Birthday Bash (Rochelle Caparas)

Happy Birthday Potch:)

I'm so glad that in a short time we have been fond with each other, and somehow got learned about everything that you've shared! I found it a amazing how our lives got entangled that made me think like I've known you for a quite long time. I wish you the best Potch! I know you are a truly gifted child of God and you are destined for something better and bigger. I envy your perseverance and courage that made you surpassed all the darts and hurdles that block your way.

Thank you so much for everything and I'd like to take this opportunity to ask apology for my "pang-aasar" that I blurred out your patience. Long live Potch. Continue pursuing the goal for His Kingdom and Eminence.

Take time right nowTo enjoy this dayRelax in knowingThe promise God gaveThat you are a child
Of God up aboveMade in His imageAnd made in His love.© By M.S.Lowndes.

Psalm 148:5 
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for at his command they were created ... (NIV)

Birthday Bash (Crisilda Pidlaoan)

Being a Christian youth, it is a very big joy for you to see a life being transformed by Christ especially when it is someone who is close to you or a least people who had been a part of your life. That's why I believe it was never a coincidence or a luck, neither fate nor a mistake to meet this dear sister in Christ in this big world. I, myself can testify the transformation of her inside out self because I am a living witness to her good testimony. Like I was before, she had been feeling empty, though she had a lot of things to admire about herself- which only reflect that a life without Christ is basically pointless. But now, she had gone that far through Christ who strengthens her... she  is no longer that Criz I have known before  because of the things that God had made to her. An ordinary girl who is now a part of God's army is leading other youth the source of spiritual wellness and life. I also learned a lot from her in all aspects of life because of her God-given talents. Thus, I believe she can be a good testimony to her family other foes and even to this nation on how GREAT is our GOD.

Look at the beauty
That surrounds us all
All life and nature
Created by our Lord
And you are too
Created just to be
Everything that God
Wants you to be.

© By M.S.Lowndes.


^Hello Criz, first of all I thank God for the privilege of being a part of your life. Feliz Compleaños Hermana:) God is great all the time, don't stoop at your level right now because God is supplying you for more. Don't be contented of mediocrity but rather crave for more because God wants to give you more. Preserve the thirst that only God can quench and convect others with your spiritual heat so that they may also feel the unfathomable love of the Most High.. I can feel your vibrating God-given potential, may you wisely use it for HIS Kingdom :) More power and blessings to you and your loved ones!

- You are a child of God, His treasured possession. He created you in His own image. He chose the day for you to be born. He has a plan and a purpose for your life.
- Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways     acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7) 


rr♥

What You Say is What You Get

          "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt sprig produce a fresh water."

                                                                                                                         -James 3:9-12 (TNIV)

People who are in God, should ask the perseverance of fire in their hearts from God, so that they may stand against evil cunning and earthly schemes. This earthly schemes detest God just like uttering bad word and foul languages and sometimes evil jargons. Based on my observation in the crooked generation we have today, young people are very fond of developing this kind of practice. Not just the youth but also some of the elders who are sometimes misusing God's holy name in vain. Our mouth is the best way to communicate people, as a social being. We should at least try to consecrate our mouth to God- sold out to speak only praises, glory, gratitude, blessing and joy to God and to express our intentions. If we want to speak something negative, we should try to think thrice before we say it or at least use euphemism, in a most desirable manner. We should not let it utter worst expression  that can trigger hurt feelings to our fellowmen and despise our God. The control of the tongue is the greatest mark of spiritual maturity. Our tongue is very powerful indeed, what you say might come to reality for you declare it- that's why you must take guard of it. God made our tongue for a special purpose- to raise our voices through prayers and worship, to declare the word of God and express the love to our fellowmen with the love given by the omni-everything God, who himself is love.

-The tongue is the deadliest weapon we have. Consecrate it, when you raise your voice may it only to build one's character and nurture one's self with God-given wisdom and most of all may it only be to the advancement of the Kingdom of the Most High.

Here are a few scriptures about what the Word of God says about the tongue and sinful actions. I pray that they will bless you and guide you as they have me many times.

(NIV)

Psalm 15 
2 He whose walk is blameless
and who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from his heart

3 and has no slander on his tongue,
who does his neighbor no wrong
and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4 who despises a vile man
but honors those who fear the LORD,
who keeps his oath
even when it hurts,

5 who lends his money without usury
and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things
will never be shaken.


Psalm 34

12 Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,

13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.


Psalm 37

30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks what is just.


Proverbs 6

16 There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:

17 haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood,

18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil,

19 a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.


Proverbs 10
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but a perverse tongue will be cut out.


Proverbs 11
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor,
but a man of understanding holds his tongue.


Proverbs 12
18 Reckless words pierce like a sword,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.


Proverbs 15

4 The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life,
but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.


Proverbs 17

20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper;
he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.


Proverbs 17
28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent,
and discerning if he holds his tongue.


Proverbs 18

21 The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.


Proverbs 21

23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself from calamity.


Proverbs 26

28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.


Proverbs 28

23 He who rebukes a man will in the end gain more favor
than he who has a flattering tongue.


Job 5

21 You will be protected from the lash of the tongue,
and need not fear when destruction comes.


Jeremiah 9

8 Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks with deceit.
With his mouth each speaks cordially to his neighbor,
but in his heart he sets a trap for him.


James 1

26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does
not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself
and his religion is worthless.


James 3

5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it
makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set
on fire by a small spark.


James 3

6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the
parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets
the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set
on fire by hell.


James 3

8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil,
full of deadly poison.


James 3

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and
with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.


1 Peter 3

10 For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep
his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.


1 John 3

18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue
but with actions and in truth.

                                                                                                                                                                    

Credits to Hubpages.com for the compilation verses about the tongue, Taken from my very own Devotional Notebook dated October 17,2011.

The Letter

              I am navigating YouTube when I saw this heart-shaking video clip. I know this video is worth sharing for that's why I had it posted in my blog. I did have a teary-eyed when I watched this and somehow raped the Replay Button. I don't know why I was so overwhelmed by this video but I know this had reminded me of the love we have from our parents. I know a lot of people is dealing with this kind of situation, a hurtful rejection. I am not a parent but it seems that I felt what the parents had felt in the letter. The message is very clear! We need to love our parents back because they had loved us first . Whatever we are now, we owe a lot to them. Maybe another apparent reason why I broke up with tears just by watching this video is because I won't be home this Christmas with my mom and dad. Furthermore, I won't allow the distance for them not to feel how grateful I am having them as my parents.We may be apart by miles but not by heart.  Our parents need also our compassion, even a little. This Christmas, manifest the spirit of  love by showing them the love they expect from you. Not only this season but everyday in our lives. Let us not wait that our words for them would be left unspoken and our deeds be left undone.A simple "I love you mom and dad" would leap a big joy in their hearts.
             Advance Joyful Christmas to everybody! May the New Year bring prosperity and happiness to every family around the globe.

Nation Transformation

Is there anything good that will be happening in the Philippines? Or is there still hope for the Philippines to shine? I strongly believe that yes, there is still a glimmering chance for the Philippines to shine worldwide. Dubbed as the Pearl of the Orient Seas, I know God has plan for this nation. As of now, we can see that this country is struggling in its economy, anomalies and controversies popped up from different areas in life such as in moral, political and economical aspects. Few people said that the poverty that people are experiencing right now is a way too severe than before. The old men can tell, they are said to be prosperous before compared today. The gap between low standard families and high class families became so high which can be shown in the streets of Philippine cities today. Homeless people scatter everywhere, low employment rate and increasing poverty line is in the front line! Downcast and passivity is creeping out the Filipinos. This is the face of Philippine economy today, unwell. But I believe that this is not a hindrance for this country to experience growth. Maybe this country is experiencing failure but for sure, failure doesn't define us. God will make a way because He sees that many Filipino Christians had their burning passion to transform this nation not only economically but also spiritually. For He promised to the righteous, "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing" in Genesis 12:2. Many Christians are praying for the healing of their land. And Filipinos do this as well, because we believe that Philippines is dedicated for God, and to God alone. The quest of nation transformation today is concerned mostly to the young generation because they will be the leaders of this nation soon. Furthermore, the campuses and homes are the melting pot of these youth to where they should be nurtured with character, morals and faith. It is true that this nation doesn't just need great and well-educated leaders but godly leaders who have the passion of Christ’s wisdom in their hearts. The leaders we need are not just who have been at Ivy League and prominent universities but leaders who committed excellence through His way. Thanks be to God because the seeds had been sown! New breeds are now raised up who will uphold the burning desire towards Nation Transformation just like what G12 churches had started and to other Christian churches as well. Let us develop the beauty of this country by minimizing our colonial mentality for it is God's promised land for us. It is the high time to bring back the flavor of the Philippines. This nation is really blessed by God in resources, people and faith. A nation considered as the strongest Christian country in Asia. The Philippines is now slowly taking its turn to the center stage, a high time to show that we are First class citizens not to be defined as slaves but rather royal-blooded citizens. In God we must trust and this nation shall prosper. Mabuhay ang dugong maharlika!

G12 Conference

           2010 was a year of great breakthrough in our nation. Churches all over the nation was mobilized to engage in the greatest conquest we have ever seen in our nation’s history. Many churches involve in the vision were able to see exponential growth and multiplication in their ministry. We close 2010 by gathering more than 15,000 pastors and leaders representing more than 5,000 churches in the country in our annual G12 Philippines National Conference. As 2011 unfold we are expecting greater things as more churches involve and unite with us in the vision.

Our Cause Nation transformation is taking its shape to sweep all across the Philippines. We are humble to see what is happening in our nation because of the G12 vision. More families have been restored. More lives have changed. And we are more eager to see greater things to happen this year. This is a special invitation for you and your congregation for this year’s G12 Philippines 5th National Conference on November 28-29, 2011 at SMX Convention Centre, Mall of Asia. We will also have a special gathering for pastors the following day, November 30th at The Philippine International Convention Centre Forum.

We are expecting more than 18,000 pastors and leaders to join in this event. Pastor Cesar Castellanos as well as pastors from the G12 International team will be with us to impart the Power of a Dream. We look forward to see you all at the conference.

Divine Providence

                                        Donald Townsley
                                         Shepherdsville, KY

The Bible doctrine of divine providence has been neglected by gospel preachers of our generation. In days gone by this subject was given a more prominent place in the preaching and writing of brethren. I believe we have reaped some tragic consequences because of our ignorance on this subject. Extremes have arisen and found fertile soil in which to grow because of the ignorance that exists. I do not believe false teaching on this subject would have found such ready acceptance by some if they had understood God's providential working. Another consequence of not understanding this subject is the gloom, depression and anxiety that afflicts the hearts of so many children of God. If people could only understand this Bible doctrine and have the conviction that the Lord is at hand (near, Phil. 4:5) and that he really cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7), it would do away with so much insecurity, fear, depression and despair that exists in the hearts of so many today. In order to define what divine providence is, let us first point out what it is not. Divine providence is not a miracle. A miracle is an act of God superseding or suspending natural law. A miracle was a visible sign which indicated to all men that a super-human power was at work in that particular thing. An example of a miracle is the Lord feeding five thousand people with five loaves and two fishes (Jn. 6:814). Miracles were for the purpose of confirming the word (Mk. 16:17-20). The word was given in its completeness and confirmed, then miracles ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-13). Providence differs from a miracle in that its ends are brought about by means of the established laws of God through ordinary channels. Providence is the preservation, care and government which God exercises over all things that he has created in order that they may accomplish the end for which they were created. God's providence does not eliminate the necessity of following the word of God in every detail. God, through his word, brings about conversion and edification of his people (Rom. 1:16; Acts 20:32). This does not eliminate our using all the care, sense and skill that we can exercise; neither does it eliminate the free-moral agency of man. God's providence works with two kinds of wills -willing wills and opposing wills. Good men suffer many times at the hands of evil men - evil men meaning it for evil but God in his providence can overrule it for the good of the innocent. Joseph, in the Old Testament, is a good example of God overruling the evil intent and actions of his brothers for good. Joseph said to his brother: "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive" (Gen. 50:20). The psalmist said: "He (God) sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant" (Psa. 105:17). This example of Joseph is a good commentary on Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. " This verse does not mean that everything that happens to a Christian is good within itself, but that God, through his providence, can ultimately overrule even the bad for our good. He did this for Joseph, why deny he can do it for us today? It is upon the belief in God's providence that prayer is founded. We pray because we believe that God will hear our prayers and that he has the power to grant our petitions through his providence. He does not answer our prayers with miracles, but through his providence - working through his established laws and ordinary channels. We pray for doors to be opened through which we can enter to preach the gospel (Col. 4:3; 1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 2:12), and God opens these doors through his providence in answer to our prayers. We pray for our daily food (Matt. 6:11); we labor with our hands (Eph. 4:28), and God will provide our needs through his providence. We pray for the sick (Jas. 5:14-18), and God heals the sick - providentially. We pray that we may not be led into temptation and for God to deliver us from temptation (Matt. 6:13; 1 Cor. 10:13; Matt. 26:41); and God, through his providence, will make a way of escape in answer to our prayer (we must use the way of escape God will not deliver a man from temptation unless that man wills him to do so). We, as God's people, need to have faith that the Lord is at hand, not afar off (Phil. 4:5,6; Jer. 23:23-24) and that we in everything can make our requests known to him and he will providentially answer our prayers (1 Jn. 5:14-15). Jesus gives proof of divine providence to the Christian in Matthew 6:24-34. In verse 25 of this chapter he tells us to take no thought (or be not anxious) for our lives, about what we will cat, drink, or put on; God, who gave us our lives and our bodies, will give us food and raiment. Jesus is not teaching laziness here. We are to work, doing our best (Eph. 4:28), then leave the rest to God. In verse 26 Jesus tells us to "behold the fowls of the air",- God feeds them, and we are of much more value than fowls, so God will feed and take care of us. In verse 27 Jesus says that worry will not add one cubit to our stature, so to worry about what we are going to eat, drink or wear is needless because God will provide it through his providence. In verses 31 and 32 he tells us that God knows we have need of food, drink and clothing, so we are not to worry about them like the Gentiles do because we know that God will supply them. Jesus then gives the Christian the proper course to pursue in verse 33: "but seek Ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" and God, through his providence, will supply our temporal needs. He said, "Take therefore no thought for the morrow" (v. 34), because God will providentially care for us. Christian friend, faith in God's providential care will take the worry out of our lives. All who walk by faith take God at his word and sincerely believe that the things he has promised he is able to perform (Rom. 4:21). Do you believe that God works through his providence today? Too many Christians have "little faith" (Matt. 6:30) in God's providential care. We all need more faith that "his eyes are over the righteous and his ears are open to their prayers" (1 Pet. 3:12); that he is near us (Phil. 4:5), and that we can cast our cares upon him for he does care for us (1 Pet. 5:7). Guardian of Truth XXXV: 23, pp. 707-708 December 5, 1991