Isa 9:6-7For to us a child is born,to us a son is given,and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peacethere will be no end.He will reign on David's throneand over his kingdom,establishing and upholding itwith justice and righteousnessfrom that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almightywill accomplish this. NIV
One of the most common act on this Christmas season is giving.
This morning our three children asked my beloved wife if the gift for their classmate is already prepared for tommorows Christmas party in their schools. One of them give an amount that is seemingly expensive than others, and he said "because the recepient is special to me and I want to be a real Santa".
As I heard this I started to recollect and remember the idea of being a sana. According to tradition "Santa Claus" was rich man with a name of "Nicholas" who happen to sold all he has and started giving it to the poor people which are many in his time. After this his benevolent act reached the other side of the town and started sending him their donations so that he can distribute it to others. He was then, venerated to santly status and his act became part of the Christmas seasons, where parents started to tell their children that Santa will come and give them gifts as they do good deeds. So today, it became a model for giving, especially in this Christmas season.
But what can be the greatest gift that we have received that make this Season a reason to celebrate? Giving kind and even expensive gifts are so noble and even a good spirit to do not only this season but all year round. Any how, if Christmas is only to give gift like this, we might loosed the true meaning of Chrstmas; which is centered to the one (The Son) given to us!He is the reason for this Season! Jesus Christ the begotten of God. If we have recieved Him, then Christmas is a reality to us. But how about the many, whose only reason for the season is finding "Santa" and being a "Santa".
Let us give the greatest gift to someone special to us. Let's give them "The Son" who should govern our lives to make it a true merry to live by.May we being a christian, together with our gift in reference to santa should become a messenger of the Son who was given to everyone and to blessed those who will believed in Him.
Let's just set aside the argument of the existence of santa, but rather let us use this time to give the one whois given; The Son of God in whom we shall be saved!As we observed around many are just trying to make this season to in the Spirit of Christmas, which is giving and loving, all in which Jesus Christ came!!!
We dont need to have a lot of money to be able to give; Give what's in your heart, your joy , your peace, your forgiveness, your service or a prayer! Why not, prayer moves mountain, it brought us this miracle, as people of old, prayed for the coming of the Savior and He did come!
Lets start to give the true Chrismas gift which is all centered in Christ Jesus!
God bess and Merry Christmas and have an Overflowing Blessed New Year!!!
Till next time!Bong
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Today's Devotion-A Chosen vessel
Luke 1:38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. NIV
One of the unusual event in the advent of the Messiah is the way he was born. We all know that He was born to a virgin whose name was "Mary". With out her willingness to be a vessel for the fulfilment of the coming of the Savior, we might still be grasping in the dark and still lookin for him.
But was the vessel just randomly chosen, or not? A question that can be answered by the word of God itself. If we will read the whole context of the verse in this devotion note, wewill found that the greeting of Angel Gabriel includes the "you are highly favored"! Therefore, blessed Mary was chosen after a series of selection and even of timing! Though it does not implied that she is sinless but rather "Favored". A word that is defined as unmerited and just at the disposition of the one giving it.
This celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is in our midts today because there are vessels who were willing to be used by God even to the price of discomfort, rejection,misconceptions and even death.
God is still looking for vessel whom He can choose for His owm plan and purposes. In many generation, in our history we can see that many vessels has already did their part. May in this season, we will be found by Him ready to fulfill His plan. Mary sai "May it be unto me as you have said" In other translation is goes this way "Be it unto me according to your word"!!!
No complain, no need for explanation, just a simple obedience that resulted in the salvation of many!
Most of the time, there will be many unexplainable things that happens in our lie, some are painful, some are good, life giving and others taking lives. But are good to remember, others are not be be remebered or even told to others. But no matter where we are coming from, in this life we have a calling to fulfill! And only Him who has the disposition to choose will choose His vessel!
That's why the challege is not in doing many things, or even achieving more than others, but knowing and doing what is required of us by our Maker! When that time comes and it will come, may we be found ready to respond "Be it unto me according to your word'!
He choose His vessel
He cleanses His vessel
He test and try His vessel
He equip His vessel
He trust His vessel
He accompany His vessel
He protects His vessel
He comforts is vessel
He reward His vessel
Are you ready to be found in Him with favor?
May we always thank God for sending His Son to make us His children! May we be a vessel of His Son to make others His children too!
Till next time and have a Blessed Christmas Season!!!
Bong
One of the unusual event in the advent of the Messiah is the way he was born. We all know that He was born to a virgin whose name was "Mary". With out her willingness to be a vessel for the fulfilment of the coming of the Savior, we might still be grasping in the dark and still lookin for him.
But was the vessel just randomly chosen, or not? A question that can be answered by the word of God itself. If we will read the whole context of the verse in this devotion note, wewill found that the greeting of Angel Gabriel includes the "you are highly favored"! Therefore, blessed Mary was chosen after a series of selection and even of timing! Though it does not implied that she is sinless but rather "Favored". A word that is defined as unmerited and just at the disposition of the one giving it.
This celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ is in our midts today because there are vessels who were willing to be used by God even to the price of discomfort, rejection,misconceptions and even death.
God is still looking for vessel whom He can choose for His owm plan and purposes. In many generation, in our history we can see that many vessels has already did their part. May in this season, we will be found by Him ready to fulfill His plan. Mary sai "May it be unto me as you have said" In other translation is goes this way "Be it unto me according to your word"!!!
No complain, no need for explanation, just a simple obedience that resulted in the salvation of many!
Most of the time, there will be many unexplainable things that happens in our lie, some are painful, some are good, life giving and others taking lives. But are good to remember, others are not be be remebered or even told to others. But no matter where we are coming from, in this life we have a calling to fulfill! And only Him who has the disposition to choose will choose His vessel!
That's why the challege is not in doing many things, or even achieving more than others, but knowing and doing what is required of us by our Maker! When that time comes and it will come, may we be found ready to respond "Be it unto me according to your word'!
He choose His vessel
He cleanses His vessel
He test and try His vessel
He equip His vessel
He trust His vessel
He accompany His vessel
He protects His vessel
He comforts is vessel
He reward His vessel
Are you ready to be found in Him with favor?
May we always thank God for sending His Son to make us His children! May we be a vessel of His Son to make others His children too!
Till next time and have a Blessed Christmas Season!!!
Bong
Monday, December 15, 2008
Today's Devotion- We have found the Messiah
John 1:41-42he first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.NIV
Before migrating here in Canada for more than 8 years now, December is a very lively and Christ centered month. Especially to us who came from a nation whpse only hope is God! As we adjust to the new home and country, we found that December is not the same as to where we came from, there we greet each other "Merry Christmas" in here we will be greeted "Happy Holiday" or "Seasons Greetings".
Its because our society here does not want to offend those who dont believed the Messiah. Well, not in the Scripture, for there, we found the record why this month is something to really celebrate. Its not because there are more sales in the malls, neither because we have lots of invitations for almost all special events, But simply because this is the celebration of the most awaited "Messiah". He has been prophesied thousand of years before His birth. Many still does not know He already came, come are still waiting for another one, which for them is better than Him. But who can meet up with His credentials? He is born of a virgin, fulfilled all prophesies in the book of the prophets and of course, rose from the dead!WE havew foun the Messiah!!! a proclaimed word of those who believed Him! Like the early apostles, our message to the world should be "We have found te Messiah!!! For many are still lost in hope, tortured by shame, inbondage of sin and livin in hopelessness!
This Christmas season, may the true celebration come to the heart of many if not to all! "The messiah has come" He is the center of this season!Christmas spirit is not in the month, its in the "Man" He came to bring salvation to all man kind, but like a gift we must accept Him, by believing in Him!But how can they know HIm, if we who knows Him are not as bold as those who were before us in Him. They were willing to give up their life for Him who gave His life us!May we also go to our friends, relatives and area of influence and tell them "We have found the Messiah" and bring them to Him!
Its our moral duty to bring people to Him, for that's what right minded people should do, after receiving so much blessing, like peace, health and freedom. Let's celebrate this season by proclaiming that "The Messiah has come". He is the Christ, the Savior, and whoso ever believes in Him shall not perish but have ever lasting life!!!Let's give to them what we have found!!! Christ Jesus "The Messiah"!
If you came across this message and have not yet found Him, well He is just a prayer away! He is alive and can give you what you are looking for. Actually only Him can give! The life ever lasting, the peace that passes all understanding, the joy overflowing and the acceptance with out condition! An unconditional love!!!
God bless and Till next time!!!
Bong
Before migrating here in Canada for more than 8 years now, December is a very lively and Christ centered month. Especially to us who came from a nation whpse only hope is God! As we adjust to the new home and country, we found that December is not the same as to where we came from, there we greet each other "Merry Christmas" in here we will be greeted "Happy Holiday" or "Seasons Greetings".
Its because our society here does not want to offend those who dont believed the Messiah. Well, not in the Scripture, for there, we found the record why this month is something to really celebrate. Its not because there are more sales in the malls, neither because we have lots of invitations for almost all special events, But simply because this is the celebration of the most awaited "Messiah". He has been prophesied thousand of years before His birth. Many still does not know He already came, come are still waiting for another one, which for them is better than Him. But who can meet up with His credentials? He is born of a virgin, fulfilled all prophesies in the book of the prophets and of course, rose from the dead!WE havew foun the Messiah!!! a proclaimed word of those who believed Him! Like the early apostles, our message to the world should be "We have found te Messiah!!! For many are still lost in hope, tortured by shame, inbondage of sin and livin in hopelessness!
This Christmas season, may the true celebration come to the heart of many if not to all! "The messiah has come" He is the center of this season!Christmas spirit is not in the month, its in the "Man" He came to bring salvation to all man kind, but like a gift we must accept Him, by believing in Him!But how can they know HIm, if we who knows Him are not as bold as those who were before us in Him. They were willing to give up their life for Him who gave His life us!May we also go to our friends, relatives and area of influence and tell them "We have found the Messiah" and bring them to Him!
Its our moral duty to bring people to Him, for that's what right minded people should do, after receiving so much blessing, like peace, health and freedom. Let's celebrate this season by proclaiming that "The Messiah has come". He is the Christ, the Savior, and whoso ever believes in Him shall not perish but have ever lasting life!!!Let's give to them what we have found!!! Christ Jesus "The Messiah"!
If you came across this message and have not yet found Him, well He is just a prayer away! He is alive and can give you what you are looking for. Actually only Him can give! The life ever lasting, the peace that passes all understanding, the joy overflowing and the acceptance with out condition! An unconditional love!!!
God bless and Till next time!!!
Bong
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Today's Devotion- The Secret of Being Content
Phil 4:12know 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.NIV
In this verse, many will find themselves in struggle, for many are in unstopable pursuit for more. As if God is not providing what they need! The problem is not on the need but in want. The focus is not in what is necessary but on what is popular! That's why many can't find a time to rest, to appreciate or even to enjoy what they have been blessed with.
Though others seems to be content to hide that little demon friend they have which is "laziness" and "fear".
But what's the "Being Content" means?
As it is stated its the being not the having. You maybe having nothing and yet still content in it, someone might have everything and yet not even close to be content!
That's why Christ is teaching us to trust in Him and see Him as our completion. Where He made a promise that He will never leave not forsake us. Saint Paul learned also that "He can do all things through Christ Jesus! So learning to be content is within the person who has in Him the true satisfaction, by placing His trust in the hand of his God! Where are you in this? Are you like those who wants to be first in everything and then start to loose what they have gained , for it does not satisfy them anymore? Are you with those who just sit and say what I have is enough for i'm afraid to go out and try? Or are you with the few who looked what they have, see what they could have and looked upon Him who is the provider of every good gift and trust Him, believed Him for the best ! Who will never be tired of doing good! Who even in the midst of nothingness can still be our fullness, in sorrow can be our joy, in loneliness, our companion, in sin our righteousness, in shame, our comfort and in anything, our everything!!! Jesus Christ is the Name!!!
There is a popular song that christian churches loves to sing, and it speaks of the truth to the matter. the chorus goes this way
"So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In your strength will I breakthrough Lord
Touch me now, Let you love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears
Through the storm, I will hold on Lord
And by faith, I will walk on Lord
Then I'll see, beyond my calvary
One day, and I will be Complete in You"
Wow, no matter what we have or dont have, its not what will make us satisfied and complete! Its always in us, if Christ dwells in us. We just need to learn to be content in Him in our being!
The being is who you are, not what you have, its inside of you not outside of you. Its not the worth of your possessions, but the worth of you!!! Not what you know but who knows you!!! Are you known in Christ as His disciple?
God bless my friend and always remember, give thanks for He will always provide for you a blessing to thank Him, a trial to make you close to Him, a grace to accept you, a wisdom to lead you, a spirit to empower you, a someone to accompany you, The Lord for you to serve, a friend for you to depend, a need for you to pray. a problem for you to believed!
Till next time!!!
Bong
In this verse, many will find themselves in struggle, for many are in unstopable pursuit for more. As if God is not providing what they need! The problem is not on the need but in want. The focus is not in what is necessary but on what is popular! That's why many can't find a time to rest, to appreciate or even to enjoy what they have been blessed with.
Though others seems to be content to hide that little demon friend they have which is "laziness" and "fear".
But what's the "Being Content" means?
As it is stated its the being not the having. You maybe having nothing and yet still content in it, someone might have everything and yet not even close to be content!
That's why Christ is teaching us to trust in Him and see Him as our completion. Where He made a promise that He will never leave not forsake us. Saint Paul learned also that "He can do all things through Christ Jesus! So learning to be content is within the person who has in Him the true satisfaction, by placing His trust in the hand of his God! Where are you in this? Are you like those who wants to be first in everything and then start to loose what they have gained , for it does not satisfy them anymore? Are you with those who just sit and say what I have is enough for i'm afraid to go out and try? Or are you with the few who looked what they have, see what they could have and looked upon Him who is the provider of every good gift and trust Him, believed Him for the best ! Who will never be tired of doing good! Who even in the midst of nothingness can still be our fullness, in sorrow can be our joy, in loneliness, our companion, in sin our righteousness, in shame, our comfort and in anything, our everything!!! Jesus Christ is the Name!!!
There is a popular song that christian churches loves to sing, and it speaks of the truth to the matter. the chorus goes this way
"So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In your strength will I breakthrough Lord
Touch me now, Let you love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears
Through the storm, I will hold on Lord
And by faith, I will walk on Lord
Then I'll see, beyond my calvary
One day, and I will be Complete in You"
Wow, no matter what we have or dont have, its not what will make us satisfied and complete! Its always in us, if Christ dwells in us. We just need to learn to be content in Him in our being!
The being is who you are, not what you have, its inside of you not outside of you. Its not the worth of your possessions, but the worth of you!!! Not what you know but who knows you!!! Are you known in Christ as His disciple?
God bless my friend and always remember, give thanks for He will always provide for you a blessing to thank Him, a trial to make you close to Him, a grace to accept you, a wisdom to lead you, a spirit to empower you, a someone to accompany you, The Lord for you to serve, a friend for you to depend, a need for you to pray. a problem for you to believed!
Till next time!!!
Bong
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Today's Devotion- A story to tell of a faithful God
Deut 7:9-10
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. 10
NIV
Born with a purpose!
This day like everyone someone is celebrating his birth. A man I knew was born today! He was born to a poor family, poor not because they are lazy but because they were abandoned! He was born in the family of 5. The only boy who grew up without the touch of his father! His mother was a hardworking woman in spite of being totally deaf as a result of physical abuse from her husband.
The boy grew up, living with different kin who showed kindness until they were united with his two sisters and mother when he was 12 years old. The boy and his sisters faced and overcame all odds, doing everything they could to live. He grow up though in hate of his own father. And by it he was involved in different kind of criminal activities together with his peers. He took up college degree just to find a valid opportunity to kill his own father. But, at age 20, this boy who is now a man, found the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, through a ministry whose passion is to see people saved and transformed, and everything begun to change in him! He immediately become involved in the ministry, as a maintenance person, fixing and cleaning their worship places and carry things that his pastor would require. This man learned to love God and people, hatred to his father was replaced by compassion and longing. He was called by God to be a pastor, an incredible thing for him to become, because he knows he does not know the how of it! But He who called him is faithful! God brought to many experiences that cause him to see God’s faithfulness and goodness. He was assigned in many pioneering assignment in different island and location of his country and is now presently assign in other country! He was able to established 30 churches to this date! An exciting blessing is that he got married to a kind, God loving and very beautiful lady who joined him in serving God. They were blessed too with three handsome and dynamic sons!
Today, that man turns 44 years old! Not poor anymore, but blessed more than he deserved for God has blessed Him according to His faithfulness! He learned that in this life God has a purpose in everything, a calling to every one! And only in placing our confidence in Him, we can begin our journey in this life with in that purpose of God. Even, the most excruciating suffering is there in our life for our good, according to His will! Well, he has brought us here to live and know there is God!
You have your own story which is made for His glory!
This is my story!
Till next time! God bless!
Bong
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. 10
NIV
Born with a purpose!
This day like everyone someone is celebrating his birth. A man I knew was born today! He was born to a poor family, poor not because they are lazy but because they were abandoned! He was born in the family of 5. The only boy who grew up without the touch of his father! His mother was a hardworking woman in spite of being totally deaf as a result of physical abuse from her husband.
The boy grew up, living with different kin who showed kindness until they were united with his two sisters and mother when he was 12 years old. The boy and his sisters faced and overcame all odds, doing everything they could to live. He grow up though in hate of his own father. And by it he was involved in different kind of criminal activities together with his peers. He took up college degree just to find a valid opportunity to kill his own father. But, at age 20, this boy who is now a man, found the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, through a ministry whose passion is to see people saved and transformed, and everything begun to change in him! He immediately become involved in the ministry, as a maintenance person, fixing and cleaning their worship places and carry things that his pastor would require. This man learned to love God and people, hatred to his father was replaced by compassion and longing. He was called by God to be a pastor, an incredible thing for him to become, because he knows he does not know the how of it! But He who called him is faithful! God brought to many experiences that cause him to see God’s faithfulness and goodness. He was assigned in many pioneering assignment in different island and location of his country and is now presently assign in other country! He was able to established 30 churches to this date! An exciting blessing is that he got married to a kind, God loving and very beautiful lady who joined him in serving God. They were blessed too with three handsome and dynamic sons!
Today, that man turns 44 years old! Not poor anymore, but blessed more than he deserved for God has blessed Him according to His faithfulness! He learned that in this life God has a purpose in everything, a calling to every one! And only in placing our confidence in Him, we can begin our journey in this life with in that purpose of God. Even, the most excruciating suffering is there in our life for our good, according to His will! Well, he has brought us here to live and know there is God!
You have your own story which is made for His glory!
This is my story!
Till next time! God bless!
Bong
Friday, December 5, 2008
Today's Devotion-The best is yet to come
Heb 11:39-40These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.NIV
Last other night as I was watching the late news, the newscaster reported the passing of one of a "true Canadian". He was talking to a business tycoon "Mr. Ted Rogers" owner and founder of a multi telephone and cable business in Canada "ROGERS". This man according to the news, accepted the mandate from her mother at six years old when his father passed away, leaving them with almost nothing, they lost every penny due to the sicknes that their father suffered. At that time, it seem so impossible to become what he is today. His battle cry that he popularized was the title in this devotion today; "The best is yet to come". As I keenly listen to the news,I cannot avoid to be impressed with Mr. Ted Rogers fighting spirit and abilities. he came from a place of impossiblities and now become not only a pillar for business but a valid example of breaking through all odds and even become a blessing to many. The point is this;
1. No matter what seeming difficulty you have, God has a greater promised as stated in the verse above.
2. If by nature we can become someone from nothing how much more if we have placed our destiny in the hand of God. Jer 29:11. He said "I know the thought I thinks towards you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you good future!!!
3. Let's learn from those who have passed through this life already who have left us a lesson to hope, to believed and even to follow. Heb 12:1herefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,NIV
We might have lost a job, a loved one a licensing test but as we look ahead, its not yet end of the road. No, and even if its a road end , its still possible to get a bulldozer and make a way where there seems to be none, by believing God's promises.
Let's face it, its not what we suffer that will dectate our future, but its whom and what we believed! Study His word and you will see, so many that have gone through worst things in life and yet able to make the best of it. If not, just look in the history or even just around the corner and you will see, signs of hope, of triumph, perseverance and victory. Much more, to those who makes Jesus as their Lord. He will not just end our life just like that!!! He has come to give life and we'll have it more abundatly he said (john 10:10b)
So as we look ourlives today, consider it a gift, and look ahead, count and expect that "the best is yet to come". No matter what, Dont give up! Keep it up! Jesus is your back up!!!
Till next time!!!
Bong G
Last other night as I was watching the late news, the newscaster reported the passing of one of a "true Canadian". He was talking to a business tycoon "Mr. Ted Rogers" owner and founder of a multi telephone and cable business in Canada "ROGERS". This man according to the news, accepted the mandate from her mother at six years old when his father passed away, leaving them with almost nothing, they lost every penny due to the sicknes that their father suffered. At that time, it seem so impossible to become what he is today. His battle cry that he popularized was the title in this devotion today; "The best is yet to come". As I keenly listen to the news,I cannot avoid to be impressed with Mr. Ted Rogers fighting spirit and abilities. he came from a place of impossiblities and now become not only a pillar for business but a valid example of breaking through all odds and even become a blessing to many. The point is this;
1. No matter what seeming difficulty you have, God has a greater promised as stated in the verse above.
2. If by nature we can become someone from nothing how much more if we have placed our destiny in the hand of God. Jer 29:11. He said "I know the thought I thinks towards you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you good future!!!
3. Let's learn from those who have passed through this life already who have left us a lesson to hope, to believed and even to follow. Heb 12:1herefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,NIV
We might have lost a job, a loved one a licensing test but as we look ahead, its not yet end of the road. No, and even if its a road end , its still possible to get a bulldozer and make a way where there seems to be none, by believing God's promises.
Let's face it, its not what we suffer that will dectate our future, but its whom and what we believed! Study His word and you will see, so many that have gone through worst things in life and yet able to make the best of it. If not, just look in the history or even just around the corner and you will see, signs of hope, of triumph, perseverance and victory. Much more, to those who makes Jesus as their Lord. He will not just end our life just like that!!! He has come to give life and we'll have it more abundatly he said (john 10:10b)
So as we look ourlives today, consider it a gift, and look ahead, count and expect that "the best is yet to come". No matter what, Dont give up! Keep it up! Jesus is your back up!!!
Till next time!!!
Bong G
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Today's Devotion- Devoted to what is good
Titus 3:88 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. NIV
The scarcity of a man whose heart is devoted to what is good can be equalled with the animal species which are endangered today. This is due to the fact that many who seem to be apprehending what do the Lord require is now settling to what is good to them. In this verse we can see that the Holy Spirit is teaching us the vision that God what man to apprehend and to hold tightly "devoted to what is good". In old testament it was recorded in Mic 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.And what does the Lord require of you?To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. NIV . May we who are in the service of the Lord really show that we are devoted to this, not because we are holding to our own interest but of the Lords'. If we would only consider all things as of the Lord,the fightings, back bitings and division would have been diminished if not erradicated. We might be living in a better world than what we have today. Sometimes, we are no different from the people of the world who does only good to those who does them good. Jesus said that unless we do exceed the goodness of the pharisee, we will not enter His kingdom. (Matt 5:20). Friends, what motivates you to do what you are doing? If its not what the Lord require, then you are heading to useless endeavor. Some, do good to keep their control, position and benefits. But may the Lord found true servant in you, that though you might lost everything that you have and have worked for, you still keep doing what is good!
Devotion to God can greatly expressed by being devoted to what is good, good in His standard and rating.
May you found yourself doing these, as He said, this is excellent and profitable to everyone! ..And this is what the Lord require of us!
Let us begin to populate our church, our community and our society with those who are devoted in doing what is good! Let us multiply the likeness of Jesus in this generation. Let us replenish the earth with the kind of people God wants! Starting with us!
This does not mean that we will feed all the hungry people that we know or give everything we have to the person we meet across the street, but its the giving of our right, our privilege to be rewarded, opportunity to have more, in order to advance the Kingdom of God and for our King, who is our Lord Jesus to be honored by many through us! Lets look for that opportunity to do good for Him even at the cost of our everything!
God bless and be devoted to what is good!!!
Till the next time!
Bong
The scarcity of a man whose heart is devoted to what is good can be equalled with the animal species which are endangered today. This is due to the fact that many who seem to be apprehending what do the Lord require is now settling to what is good to them. In this verse we can see that the Holy Spirit is teaching us the vision that God what man to apprehend and to hold tightly "devoted to what is good". In old testament it was recorded in Mic 6:8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.And what does the Lord require of you?To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. NIV . May we who are in the service of the Lord really show that we are devoted to this, not because we are holding to our own interest but of the Lords'. If we would only consider all things as of the Lord,the fightings, back bitings and division would have been diminished if not erradicated. We might be living in a better world than what we have today. Sometimes, we are no different from the people of the world who does only good to those who does them good. Jesus said that unless we do exceed the goodness of the pharisee, we will not enter His kingdom. (Matt 5:20). Friends, what motivates you to do what you are doing? If its not what the Lord require, then you are heading to useless endeavor. Some, do good to keep their control, position and benefits. But may the Lord found true servant in you, that though you might lost everything that you have and have worked for, you still keep doing what is good!
Devotion to God can greatly expressed by being devoted to what is good, good in His standard and rating.
May you found yourself doing these, as He said, this is excellent and profitable to everyone! ..And this is what the Lord require of us!
Let us begin to populate our church, our community and our society with those who are devoted in doing what is good! Let us multiply the likeness of Jesus in this generation. Let us replenish the earth with the kind of people God wants! Starting with us!
This does not mean that we will feed all the hungry people that we know or give everything we have to the person we meet across the street, but its the giving of our right, our privilege to be rewarded, opportunity to have more, in order to advance the Kingdom of God and for our King, who is our Lord Jesus to be honored by many through us! Lets look for that opportunity to do good for Him even at the cost of our everything!
God bless and be devoted to what is good!!!
Till the next time!
Bong
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Today's Devotion- "I see the Lord"
Isa 6:1-2 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. NIV
How many times in our lives that,we have lost the sight of God. He had been clouded by many good thing in this world. But, until the lost of this good that we begin to see Him better. Sometimes it really need to loss what is good to see the "One who is Good". That's why we must beware of allowing ourselves to be consumed by many things that surround us, for time will come that they will be taken from us and we will only be left from where we start; having nothing but Him. This is the reason why the bible is encouraging us to always focus our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2). For only Him is our permanent possession. He is our permanent friend, comfort and our ever present King. Like Isaiah, may the death of our earthly security and comfort (represented by king uzziah) be a route back to the undying security and comfort that God gave us since the time of our birth and became more overflowing when we were "born again". This is the reason why, there is no permanent source of joy in this life, no permanent friend, no permanent companion, no permanent possession, so that when we lost something , we thought to be so valuable, we will see the Lord beyond it, for He is the only one who is everlasting. Therefore, the only one to be permanent to be seen! "I see the Lord" must be our assuring declaration, in the midst of this changing generation, in this economic regression in this over loading, burdenedful life. For when we see Him, we will see who really is the King! The Lord Almighty. The One who is Holy!
Now I understand why, in loneliness, we can rejoice, in detrayal you can have peace, in lost of everything, we possesses only what is best! "I see the Lord"!!!
Till the next time!
Bong G
How many times in our lives that,we have lost the sight of God. He had been clouded by many good thing in this world. But, until the lost of this good that we begin to see Him better. Sometimes it really need to loss what is good to see the "One who is Good". That's why we must beware of allowing ourselves to be consumed by many things that surround us, for time will come that they will be taken from us and we will only be left from where we start; having nothing but Him. This is the reason why the bible is encouraging us to always focus our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:2). For only Him is our permanent possession. He is our permanent friend, comfort and our ever present King. Like Isaiah, may the death of our earthly security and comfort (represented by king uzziah) be a route back to the undying security and comfort that God gave us since the time of our birth and became more overflowing when we were "born again". This is the reason why, there is no permanent source of joy in this life, no permanent friend, no permanent companion, no permanent possession, so that when we lost something , we thought to be so valuable, we will see the Lord beyond it, for He is the only one who is everlasting. Therefore, the only one to be permanent to be seen! "I see the Lord" must be our assuring declaration, in the midst of this changing generation, in this economic regression in this over loading, burdenedful life. For when we see Him, we will see who really is the King! The Lord Almighty. The One who is Holy!
Now I understand why, in loneliness, we can rejoice, in detrayal you can have peace, in lost of everything, we possesses only what is best! "I see the Lord"!!!
Till the next time!
Bong G
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Today's Devotion-Hearing God
Gen 15:1After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision:
"Do not be afraid, Abram.I am your shield, your very great reward." NIV
Many people today wants to be heard, and some wants to hear someone who would give them guidance, counsel and advice on life and other related matters. But how about you? As a christian our greatest desire should both heard and hear God, for in Him we have placed our hope in this life and in the life to come! There will be many who will be saying so much and so seemingly important points, ideas and principles, but to us the most sought for is Gods word to us. Abraham heared God for he has obeyed God by faith and keep on looking for the opportunity to hear and even see what God is intending to do in His life. If we are not looking to hear from God, what else we could hear to be valued and listen too? Sometimes we just need to take a pause and rest from our busy schedule for the intent of hearing God, He might speak to us in a vision, in reading His word, in praying or in simply, meditating His goodness in us. This world becomes so noisy that we could hardly hear Him, who has the Word of Life for us! Get yourself into a place where the only reason of being there, is to hear God. HE will for sure has a word for you! We all know that "Man doe not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Mat 4:4). God bless and remember, the greatest vision is "God"!
He is just waiting in a place, in a situation where you will know He cares!!! He is our greatest reward!!!
Till next time!
Bong G
"Do not be afraid, Abram.I am your shield, your very great reward." NIV
Many people today wants to be heard, and some wants to hear someone who would give them guidance, counsel and advice on life and other related matters. But how about you? As a christian our greatest desire should both heard and hear God, for in Him we have placed our hope in this life and in the life to come! There will be many who will be saying so much and so seemingly important points, ideas and principles, but to us the most sought for is Gods word to us. Abraham heared God for he has obeyed God by faith and keep on looking for the opportunity to hear and even see what God is intending to do in His life. If we are not looking to hear from God, what else we could hear to be valued and listen too? Sometimes we just need to take a pause and rest from our busy schedule for the intent of hearing God, He might speak to us in a vision, in reading His word, in praying or in simply, meditating His goodness in us. This world becomes so noisy that we could hardly hear Him, who has the Word of Life for us! Get yourself into a place where the only reason of being there, is to hear God. HE will for sure has a word for you! We all know that "Man doe not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Mat 4:4). God bless and remember, the greatest vision is "God"!
He is just waiting in a place, in a situation where you will know He cares!!! He is our greatest reward!!!
Till next time!
Bong G
Monday, December 1, 2008
Today's Devotion-A clear vision - pursuit of Christ
Prov 29:18
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: KJV
Phil 3:8
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,KJV
Every person who lived has a dream a vision and a goal in life. Some lived not knowing where they are going. The man who does not have any clear vision in life will have the tendency to live a life with out the sense of fulfillment. They will just face the day and spend it the way it leads them, and at the end of the day as they look back it seems the only thing that happened was a day that passed. God gave us the ability to dream, to plan and to achieved it with all the God given abilities. We will be accountable to how we lived this life. We will either waste it, or fulfill His vision for us. Jer 29:11; is a guide for us to know the vision, the plan the pursuit we should look forward! We might have strived and gained, but what an everlasting joy and gain Christ can bring to them whose vision is him! The vision to be found by Christ in the fulness of Him! It might not be as popular as others pursuit, but theres not like it in this world and life to a sincere christian! Nothing is more valued in his life than Christ his Lord!
We might become rich, well known, wise and sought too! But all these things matters not, if Christ is not the pursuit of it and the ultimte and totality of it!
Friends let us have a clear vision of knowing, living and exalting Christ! A pursuit that will be the greatest of all!
Till next time!
Bong G.
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: KJV
Phil 3:8
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,KJV
Every person who lived has a dream a vision and a goal in life. Some lived not knowing where they are going. The man who does not have any clear vision in life will have the tendency to live a life with out the sense of fulfillment. They will just face the day and spend it the way it leads them, and at the end of the day as they look back it seems the only thing that happened was a day that passed. God gave us the ability to dream, to plan and to achieved it with all the God given abilities. We will be accountable to how we lived this life. We will either waste it, or fulfill His vision for us. Jer 29:11; is a guide for us to know the vision, the plan the pursuit we should look forward! We might have strived and gained, but what an everlasting joy and gain Christ can bring to them whose vision is him! The vision to be found by Christ in the fulness of Him! It might not be as popular as others pursuit, but theres not like it in this world and life to a sincere christian! Nothing is more valued in his life than Christ his Lord!
We might become rich, well known, wise and sought too! But all these things matters not, if Christ is not the pursuit of it and the ultimte and totality of it!
Friends let us have a clear vision of knowing, living and exalting Christ! A pursuit that will be the greatest of all!
Till next time!
Bong G.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)