He knows everything

May 2 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you tomorrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him. And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle and told Paul. Acts 23:14-16 It was neither coincidence nor accident that Paul’s nephew was in earshot of the plan to kill Paul, it was part of God’s program for Paul. At some point in their walk, most believers ask, 'How can I know what God wants me to do?’ And, like Elijah in 1 Kings 19, they sit in a cave, wondering. Like Elijah, they feel the earth shaking — but the Lord is not in the earthquake. They see the fire glowing — but the Lord is not in the fire. They watch the wind blowing — but the Lord is not in the wind. Many people are still looking for an earth-shaking confirmation, a fiery illumination, or a wind to blow them in Divine direction. But it’s much simpler than that. As Elijah discovered, God’s is a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12). The Lord whispers in your heart, writes desires upon your heart, and then gives confirmation to your heart through situations and people around you. Accuse me of being simplistic, but I find it so wonderful to say, ‘Father, this is the desire of my heart. I’m going to pursue this course, knowing You will close and open doors — as You lead me in a supernaturally natural way.’ For whatever question you face presently, just make sure your heart is open to the Lord — and He’ll have a nephew in the right place at the right time who will overhear a conversation, go to the Roman captain, and set events in motion which the world will call luck, but in which you’ll see the hand of God. DUX'S THOUGHTS/poem God is omniscient, He knows all the stars by name  Nothing escapes His attention.  God's greatness is incomparable to anything,  But He loves us, we who are specks in this vast creation and He is aware of our situation.  Our role, is simply to trust and obey  To take a step of faith each waking moment  Not to waver when storms hit the ground  Knowing that God sits on the throne.  These little things that bother us  These monstrous concerns that rob our peace of mind  Will be kissed away if we focus on Jesus  Did He not tell us, love casts out all fears? Therefore, let us navigate this life for His glory, We will read His word, that on Jesus road we stay, We will keep our ears open to that small voice, That His will shall be our choice.

About Following Jesus Christ

MAY 1, 2015 (ENGLISH)
Bible Text: Matthew 16:24 | Dr. Harold J. Sala
Series: The Guidelines Commentary

Notes

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

Let’s face it. Jesus did a lot of things differently from the way we would have done them. Say, for example, when He recruited the band of fishermen, a tax collector, small businessmen, to help change the world. He walked by and simply said, “Follow me!” That was it--neither more nor less–unless you add the words, “And I will make you to be fishers of men!”

I think that had I had that responsibility, I would, perhaps, have said, “OK, let’s sit down and think through the requirements for this task. Let’s start with theology. What’s important? Write it down. Then let’s talk about lifestyle. You know I detest people making money off the poor people, so let’s ask our followers to make a commitment to a lifestyle of simplicity—no fancy cars or condominiums overlooking the Mediterranean. And so forth.”

In the couple of minutes which remain on today’s edition of Guidelines, may I point out four things about following Him who called twelve men to change the world?

1. Following Jesus is a day-by-day, one-step-at-a-time sort of experience. The longest journey in the world is accomplished one step at a time. Mt. Everest, the highest mountain on this planet, is also climbed one step at a time. But following Jesus is akin to following someone in a dungeon or dark cave who carries a torch. As long as you stay close to him, you have enough light to see where you are going, but lag behind and you are immediately engulfed in darkness. No wonder Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

2. Following Jesus Christ is rather scary until you understand He is more powerful than any storm which will ever confront you. Matthew records how on a certain occasion a scribe (that’s a teacher of the law) came to Jesus and said, “I’ll follow you wherever you go,” but his was an empty boast. There is no record that he ever followed anywhere. A second said, “I’ll follow you, too, but first I must go bury my father.” Again nothing indicates that person ever got around to joining the parade. But the disciples did follow, and that was into the face of a terrible storm. The bottom line is that you are going to face the storm in life whether or not you follow Christ. The only difference is whether or not He is in the boat with you, or you are all alone on the dark ocean of life. Matthew 8 tells us that Jesus rebuked the storm and peace came to the troubled waters.

3. Following Jesus Christ is challenging. He told them that if they would follow Him, they must deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Anyone who carries his cross has no agenda apart from that of the one He follows. If that isn’t challenging, nothing is.

4. But then following Him is rewarded. “I will make you fishers of men,” He promised those who had walked away from their nets. If you enjoy sports fishing, you’ll agree that battling the big one is exciting. Seeing a fish dance on the water, testing his mettle against your ability is challenging, but once you land the big one, what do you have? A fishing story and a dead fish in the bottom of the boat. But when you fish for men and land a big one, you have a trophy of grace, a living testimony to the fact that Jesus Christ still changes the lives of those who will leave their nets and follow Him.

He still challenges men and women, saying, “Follow me!” It’s the adventure of a lifetime.

Resource reading: Matthew 16

DUX' THOUGHTS

The greatest achievement in life is to know the truth in Jesus and embrace it for the rest of our lives. Following Jesus is never easy for the world will hate us but we must brave our calling because apart from Jesus is death  and nothing more. 

it is more than a jewel

the truth itself is life and meaning

yes we have them, in Jesus our dear King

so do not quit following,

there is no other safe  and joyful road.

at the Shepherd's side, your last breath on earth is your first in heaven

while you live, take it to the streets

the gospel and the miracles

let the people see how gracious and mighty this perfect one we call Jesus Christ.

Go take that step of Faith

May 1
	And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
	Acts 22:10
‘Go into the city, Paul, and when you get there, further instructions will be given.’ That’s always the way of the Lord: One step at a time. He gives His people one instruction, and waits until they obey it before more information is given. In the midst of a great revival taking place through Philip’s ministry in Samaria, the Lord told him to go to Gaza. Philip obeyed, and the Ethiopian eunuch was saved (Acts 8). While Peter was praying on his rooftop, the Lord instructed him to follow three men who would knock on his door. Peter obeyed, and the house of Cornelius was converted (Acts 10). The Lord called Abraham from Ur, and told him to follow Him one step at a time. Abraham obeyed, and a nation was born (Hebrews 11:8). Every time the Lord calls a man or a woman, every time He wants to bless someone, He does it by encouraging them to take a step of faith. Many times a lot of us miss out on years, or even a lifetime, of being in God’s will because we don’t act on the singular instruction He gives us. Precious people, we must obey the one thing the Lord has made known to us either through His Word, through times of prayer, or through the desires He has placed within our hearts. If we knew how it was going to work — it wouldn’t be faith. If we knew where the supplies would come from — it wouldn’t be faith. If we had it all mapped out — it wouldn’t be faith. Faith says, ‘Okay, Lord. Like Abraham I don’t know exactly how it’s all going to work out — but here we go!’ In 1 Samuel 14, the Israelites were at a stand-off in a battle against the Philistines. Perhaps looking up at the stars one night, Jonathan was reminded that the Creator Who made such beauty and displayed such glory was with him constantly. Perhaps pondering God’s promise that one could chase one thousand and two could put to flight ten thousand if they were in God’s will (Deuteronomy 32:30), he poked his armor-bearer and said, ‘Let’s sneak over to the Philistine camp, and see what the Lord might want to do.’ So while the other guys snoozed, Jonathan and his armor-bearer made their way to the camp of the Philistines. As they approached the Philistine garrison, Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, ‘Now wait a minute. We want to be men of faith, but we don’t want to be fools. I’ll yell to the Philistines, and if they say, ‘Stay there, you guys. We see you, and we’re coming to get you,’ — we’ll split and make our way back to camp as fast as we can. But, if they say, ‘Come up here you guys. We’ll take you on’ — we’ll take that as a word from the Lord, and we’ll go get them.’ That’s the way I believe the Christian life should be lived: by taking steps of faith without being foolish. We should put on our armor, get ready for battle, go out to the edge and say, ‘Here we are, Lord. What do You want to do?’ Jonathan called out. The Philistine answered, ‘Hey, come up here and we’ll teach you guys a lesson,’ — and Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, ‘God is with us. Let’s go get ’em.’ God was indeed with them, and a great, miraculous victory took place that day, when two guys took on an entire army — and won. Stepping out in faith and yet always being willing to pull back if God isn’t in it — that’s the key. Step out in faith — but if you sense the Lord’s not in it, re-group, and see what else He might want to do. Be a Jonathan. Take a step of faith. You’ll never regret it.

daily devotional series of Pastor Jon Courson

COVER: KMNABK by NC and Chinito of YC

I never wanted that I will be left behind

I never imagined it would happen to me

Life must go when you're gone with no intention of returning

However,  it does not mean that everything is taken easy and lightly 

For I struggled to keep my heart steady.

Behind the smiles and positive attitude

Is a heart hoping to be healed

A mind trying not understand what went wrong

A soul that looked onward 

A hopeful self, every pain ends.

God knows how much I beg Him to take it away from me 

I could not keep him who says "I love you" to someone else

Above all, I must start all over again for the sake of my prince

He must find me as though I never loved someone before him

I long for that relationship where people will note it a "blessing".

As one cannot hurry love, so is moving on.
My ultimate prayer after all, 
Father, let Your will be done :-)
At whatever angle life is to be seen, 
One conclusion is true, God is good all the time.


Only time would reveal the wisdom behind my story
A dear prince could have been praying hard for my hand
In setting me aside for him, God heard him well
I do not know who shall be my lifetime partner
But I'm sure we will live, serve and worship God together.

Naku cenxa talaga sa pitchy singing na ito hehehe
Biglang sumingit ang babysitting sa aking pagbabasa, karaoke naisip kong pang entertain kay Zian :-) di naman pumalag.

There is so much fun capturing moments like those two above :-) bahala na di pang recording ang pagkanta basta nakakataba ng puso.

HS 101

Why Jesus Called Men

APRIL 30, 2015 (ENGLISH)
Bible Text: Matthew 4:19 | Dr. Harold J. Sala
Series: The Guidelines Commentary

NOTES

“Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19
As the morning light pierced the eastern sky over the little village of Bethsaida at the northern end of Galilee, two brothers arose from their pallets, ate a light breakfast—probably fish and bread—and headed for the boats. We know them as Peter and Andrew, and if this sleepy pair thought, “Another day fishing!”, little did they know how the events of that particular day were going to forever change the direction of their life.

They had no sooner thrown their net into the water when a stranger, dressed in a seamless Galilean robe, walked by. He saw the two brothers and said, “Follow me!” It was both an invitation and a command. They knew that this one who summoned them was an itinerant rabbi who had been visiting synagogues in Galilee and who also stirred up considerable controversy.

But when Jesus called these two, there was an immediate connection, and they walked away from their nets to follow Him. Later that morning Jesus recruited another set of brothers, James and John, from the same village, in all probability acquaintances if not friends of Peter and Andrew.

But what was it that was so compelling? The tone of His voice? His eyes which could reflect the kindness that caused a child to respond or flash fire that caused others to cringe? Was it His compelling personality? Or was there something, perhaps deep in their hearts, that made them ponder the possibility that this was the Messiah who would throw off the tyranny of Rome?

Notice, if you would, that five men are involved in this drama which took place on the shores of Galilee long ago—Jesus, and two sets of brothers: Peter and Andrew, and James and John. In the months that followed, Jesus recruited another eight men to be part of that executive committee, that inner circle of ordinary men, following an extraordinary person. We call them Apostles.

Observe that there was not a woman among them. Does that seem strange? For a few moments focus with me on what makes you either masculine or feminine. About six weeks following conception the hypothalamus gland in your brain kicks into gear and sends signals to your body which says, “Turn the testosterone loose.” “Or open the faucet on estrogen,” and whichever hormone it is makes you completely masculine or feminine.

Scientists in the laboratory have discovered that there are basic differences between the brains of males and females, and it is your brain that determines how you think, and how you think determines how you act. It’s been interesting to note that at the very time feminists have been trying to wipe out sexual differences, scientists have been discovering how different we really are.

Men are aggressive by nature; women are nurturing or compliant. Neither is better than the other, just different. It was God’s purpose for a husband and wife to come together and become one flesh, yet, as Zig Zigler points out, “You can’t have a parade of two cars until you decide which one will lead the parade.”

When men follow in the footsteps of Him who beckoned the four fishermen brothers, women will walk hand in hand with them, side by side, and they won’t have to worry about the next generation. They will follow in their footsteps.

The reality is that the words of Jesus continue to echo through the corridors of time, and He still summons men to follow Him. Why follow Him? Simple! When you follow, you get to know Him, and when you know Him, you will love Him, and when you love Him, you obey him, and that includes leading your family and loving your wife as He loved the church. That’s enough love to satisfy any woman. Think about it.

Resource reading: Matthew 4:18-22

DUX THOUGHTS:

God was not being unfair when He instructed wives to submit to their husbands. God being perfect knew what's best for His creation. We do not need to extra analyze things because life is way better if we simply TRUST and OBEY God.

No one could blame me if would desire for a man after God's own heart. Like king David, perfection is not a requirement to earn God's favor. What David has was a repentant heart and all his victories came forth because he sought to the face of the Lord. On the other hand, all of his defeats were fruits of going ahead of God and disobedience to His commands. 

David and Bathsheba had a bad start, they were involved in an adulterous relationship which even led David to commit murder against Uriah (Bathsheba's husband). David commanded his general Joab to put Uriah on the first line of the defense so that Uriah would be struck and die during the battle. The child born out of that sinful union died. 

Nathan confronted David of his sin and David wholeheartedly repented of his sin.

Notice how the story went on, Bathsheba was the mother of Solomon, the wisest man and king on earth before Christ. This wise KING whose other name is King Lemuel wrote a good account of his mother found in Proverbs 31.

Yes folks, the virtuous wife in proverbs 31 was no other than BATHSHEBA.

When a man who is bound to lead his family has a repentant heart and is devoted in seeking the Lord's face in his decision-makings and desires would most probably produce a good family where wisdom, favor and joy dwell. More so if this godly man is paired to a godly woman.It is not a perfect union but is a blessed union and the most important thing, God is glorified in there relationship.

RESOURCE: 2 Samuel chap 11-12

Acts 13:22

And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse,a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’

God knows everything. He knew David will fall into sin but He still chose him to lead his people and from whose lineage Jesus will come forth. Despite David's imperfection, God called him to be  A MAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART.

I could relate to David and Bathsheba's journey. 

If i recall it right, it was around July of 2004 that I first attended a midweek bible study at Calvary Chapel Iloilo then it took me almost 2 months before I finally decided to join the Sunday fellowship. Then I regularly show up on prayer meetings and I did not miss the Youth fellowship when the church had one sometime during the 2nd semester. 

Counting it correctly, I was in constant fellowship and fully immersed in bible studies for 7 months before I threw the white towel.Though I heard the truth, I was worshiping Jesus and was being transformed each day of my life then BUT still I took a long time until I finally decided to surrender everything to God!

I sang in my heart that I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS, NO TURNING BACK, NO TURNING BACK only on the 8th month since I heard the truth. I may be growing in my knowledge of His truth and grace but there must be a point where I should decide with what to do with all that I know. The moment of total commitment to live for him was made on that particular day and that day changed my forever. 

It was more than accepting Christ as my personal Savior but a commitment to spend the rest of my life seeking His will in my life. It was more than enjoying His goodness but sharing it too to others. It was more than receiving His blessings but constantly desiring how to return the favor and put a smile on His face. 

I took 7 long months (February 2005) before I surrendered all and I am glad that I am on the same road even after a decade when I made that lifelong commitment to love the Lord with ALL my heart, mind, soul and strength.

By God's grace, this growing relationship I have with Him will continue to be stronger as time passes by and may all the people I meet along would desire the same.

Bahala na matagal basta magtatagal :-)