Daily Devotion

[boldstardex]

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." - Matthew 11:29 NIV

How do you find the possibility of freedom and peace in a world where there seems to be no rest? The idea that the pace of life seems to continually increase stress and worry is a universal concept. There seems to be no end to the demands on our time and energy. Are you tired of the constant busyness that seems to surround our lives? I know I am!

There is a solution: It isn’t one that offers escape from the demands of life, but one that guarantees rest in the midst of the rat race and the fast pace of life. Jesus says, "Come to me if you are tired and burdened. I'll make your load lighter, and help you carry your burden." Jesus offers us rest amidst the stress.

Christ doesn’t always take us out of life’s demanding situations. Instead, He invites us to allow Him to help us handle the demands. He wants to face each day and each challenge with us. Walking with Jesus Christ daily and trusting Him for guidance and wisdom to handle whatever comes, is the way to experience true rest in the busyness of life.

 

[boldstardex]

"Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed Him." - John 1:40

Someone once asked a famous conductor what he thought was the most difficult instrument in the orchestra to play. Without hesitating, he replied "second fiddle." Have you had that role? Maybe you were second string quarterback, or first runner up to the scholarship winner, or perhaps you were the second or third child in a family of over-achievers. Or, you are a pastor's wife. If so, you know what it means to play second fiddle.

Andrew knew, too. His brother was Simon Peter, the bold, brash, bigger-than-life fisherman-disciple whose highs and lows pepper the pages of the Gospels. Andrew was the brother in Peter's shadow, but he was reliable, consistent and humble. His agenda was simply to do the work of Jesus, and it didn't matter to him who got credit for it. He brought his brother Peter to Christ. He brought others, as well. But as far as we know, he never preached a sermon or led a revival meeting. He was strictly a behind-the-scenes guy.

On one occasion, the great Simon Peter stood and preached, and 3,000 people came to Christ. Do you know how many Andrew won that day? Andrew won 3,001 - because it was Andrew who first won Peter. He went home and told his big brother, "I've met a man I want to follow. And you should meet Him too." And based on Andrew's recommendation, Peter did go to Jesus. So every time Peter stood and wooed great throngs of people to the Lord, Andrew had a part in that work.

Second fiddle, you see, is a very, very important instrument in God's orchestra. What instrument do you play?

 

[rowan]

fisher's of men .... sidekick or extras as long doing work of God ..we get same crown in d end.

 

[boldstardex]

"...godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." - 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV

Back in 2001, The band Nickelback smashed onto the Billboard charts with a song, "How You Remind Me." It went a little something like this:

If today was your last day
and tomorrow was too late
Could you say goodbye to yesterday?
Would you live each moment like your last?
Leave old pictures in the past?
Donate every dime you had?
Would you call those friends you've never seen?
Reminisce old memories?
Would you forgive your enemies?
Would you find that one you’re dreaming of?
Swear up and down to God above
That you'll finally fall in love?
If today was your last day?

So, what if you actually received an official notice today that this is your last day to live? What would you do? Would you try to make more money, or stay late at the office working hard? Would you spend time with your family, or express thanks to those who've helped you along the way? Would you seek to get right with God?

We tend to focus on the material and the temporal and neglect the eternal and relational. But none of us knows the number of days God has planned for us. Don't put off until tomorrow the really important things you can do today - like getting right with God. God became a man in the person of Jesus to show us how. Start there, and show your family how much you love them. Surprise them by occasionally coming home early. Tell them you love them. Plan fun things to do with them. Help someone you care about - someone who needs you at the office, in the neighborhood, or maybe someone who needs a friend.

It may not be the last day you live here on earth, but it may become a great day for you and those you care about.

 

[boldstardex]

As a Jewish kid growing up in New York, Michael Brown had no interest in spiritual things. His life revolved around being a drummer for a band, and he got mixed up with drugs. But then some friends invited him to church, where he found the love and prayers of the people to be irresistible. After a short spiritual struggle, Michael trusted Jesus as Savior.
This was a monumental change for a wayward Jewish teen. One day he told his dad he had heard about Old Testament texts describing Jesus. His dad, incredulous, asked, “Where?” When Michael opened his Bible, it fell to Isaiah 53. They read it, and Michael exclaimed, “That’s Him! That’s Jesus!”
Indeed, it is Jesus. Through the help of Christians and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Brown (today a Bible scholar and an author) came to recognize the Messiah of Isaiah 53. He experienced the salvation that changes lives, forgives sin, and gives abundant life to all who trust the “Man of sorrows” (v.3). Jesus is the One who was “wounded for our transgressions” and who died for us on the cross (v.5).
The Bible reveals Jesus, who alone has the power to change lives.

God, I struggle with this idea of Jesus as Savior.
I know He’s a good man, but I need to see that He is
more than that. Please show me—through others or
through the Bible—how I can know for sure who Jesus is.​

The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to change hearts.​

 

[jashmb]

Mula Rito Tungo Sa Walang Hanggan


Ayon sa ulat ng isang pang-medisinang magasin sa U.S., kung ang isang lalaking 45 taon ay nag-eehersisyo nang regular hanggang mamatay, at may isang lalaki naman na 45 taon din ay laging nakaupo (sa trabaho o sa bahay), ang nag-eehersisyong lalaki ay madadagdagan lang ng sampung buwan sa kanyang buhay.

Mabuting pangalagaan ang ating katawan, ngunit ang 10 buwan ay tila napakaikli kung ikukumpara sa "pinakamahalagang paraan sa pagpapahaba ng buhay." Ayon sa Biblia mapahahaba mo ang iyong buhay mula rito hanggang magpakailanman.

Basahin ang sinabi ni Pablo sa mga taga-Tesalonica. Sa hangad na palakasin ang loob nila tungkol sa pagbabalik ni Jesus, isinulat niya,"Tayong nabubuhay na natitira ay aagawing kasama nila (mga mananampalatayang binuhay muli), sa mga ulap, upang salubungin ng Panginoon sa himpapawirin, at sa gayon ay makakapiling natin ang Panginoon magpakailanman (1 Tesalonica 4:17). Kagila-gilalas! At ang mga inagaw noon din (ay mapapasa-langit) at di na kailanman mamamatay. At kung hindi man dumating muli ang Panginoong Jesus habang buhay ka pa, kung tinanggap mo at kinilala Siya bilang sarili mong Tagapagligtas hindi mamamatay ang iyong espiritu. May "buhay na walang hanggan" ka.

Gusto mo bang pahabain ang iyong buhay? Ituloy ang pag-eehersisyo. Ngunit huwag kalimutan ang pinakamahalagang paraan ng pagpapahaba ng buhay ay ang pagtanggap sa kaligtasan sa pamamagitan ni Cristo - ang garantiyang mabubuahay magpakailanman. ---- Dave Branon

Nang ang hatol natin pinasan ni Jesus
Poot ng Dios nasubukan
Ngayon, payapa tayong kasama ang Dios
Dahil Tagapagligtas natin sa krus namatay. ---- Sper

IBIGAY ANG BUHAY KAY CRISTO AT ITO AY MANANATILING NASA SA IYO.


Makakapiling natin ang Panginoon magpakailanman. 1 Tesalonica 4:17


Basahin: 1 Tesalonica 4:13-18

 

[boldstardex]

“I have sinned against the Lord…” - 2 Samuel 12:13a NIV

King David has always been a favorite of mine. He was always so open in his communication with God. When he felt betrayed or alone, he screamed out his pain and displeasure to God. Then, in the very next breath, he would take it back to the main thing with words of adoration and praise for His Heavenly Father. When he sinned against God (and believe me, David sinned - adultery, murder, abuse of power), he begged for forgiveness. He knew he had broken God's heart with his sin.

Surprisingly, the Bible shows us that King David was a man who found special favor with God, even though he was guilty of all those things. But, as mentioned above, the Bible also shows us that David recognized his mistakes and called them what they were - sins against God. He asked God's forgiveness and then committed himself to living God's way.

Even though we may not have done the same things that David did, we have all sinned. God's Word says, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." He died to pay the penalty for our sins and to offer us forgiveness.

When you mess up, and you will, confess your sin to God just like David did. Ask for God's forgiveness and for strength to resist sin in the future. Anything you say won't be a surprise to Him. He knows everything. But He is the only answer to man's ultimate problem of sin.

 

[boldstardex]

"He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly." - Proverbs 14:29

One of the Mirriam Webster definitions of being patient is: "steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity." Being patient is hard because as humans, we have a tendency to want what we want at that particular moment. Unfortunately, it seems that life is a test of patience.

I struggle with lines - whether it's traffic, or waiting at a restaurant. Why, I'd rather drive five miles out of the way than sit still in traffic. I get impatient with people when I'm facing a deadline and get interrupted, or when someone says they'll do something and it doesn't get done.

Where do you struggle with patience? Do you ever pray, "Lord, give me some patience, now!" Let me suggest a few practical ways to learn patience:

Take a breath and pray for self-control.
When people anger you, if possible, retreat for a moment. Take time to back off and get control of your emotions.
Confront fairly, and seek to listen, understand, and where needed, forgive.
Remember, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God's patience with us.
Patience is a precious commodity, for it's a powerful way to win the respect of others and turn a potential enemy into a friend.

 

[boldstardex]

Perhaps you are familiar with the saying, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” Admittedly, there are ways to speak of people that can honor them. But this saying highlights our darker experiences. In a world of ever-present media—social and professional—we are continually confronted with people’s lives at a level of intimacy that can be inappropriate.

Worse, this tidal wave of personal information about others could become grist for our conversational mills to the point that gossip becomes the norm—and not just about the rich and famous. People in our workplaces, churches, neighborhoods, and families can also be targets of sharp tongues and feel the pain of discussions that never should have happened.

How can we escape our inclination to use words to hurt others? By recognizing that the ultimate Hearer of our words is God, who longs for us to be better than that. With the psalmist, we can pray, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord” (Ps. 19:14). When we seek to please God with our conversations about others, we honor Him. With His help, we can glorify Him through what we talk about.

Forgive me, Father, for the times my speech
crosses the line of that which is appropriate.
Help me to understand the power of words,
and give me the wisdom to use them well.
It is better to bite your tongue than to make a biting remark.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord. —Psalm 19:14

 

[boldstardex]

The advice that I read in a self-help book sounded good: Do only what you’re great at because that’s when you’ll feel most fulfilled. The author was trying to help readers create the kind of life they wanted. I don’t know about you, but if I did only what I was great at, I wouldn’t accomplish much!

In Mark 10, we read about two disciples, James and John, who had some plans for the kind of life they wanted for themselves someday. They asked to be at Jesus’ right and left hand in His kingdom (v.37). The other 10 disciples were “greatly displeased” with them for asking (v.41). (Possibly because that was the kind of position they wanted for themselves!)

But Jesus used the opportunity to teach His followers about another kind of life—one of serving others. He said, “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all” (vv.43-44). It appears that service for others is God’s design for us.

Even Jesus, the Son of God, “did not come to be served, but to serve” (v.45). As we look at Christ’s example and depend on the Holy Spirit’s help, we too can be servants and will create a fulfilling life.

I admit, Lord, that my eyes do get focused on
myself. But I really do want to live from a
heart of love for You. Teach me to be a servant
and to look for my fulfillment in You.
Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.

Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. —Mark 10:44

 

[boldstardex]

I don’t agree with those who rail against material things and say that owning stuff is inherently evil. And I have to admit that I’m a consumer—often tempted to pad my pile of treasures with items I think I need.

But I do recognize that one of the dangers of owning a lot of stuff is that it can lead to spiritual loss. The more we have and the more we feel as if we have all we need, the more prone we are to forget our need for God and even our desire for Him. Yet, ironically, everything we have comes ultimately from God, who “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17).

Sadly, our enjoyment of God’s provisions might just mean that we end up loving the gift and forgetting the Giver. This is why, when God was getting ready to give His people a life full of bounty in the Promised Land of good and plenty, He warned, “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God” (Deut. 8:11).

If God has allowed you to enjoy material abundance, remind yourself where it came from. In fact, all of us, whether rich in this world’s goods or not, have much to be thankful for. Let’s heed the warning not to forget the Lord and praise Him for His abundant goodness.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.
—Rhea F. Miller. © Renewal 1950. Chancel Music.
Love the Giver more than the gifts!
Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God. —Deuteronomy 8:11

 

[boldstardex]

"The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, 'Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.'" - 1 Kings 3:10-12 NIV

I remember as a child playing the game of "Three Wishes." We would all tell our stories of what we would wish for if a magic genie appeared and granted us anything we wanted. Of course there would be wishes for money - lots of it - and to be a hall-of-fame baseball player, superpowers, and other rich fantasies. I always thought I was so clever in asking for unlimited wishes.

Years ago, a young King of Israel asked for and received the greatest wish from God. He could have asked for his enemies to be destroyed or for a long life or for more power or even great wealth. Instead, he asked for wisdom. Solomon asked for the understanding in his heart to be able to know the right decisions for the best interests of the people. He wanted the wisdom of how to rule. And my friends, few things are more important to great leadership than wisdom.

Know this: wisdom is not knowledge. A lot of brilliant people have no wisdom at all. Wisdom is the ability to assimilate that knowledge to make decisions that are right, wise, and best for all concerned. God gives us the key to wisdom, which is being willing to listen to the Word of God and obey it. Solomon "wished" for the right thing. We should follow his example whenever we find ourselves placed in a position of trust, responsibility, and authority.

 

[boldstardex]

Here in Michigan we joke that we have two seasons: winter and road construction. Harsh winters damage road surfaces, so repair crews begin their work as soon as the ice melts and the ground thaws. Although we call this work “construction,” much of what they do looks like “destruction.” In some cases, simply patching holes is not an option. Workers have to replace the old road with a new one.

That’s what it can feel like when God is at work in our lives. Throughout the Old Testament, God told His people to expect some major renovation on the road between Him and them (Isa. 62:10-11; Jer. 31:31). When God sent Jesus, it seemed to the Jews as if their way to God was being destroyed. But Jesus wasn’t destroying anything. He was completing it (Matt. 5:17). The old way paved with laws became a new way paved with the sacrificial love of Jesus.

God is still at work replacing old ways of sin and legalism with the way of love that Jesus completed. When He removes our old ways of thinking and behaving, it may feel as if everything familiar is being destroyed. But God is not destroying anything; He is building a better way. And we can be confident that the end result will be smoother relationships with others and a closer relationship with Him.

Free from the law—O happy condition!
Jesus has bled, and there is remission;
Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,
Grace has redeemed us once for all. —Bliss
Upheaval often precedes spiritual progress.​

We have been delivered from the law, . . . so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit. —Romans 7:6

 

[boldstardex]

On my daily commute to and from the office, I have plenty of time for reading—bumper stickers on cars, that is. Some are surly, others clever, and still others downright distasteful. One bumper sticker I saw recently, however, gently challenged my heart about the way I often engage life. The sticker simply said, “Too blessed to complain.”

I must confess that I felt convicted as I pondered those words. Too often I find myself lamenting moments in life that don’t go my way, rather than focusing on the wonderful gifts my heavenly Father has given me. Reading that simple message that day brought me a renewed commitment to be more actively and intentionally grateful because my God has been good to me in more ways than I could ever count.

Psalm 107 is a song that seeks to rectify thankless thinking. The psalmist (who many think was King David) makes a plea to hearts grown cold with ingratitude, repeating four times, “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (vv.8,15,21,31). Even in the worst of times, we have much to be thankful for. May we learn to thank God for His goodness to us!

Count your blessings—name them one by one;
Count your blessings—see what God hath done;
Count your blessings—name them one by one;
Count your many blessings—see what God hath done. —Oatman
We don’t need more to be thankful for, we just need to be more thankful.​

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! —Psalm 107:8

 

[jashmb]

"Sukatin Ako"

​

"Pwede bang sukatin ninyo ako ngayon?" tanong ng batang si Caleb na suki namin sa diaryo. Hindi unang beses na hiniling niya ito sa amin. Ilang taon nang nakaraan pinuna ko ang laki ng kanyang itinangkad. Mula noon madalas niyang patingnan ang nadagdag sa taas niya sa pagtindig sa isang bahagi ng aming bahay. Sa pagdaan ng mga taon, nagpapasukat pa rin siya sa amin.

Maipakikita ng mga panukat ang antas ng ating paglago, at mabuting sukatin ang ating espiritwal na paglago. Halimbawa, Naggugugol ba ako ng panahong magbasa ng Salita ng Diyos at makipag-usap sa Kanya araw-araw? Sabik ba akong makisama sa Kanya? Anong bunga ng Espiritu ang kapansin-pansin sa buhay ko? Ibinabahagi ko ba si Jesus sa mga di nakakakilala sa Kanya? Paano ko ginagamit ang mga espiritwal na kaloob Niya sa akin? May mapagbigay ba akong puso? Gaano ko mas nakilala si Jesus ngayon kumpara noong nakaraang taon? Ang mga tanong na ito ay mabubuting sukatan ng ating espiritwal na paglago.

Sa tingin ay tila napakabilis ng paglaki ng isang bata, ngunit ang totoo, ito ay isang prosesong tuloy-tuloy. Kung papaanong lumago si Jesus sa pangangatawan at sa karunungan, tayo bilang mananampalataya ay dapat patuloy na "lumago sa biyaya at sa pagkilala sa ating Panginoon at Tagapagligtas na si Jesu-Cristo" (2 Pedro 3:18). "Huwag na tayong maging bata...kundi lumago tayong lahat sa Kanya, na Siyang Ulo, samakatuwid ay si Cristo" (Efeso 4:14-15).

Nasukat mo na ba ang sarili mo kamakailan lang? ---- Cindy Hess Casper

Ang anak ng Dios na nagbabasa ng Kanyang Salita
At ipinamumuhay ang narinig at nabasa
Ay lalago sa biyaya araw-araw
At ibinabahagi si Jesus at Salita Niya sa iba. ---- Hess

ANG KALIGTASAN AY HIMALA SA ISANG SAGLIT, NGUNIT ANG PAGLAGO AY ISANG PAGPAPAGAL HABANG BUHAY.
​

Basahin: Efeso 4:11-16

 

[rowan]

Here in Michigan we joke that we have two seasons: winter and road construction. Harsh winters damage road surfaces, so repair crews begin their work as soon as the ice melts and the ground thaws. Although we call this work “construction,” much of what they do looks like “destruction.” In some cases, simply patching holes is not an option. Workers have to replace the old road with a new one.

That’s what it can feel like when God is at work in our lives. Throughout the Old Testament, God told His people to expect some major renovation on the road between Him and them (Isa. 62:10-11; Jer. 31:31). When God sent Jesus, it seemed to the Jews as if their way to God was being destroyed. But Jesus wasn’t destroying anything. He was completing it (Matt. 5:17). The old way paved with laws became a new way paved with the sacrificial love of Jesus.

God is still at work replacing old ways of sin and legalism with the way of love that Jesus completed. When He removes our old ways of thinking and behaving, it may feel as if everything familiar is being destroyed. But God is not destroying anything; He is building a better way. And we can be confident that the end result will be smoother relationships with others and a closer relationship with Him.

Free from the law—O happy condition!
Jesus has bled, and there is remission;
Cursed by the law and bruised by the fall,
Grace has redeemed us once for all. —Bliss
Upheaval often precedes spiritual progress.​

We have been delivered from the law, . . . so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit. —Romans 7:6

HYMM 119 ni sa among old hymnal hehehe

 

[boldstardex]

Wisdom is the beauty of holiness. James says wisdom is reasonable; flexible; forgiving; peaceful; caring; given to friendly visits, small acts of courtesy, and kind words. It is humble, transparent, simple, gentle, and gracious to the core (James 3:17).

Where can wisdom be found? It comes from heaven (1:5). “Wisdom,” wrote Charles Spurgeon, “is a beauty of life that can only be produced by God’s workmanship in us.”

It’s good to ask from time to time: “Am I growing in wisdom?” After all, life is relentlessly dynamic. We’re either growing sweeter and wiser as the days go by, or we’re growing into foolish or even sour-faced curmudgeons. Into what are we growing?

It’s never too late to begin growing in wisdom. God loves us with an ardent, intense affection that can deliver us from our foolishness if we yield ourselves to Him. His love can make the most difficult nature into a miracle of astonishing beauty. It may hurt a little and it may take a while, but God relentlessly seeks our transformation. When we ask, His wisdom will begin to rise in us and pour itself out to others.

We have this promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to [you]” (1:5).

Lord, please put an end to our foolishness and
turn our hearts toward the wisdom that comes
only from You. We ask You now to take our
lives and transform them into Your likeness.
True wisdom begins and ends with God.​

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God. —James 1:5

 

[jashmb]

PATNUBAY NG MGA TURISTA
​

Nang ako'y nasa London, unang pagkakataon kong sumakay sa bus na may dalalawang palapag. Ang itaas ay bukas, walang bubong, para matanaw na mabuti ang paligid. Nakawiwili ang dalawang oras na pag-ikot-ikot ng bus na may patnubay na isang giya na naglalarawan sa bawat makasaysayang lugar sa siyudad. Hangang-hanga akong mamasdan ang mga ito dahil nadaanan ko na dati sa aking paglalakad, di ko lang napapansin. At ngayon nagkaroon ako ng bagong pag-unawa sa mga kwento tungkol sa bantog na mga tao sa kasaysayan mula kay Lord Horatio Nelson, isang kilalang opisyal ng British Navy hanggang kay William Shakespeare, ang bantog na manunulat. Sa piniling ruta ng bus ay malinaw na namasdan ang mga makasaysayang lugar na nagpabago ng pananaw ko sa siyudad.

Nagpaalala ang karanasang ito na laging may matututunan sa bawat lugar lalo na kung may giyang papatnubay. May ilang taon nang lumipas, may kaibigan akong nagmungkahi na basahin ko ang buong Biblia taon-taon. Bawat taong gawin ko ito, ipinauunawa ng Espiritu ang mga nabasa kong mga bahagi sa bagong liwanag.

Sabi ni Jesus tungkol sa Espiritu ng katotohanan, "Papatnubayan Niya kayo sa buong katotohanan, hindi Siya nagsasalita mula sa Kanyang Sarili, kundi ang anumang bagay na Kanyang narinig, iyon ang Kanyang sasabihin at Kanyang ipahahayag sa inyo ang mga bagay na darating. Luluwalhatiin Niya Ako, sapagkat Kanyang tatanggapin ang sa Akin, at sa iyo'y ipahahayag Niya" (Juan 16:13-14).

Kasabik-sabik ang matututunan natin sa Biblia araw-araw. Sa pagbasa natin ng bawat pahina nito, ipakikita ng Banal na Espiritu ang isang bagong pang-unawa na kailangan natin sa araw na iyon. Umasa na sa bawat araw ng paglalakbay, may bagong liwanag ng pag-unawa ang dadating sa iyo. ---- David McCasland

Nilalang ng Dios ang mga mundo
Sa kapangyarihan ng Kanyang Salita;
Nangungusap Siya sa Kasulatan ng lahat ng Kanyang katotohanan.
At kung ang mabasa ay sinusunod sa buhay,
Gagabayan tayo ng Espiritu sa dapat nating lakaran. ---- D. De Haan

KUNG SALITA NG DIOS ANG MAGPAPATNUBAY SA BUHAY AT ANG BANAL NA ESPIRITU ANG IYONG COMPASS, TIYAK HINDI KA MALILIGAW SA PAGLALAKBAY.
​

Basahin: Juan 16:1-15

 

[boldstardex]

A small area of my yard just couldn’t seem to get going. The grass always seemed sparse in that spot, no matter how well I watered it.

So one day I stuck a shovel into this troublesome real estate and discovered the problem: Just below the surface was a layer of stones about three inches deep. This led me to replace the stones with rich topsoil in which new seeds could take root.

Jesus talked about seed and soils. In a parable in Matthew 13 about what happens when the seed of the gospel is sown on various kinds of ground, He said that seeds that land on stones and “not much earth” grow quickly but then die in the sun (vv.5-6). He was speaking of one who has heard and received the gospel, but in whose life the message doesn’t take root. When trouble comes, this person—who is not a genuine believer—falls away.

How grateful we can be for Jesus’ words that conclude this parable: “He who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit” (v.23). What a reminder of both the privilege and the responsibility that accompanies our salvation.

Praise God for the seed of the gospel and the soil of spiritual growth.

Lord, I would be soil in which You can plant
Your Word with its promise of fruit;
I want to be open to You every day,
So what You have planted takes root. —Hess
A heart open to God is soil in which the seed of His Word can flourish.​

Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up. —Matthew 13:5

 

[boldstardex]

"Jesus answered, 'The most important [commandment] is, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your MIND and with all your strength.'" - Mark 12:29-30

Love God with all your MIND.

As we strive to love God, all around us, every day, there is a constant battle for our minds. That is why we need to study the Word of God, so we can know the mind of God and what He expects of us and how He wants us to live. You're not going to learn that by reading the daily newspaper, listening to talk radio or vegging in front of the TV.

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Isaiah 55:8 and 9. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." That's a beautiful passage in the Word of God to describe why the Word of God is so unique. Because everything we read here in this life tends to be contrary to what God's Word is saying. We need to immerse ourselves in the Word of God as a way of getting to know God, so that we can love God with our minds.