29 August 2016

Finished the book of Acts. It was Paul's journey from his conversion to His pursuit of sharing the Word of the Lord first to the Jews then to Gentiles. 

God shows His faithfulness to Paul at successes and trials. 

Paul's aim is to finish his race for which God has called him heavenward in Christ Jesus. 

God, in many instances in the book, allows things to happen for our thanksgiving, also prevents things from happening for protection, preservation, all for His glory. 

28 August 2016

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.”

Titus 1:15 NIV

God's promise:

“To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.”

2 Samuel 22:26-27 NIV

Dear Lord, I pray for clean hands and a pure heart. To do good and to see the good in all things. Amen. 

27 August 2016

I was praying when I saw a vision of God's comfort. I hiked through forest, felt very tired, my muscles very sore. I found a brook leading to a river. I heared the sound of many waters. It was so inviting. It was warm. I soaked into it and found comfort.  I swam as long as I have wanted. After I was cleansed, I felt that feeling I use to feel after a long, satisfied swim. I was physically tired but relaxed. It has given me comfort.

26 August 2016

Wrote this on this date:

Alam kong mas matimyas ang panalangin at awit ng pusong sugatan

Salamat din sa panahon ng kapayapaan

Kung saan ang puso ko'y di man sugatan

Iyon ay dahil hindi Mo ako pinabayaan.

Maraming panahon na napakasarap magpuri at umiyak dahil ako'y nasasaktan

May panahon ding ang puso ko'y nasa payapang inaasam.

Salamat sa lahat ng oras

Maging ito ma'y pagsubok o pagpapasakop.

Salamat sa panahon ng kaligayan man o pagdarahop.

Sa lahat ng ito Ikaw ang hahanapin

Sayo lamang ang puso ko'y babaling.

25 August 2016

Paul, who had the right to boast and brag all that he has had said:

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV

In all that he has (wisdom, knowledge, gifts, understanding), he considered himself ganining nothing without love. He continued the chapter with what real love is. 

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV

Dear Father, I pray for this kind of love to share to everyone. 

24 August 2016

Peter needed to see his own human weakness in order to learn that his strength was inadequate. Peter had yet to learn what Paul learned: When I am weak then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:10

Jesus accepted, loved, and cared for Peter despite his shortcomings, his outrageous acts, his unplanned boldness. 

23 August 2016

Looked at myself today and remembered how much I've changed from that person of too much agitation and anxiety. I am relieved to knowing that His grace has changed me when I couldn't see myself ever getting well from it when it was happening. 

So today I am remembering the height from which I have fallen. (Rev 2:5). His grace has ever been sufficient. His strength has always been there multiplied in my weaknesses. I am grateful. 

22 August 2016

“So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?””

Hebrews 13:6 NIV

This has been one of my great comforts. I know that at the end of each day and ultimately, at the end of my life, it is only between me and God, not with any man. 

Fear of man is a trap, a snare (Proverbs 29:25a). As we know a trap cages you, but trusting the Lord means safety (25b). 

21 August 2016

Praying that He may put His awareness in me, so my self-awareness will disappear.

While God has given us freewill (and ot is one of His wills), our freewill must choose to will His will. 

19 August 2016

Dear Lord,

“Search me, God, 

and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 139:23-24 

20 August 2016

Luke 14:1-6, Jesus also eats with Pharisees as well as (and moreover) Jesus welcomes the sinners on His table to dine with Him (Matthew 9:10). As He received them, so we should. Share the Word, feel their affliction, uphold their cause, and live a life that cares. Like Jesus did.

Let us remove ourselves from being a Pharisee who points other people's guilt, shame their situation, and mock their individuality  (Matt 9:10). Everyone is important to the Lord. 

God intends a full house and for his eternal food to be enjoyed. So he gave his one and only Son to give his life a ransom for many (John 3:16, Mark 10:45)  and to have guests (Jews and Gentiles, sinners and even Pharisees to God's heavenly banquet. it is by receiving Him and His life and continuing to work out our salvation and righteousness with Him, everyday. 

18 August 2016

If it is from the Lord, He will do it. Even if people are against it.

“But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: 

“Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 

After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: 

Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.””

Acts 5:34-39 NIV