Friday, October 31, 2008

Today's Devotion-Be Thankful in everything

1 Thess 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.KJV

Life as it is, is full of so many laughters and tears, joy and sorrow,abundance and want,supply and needs ,add to it the successess and failures. Those we admire and those we condemned. Its so simple and yet complicated, that the finite mind of man could not comprehend. Some rest in asking, while others make their own answers.

In my midlife experiences and learning I found out the following realities;

1. Life is so short that we should not waste it in useless things.
2.Life here on earth is a practice for a life in heaven.
3.Life is borrowed and will be returned to the lender on His timing.
4.Attitude is more valuable than achievements.
5.Our being is more significant than our doings.
6.Its not a question of how long we lived but what we lived for.
7.I'm just a man, there is God!

In all of these, I come to just be thankful for what I have and treasure every moment that the life lender gives. For one day everything will be gone,and better things will begin, there in eternity.
How should we face every day then? Well choose to be always be thankful for there is always a reason to be!!!

Thank you Lord for everything!!!

bmg

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Today's Devotion-All Things for our good



Rom 8:28-30And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. NIV

One of the undeniable fact in this life is that there are circumstances,events and situation hat are not conforming to our expectation and sometimes even beyond our understanding to comprehend why bad things happen.. But in the sight of those whose heart is filled with confidence to his Savior, we can still look up and expect something good is goingto happen inspite and dispite of anything. Why? Well, because of the following;

1. God is good- and in His goodness He cant let any bad things end bad. He can always turn it into blessing.

2. God knows best-He is not limited to our circumstances and present situation, but always look at the complete picture. That's why we can always trust Him. A certain philosopher said "We should not be afraid to entrust our unknown future to a known God".

3. God will provide the best-Sometimes the road towards what's best is always ,unpleasant to take, but like a wise and confident sailor, who crosses seas and overcomes tidal waves for he knows that in the midst of the sea are the great catch.

4. God is in control- Our life and futre never depends on what we have and will possesses or have someday. Its not based on where we live or what we reach as far as education is concern. Not even the power of hell can change what God intend to do. And in this we can be assure that as He wills so it will be. .

Every child of God can faced every challege of life as we look at it in the perspective of God and of His word. Lets seek what good is He bringing us through these unpleasent, heart breaking and even hurting moments in this life!!!

We thank you Lord, for you will bring good out of anything that this life will bring us into . . .

bmg

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Today's Devotion- Servant Killer



Luke 20:9-12 He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12 He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out. NIV

Many who serves God faithfully dares not to fear any outside force that may threaten their lives. .For they know that the true threat is not from outside from within them-Luke 12:4-5"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. NIV

Who or which then is the true servant killers?

1. Personal Ambition and step toward rebellion-like Absalom who took all effort to take the throne from the ligitimate and God ordained person. Any servant of God who imposes personal ambition will wake up in the midst of rebellion. To avoid it, lets always focus on Christ and His purpose for calling us and counting us faithful, giving us a ministry.
2.Personal Comfort-This will lead us to blindness is seeing who is our Master. Instead of obeying it will bring us to a dislocation and miss more opportunities to served Him. Every servant of God must master the words of a soldier when sommoned by his superior; "YES SIR" is always there response! May we be like this as God's servant no matter where we are now and where He is bidding us to go! "YES LORD"!
3.Envy and jealousy-as deadly as a snake poison that will slowly kill the right passion of His servant. That's why everyone must also recognized the faithfulness of Him who called Him, who does nothing in favoritism and who does no mistake in everything and anyone.
4.Burnout and selfpity-another venom that must tnot be taken by a servant of God who wants to remain fruiful and faithful to his calling and to his master. We should learn that we can't do it alone, so we need to welcome others to join us, if must we need to train them and give them what we have to save our own soul. We should recognized that every person brought to His church is equally called as we are and God brought them to our care until they can be sent also!

We could name others that are so dangerous to our loyalty and faithful service to God. To one the other might be the greatest threat while not to others. In any way, every servant must know to which one he/she is prone to fall.

May His grace keep us from anything that will kill the heart of a servant in us!!

bmg

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Today's Devotion-Greatness through service

Matt 20:24-28When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. 25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." NIV

Jesus did not only set the example of service to God but also the result of being a servant. . .

1. Greatness- will be the description of those who serves Him in humility.

2. Being first-I believed this implies first in being a servant. First in giving, in working, first in going and first in His presence.

3. Inward view of the servant is the view of his master- only to please Him in everything. Ready to go at the Master's bidding. Willing to stop at the sign of His hand.

May we served Him the way He wants us and may we see greatness in being a servant of Christ!

bmgf

Monday, October 27, 2008

Today's Devotion-Serving God is His Grace!

2 Cor 6:1-2 As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. NIV

Those who are called to served God knows that it was never on their qualification that they are being used by God to His service. John 15:16 says that "You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you!. . .

In this context, we who serves God must always preserved and treasure this priveledge which is the product of God's grace by;

1. Serving God faithfully-1 Peter 4:10-11 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. NIV

2. Serving God joyfully-Its should always be in the attitude of joy rthat we should be doing whatever we are doing in His Kingdom and through His people.Though there will be miscomfort, testings and trials, sometimes even failures.-2 Cor 6:10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. NIV

3. Serving God consistently- not a double minded mind but in the singleness of heart, with no other concern but only Christ as long as we lived!-Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.NIV

4. Serving God Sacrificially- as the verse aboved said it well! Death is a necessity in serving Christ. Not that He should force us to it, but that we are willingly coming to it. So that if ever we will do something good, it will not be accounted to us, but to Him!-Col 3:17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. NIV

Have so much to say regarding this matter, but let it be unto here. For serving Christ needs to be seen not just in words we say or letter we write but by what we will be doing today for Him and in Him.

May we be His DOULOS which means God's bond servant, who does not expect any reward for whatever we did for Him. But just simply serving Him till He wants and needs of him!!!

God's doulos!!!
bmg

Just for my Friends-Spending Time with God's nice people in St. Catharines

Last Friday, Oct 23, we thronged the traffic to be in St. Catahrines before 6:00pm to have our dinner first at Ptra. Tess apartment before we could start a leadership meeting. We did it by God's grace.

The sumptous dinner was served with the candid smiles of JIL leaders, which add to the appetite to consume as much. hehehe.

Then, at 7:35pm all the leaders arrived and meeting started which for me come to the following conclusion;
1. JIL St. Catharines is in the point of revival and breakthroughs.
2. The leaders are now in a next level of maturity.
3. I'm so proud to be with this people of God working with me and in the JIL MVV.
4. We have found more people whose passion is to do God's will God's way.
5. There will be phenominal growth coming to this church in the Niagara region!

Till next time friends in JIL St. Catharines!
You make me and my wife so proud of you!!!
bmg

Friday, October 24, 2008

Todays Devotion- Right Thinking


Phil 4:8-9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. NIV

Every human being was created with the ability to think and the ability to think right. But our problem lies on the choices we are making and allowing to be in our mind. Sometimes we forget that what we think influences our words, actions and way of living. That's why the bible give an open and direct advice to what to think!!!

1. Whatever is true- Truth that will set us free though it might hurt our feelings and or deprive us of getting something. -John 8:3232 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV

2.Whatever is noble- Something that wcan be proud of knowingJer 9:23-24
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast about this:that he understands and knows Me,that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,justice and righteousness on earth,for in these I delight," declares the Lord. NIV-

3.Whatever thing is right- Right in the context not of man but of God-Anything that God says is is and will be. When we learn to admit that He has the final say, then and only then that we can practice what is right before Him, though it might not be popular to many.-Mic 6:88 He has showed you, O man, what is good.And what does the Lord require of you?To act justly and to love mercyand to walk humbly with your God. NIV

4.Whatever thing is pure- This for me speaks of things free of malice. Particularly as we relate with our fellowmen. To keep a healthy talk is to keep a healthy mind that is free from any impurities. Which is possible by keeping His word in our heart and mind.-Ps 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heartthat I might not sin against you. NIV

5.Whatever thing is lovely- Oh how we missed to see the goodness of the Lord in missing to see the beauty of that He created each day for us. As we begin to appreciate what a lovely gifts He has provided. For the Lord is good he gives us only things that are lovely. Starting from you!!!

6.Whatever things are admirable-Thanksgiving starts in a heart full of admiration. Blessing is abounding to those who say "Thank you Lord" for what a wonderful day you have made!. Dont miss the day without admiring the very person God gave you to see God's love and goodness through the eye of someone you meet today!

7.Whatever is excellent and praise worthy-Hallelujah!! God gave us the ability to think and choose the right thing to think!!!

Let your heart and mind be filled with this good things!!!!

You are counted of worthy to be one of this thing- Right mind, thinks right!!!

bmg

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Today's Devotion -Seeking those who will worship Him


John 4:23-24
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."
NIV

Every followers of Jesus should realized that we dont have the monopoly of servign and worshipping Him. God want u to seek those who should be joining us to exalt and worship His Majesty!

3 Things we can do . . .

1. Share His goodness to influence others to honor Him as He should be. . Lord Almighty-1 Jn 5:10-12

2. Go to different place to meet new people to know He is Lord- Matt 28:18-20

3. Pray that others who can be a better witness go and share what the Lord has done. .

Honestly, I'm comfortable in doing all of the above not because I'm better, but simply because it's needed.

As we faced this economic recession, there is no better hope than in Christ!!!

Lets fill heaven with the worship of the multitude which can only come as we go and share to them how good our Lord and is and so deserving of our praose and worship!!!

bmg

Just for my friends-A worthwhile visit to The Philippines-Part 1

For Filipinos like me, The Philippines is our Jerusalem, a plce most of us are praying and longing to see being blessed no matter where we have been.

Last September 27, 2008 Me and my wife were part of the delegates of JIL worldwide church blessed to attend the JIL 30th Anniversary (Silver Celebration) of God's goodness and fruitful service to Him.

The celeberation was held on Oct 5, 2008 at luneta park where millions of JIL members gathered to celebrate. The program was obviously well planned and well blessed as well.

The next day was or Bishop Eddie's Birthday celebration, where the highlight was the giving of plaque of recognition. While in it I was so excited to see those who are being called and given a due recognition for there part in the expansion of this ministry. After a while I was also called to recieved a "Good and Faithful Servant award". for those who have been 20 years in full time ministry. I was of course surprised because I'm only 18 years and 11 months to the date of recognition. Though I stood and took the plaque I immediately told my wife, they made a mistake. Though I enjoyed the feeling of being recognized already. Confessing my sin of elation I reported my concern to the proper authority and surrendered the plaque. Though they told me its mine, there's no mistake about it. I still surrender it to avoid any future problem.

So, its just part of a temporary rejoicing (hehehe).
Anyway, it adds to the memories to remember this 2008.

After that we visited JIL Ilocos Norte, where the Lord has send me and became fruitful from 1991 to 2001, which is also instrumental for being assigned here in Canada to help the existing Pastors and Leaders make a difference and established additional churches as the Lord blesses.

We went there to visit and see the Canada sponsonsored Airconditioning of JIL Laoag City church. With us was our RP Rev. Aldrin C. Navo, his wife Ptra. Monnete and othe Ontario Pastors; Allan and Coney Pua, Tony and Mary Larracas, Roy, Zeny and Nichol Montecillo with Ate Chi of JIL ottawa.

JIL Ilocos Norte lead by 2 Are Pastors meet us in the Airport Ptra. Abie Ancheta Corpuz and Ptra. Maribel R. Santiago with other key leaders like of Ate Lucy, Bro. Faivo and Sis. Babeth, Bro. Cris, Bro. Edwin and others. It was a glorious day for all of us. Especialy to me and my wife who were so blessed to see how God keeps His promises to us to bless this Province even in our absence.

Till next, to be continued. . .

bmg

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Today's Devotion-Through it all


Phil 4:12-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
NIV

One of the challeges of our days is the unavoidable changes that we faced.
A change of wheather, change of job, change of fashion. /the list could be endless.

Some might retire, give up or just dont mind. . .But the best is always to make it through with out struggle. . .

3 Suggestion to make it through

1. Adjust - like a thermostat we should learn to adjust our selves to the situation. Example; as wheather changes, we change our clothing.

2. Adopt - like a new migrant to a new place new culture. Example, 3. Abraham in his journey to Canaan land, learning thier lauguage and culture while living for His purpose and God.

3. Admit- like a guilty person found of an offense, accepting that we can't do it on our own but need someone to make us through. In Chirst who is our ever present help, who is always available as we call as will find help in times of need.

The greatest challege then is not the changes, but how can we change through it. Making every opportunity a chance to honor Christ. Well my friends we are in it and we can make it by His grace!!!

bmg

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Just for my Friends-Going back home

Hi my dear friends and blog visitors,

Today (Oct 20, 2008)we will be travelling to Toronto Canada via Cathay Pacific from Hongkong. We stayed here this week end to meet and fellowship with JIL people. The original plan is just to meet my wife's friend and members from Ilocos Norte. But as we ask permission to our Head Office Leaders, we were given a previledge to share Gods word to JIL Wan Chai Saturday service and JIL North Point Sunday Services. It was a glorious day to see multitude of people expressing their love for God and appreciation of the word of God shared by me and my wife Ptr. Rose. Add to the excitement is the presence of our ministering Team member from Toronto; Ptr. Allan Pua and his wife Sis. Coney. They both help us in ministering to jil people here. First timers approached us as well as the old timers and the joy of knowing they were blessed satisfies our hearts longing to be a blessing to them.

The fellowship and kindness of JIL HK Pastors touched us with so much loved. We were met in the Airport by Ptr. Bart who waited for us for 3 hrs and we met their RP Ptra. Laiza who took us to a lunch fellowship last saturday with other HK Pastors and Staff. Of course we are excited to meet our old friend Ptra. Rosalie and her son Daniel. Glory to God.

Last night we went to KFC and met the JIL Ilocos Norte faithfuls, who shared with us laughter and even tears. We prayed together, eat together and envision together for a more fruitful service to God in this ministry. It was really a wonderful visit here in Hongkong. My wife recollect the times where she was here in 1994-1995 in response to the need of the hour, during our trying momments as we pioneer JIL Ilocos Norte. We shared to people how God used this City to change both of us for something good!

Any way, nice to be bound home to see our children whom we miss so much and of course the JIL Ontario and Quebec whose passion to serve God energizers everyone she encounters.

See you soon and we will have a good time together in serving God as we act on the new challeges stored and prepared ahead of us! Lets share the joy of counting the cost of serving Christ and offer ourselves as bread for the glory of God!!!

Blessed more than deserved,

Bong G

Sunday, October 12, 2008

ALL PEOPLE WORSHIP HIS MAJESTY




JIL Worldwide have celebrated God’s faithfulness and greatness on its 30th of God's Kingdom Ministry last October 5, 2008.It was an overwhelming joy seeing brethren gathered together in one accord, one spirit to give glory to whom glory is due, to give honor to whom honor is due.



“All people worship His Majesty”, our theme and our hearts desires is indeed to give God the highest honor and praise. . It is an invitation to call to worship, to have our pledge of allegiance to our Majestic King; it is our intimate expression of love being his creation to bless our Awesome Creator.

Worship is bowing down and humbling our selves and exalt our King, our God Almighty. We worship because Christ is worthy of honor and praise.




Psalm 145
A psalm of praise. Of David.
1 [a] I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.
3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works. [b]
6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate;
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The LORD is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.
10 All you have made will praise you, O LORD;
your saints will extol you.
11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made. [c]
14 The LORD upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
16 You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
18 The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
20 The LORD watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

GREETINGS


“Suddenly, Jesus met them, “Greetings,” He said. They came to Him. Clasped his feet and worshipped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, there they will see me.” Matthew 28:9-10


How lovely it is when someone greet us, we felt their care, their presence that give us encouragement. “Greetings” … word that mean so much, which speaks a lot of things... That says a lot of words: joy, peace, love…

When our Lord Jesus rose from the dead and met the disciples He said His Greetings, and in respond they came to Him, bow down and worship Him, they give their reverence to Him. They reply by coming to Him in worship, and as they come Jesus encouraged them not to be afraid, as if saying. Whatever our troubles, whatever things that make us afraid of this world. Do not be afraid…for He is with us. His Greetings…meant so much of His presence! Immanuel…God is with us!!!

He gave us an assurance that as we come, as we obey, wherever, whatever circumstances it will be. His presence will always be there…He will lift our burdens, our care. Give us victory…He overcome! And to be rest assured that we will always see His glory!

Have you give your greetings today? Give your best smile and the whole world smile at you…Testify to the whole world that God gave us the greatest smile…His Greatest Love towards us.

God bless you all!