Showing posts with label philipphians. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Thinking Good Things
Do you believe that the state of your emotion is mainly caused by the things you think? Usually, the stress we experience is because of our internal battle. Be reminded that our mind is a special gift from God. Imagine, there are more than billions of thoughts that our minds can process but we have the freedom to choose what to think.
The bible says - "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" (Philippians 4:8). It is very clear that Paul was saying that we can choose what we think and his words encourages us to think only the right things because they impact our lives.
Minsan ang iniisip natin sa umaga pa lang is our problems, struggles and remedies that can be done. But once you open your eyes, isn't it wonderful to thank the Lord and think of the blessings that He can give us? Pag nagto-throwback tayo, mas nakakatuwang isipin at alalahanin yung mga magagandang bagay na nangyari di ba? And with our current status, if we are in the midst of trials, it is way better to think about the things that are praiseworthy because we have a lot to be thankful for the Lord. If you start the day with happy thoughts then your whole day will be awesome.
So let's focus on the good things only. Sabi nga ng isang mentee ko, "let's focus on the positive things na lang because the world is not perfect". Then sabi din ng isa kong mentee, "life is better if puno ng love and compassion ang puso natin and hindi puro galit, pride and ego". So... itigil mo na yang pagpapakataas at pagwo-worry, focus tayo sa good things at sa mga magagandang bagay na nangyayari sa buhay natin.
Photo credit: thinkingzone.com
Saturday, January 7, 2017
Setting Goals
On my way back to Dubai, I was seating in the plane and was thinking that this year will be a very good and fruitful year for our church. It made me think to do planning and vision casting. So after landing and getting a cab, I immediately asked the team to get ready for an exciting activity. Below is the teaching that revealed to me during my devotion last Wednesday and Thursday.
IS SETTING GOALS UNSPIRITUAL?
No! Many people wrongly think, "Goal setting is unspiritual because it shows a lack of trust. It's not right to plan. Instead, people should wait for God to lead them.” Granted, God doesn't want us to forge ahead in pride without consulting Him for direction. But neither does He want us to sit around without acting, because He's given us gifts and talents and has also said that we are called to do good works.
Ephesians 2:8-10 (8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.)
Forging ahead without seeking God or sitting back and doing nothing can stem from fear or a lack of faith. However, setting goals and consulting with Him shows that you trust Him and believe that He is able to lead you while you are moving forward.
The main verse that we studied was Philippians 3:13-14.
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Setting goals is a part of spiritual discipline
- Before you can ever accomplish anything meaningful in life, you have to see what God sees so you can see what God can do in your life
- Once you are able to see what God can do, then you have to believe he will really do it
- You have to believe he can help you make the changes you need to make
- If you don't believe change is possible, you won't even make the effort to change
- But once you believe you can actually change, then you will be able to set faith goals
1. Set Goals Like Running in a Race (v 13)
- TAKE HOLD (Apprehend, Make it my own) - to reach the goals, claim it as you have received and accomplished it.
- FORGETTING (Not to have remembrance, Not looking back) - forget the past and old failure but never omit the lessons that you have learned from it
- STRAINING TOWARD (Forward, Reaching Forth) - focus your eyes on God, focus on accomplishing good works. No laziness, no weakness, no backing down. Aim for gold!
2. Set Goals Like Winning A Prize (v 14)
- PRESS ON (Pursuing, Chasing, Running) - it is about winning the prize which is knowing God more and hear His calling. Again, setting goals is a part of spiritual discipline. It's not just a good idea; the Bible says you need to set goals in order to grow in your faith. Goals stretch you and help you become all God wants you to be.
God is a God who sets goals, and he expects you to set them too. Like the Apostle Paul, he wants us to say: Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. (1 Corinthians 9:26)
You will make mistakes in setting goals. It's OK. Because God wants to see you do His will, He will teach you the way to go as you walk in faith. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (Psalm 32:8)
After the teaching, I divided the team into two groups and put the goals that we will accomplish and might able to attain. It turned out to be exciting and the ideas were pouring out:
After the teaching, I divided the team into two groups and put the goals that we will accomplish and might able to attain. It turned out to be exciting and the ideas were pouring out:
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Nothing is Impossible
When I heard that there was a plan of building Hope church in Dubai, at first, I thought it won't be easy since this is a Muslim country and besides, there are big Christian churches that have been established here. I told to myself, it is impossible. How can we invite members as it is not allowed to do it publicly (in Singapore, we can distribute some pamphlets about the church in a mall or street)? How can we start, we don't have any leaders here? Where do we get the money to spend in lifegroup and services? But those doubts suddenly diminished when inch by inch, we reached our goal. This November we will be celebrating our first anniversary and I couldn't believe it! It has been a whirlwind and exciting journey.
This experience thought me that indeed, nothing is impossible with His guidance. I am so blessed to meet these believers who helped hand in hand in building this Hope church in Dubai. As the saying of my forever favorite verse (Philippians 4:13) - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". We are all overcomers and if sometimes we experience problem that seems to have no solutions and we don't know what to do, we should learn to focus our eyes only to Him because He will teach us lessons that we can't learn in any other way. It is also an opportunity to understand and nurture His presence in the midst of a situation of walls of nothingness.
When we are asking the question 'What am I going to do?', just remember John 6:5-6 (5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do). These are all tests and there is nothing, as in nothing that He can't do even in our wildest imagination. It is a reminder that we need to implement things according to His process and procedures and that everything comes from God and not from human solutions and resources.
In every obstacle that we face, just remember that God has the solution and sometimes, He might require our involvement and participation to achieve. He may even ask us to do something unreasonable for us. But believe me; everything is within reasons and for our own good. Initially I had many doubts about planting church here in Dubai but now, it so fulfilling that we have accomplished something that can please Him. We didn't do it on our own, we believe He has always been guiding us and giving us wisdom when it comes to decision making.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
What to Expect When You Are Expecting
Oh yeah the title seems to be about pregnancy but it is not. It is basically how to up lift our hope and expectations when we are asking something from God. I remember when my job in Barclays Capital ended, I prayed for a job that doesn't have a job rotation so that I don't have to work at night. After few weeks, my prayer was granted but I forgot to mention Him that I did not want to be an "on call support". But my new job that time required me to be available for any system malfunction at night. Then I remember a preaching from a pastor before that we should pray for the exact things that we want and not too vague.
When we are talking and praying to God and basically asking something, we should be more specific and don't settle for less. Sometimes, we hesitate to pray specifically because we don't have enough faith that anything is possible; we put in our mind that any prayer results will be just fine. Even Jesus prayed a specific item during His execution (Luke 22:42 - “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”). He sets himself to accept the Father's will, but he prays for deliverance. To help us pray more effectively, I have enumerated some things that we should always remember:
- Anything is Possible with Him. Oh yes, He has unlimited power and can reach anything. (Luke 18:27 - Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”)
- Pray with Confidence. Stop being embarrassed for what you are praying for. Even if it is a partner in life, a better paying job or a new house in a famous village, be positive for the best answers. We should always be confident and that confidence starts with knowing that thru Him, we can do anything (Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength")
- Strengthen your Faith. Believing into something that He promised us even it is not visible thru our eyes is a way of assurance from Him. Faith is one of the most important factors of our foundation and we should continue to hold on to it. (Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see")
- Prosper your Hope. Keep on asking for what you pray for until you heard His voice saying that "this is what I have prepared for you" and be assured that He has the perfect answers that resulted from our Hope that everything will be okay in His perfect time. Continue to ask without hesitations. (Luke 18:1 - "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up")
Image taken from powertochange.com
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
What to do with Criticisms?
Recently, I did an action that might be questionable to others and that might lead to be criticized by other Christians. But I don't want to argue about it since it was my personal decision and declaration and I believe that my relationship with Him is as strong as before or even stronger. In Christian life, we can't escape criticisms from others; on why we are doing the things we do and what our real intentions are. These kinds of questionings might lead to conflict with others and we will be tested on how we will act and respond on it. How can we handle such situations and what are the godly ways to do it? How can we show that despite those damaging words and thoughts, we can still avoid great conflicts?
The best examples and answers to these questions are visible in Paul's life. If you will read Philippians 1:12-18 (12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice), you will see how Paul reacted on the criticisms of other members of church in Rome. Despite those conflicts and questions of intentions, he still showed positive attitude towards it because he was confident that he is doing what God wanted him to do: it was to share words and gospel. On his letters, you will not see any harsh words; instead, he spoke of encouragement and resolution to avoid conflicts. He also did not defend himself but the words and his love of God were exposed. It was so unbelievable that even he was in chains, he still rejoiced and celebrated the joys of being with Christ.
In real life, there will be people who will bring us down and can lead to loss of focus. The best thing that we can do is to look upon Him and clear out our hearts and offer Him the greatest praise. Some criticisms can be hurtful and painful but in His arms, there will be rest and peace. Don't act negatively and don't ever think about of revenge and vengeance. The most important thing is that we know from ourselves that our intentions are clean and that no harm will be put in our relationship with Christ. But in some instances, we can accept suggestions from others and check ourselves if we might need some corrections with our actions. But these things should never ever lead to doubt and loss of faith. Ask God for help and stay intact with your beliefs and understanding. As the song goes, "and if our God is for us, then who can stand against?"
Image taken from spacedragons.com
Monday, February 4, 2013
All About Positivity
Isn't it great that when you wake up in the morning, positive vibrations are embracing you that will make the entire day full of happiness? Actually, we are the one who decides this kind of instance. We should be thankful that God gave us another day to enjoy His presence and witness the beauty of the world. We have known that this game called life has a straight and short path towards to His Kingdom but it has a lot of challenges and obstacles that we must overcome and believe me, they aren't easy. But the good thing is that we have the power to cultivate positive thinking and looking every situation in the positive side, that's positivity and optimism.
When you are happy at the start of the day, good things will come next. Love can easily be shown to others and a smile can erase a frown. Can you imagine yourself with a sad face the entire day? That is really bad; don't let the situation crush you. In Proverbs 17:22, it says there that "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." If you will let others define your day, then it will only lead to a bad thing. We can start our day by a prayer and reading the bible. It is really good to have devotion in the morning (though I'm not saying night time isn't good) because your mind and heart are still fresh and it feels so good to feed them His words and a joyful soul will follow.
Also, don't worry about everything. Be confident that He will always be there to guide us and that we should be thankful for the blessings that we are receiving instead of questioning of what we don't have. Worrying will not add a single minute into our lives so why waste it? As they say, time is gold and it also says in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." He is just there, waiting for us to ask and a simple thanks will fill His heart with gladness. It is always better to be positive than negative.
For the past few weeks, I've been very sad for no apparent reason (uhmmm, maybe because I was sick hehe) but I think I had some obstacles and I am very happy as I was able to overcome them. There is nothing I cannot do without His help (Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength"). I was having this feeling of negativity but I said, hey, why would I let this single thing ruin my day than to enjoy the life that He gave me? I must stand up and try to be the best person that I should be for His eyes. Believe me friends, it is always good to smile and have a positive outlook. It is your choice to be positive or negative about life, ask yourself, which will give you hope, strength and more wisdom? It is okay to be sad for a while (maybe 30 seconds) but remember these two important words: confidence and faith.
Image taken from enoughisenoughau.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Humility and Humbleness
My devotion this morning is about not trying to step on to others or compete with them or show them that you are better than them. Then I read on my Facebook news feed these words: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less." I think we had the same devotion but I'm not sure but I believe that this is the words God wants me to convey and learn today. It is not bad being proud about ourselves but still, there are guidelines and factors that we need to consider. In my opinion, those praises are better if given to us naturally, without demanding about it and be humble on accepting it. Humility is a manner of modest or low view of one's own importance.
We should imitate the humility showed to us by Jesus and it is also a direct command from Him which can be found in Philippians 2:3-4 "3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." It is very clear, never think of yourself as better than others and don't think or do something for your own interest. Maybe on a normal day, we have the tendency to compare and look others and say to ourselves, "oh, I have a better job than him", "oh, I will do this thing to just to prove I am the best", "oh, I am better looking than him", "oh well, my clothes and shoes are branded because I can afford it and he can't". Be reminded that our attitudes and actions are interdependent. Our actions will show what we are inside; it is very hard to deny it. What inner attitudes we have may affect others and is the cause of our outward attitude.
Pride can be a primary source of selfishness and we might not be aware but sometimes the way we boast and building up ourselves by bringing down others is unacceptable. There is no one in this world that is better than the other one. Be reminded that what we have now or any victories that we have reached, all came from Him so instead of always aiming to be on top and number one, why don't we share it to others. Encourage them, teach them and never underestimate the attitude of humility and outcome it may bring to others. When we are doing good to others, do not think that it will give us some points and target self-interest just to show that we are way on the higher steps than others. Do not treat ourselves as the most important person in the world; instead, the best way to clothes ourselves with humility towards others is by regarding them as more important than ourselves. If we will reflect on this attitude with Christ, we are set free from the bondage of selfishness and empowered to put the interests and needs of others above our own. The result of this manner is a way to spirit of love and unity.
Image taken from healthland.time.com
Thursday, November 22, 2012
The True Meaning of Contentment
Many are saying that humans don't know how to be contented in anything; that it is the natural behavior of each one of us. What we normally do is that we compare ourselves with others and looking for anything that we might lack. It is not bad to aim higher or wish for upper grounds but when do we know that we should be contented? For example, you already have the latest iPad but since iPad mini have emerged, you want it too. You have a good job with a good salary but still after a few months, you might want higher pay since your lifestyle has changed. What is the true meaning of contentment and how can we make sure that we will grasp it.
In Philippians 4:10-13 (10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.), it is so amazing that Paul written these words while he was in prison and still, he had all the satisfaction that he needed. These verses clearly state that contentment is the freedom from worry and frustration about anything in life. Once we have learned and accepted that He is in control of everything, then we don't have to worry about everything. Let Him guide us in our every steps of our journey. Don't let any adversities or trials cheat us out of peace. Don't allow any negative intruders sink in our minds that will only lead us into discontentment.
We might have experienced how to be in great need and there were times that we are so plenty. These phases teach us the difference of having everything from nothing at all. That simplicity is a great virtue in every aspect and we should learn to be contented in a simple way. Free from any sadness and letting Him do the rest. There are some situations that we can't control and that it will only bring us again to discontentment. I'm not saying that once we have learned the true meaning of this thing is that we will never encounter anxiety or frustration again. The question here is how we should respond when are facing them. How should we act in times of uncontrollable things? Should we get angry? Do you try to escape? Are you becoming desperate? Why don't we imitate Paul, he surrendered everything to Jesus so that he will get the real peace.
image taken from northwestbc.com
image taken from northwestbc.com
Monday, June 4, 2012
Our Primary Goal
For sure most of us have set our goals for the next few years or so on. This may include a family, a car, a house and lot or even small things such as losing ten pounds or gain more weight or even completin
g our lovely collection of bags, shoes, dress, etc. But have you asked yourself about achieving spiritual goals? We need to understand that goal is a purpose or direction toward we work. Have you planned how to grow and be matured spiritually? Is he included in your "goals list" and dreams. Words for the day: Philippians 3:7-14 (7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.)
I believe that He comes first in everything we do, let's try to be more passionate in meeting Him everyday and make it an exciting encounter always. Sometimes I feel so lazy and even forget to do my devotion every morning but one thing that I always ensure is that I can still pray and put even a little amount of time in praying, even on my office desk. I spend around 15 to 20 minutes of praying and reading some scriptures. Also, this blog is absolutely for Him. It is one way of getting close to Him and to share the world how great His love to us. I believe that in order to achieve this goal, we should put dedication and be intimate in every moment. As you can see on the above bible verse, Paul is a very goal oriented person and I am praying that I can be like him. To reach our spiritual goals, we can start in a very little ways. We can spend 10 minutes just after we woke up or even read the bible while we are having our breakfast. We can also pray inside the train or take a 15 minute break and pray in a toilet. God has provided us all the time and what we need to do is just to treasure it and use it the best ways and that includes meeting Him everyday. By starting a small steps, we can aim higher but we must observer the true passionate spirit and dedication in doing this. Also, commitment is one of the most important things in achieving this goal. I hope that today, you have updated your "goals list" and put Him on item number 1. Just aim for Him, do everything for Him first and the rest will follow.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Strenght & Joy
Today is a very challenging moment, haha... I only had 2 hours of sleep (blame it on the TV series Spartacus, yeah I did a marathon). After a month of "no coffee", I decided that I need one today and to reward myself (mahirap kayang walang kape for a month!). But eventually, I asked myself, what is the purpose? To keep me awake? To give me strength for today? To keep my eyes open? Then eventually, something gave me the urge to pray (yes, in my office desk!) and there I found out that true strength shouldn't come from a coffee but only from Him. I was reminded of my favorite verse (I think I have many favorite verses), Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength". Lately, I am having difficulty with my training as some of the business ideas and system functionalities were new to me but when I pray for wisdom, alas! I can do the tasks perfectly and can understand clearly the ebooks I was reading and the videos I was watching. Clearly, all things in life should be trusted on Him and pray for wisdom, pray for clarity and pray for everything as all of these are a piece of cake to Him. Remember Proverbs 3:5? (Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding), isn't it wonderful that we just need to trust on Him and rest assured that everything will be alright? Isn't it a great feeling that there is someone whom we can trust and relay all our questions and problems? I have read all these verses before and I'm sure you also did (parang gasgas na kumbaga) but still, His words are powerful as always. Maybe we understand it differently but I am sure that it leads to one common goal and purpose. What I have learned today is that there are two ways to overcome challenges (whether if it is small or a huge one), first is to seek strength from Him (1 Chronicles 16:11 - "Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually) and second is to have a joyful heart, be glad and enjoy the life He has given to us, contiue to smile and forget all the worries (Proverbs 17:22 - "A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones"). Have a great week ahead!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
He is The Provider
Today's preach by Pastor christie was full of messages that embarked everyone's heart. It was main pointed to the verses from 1 Kings 17:1-16. At times, we feel the emptiness in one of the aspects of our life and we react on it in different ways. The overall idea was "Where God leads you, He will provide for you". Indeed, let Him lead us into His ways and we should be assured that everything that we need will be dispensed by Him. In 1 Kings 17:6 (The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook), it showed here that in our life, we may feel full of blessings, full of wonderful things that surround us, everything is perfect, everything is in a smooth flow.
Since we are comfortable in such kind of situation, He may give us some challenges, He can dry up the supply and pull us out from the comfort zone. Then in 1 Kings 17:7 (But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land), Elijah's supply was cut out and the Lord tried to challenge Him and asked him to follow His commands. Sometimes we feel that after a sustainable status, He will just get it out from us. We shouldn't take such instances as a punishment, instead, we should be thankful as these obstacles will make us stronger and be assured that better things are coming and just trust His plans.
The Lord then instructed to Elijah in 1 Kings 17:8-11 (8 Then the Lord said to Elijah, 9 “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” 10 So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” 11 As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.”), indeed He gave a supply to Elijah. We are reminded that we just need to follow His every words as He is the Great Provider, His love to us unlimited, limitless and no boundaries.
As long as we believe Him, we trust Him and commit everything to Him, we are in the right path and nothing can go wrong. In 1 Kings 17:14 (For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!”), there will always be supply of blessings from Him. This main message was also mentioned in Philippians 4:19 (And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus), He will give ALL of our needs. For every challenges that we face, we should stand up and be reminded that He is bigger than those problems. If we feel empty, only He can fill us up, surrender everything to Him, believe in Him.
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