay ka, magiging mas mapagmahal ba ang iyong buhay o mas makakasakit ka? MAs nakakaginhawa ba o lalung nakakabigat? Mas nakakasaya ba o mas nakakalungkot? Bawat isa sa atin ay may kakayahang timbangin ang pag-ibig sa mundo. Gamitin ito ng may talino.

Jun 4, 2009

Enjoy Life

When Bob Marley died his last words to his son were "You can't buy life".

True, no one can buy life no matter how rich and powerful they are. Nothing you can do to earn life and have it permanently. Life on earth is temporary and borrowed.

But we are still so lucky that We have this life. Life that was given by God and only from God. So let us take the opportunity to live a life of love and according to love only. Live a life that God wants us to live not a life that you want to, because if you choose to live life the way you want, you will only end up messed up.


Life is so short. That is so sad to know. That life is not that long. So why don't we enjoy and make all the possible opprtunity our life be meaningful.

In my life, I want to do so many things while I live. I like to take photos of different magnificent places on earth, to write a book, establish successful business, earn multiple degrees on college, raise up beatiful family, and all that. but I have a very limited short life and I know that I wont be able to do all thos ethings while I live here. Bob marley once also said that do not love the world or everything in it and lose your soul.

For me life is very important and I cannot afford to die in vain. I mean that atleast some people would remember me the way I lived my life.

I do not know what I am talking about this time, I just felt how important life is and hos short it is here on earth.

Before I end this post let give you some things to remember.

1. Love your life
2. Do not live in vain
3. Do not abuse your body, you only have one and you cannot have other's body in replacement when your body gives up.
4.. Use life in meaningful ways
5. Make history
6. enjoy life in a right way
7. Share your life
8. Take care of your body.
9. Never waste your life in things that won't make you a better one.
10. Live a life that God wants you to live and not the life that you want to leave.
11. MAke good memories with people around you, with people that you have met and will meet.
12.And always remeber that life after here on earth is more important. Because here, it is just temporary but when we die no matter what awaits us there, it will be forever.