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
Friday, October 31, 2008
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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